Toilet – Toothpick
Reexamination Certificate
2001-12-17
2003-09-16
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3732)
Toilet
Toothpick
C132S200000, C424S049000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06619299
ABSTRACT:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS
Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to dental flosses and, specifically, to flavour enhanced whitening dental flosses (FEWD flosses) which reduce dental decay, whiten teeth, and taste remarkably good.
It is generally recognized by the dental profession that plaques, including those that are found between the interproximal surfaces of teeth, are a major cause of both dental decay and inflammatory periodontal disease. These plaques, which can contain 250 or more separate microbial species, use sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates to produce polymers which bind the organisms to the surface of teeth and acids which cause their demineralization. In the first stages, a carious lesion does not contain an actual cavity but with prolonged and repeated demineralization by these plaque created acids, a cavity will form. Thus, each time something sweet is consumed plaques produce approximately 20 minutes of oral acid which, in turn, seriously contributes to dental demineralization.
Furthermore, plaques, if not removed will in time form calculus, and calculus, is the mineralized bacterial plaque deposits found on teeth, restorations, and other solid oral structures. Invariably, calculus is covered by a film of plaque, the organisms of which also occupy its porous structure. Its composition is generally made up of seventy percent organic salts, and a thirty percent combination of micro-organisms and organic material. Moreover, its formation is always preceded by plaque accumulation which serves as an organic matrix for the subsequent mineralization of the deposit. Mineralization, by the precipitation of the mineral salts in plaque can start at any time from the second to the fourteenth day of plaque formation, but some individuals can begin to calcify plaque in four to eight hours. Initially, small crystals develop close to these bacteria. Then, gradually, the intermicrobial matrix becomes entirely calcified and eventually the bacteria itself also becomes mineralized.
As a result, the presence of calculus not only makes effective oral hygiene impossible but can also seriously irritate gum tissues. Thus, its prevention and or removal to help control the inception or progression of inflammatory periodontal disease is of great importance. It is also the reason why dental professionals have always recommended flossing, in addition to the conventional practice of using a brush and dentifrice, for flossing clears the interproximal surfaces of the teeth in a manner that a toothbrush, with or without a dentifrice, cannot achieve. With this two step cleaning method effective oral hygiene is, therefore, greatly improved.
In addition to the various problems created by plaques consumers have always desired the cosmetic beauty of white shiny teeth. However, the stains and discolorment found in and around the interproximal surfaces of teeth are not only difficult to remove but are also difficult to prevent. Moreover, treatments for this condition are only available from professional dental practitioners, certain dentifrices, some mouthwashes, and one floss. Unfortunately, professional dental practitioners are invariably expensive, time consuming, and not always effective, whereas, a brush and dentifrice alone are ineffective in cleaning, let alone actually whitening, the interproximal surfaces of teeth. Mouthwashes have been suggested by the prior art but as yet no commercial products have been realized that can efficiently clean or whiten these interproximal dental surfaces. A whitening floss has also been suggested by the prior art—specifically U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,050. However, this floss, while effective, releases only modest levels of flavouring.
As a result, there is presently an unfulfilled need in the general public for a convenient, effective, and inexpensive solution to help whiten interproximal and subgingival dental surfaces, maintain this whiteness over extended periods, and to do it in a good tasting and pleasant manner. To this end, the invention detailed herein addresses these failings by providing a more effective and desirable solution than can be currently achieved.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
The invention disclosed herein overcomes many of the drawbacks listed in the prior art while also providing a more effective solution and improved performance over presently used dental flosses. In addition, some of the objects and advantages associated with this invention are described below. Others will become apparent as the description proceeds.
Objects:
(1) To provide various formulations, for use upon dental flosses, that are not only help whiten interproximal and subgingival dental surfaces but also taste good.
(2) To provide a new and improved method of making said formulations.
(3) To help reduce oral plaques and the dental problems they cause.
Advantages:
(1) The flavour enhanced whitening dental floss disclosed herein utilizes extremely small titanium dioxide particles which can be absorbed or otherwise retained by the enamel of the teeth. The result provides not only extended whiteness but a smooth finish that resists discoloration and attack.
(2) The delivery of the titanium dioxide particles to the interproximal surfaces and subgingival areas of the teeth is superior to any brush and dentifrice or mouthwash presently available.
(3) The enhanced flavour characteristics of a flavour enhanced whitening dental floss is superior to any other similar floss currently available.
(4) Fluoride based compounds may be used within the flavour enhanced whitening dental floss to significantly reduce the incidence of dental decay.
(5) In addition to pigmenting the enamel surfaces of teeth, titanium dioxide can be used as a mild abrading agent to help clean these same surfaces. Cleaner dental surfaces will, in turn, not only reduce dental decay but will also increase the effectiveness of most pigmenting agents, fluorides, and other medicaments.
(6) Professional dental personnel are not required. This not only reduces time but cost as well.
(7) The ingredients employed by the flavour enhanced whitening dental floss of this disclosure are cost competitive.
(8) The cost and mechanics of incorporating into the flavour enhanced whitening dental floss the various ingredients disclosed herein are both inexpensive and technically favourable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention disclosed herein details a flavour enhanced whitening dental floss which can reduce dental plaques, and improve the interproximal and subgingival whiteness of teeth. Moreover, the enhanced flavour characteristics of this new floss are not only exceptional but long lasting as well.
To begin, dental plaques, which can contain 250 or more separate microbial species, use sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates to produce polymers which binds them to the tooth surface and acids which cause dental demineralization. In time, these plaques will produce caries and form calculus. The establishment of calculus can seriously irritate gum tissues and so promote the advance of periodontal disease. Do to its porous structure calculus can also harbour a multitude of bacterial plaques and so promote its continued spread. This makes effective oral hygiene impossible. Dental plaques are also capable of producing various offensive odours which, while not harmful, are self-evident in their undesirability.
In addition to the various problems created by plaques, consumers have always desired the cosmetic beauty of white shiny teeth. However, the stains and discolorment found in and around the interproximal surfaces of teeth are not only difficult to remove but are also difficult to prevent. Treatments for this condition are, however, only available from professional dental practitioners, certain dentifrices, some mouthwashes, and one floss. Unfortunately, professional dental practitioners are invariably expensive, time consuming, and not always effective, whereas, a brush and dentifrice alone are ineffective in clea
Marcon Robert Victor
Nash Lawrence Wayne
Comstock David C
Shaver Kevin
LandOfFree
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