U.S. patent application number 10/260582 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-20 for electrolytic method and device.
Invention is credited to Moran, Francis Xavier.
Application Number | 20030054321 10/260582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26921325 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030054321 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moran, Francis Xavier |
March 20, 2003 |
Electrolytic method and device
Abstract
The present invention is used to obtund tooth decay and
periodontal lesions by obstructing the proton motive force that
exists in bacteria. The result is that glycolysis, DNA synthesis
and chelation is upset and this will cause bacteria to dissolute
logrithmically. The invention is also used to harden and
remineralize enamel and dentin by using fluoride compounds
available in over-the-counter dental cleansers. The invention takes
into consideration the vector magnitude of the hydration layer
between the enamel and the pellicle plaque layer of teeth which
insulates the teeth from the electrical potentials of
electrophoresis. The claim that electrical potentials can be placed
on teeth does not take this physico-chemical phenomenon into
consideration. This invention uses the proper voltage to produce
ionization of molecules in a salivary slurry of gels, dentrifice's
and rinses.
Inventors: |
Moran, Francis Xavier;
(Somerville, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MEDLEN & CARROLL, LLP
Suite 350
101 Howard Street
San Francisco
CA
94105
US
|
Family ID: |
26921325 |
Appl. No.: |
10/260582 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10260582 |
Sep 27, 2002 |
|
|
|
09816190 |
Mar 26, 2001 |
|
|
|
6496998 |
|
|
|
|
60227267 |
Aug 24, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
433/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1066 20130101;
A46B 15/0022 20130101; A46B 15/0002 20130101; A61N 1/26
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/215 |
International
Class: |
A61C 005/00 |
Claims
I claim:
22. A method, comprising: a) providing i) an electromotive circuit;
ii) teeth; and iii) a dental product selected from the group
consisting of dentrifices, gels and rinses; b) contacting said
electromotive circuit with said dental product, thereby generating
i) electrolytic redox reaction ions, ii) oxygen and iii) hydrogen;
and c) applying said reaction ions to said teeth under conditions
wherein said teeth are bleached.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said electromotive circuit
comprises a toothbrush comprising: a) a handle incorporating a
cathode contact plate and an anode contact plate; b) a cathode lead
contacting said cathode contact plate, wherein said cathode lead
progresses through said handle; c) an anode lead contacting said
anode contact plate, wherein said anode lead progresses through
said handle; d) a battery placed within said handle, wherein said
cathode lead and said anode lead contact said battery; e) a
rectifying diode contacting said anode lead, wherein said
rectifying diode is on the cathode side of said battery; and f) a
photovoltaic cell connected to said anode lead and said cathode
lead, thereby forming an electromotive circuit.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein said reaction ions are selected
from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoride, hydronium,
hydroxide, bicarbonate and sodium ions.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said fluoride ion replaces
enamel and dentin apatite hydroxyls.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein said fluoride ion forms
fluoroapatites, thereby providing more resistance to acid
decay.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein said fluoride ion forms calcium
difluoride thereby speeding up fluoroapatite and hydroxyapatite
crystal growth on the surface of the enamel and dentin.
28. The method of claim 22, wherein during step (c), said reaction
ions lower plaque-forming bacterial growth.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said plaque-forming bacteria
are selected from the group consisting of S. mutans, Lactobacillus,
cocci, rods, bacteriodes, spirillum, spirochaetes, Veillonella, and
fusiforms.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein said lowering of plaque-forming
bacterial growth is by an interference with ATP synthesis.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein said interference with ATP
synthesis is by stopping electron transport system and disrupting
anaerobic glycolysis.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a non-provisional application having priority to
provisional application No. 60/227,267 filed on Nov. 15, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a toothbrush having sufficient
means for providing sufficient voltage for electrolysis of
dentifrice, gels, and rinses to produce hydronium ions and an
aqueous acid media.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is a hydration layer between the enamel of teeth and a
natural covering of a glyco-protein adhesive film called a pellicle
that is present on all teeth in the oral cavity. This layer of
water molecules is vectorial with a positive charge directed toward
the oxyanion of the phosphate ion of the apatite crystals of
enamel. This vector magnitude insulates the tooth against
electrical potentials produced by electrophoresis. Any claim that a
potential on teeth by electrophoresis does not take this
physico-chemical phenomena into account.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention uses the phenomena of electrolysis to
obtund decay of teeth and periodontal disease. Without limiting the
invention to any mechanism, it is believed the production of a weak
acid media, using an electromotive force for electrolysis, will
react with the fluoride and bicarbonate compounds, if present, of
the dentrifice, gels, and rinses in the oral cavity. This is a more
organized and active use of these products compared with the random
and passive diffusion that occurs when brushing in the absence of
this energy The present invention provides an efficient means to
obtund decay and periodontal disease by lowering the count of
acid-producing bacteria in plaque. At the same time, the present
invention will strengthen the apatite crystal bundles of the hard
tissues of teeth and bleach the teeth.
