U.S. patent application number 10/391398 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for method and tools for oral hygiene.
This patent application is currently assigned to CeramOptec Industries Inc.. Invention is credited to Neuberger, Wolfgang.
Application Number | 20030180690 10/391398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25509940 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030180690 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neuberger, Wolfgang |
September 25, 2003 |
Method and tools for oral hygiene
Abstract
A composition and method for self-cleaning of the teeth and
mouth using a source of light in the visible range in conjunction
with a photosensitive liquid oral hygiene composition possessing a
broad absorption spectrum in the visible range. The composition and
method selectively eliminates harmful bacteria by use of a
photosensitive agent and a light source. The composition also
includes resistive elements to protect the photosensitizers from
the degrading effects of blood serum, saliva, and other materials
located naturally within the oral cavity. The method involves the
use of a light-providing dental device to activate a photosensitive
agent and destroy harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. It prevents
or deters oral diseases, inflammations, and infections.
Inventors: |
Neuberger, Wolfgang;
(Labuan, MY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CERAMOPTECR INDUSTRIES, INC.
515 Shaker Road
East Longmeadow
MA
01028
US
|
Assignee: |
CeramOptec Industries Inc.
East Longmeadow
MA
|
Family ID: |
25509940 |
Appl. No.: |
10/391398 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10391398 |
Mar 18, 2003 |
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09965418 |
Sep 27, 2001 |
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6561808 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 8/9789 20170801;
A46B 15/0002 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A61C 17/26
20130101; A61K 8/498 20130101; A61N 2005/0606 20130101; A61P 1/02
20180101; A61C 19/063 20130101; A61N 5/0601 20130101; A61N 5/062
20130101; A45C 13/08 20130101; A61Q 11/00 20130101; A45C 3/06
20130101; A46B 15/0036 20130101; A61K 8/35 20130101; A61K 2800/434
20130101; A61C 1/0046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/215 |
International
Class: |
A61C 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A liquid oral hygiene composition comprising: a photosensitizer,
having a broad absorption spectrum at visible wavelengths, said
photosensitizer being safe for consumption in modest quantities. a
compound for protecting the photosensitizer from the harmful
effects of blood serum, saliva, or other bodily fluids in the oral
cavity.
2. The liquid oral hygiene composition according to claim 1,
wherein said photosensitizer is an extract St. John's Wort.
3. The liquid oral hygiene composition according to claim 1,
wherein said photosensitizer is hypercin.
4. The liquid oral hygiene composition according to claim 1,
wherein said photosensitizer is erythrosin B.
5. The liquid oral hygiene composition according to claim 1,
wherein said photosensitizer is a targeting photo-pharmaceutical
that can selectively reduce harmful bacteria in an oral cavity.
6. The liquid oral hygiene composition according to claim 5,
wherein said vector molecules are antibodies.
7. The liquid oral hygiene composition according to claim 4,
wherein said product vector molecules are polyLysine residues.
8. The liquid oral hygiene composition according to claim 1,
wherein said compound is dispersible in a water-based liquid.
9. The liquid oral hygiene composition according to claim 1,
wherein said compound is water-soluble.
10. The liquid oral hygiene composition according to claim 1 where
said liquid oral hygiene composition allows attachment of said
photosensitizer to desired locations, and has sufficient resistance
to the decomposing effects of saliva and other natural bodily
defenses.
11. A dental hygiene device comprising: at least one light source,
having emission wavelength characteristics which overlap the
absorption characteristics of said liquid oral hygiene composition
of claim 1; at least one light source having power output matching
requirements for activating said liquid oral hygiene composition of
claim 1; means to transmit light from said at least one light
source to said liquid oral hygiene composition within a user's oral
cavity.
12. A method for oral hygiene comprising the steps of: applying a
liquid oral hygiene composition as claimed in claim I to surfaces
within a user's oral cavity; activating said liquid oral hygiene
composition with a dental hygiene device of claim 11; and rinsing
any residue from said user's oral cavity.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED CASE
[0001] This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/965,418 filed on Sep. 27, 2001 by Wolfgang
Neuberger, inventor, entitled "Method and Tools for Oral Hygiene",
and incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to a method for at-home
tooth- and mouth-cleansing using a light-providing instrument and
an oral cleaning rinse containing a photosensitive agent and a
material for protection against the derogatory effects of fluids
and the oral cavity and to eliminate harmful bacteria in the oral
cavity.
