Method for improving oral health

Abstract

A composition for improving oral health, a system including the composition, a kit including multiple systems, a method of using the composition, system, and kit, and a method of forming the composition, system, and kit are disclosed. The composition is designed to maintain contact with a portion of an oral cavity for an extended period of time to, for example, prevent or reduce bacteria growth, plaque and calculus buildup.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 800,632, entitled SYSTEM FOR MEASURABLY IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH AND METHOD OF USING SAME, filed May 15, 2006.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to methods for improving oral health. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for an amount of bacteria, gingivitis, halitosis, periodontitis, bleeding, plaque, tartar, tooth discoloration and / or the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Unfortunately, poor oral health affects millions of people every year. Poor oral health may result in symptoms ranging from bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth discoloration, to more serious health problems, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and even general health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes and preterm labor. [0004] The presence of dental plaque, or simply plaque, in an oral cavity can lead t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] In accordance with various embodiments and aspects of the present invention, methods for improving oral health are provided. Exemplary methods provide a relatively inexpensive and safe treatment for facilitating maintenance and improvement of oral health and / or hygiene, such as through the prevention and / or measurable reduction of an amount of microorganisms, gingivitis, periodontitis, bleeding, plaque, tartar and / or the like. In addition, exemplary oral health methods are relatively easy to use or perform, do not require a visit to a dentist office, and do not damage the surface of enamel or dental devices.

[0019] In accordance further embodiments, the composition is designed to maintain the active ingredient(s) in contact with a surface for an extended period of time. Suitable active ingredients include cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), zinc salts, other antimicrobial agents, and other ingredients to measurably improve oral health.

[0022] In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the composition includes one or more active ingredients that are positively charged in the composition. The active ingredients are drawn to negatively charged areas within an oral cavity (e.g., teeth, gums, and dental devices) and thus provide added efficacy compared to neutral or negatively charged active ingredients.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, poor oral health affects millions of people every year.

Poor oral health may result in symptoms ranging from bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth discoloration, to more serious health problems, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and even general health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes and preterm labor.

The presence of dental plaque, or simply plaque, in an oral cavity can lead to such oral and general health problems.

If not removed, however, the presence of plaque can give rise to tartar formation, gum bleeding, tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other health problems.

Tartar adheres to hard surfaces such as enamel, roots, and dental devices, such as orthodontia (e.g., braces), dentures, bridges, crowns, fillings, and the like, and is generally more difficult to remove than plaque.

Brushing and flossing are normally not sufficient to remove tartar from a surface.

If left untreated, tartar buildup can be problematic in several regards.

The bacteria growth can, in turn, lead to gum bleeding, tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other health problems.

In addition to the health concerns, tartar is a cosmetic problem due to its discoloration of teeth.

Moreover, because the surface of tartar is rough and porous, the tartar absorbs colors from other sources (e.g., coffee, tea, tobacco, smoke, red wine and the like), and thus the presence of tartar exacerbates cosmetic tooth discoloration typically associated with such other sources.

Although such toothpastes, if used regularly, may prevent buildup of additional tartar, the toothpastes are not thought to be effective at removing existing tartar from tooth enamel and dental device surfaces.

Although these techniques work well, they are relatively expensive and time consuming.

Furthermore, various methods for inhibiting tartar may cause damage to tooth enamel and / or to dental devices.

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