| abstract |
An improved tongue depressor (10) that has a flat elongated blade (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16). To the first end (14) is integrally attached a first tongue-contact section (34) and to the second end (16) is integrally attached a second tongue-contact section (70). Each of the tongue-contact sections has a lower surface (42) that includes sequentially, a downward slope (44), (80), a flat horizontal surface (48), (84) and an upper slope (52,88). The downward slope and the flat horizontal surface interface with the tongue and preferably have a non-slip surface (60). At the center and lower horizontal surface (20) of the elongated blade (12) is located a reinforcing protrusion (28) that prevents the tongue depressor from bending or breaking in the middle. Because the size of an adult mouth is generally larger than a child's mouth, one of the tongue-contact sections is made with a smaller width. Also, the tongue depressor is constructed of a plastic. Therefore, the aftertaste experienced by patients when using a wooden tongue depressor is eliminated. |