[0004] 2. Information Disclosure Statement
[0005] Generally, the prior art uses a method of light-assisted
dental treatment that requires professional care and which is
performed only in response to specific problems with the oral
cavity, i.e. lesions, wounds, microbes, or periodontal disease.
Further, the use of lasers at wavelengths less than 1500 nm creates
potential hazards, for which safety precautions must be taken to
protect the user. Those devices that allow for at-home self care
provide for the use of lasers at lower power levels, potentially
reducing the effectiveness of the cleaning process.
[0006] In addition, previous methods of light-assisted dental
treatment do not provide a basic protective material to allow a
photosensitizer to attach to bacteria in the oral cavity. In the
prior art, photosensitizers suffer from significant degradation in
effectiveness from exposure to saliva, white blood cells, and other
natural defenses in the mouth. While a photosensitizer readily
attaches to bacteria in a media free from these bodily defense
mechanisms or other safe media, there are no proven methods that
allow for effective protection of a photosensitizer from other
substances located within the mouth.
[0007] Inflammatory periodontal diseases are among the most
prevalent diseases among humans, and the advanced form, chronic
periodontitis, is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Methods
of treating chronic periodontitis involve mechanical removal of
sub-gingival plaque to eliminate the causative organisms
supplemented by anti-microbial therapy. This often involves the use
of blunt tools to scrape or otherwise use physical force to remove
the plaque. In this manner, removal of plaque is never fully
successful. There are disadvantages in the long-term use of the
anti-microbial agents included in the therapy; notably, the
development of resistance to the agents, rendering them clinically
ineffective; and difficulties arising from disturbance of the oral
microflora. Further, the development of a prophylactic cleansing
method that prevents the buildup of plaque would keep periodontal
diseases from setting in.
[0008] A prior patent by the inventor (Neuberger, U.S. Pat. No.
5,658,148) describes a laser toothbrush that is available for home
treatment but only with use of a laser at a specified wavelength
matched to a specified photosensitive agent. A restricted
absorption spectrum reduces the effectiveness of alternative light
sources to activate a photosensitive agent. These safety
restrictions reduce the success of this device for home use.
[0009] Another patent by the inventor (Neuberger; U.S. Pat. No.
6,056,548) describes Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with an enhanced
photosensitive agent that again requires a light source at a
specified wavelength to activate the photosensitive agent in the
oral hygiene composition. In addition, the prior invention does not
have any mechanisms for targeting and selecting out only harmful
bacteria.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,793 (Wilson and Harvey) describes a
method of PDT that is for sterilizing wounds or lesions in the oral
cavity, designed primarily for use in an office or other medical
setting, by a professional in the medical field.
[0011] Generally, the present invention provides a method for
self-dental care with a light-providing dental device and a liquid
composition such as a mouthwash or rinse that contains a
photosensitive agent with a broad absorption spectrum and is safe
for at-home oral use.
OBJECTIVES AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an aim of the present invention to address the need
for a general hygienic oral cleaning method that has a significant
destructive effect on bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, while
being generally safe for self-treatment. An oral cleaning method is
designed for treatment of any and all tissues, bacteria, or other
substances in the oral cavity, including but not limited to the
teeth, plaque, tongue, inner cheek tissue, gums, subgingival
plaque, food or other residues, palate, and salivary glands.
[0013] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a
dental liquid composition such as a mouthwash or rinse, generally
described as an oral hygiene composition, containing a
photosensitive agent, to use in increasing the positive effects of
the treatment.
[0014] It is another aim of the present invention to provide a
photosensitive agent with a wide absorption spectrum.
[0015] It is still a further aim of the present invention to
provide a substance in the oral hygiene composition that protects
the photosensitive agent from the derogatory effects of blood
serum, saliva, and other materials located naturally within the
oral cavity to allow effective photo activation.
[0016] It is another aim of the present invention to provide a
targeting ingredient to allow the oral hygiene composition to
discriminate between harmful and benign microbes and thus
positively alter the microbial balance of the oral cavity.