[0005] The present invention is a circuit comprising a) a dry cell
wafer battery, b) two leads having exposed lead end plates, c) a
photovoltaic cell, and d) a rectifying diode. Preferably, the
circuit is incorporated in a toothbrush produced by computer-aided
injection moulding for precision construction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a dielectric
toothbrush.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a top surface view of a dielectric
toothbrush.
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts the circuitry of a dielectric toothbrush.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention system is used to harden impure
apatite crystal bundles of dentin and enamel as well as interfering
in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The addition of
the fluoride ion present in gels, dentrifice pastes and topical
applications to the apatite crystals under the influence of
sufficient electromotive force to induce an electrolytic redox
reaction which will obtund tooth decay.
[0010] While brushing teeth, the two exposed end plates will
contact the slurry of saliva, gels, dentifrice, and rinses that
contain fluoride and sometimes bicarbonate molecules and with the
proper voltage will cause a redox reaction with the water molecules
present by electrolysis resulting in the production of weak acids
of fluoride and bicarbonate. This acid media will diffuse the
protons (i.e., hydrogen ions) present through the cell walls and
membranes of bacteria that exist in the oral cavity by mass action.
Bacteria need the hydrolysis of ATP to form energy rich metabolites
for all vital functions. It is believed the presence of the protons
and the fluoride ions in the cytosol of the bacteria will upset the
equilibrium of the proton motive force and the flavo-cytochrome
transport system necessary for the enzymatic reactions needed for
the production of ATP.
[0011] The basic reaction of the anode and cathode end plates is
one of electrolysis of the water molecules existing in the slurry
while brushing the teeth. How the system obtunds tooth decay and
periodontitis and the embodiments of the toothbrush will become
apparent from the description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
[0012] The Electrolytic Circuitry
[0013] FIG. 1 shows the side view of a toothbrush with an exposed
cathode lead contact plate surface 1. The cathode lead 2 enters the
handle of the toothbrush and progresses to a cavity 3 with a
protective cover (not shown) over it holding the wafer cell battery
4 where it contacts the cathode of the battery. The cathode lead 2
continues and contacts the cathode of the photovoltaic cell 5. FIG.
1 also shows the side view of the toothbrush with the exposed anode
lead contact plate surface 6. The anode lead 7 enters the handle of
the toothbrush and progresses to a cavity 3 holding the wafer cell
battery 4 where it contacts the anode of the battery. The anode
lead 7 continues through the cavity and contacts a rectifying diode
8. This diode prevents power leakage during darkness and adds
longevity to the battery and in turn, is attached to the anode of
the photovoltaic cell 5 wherein said photovoltaic cell revitalizes
the battery 4. This completes the circuit of the system which will
pump electrons from the cathode plate surface and remove them from
the anode contact plate surface.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the relative positions of the
exposed contact plate surfaces 1 & 6 of the leads 2 & 7 and
their contact with the wafer cell battery 4, the anode lead 7
contact with the rectifying diode 8, the rectifying diode contact
with the photovoltaic cell 5, the photovoltaic cell contact with
the cathode lead 2, and the contact of the cathode lead with the
wafer cell battery 4.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the circuitry enclosed in the handle
of the toothbrush with the exception of the exposed contact plate
surfaces 1 & 6. The arrows represent incident light on
photovoltaic cell 5.
[0016] The Intracellular Biochemical Reactions
[0017] All energy requirements of bacteria are coupled to the
hydrolysis of ATP. This energy is used for both exogonic and
endogonic reactions that are necessary for cell growth and
reproduction. In the cytosol of bacteria oxidized organic compounds
generate electrons, metabolites and precursors to a number of
lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. The contents of the cytosol,
cell walls, and plasma membranes are made up of these organic
compounds. The synthesis of ribose and the dinucleotides from
pyrimidine and purine ribosephosphates are essential for DNA, RNA,
coenzymes, and ribosomes.
