A hand-held cleaning device includes an elongated handle having an operative end. The operative end includes a flattened, relatively small hook, and a flexible neck. A cover can be provided to protect the operative end of the cleaning device. To use the cleaning device, for example, to clean between the palate of the wearer of a palatal expander appliance and portions of the palatal expander appliance, the hook end is slid between the palate of the wearer and the palatal expander appliance, either by the wearer of the appliance or by another person, and any food or other debris trapped in the space between the appliance and the palate of the wearer can be swept aside, pushed forward or engaged with the hook and pulled from between the palate and the appliance.