[0017] It is yet another aim of the present invention to provide a
dental device to permit the delivery of light that activates the
photosensitive agent and facilitates the elimination of harmful
microbes in the oral cavity.
[0018] Briefly stated, the invention provides a composition and
method for self-cleaning of the teeth and mouth using a source of
light in the visible range in conjunction with a photosensitive
liquid oral hygiene composition possessing a broad absorption
spectrum in the visible range. The invention selectively eliminates
harmful bacteria by use of a photosensitive agent and a light
source. The composition also includes resistive elements to protect
the photosensitizers from the degrading effects of blood serum,
saliva, and other materials located naturally within the oral
cavity. The present invention involves the use of a light-providing
dental device to activate a photosensitive agent and destroy
harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. It prevents or deters oral
diseases, inflammations, and infections.
[0019] The above, and other objects, features, and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent from the following
description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0020] FIG. 1 is a view of the end of the dental device as
generally designed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,148 (Neuberger).
[0021] FIG. 2 is a view of the end of the dental device showing a
diode or lamp as a light source rather than a laser.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a view of an alternative light-providing device
utilizing a light emitting diode or lamp as a light source.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a graph of the absorption spectrum of Hypericin,
primarily in the visible wavelength region.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] In the prior art, summarized earlier, most applications of
PDT require a light source of specific wavelength in order to be
effective in activating the photosensitive agent. The
photosensitive agents involved in prior inventions require a
specific wavelength for activation, particularly in the visible
region.
[0025] In addition, the prior art does not seriously contemplate
use and operation by consumers. The present invention addresses a
need for prophylactic cleaning rather than treatment. Prior
inventions address the treatment of existing dental problems or
oral lesions--problems normally addressed by trained medical
professionals.
[0026] The prior art generally proves the effectiveness of
photosensitive agents in adhering to plaque in an environment free
from any substance with derogatory effects. However, the prior art
generally fails to provide a mechanism or basic dental material or
substance for protecting photoactivated compounds from the
decomposing effects of the bodies' natural defenses and other
substances. Blood serum and saliva, as well as other substances,
deteriorate the ability of a photosensitizer to attack microbes on
the teeth, plaque, and soft tissue.
[0027] Finally, the prior art does not include a targeting
mechanism along with the photosensitive agent that positively
alters the microbial balance of the oral cavity by selectively
targeting harmful bacteria, leaving other less harmful microbes to
exist.
[0028] In one preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, a dental
device similar to the one embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,148 is
employed. A light emitting diode or lamp provides the light source
in the dental device in this embodiment. The light source emits
from between the bristles or in the middle of the circular
structure of the rotating brush head. The liquid oral hygiene
composition is applied from the dental device or by other means.
The use of a low viscosity oral hygiene composition entails intake
of a specified dose into the mouth, and moving the composition in
the mouth similar to the method one utilizes to use mouthwash. In a
preferred embodiment the liquid oral hygiene composition should be
water-based or primarily water-based. The photosensitive agent has
a broad absorptive band, as shown in FIG. 4. It is capable of
absorbing most, if not all, visible light sources. Hypericin, an
extract of Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort), is a suitable
photosensitive agent in the preferred embodiment. Lasers at a
wavelength of 630 nm are suitable for this embodiment, as are other
wavelengths of visible light. A toothbrush contains longer bristles
spaced intermittently around the circular head in order to ensure
effective cleaning by introduction of the oral hygiene composition
as well as removal of the photosensitive agent from the
inter-dental spaces.
[0029] While Hypericin can be extracted in pure form, other
extracts of St. John's Wort contain Hypericin as the main chemical
with only slight quantities of innocuous impurities. These extracts
are also suitable for use with the present invention. The cost of
impure Hypericin is also lower than in pure form.
[0030] Another possible photosensitive agent suitable for use in
the present invention is Erythrosin B. U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,856
(Tsuchiya) describes the use of Erythrosin B in a composition for
plaque identification. Erythrosin B is a red substance formed by
the oxidation of Tyrosin. It has proved to be a
photo-pharmaceutical well suited for use as a photosensitive agent
in the present invention.