[0018] ATP is produced by a two part protein vesicle in the plasma
membrane called ATPase or F.sub.0F.sub.1. Specifically, the ATPase
is composed of a stalk F.sub.0 and a knob F.sub.1. Protons from
outside the membrane are drawn into the stalk F.sub.0 section if
there is a pH gradient between the cytosol and the environment
outside the cell wall next to the plasma membrane. The stalk
F.sub.0 joins the knob F.sub.1 section inside the membrane bathed
by the cytosol. The enzyme component of knob F.sub.1 will react
with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and HPO.sub.4.sup.-2 to form
ATP.
[0019] The protons are produced by metabolic generating cycles in
the cytosol which by their redox reactions with coenzyme molecules
produce a flow of electrons. The generating cycles are called the
Embden-Myerhof pathway of glycolysis, the pyruvate oxidation cycle,
and the citric acid cycle. In these generating cycles, coenzyme
molecules are reversibly reduced and oxidized and produce a flow of
electrons from a more negative potential to a more positive
potential. This results in an electrochemical gradient between the
inside and outside of the plasma membrane. This change in electric
potential releases energy in such a way that protons are pushed
outside the cytosol through the plasma membrane to the outside
environment. Here the flow of protons results in an acid pH outside
the membrane and a low concentration of protons in the cytosol. The
resultant pH and electrochemical gradient favors the flow back
across the membrane through the stalk F.sub.0 and triggers a
catalytic reaction of the enzyme F.sub.1 to produce ATP from ADP
and HPO.sub.4.sup.-2. The electrons that are transported down the
voltage gradient liberate their energy with the resultant formation
of more ATP at the ATPase sites in the plasma membrane. This
phenomenon is called Proton Motive Force.
[0020] The coenzyme system associated with the flow of electrons
and protons is called the flavo-cytochrome system of redox
phosphorylation. Biochemists refer to this as the electron transfer
system (ETS). A series of redox reactions occur beginning with
nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD.sup.+), to flavo-protein
(FP), to coenzyme Q (CoQ), to a group of cytochromes that
ultimately reduce oxygen to water in aerobic respiration and
SO.sub.3 to NH.sub.3 and HS.sup.- or H.sub.2S, respectively.
[0021] The optimum temperature for bacteria in the oral cavity is
98.6.degree. F. or 37.0.degree. C. which is the average temperature
of the oral cavity in humans. The saliva of the oral cavity has an
average pH of 7.0 and varies between 6.8 and 8.0. At this optimum
temperature and pH biochemists have determined that the
proportional relationship of the concentrations of
ATP-ADP-HPO.sub.4.sup.-2 is 8-1-8, respectively. The hydrolysis of
ATP supplies the energy for the exogonic and the endogonic chemical
reactions of the bacterial cells for the metabolism of the organic
compounds necessary for growth, development, and reproduction.
Mg.sup.2+ ion and some Mn.sup.2+ ions are present as chelators and
coenzymes and act as chelators to attach to the two oxygen ions
next to the purine adenosine of ATP. These are used to couple the
hydrolysis of ATP to enzymes in the metabolic cycles of cell
metabolism in bacteria.
[0022] The thermodynamic formula for Gibbs free energy changes for
this chemical reaction can be represented by:
.delta..GAMMA.=.delta..GAMMA..sup.0+.rho.T ln(ADP)(HPO.sub.4)/ADP
I
[0023] with ln=natural logarithm, T=absolute temperature, P=the gas
constant, and 67 .GAMMA.=free standard energy. Substituting the
numerical values into the formula:
.delta..GAMMA.=-31.sup.KJ/Mol+8.134.times.10.sup.-3KJ/Mol.times.310.degree-
.ln1.times.10.sup.-3(8.times.10.sup.-3)(8.times.10.sup.-3) II
.delta..GAMMA.=-49.sup.KJ/Mol III
[0024] This represents the free negative energy value of the
hydrolysis of ATP used for bacterial processes at 37 degrees C. and
pH of 7.0.
[0025] In summary, the central role of ATP in metabolism is that
energy obtained from lipids, fats, and carbohydrates is stored in
ATP. From this storage the hydrolysis of ATP supplies energy to
form the organic substances for cell walls, nucleic acids, and the
nutritive compounds to sustain life and the reproduction of cells.