[0031] The oral hygiene composition is well suited for oral use due
to elements within the composition that resist the decomposing
effects of saliva, blood serum, and other substances occurring
naturally in the mouth. An element of the oral hygiene composition
protects the photosensitive agent and resists decomposition for
sufficient time to allow attachment to teeth, plaque and soft
tissue, and activation by a light source. Resistive elements
suitable for use within the oral hygiene composition include agents
such as hyroxyethylcellulose, lanolate, and other fatty acids.
Preferred resistive elements are effective in protecting the
photosensitizers from elements that can degrade the effectiveness
of the photosensitive agent in targeting and destroying harmful
bacteria, and preferably have the characteristic of being
dispersible in a primarily water-based liquid vehicle. For example,
dispersible elements could be delivered in a liquid composition as
an emulsion. In a further preferred embodiment, water-soluble
resistive elements are included in the composition.
[0032] Elements that act to degrade the photosensitizer include
iron and other heavy metals that occur within blood serum in the
oral cavity. Other such elements include saliva, which can degrade
or break down the photosensitizer by enzymatic action. Protection
of the photosensitive agent from these naturally occurring
substances allows sufficient time for effective treatment. The
present invention includes a liquid oral hygiene composition well
suited for use in the oral cavity due to its resistance to any
decomposition. Chemical and physical protection of the
photosensitive agent within the oral hygiene composition promotes
effective destruction of harmful bacteria.
[0033] In another preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the oral
hygiene composition and dental device are similar to those
described in FIG. 1. A laser is the light source in this
embodiment. The water source transports the laser to the oral
cavity through the toothbrush along with water or a similar liquid.
The liquid jet included in the device carries the light using the
total reflection method, making the laser source inherently safe.
The bristles of the device can also act as fiberoptic transmitters.
The longer bristles, acting as fiberoptics, assist in activating
the photosensitive agent in the interdental spaces as well. The
oral cavity is cleaned in a procedure similar to that laid out in
the preceding paragraphs.
[0034] In another preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the
photosensitive agent is activated by way of a slightly different
dental device; again, a diode, lamp, laser, or other light source
may be used. The absorption spectrum of Hypericin or other suitable
photosensitive agents easily absorbs light in the visible spectrum.
The oral hygiene composition is taken into the mouth and gargled or
applied by other means. The light source is applied throughout the
mouth, activating the photosensitive agent and allowing it to
destroy harmful bacteria. The light is of suitable size to allow
for safe and easy maneuvering within the oral cavity, and the body
of the light source is jointed or pliable to allow for access to
difficult spaces or angles within the mouth. The oral hygiene
composition can then be brushed and washed away similar to a
conventional tooth cleaning method.
[0035] Hypericin, a clinically approved compound, is a
photosensitive agent used for treatment of depression and
experimentally on AIDS and cancer-related illnesses. U.S. Pat. No.
6,001,882 (Fox et al) describes the various uses for Hypericin.
Overexposure to hypericin results in hypersensitivity to
sunlight--a common side effect in AIDS and cancer test groups using
the drug. The test groups experienced rashes and other skin
ailments that are related to the hypersensitivity. In the
embodiments of the present invention, Hypericin needs only to be
delivered in sufficiently low doses as to avoid any potential
adverse side reaction. Hypericin is a preferred photosensitive
agent because it has a broad absorption spectrum, making it ideal
for use with a wide range of visible light sources. In its present
formulation, Hypericin and other photosensitive agents are part of
a self- or professional care system. Hypericin's broad absorption
spectrum makes it an ideal candidate for use with an array of light
sources in a preventative, home care system. In addition, the
ability of an oral hygiene composition to selectively target
harmful bacteria and positively alter the microbial balance of the
mouth point to a primarily prophylactic use. However, the present
invention may also be used in targeting and curing lesions and
other medical problems that already exist in the oral
cavity--activities ideally performed by a medical professional.
[0036] Hypericin and other photo-pharmaceuticals can be conjoined
with other compounds that form a targeting mechanism, allowing the
oral hygiene composition to positively alter the microbial balance
of the mouth. There are microbes existing in the oral cavity that
are of benefit to humans. The oral hygiene composition targets and
destroys only harmful bacteria. FIG. 4 shows hypericin's relative
constancy of absorption in the visible range. This characteristic
increases absorption from visible light sources described in the
embodiments.