The ATP itself is synthesized in the integral enzyme complexes of
the plasma membrane of bacteria by a series of redox reactions
between NAD.sup.+, FP, CoQ, and the cytochrome series which
biochemists call ETS. This series of redox reactions causes an
electrochemical gradient between the inside and outside of the
plasma membrane. The change in electrical potential releases energy
in such a way that protons are pushed outside the cytosol and
establishes an acid pH in the external environment of the bacteria.
The protons flow back into the cytosol via F.sub.0 and then to
F.sub.1 and this triggers a catalytic reaction to form more ATP.
The electrons liberate their energy by transportation down a
voltage gradient causing a flow of protons. This phenomena is
called the Proton Motive Force. By disrupting this system it is
possible to obtund the bacterial count of acid-producing
bacteria.
[0026] The Demineralization Process
[0027] In order to understand the inventive system, and the
reaction process used to obtund decay and periodontal disease, a
description of the mineral composition of the apatite crystal
structure of dentin and the natural covering of enamel bathed in
saliva is necessary.
[0028] All healthy teeth have a natural covering consisting of a
hydrated glycoprotein adhesive film called a pellicle. The
outer-most layer is a disaccharide called sialic acid. Within this
layer is a protein section of the film composed of amino acids. For
the most part serine, aspartic, glycine and glutamine, and to a
lesser extent, other essential acids are present. There is a
hydration layer between the pellicle and enamel where sialic acid
is hydrolyzed and attracts the cations of the apatite crystals.
[0029] The hydration layer is vectorial and the positive portion is
directed toward the negatively charged oxyanion of the phosphate
section of the apatite crystal. That is, this vector charge
insulates the surface of the teeth. The magnitude and direction of
the hydration layer is a natural insulator opposing an electrical
potential. Any claim that an electrical potential can be placed on
a tooth surface does not take this physico-chemical phenomena into
consideration.
[0030] The hard tissues of enamel and dentin are made of bundles of
pure, and impure, apatite and these bundles are the prime target
for acid decomposition by bacteria. Pure apatite crystals are
represented by the formula Ca.sub.10(PO.sub.4).sub.6(OH).sub.2. In
the enamel and dentin of teeth, calcium may be intermittently
substituted by cations such as Na.sup.+, Mg.sup.++, Zn.sup.++ and
other cations to a lesser extent. Also, the phosphate anion may be
substituted by a carbonate anion. These substituted areas show
hexagonal holes which are connected by carbonates and some of the
impure substituted regions of the crystals. The impure apatite
crystals using sodium as representative of impure cations present
can be illustrated as follows:
Na.sub..alpha.Ca.sub.10-.alpha.(PO.sub.4).-
sub.6-.beta.(OH).sub.2.
[0031] The present inventive system will be used as an adjunct to
the natural processes of immunity and the supersaturated solution
of calcium and phosphate ions that exist in the saliva by using the
fluoride and bicarbonate compounds within gels, dentrifices, and
rinses of over-the-counter dental products used in dental health
procedures. The conjugate base fluoride ion is a weaker base than
the hydroxyl ion of the apatite crystal and will not react with
acids produced by bacteria.
[0032] Salivary products, bacterial metabolites and bacteria will
eventually cover the pellicle and form a gelatinous mass called
plaque. Plaque adheres to pits, fissures and crevices between the
teeth and the gums. The enamel surface of teeth displays many
features that allow the diffusion of cations, anions and acid
products of bacteria entrance. These features include focal holes
that contain global proteins, enamel rod boundaries and
developmental spaces call the lines of Retzius. The present
invention can use these natural features to great advantage to
obtund decay and prevent periodontal disease.
[0033] The focal holes, the developmental spaces of the lines of
Retzius and any enamel imperfection spaces offer diffusion pathways
to the weak acid, hydrogen fluoride (HF). This weak acid is an
important product of the electrolytic reaction produced by the
present invention system.
[0034] Tooth decay begins when acid products of bacteria dissolve
the apatite crystal bundles of enamel. Sucrose in the diet, under
the influence of Streptococcus mutans, is converted into a sticky
polysaccharide. This material can function as part of plaque
structure and also as a food source for bacteria in time of food
deprivation. The S. mutans ATP, when chelated to Mg.sup.2+,
activates the enzyme glucosyl transferase on the substrate sucrose
by hydrolysis to increase the rate of reaction. The S. mutans group
of bacteria are gram-positive facultative types that coexist with
blood cells, ions and immunoglobulins in the saliva. S. Mutans
creates an acid media in the plaque in which colonies and
aggregates of mixed colonies of different bacteria flourish. The
predominate bacterial type depends on the pH of the saliva. S.
mutans also uses sucrose as a substrate for nutrition. With the
enzyme hexokinase and the hydrolysis of ATP as an energy source S.
mutans metabolizes sucrose to glucose and fructose phosphates.
These substrates diffuse through the plasma membrane into the
cytosol with the aid of the proton motive force (PMF) and the
electron transport system (ETS).
[0035] As the magnitude of the plaque increases, that is, as it
matures, the acid media created by S. mutans, and later
Lactobacillus, is optimal for the growth of cocci, rods,
bacteroides, spirillum, spirochaetes, Veillonella and fusiforms
etc. These bacteria contribute to all the dental diseases to which
humans are subject. Lactobacillus is a gram-positive anaerobe and
flourishes in low oxygen tension of acid media of plaque initiated
by S. mutans metabolites. Lactobacillus is next in importance to S.
mutans and uses pyruvate as a substrate to ferment lactic acid.
[0036] The acid media of plaque contains not only lactic acid but
also, acetic, propionic, succinic, formic and citric acids as a
consequence of an active flora of various bacteria. The protons
flow into spaces thermodynamically to equalize the pH between the
plaque and the enamel. The protons diffuse through plaque into
porous enamel and dentin and dissolve the enamel freeing the
calcium and phosphate ions of the apatite bundles into the saliva.
This acid-mediated demineralization is the first sign of decay.
[0037] The Remineralization Process
[0038] Saliva in the oral cavity has a physiological pH that varies
between 6.8 and 8.0 with buffering components of phosphate ions,
peptides and bicarbonates to neutralize the acids produced by
bacteria. Saliva is supersaturated with molecular calcium phosphate
in equilibrium with Ca.sup.2+ ions and PO.sub.4.sup.3- ions. With
the aid of enough fluoride in solution it can remineralize the
demineralized enamel and dentin. Commercial over-the-counter
dentrifices, gels and rinses containing fluoride rely upon passive
diffusion of fluoride ions between the plaque and enamel to arrest
decay of teeth. This process is random and compromised by salivary
buffers.
[0039] The average dentrifice has an alkali metal fluoride
concentration of available fluoride ion on the average of 0.15% to
0.22%. The cationic metal fluoride, in the presence of acid plaque
and salivary buffers, will increase in concentration according to
its solubility product. That is, the molecule will dissociate into
a cation and a fluoride ion in the presence of a hydronium ion
(H.sup.++HOH=H.sub.3O.sup.+). The basic conjugate fluoride ion will
react with hydronium ion to form HF in aqueous solution. HF is a
weak acid and has a low entropy. That is, HF is highly structured,
a weak electrolyte and is weakly dissociated. The dissociation
constant and reaction formula can be illustrated as:
NaF.sub.aq=Na.sup.+.sub.aq+F.sup.-.sub.aq IV and
H.sub.3O.sup.++F.sup.-.sub.aq=HF.sub.aq+HOH V
K.sub.a=6.9.times.10.sup.-4 M. of HF.sub.aq VI
[0040] As the F.sup.-.sub.aq reacts with hydronium ion to form
HF.sub.aq, the NaF.sub.aq will increase its disassociation
according to its solubility product and more F.sup.-.sub.aq will
react with the hydronium ion. This process is random and
compromised by salivary buffers. The present invention will produce
more protons to generate hydronium ion and is a more efficient use
of fluoride present in a dentrifice, gel or rinse. The present
invention will establish a proton gradient in a more efficient
manner and a condition of maximum change.
[0041] Na.sub.aq.sup.+ (aqueous sodium ion) and F.sub.aq.sup.-
(aqueous fluoride ion) have high standard reduction potentials and
will not participate in redox reactions in an aqueous media; water
molecules will preferentially participate in the redox
reactions.
[0042] Water molecules are reduced at a cathode and undergo an
oxidation reaction at the anode. Water molecules oxidized at an
anode produce diatomic oxygen, hydrogen ions, 2 electrons and have
an oxidation potential of 1.229 V. This evolved diatomic oxygen at
the anode will bleach the teeth. The overall reaction can be
illustrated as follows:
2H.sub.2O+2e=H.sub.2+2OH.sup.- VIII
E.sup.0=-0.828 V IX
2H.sub.2O=O.sub.2+4H++2e X
E.sup.0=-1.229 V XI
E.sup.0=-2.057 V XII
[0043] TOTAL
[0044] Equation XII is the calculated voltage. However, in
practice, there is an additional voltage required in reactions
involving hydrogen and oxygen of 0.6 V called the overvoltage This
means a voltage of at least 2.657 V must be used as the energy
source. A 3 V lithium battery or more may be used for this purpose
in the present invention.
[0045] The hydrogen ions produced at the anode causes an acid
region with H.sub.3O.sup.+ (i.e., hydronium ions). The hydronium
ions will react with hydroxyl ions and the electrophilic fluoride
negative ions that are in an aqueous slurry of dentrifice used in
oral hygiene. The fluoride negative ions will also react with
plaque acids that have been produced by bacteria.
[0046] The result of these combinations is a weak acid HF and
water, and may be represented symbolically as:
F.sub.aq.sup.-+H.sub.3O.sup.+=HF+H.sub.2O XIII
[0047] The production of the weak acid HF using the energy of
electromotive force is a more efficient manner of using the
available fluoride ions present in gels, dentrifices and rinses
rather than the random passive diffusion of the fluoride compounds
of gels, dentrifices and rinses that are subject to salivary
buffers of the oral cavity.
[0048] Antibacterial Effects of Hydrogen Fluoride
[0049] This invention uses a circuit in which a battery acts as an
electron pump pushing electrons from a cathode contact plate
surface and removing them from an anode contact plate surface in a
slurry of saliva and gels, dentrifices and rinses containing
fluoride compounds and sometimes bicarbonate compounds. At the
cathode, ions undergo reduction by accepting electrons. This
process is an oxidation-reduction reaction and the system uses
electrolysis of water in which the area around the anode becomes
acidic and oxygen is evolved. The hydronium ions will react with
fluoride ions to form the weak acid hydrogen fluoride (HF.sub.aq)
and this product will obtund decay and prevent periodontitis by
upsetting the proton motive force of bacteria. HF.sub.aq will also
harden teeth by reacting with hydroxy apatite crystals of enamel
and dentin. The hydronium ions will react with bicarbonate ions and
form the weak acid hydrogen bicarbonate (H.sub.2CO.sub.3) which
will contribute to an acid pH within the bacterial cytosol and also
upset the proton motive force of bacteria.
[0050] The aqueous fluoride molecules in dentifrices, gels and
rinses exist in random positions when mixed with saliva in the oral
cavity. When voltage is applied to this mixture the random
positions organize parallel to the electric field and the protons
gather at the anode and unite with F.sub.aq.sup.- to form the acid
HF. This HF will diffuse into the bacterial cytosol by mass action
until equilibrium is reached on both sides of the plasma membrane.
The cytosol is buffered by H.sub.2PO.sub.4.sup.-(6.84) and
HPO.sub.4.sup.-(12.80) and is relatively basic. The HF will
dissociate as H.sup.+ions (i.e., positively charged hydrogen ions;
protons) and F.sub.aq.sup.-ions (i.e., aqueous negatively charged
fluoride ions). The protons in the cytosol have bypassed the
F.sub.0 channel and synthesis of ATP will not take place.
[0051] The F.sub.aq.sup.-ions will have an adverse effect on the
reproduction and metabolic mechanisms of the bacteria by forming
analogues in place of the intermediate metabolic substrates at the
active sites of the enzymes. The analogue has the same
configuration as the substrate and bonds to the active site. The
enzyme is neutralized and can not perform its' function. A notable
example is the aconitase enzyme. The F.sub.aq.sup.-ion will join
the double bond dehydrated intermediate molecule cis-aconitate to
form an analogue. In the citric acid cycle the tertiary alcohol
citrate can not be oxidized. A secondary alcohol isocitrate is
formed by isomerization which can be oxidized. The addition of
fluoride to the cis-aconitate forms an analogue and the enzyme can
not function. The result is that the cycle is stopped at that point
and the bacteria will not survive.
[0052] The F.sub.aq.sup.-ion will form an analogue with thymidylate
synthase and replaces deoxyuridine monophospate which aids in the
production of DNA. This will result in disrupting reproduction
functions.
[0053] As the HF reaches a stage of equilibrium on both sides of
the plasma membrane the F.sub.aq.sup.-ion will effuse out of the
cytosol to join protons and form more HF. Some of the
F.sub.aq.sup.-ion will remain behind and form molecules with the
cofactors and chelators Mg.sup.++, Mn.sup.++and K.sup.+. These
cations are cofactors and chelators for mutase, enolase, and kinase
which are used to catalyze reactions of the Embden-Meyerhof
anaerobic glycolysis that form phosphoenolpyruvate and
phosphoglycerates to form pyruvate. This will result in disrupting
the functions of nutrition in bacteria.
[0054] Enamel Hardening Effects of Hydrogen Fluoride
[0055] Acids produced by bacteria will demineralize
(CO.sub.3).sub..beta. and non-calcium regions of tooth enamel and
dentin. The saliva is supersaturated with calcium and phosphates
along with phosphate and bicarbonate buffering systems. The saliva,
therefore, neutralizes acids and provides calcium and phosphate
ions to replace the dissolved cation and anions of the crystals of
dentin and enamel. This process is called remineralization and
hardens the enamel and dentin.
[0056] During acid production of plaque bacteria, the HF produced
by the voltage (EMF) travels through the pellicle to the neutral
water covering between the enamel and the pellicle-plaque layers to
the enamel surface. The fluoride adheres to the crystals as
CaF.sub.2 (i.e., calcium difluoride). This speeds up the
remineralization by the growth of fluoroapatite crystals (FAP) and
the hydroxyapatite crystals of the demineralized regions.
[0057] The formula for the demineralization by lactic acid of
apatite represents the acid breakdown of apatite crystal
follows:
Ca.sub.10(PO.sub.4).sub.6(OH).sub.2=10Ca.sub.aq.sup.2++6(PO.sub.4).sub.aq+-
2OH.sub.aq.sup.- IX
[0058] The formula for the lactic acid reaction with the apatite
crystal and the products:
Ca.sub.10(PO.sub.4).sub.6(OH).sub.2+CH.sub.3CHOHCOOH=3Ca.sub.3(PO.sub.4).s-
ub.6+2HOH+(CH.sub.3CHOHCOO).sub.2Ca X
[0059] The production of HF through the influence of the
electromotive force (EMF) produced in the present invention will
help obtund decay of teeth by strengthening the enamel and dentin
crystals. This reaction is represented by the formula:
Ca.sub.10(PO.sub.4).sub.6(OH).sub.2+2HF=Ca.sub.10(PO.sub.4).sub.6F.sub.2+2-
HOH XI
[0060] The aqueous fluoride ion adheres to the crystals and
replaces the hydroxyl molecules of the apatite crystals. The
fluoride in the form of CaF.sub.2 from the saliva will replace the
(CO.sub.3).sub..beta. and non-calcium ion and hydroxyls by adhering
to the surfaces also.
[0061] Chemically, the F.sub.aq.sup.-ion is a weaker base than
OH.sup.-ions and the modified crystal called fluoroapatite (FAP) is
more resistant to acids produced by bacteria. Physically, the
action of the fluoride ion on the apatite crystal will diminish the
distance between the radii of the calcium and the fluoride ions in
the crystal. This is according to Van de Waals law of attraction
between nuclei. The volume of FAP is less than hydroxylapatite
(HAP) and will be more dense as a result and will be less likely to
break down under acid attack.
[0062] The present invention applies a suitable voltage to fluoride
and bicarbonate gels, dentrifices, and rinses to obtund decay of
teeth by disrupting the proton motive force of bacterial cells,
thereby interfering with the synthesis of ATP. This will destroy
the bacteria that produces acid and causes caries (i.e., decay of
teeth) and periodontal lesions in the oral cavity.
[0063] In addition, the present invention will strengthen the
apatite crystals by producing HF more efficiently as a
F.sub.aq.sup.-ion source for adhering fluoride ions to the HAP
crystal and as a source of CaF.sub.2 for the impure apatite
crystals that are of the form:
Na.sub..alpha.Ca.sub.10-.alpha.(PO.sub.4).sub.6-.beta.(CO.sub.3).sub.[b].b-
eta.(OH).sub.2 XII
[0064] The foregoing description of the inventive system is to be
understood as given by illustration and example. The numerous
changes and detailed combination and arrangement of parts my be
reconstituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as herein claimed.
* * * * *