[0037] Antibodies are any number of protein molecules produced by
b-cells as a primary immune defense. They are proven effective at
targeting bacteria in the oral cavity. U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,419
(Graber et al) describes the advantages of using antibodies to
regenerate gums and other oral tissue lost as a result of
periodontitis. The ability of antibodies to target harmful bacteria
makes it suitable for use as a vector molecule in the present
invention.
[0038] Other substances well suited for use as a vector molecule
are polylysine residues. Polylysine is a polymer that can act as a
targeting drug carrier. It couples with the photo-pharmaceutical to
allow for more specific targeting of harmful bacteria in the oral
cavity. U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,030 (Wu et al) describes the use of
polylysine to couple with various pharmaceuticals to target harmful
diseases in the body cavity. Its targeting characteristics are
suitable for use in the present invention.
[0039] The present invention is further illustrated by the
following examples, but is not limited thereby.
EXAMPLE #1
[0040] A dental device is employed in accordance with FIG. 1. Cable
20 provides electrical power from a power source. Channel 18
provides water or other liquids from a fluid source. The oral
hygiene composition can be delivered from the fluid source via
channel 18 and outlet 14, or delivered directly to the mouth and
gargled similar to the manner in which a conventional mouthwash is
delivered. Rinse may also be applied directly to the rotating
brush-head 10. A diode, lamp, or other light source emits from
outlet 14. The water, oral hygiene composition, and light source
emit from the device at outlet 14, between bristles 12 or in the
middle of circular brush head 10. After application of the oral
hygiene composition and a proper period of time to allow for
targeting of harmful bacteria, the user activates light source 14.
Longer bristles 16 on rotating brush-head 10 extend beyond standard
bristles 12 to remove plaque and photosensitive agent from
inter-dental and other hard to reach spaces. Water from the liquid
source may be applied via channel 18 to rinse away residue at the
close of the procedure. Brush head 10 represents a removable and
replaceable component in order to replace worn bristles. Cable 20
extends to an independent direct current source or plugs into a
wall socket for home and traveling use. Water channel 18 may
connect to a transportable reservoir for travel, or directly to a
faucet for home or travel use, using an expandable or replaceable
connector for fit. Light source 14 is an independent, replaceable
component for ease of switching worn bulbs or diodes. The diode or
lamp is available in different wavelengths to optimize radiation
with the absorption spectrum of the photosensitizing agent.
Hypericin has a wide absorption spectrum, making white light the
optimal source.
EXAMPLE #2
[0041] A dental device is designed in accordance with FIG. 2. The
embodiment is similar to FIG. 1, except that a laser source is used
in place of a lamp or diode as a radiation source. The laser
transmits from outlet 28, in the middle of rotating brush-head 22,
and around or adjacent to water source 18. The radiation provided
by the laser source is transported to the mouth through fluid
channel 32 by way of the waterjet, using the total reflection
method, or by way of a separate fiber. The separate bristles 24 may
also act as fiberoptic threads that transmit the laser. The water
source could also encircle the light source. Oral hygiene
composition is applied in similar terms to Example 1. The laser
source is activated and teeth are cleaned similar to Example 1.
Channel 32, fibers and outlet 28 are independent, removable
components of the device to ensure ease of replacement. Longer
bristles 30 ensure adequate cleaning in the interdental spaces. In
this embodiment, bristles acting as fiberoptic transmitters may
also transmit radiation into the interdental spaces.
EXAMPLE #3
[0042] A dental device or light source is designed in accordance
with FIG. 3. Source 44 provides power to the diode, laser, or light
source 40. Plastic body 42 is pliable, has joints, or employs other
means to ensure maneuverability and access to all areas of the oral
cavity. Oral hygiene composition is applied by means such as
gargling. Light source 40 is then activated, which initiates the
photosensitive agent. User then employs a conventional toothbrush
or other means to clean teeth and move away residue from teeth and
the remainder of the oral cavity. The light source 40 in FIG. 3 is
also removable to ensure cost-efficient replacement due to normal
wear and tear.
[0043] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with
reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments, and that
various changes and modifications may be effected therein by those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of
the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *