Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – Dentifrices
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-04
2001-05-15
Rose, Shep K. (Department: 1614)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
Dentifrices
C424S055000, C424S058000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231836
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to solutions for cleaning the teeth and gums. Specifically, the present invention is a non-alcoholic dentifrice for controlling inflammation and infection of the gums, inhibiting bacterial growth, controlling bad breath, and encouraging wound healing, immunity, and tissue growth of the teeth and gums.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Medical studies estimate that as many as 75% of adults in the United States suffer from some form of gum disease. This is a significant medical problem because, in its advance stages, gum disease can cause teeth to loosen and, eventually, fall out. Thus, gum disease is believed to be a leading cause of tooth loss.
Among gum diseases, gingivitis is the most common. Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums. In its early stages, gingivitis causes minor symptoms such as bad breath, bleeding, and sensitivity of the gums. However, in its advanced stages, the gingivitis-causing bacteria cause swelling and irritation of the gums and can lead to more severe forms of periodontal disease.
For example, gingivitis-causing bacteria in plaque between the teeth and gums can, if left untreated, cause infection of the gums. This infection can damage the tooth and gum tissue causing loosening of the teeth. As the teeth loosen, further buildup of bacteria-infested plaque occurs. This self-reinforcing cycle eventually causes the loose teeth to loosen to the point that they fall out or require extraction.
The most commonly recommended preventative for gum disease is regular flossing and brushing of the teeth. Brushing and flossing cleans food and other material from the teeth and prevents a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Dentists also recommend annual or semi-annual visits to a dentist for examination and professional tooth cleaning.
The drawback to these methods are that the toothpastes used are typically not made from natural ingredients but may include synthetic chemicals. Further, brushing and flossing may not reach all the surfaces of the teeth. For example, the rear surfaces of the back teeth may not be effectively cleaned. Likewise, a common place for bacterial buildup is along loose fillings or crowns which cannot be cleaned with floss or a toothbrush.
Alternatively or additionally, mouthwashes may be used to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Mouthwashes are typically solutions containing, as their active ingredient, alcohol to kill the bacteria which cause gum disease. These mouthwashes are usually effective in killing the bacteria and in reaching areas which are difficult or impossible to reach with a toothbrush or floss.
However, mouthwashes which include alcohol can cause other dental problems. Specifically, alcohol in the mouthwash can cause a dry mouth which can result in laryngitis and swallowing difficulties. More importantly, because the teeth are not properly lubricated, a dry mouth can allow food to stick to the teeth. Thus, the frequent use of mouthwashes may actually contribute to plaque buildup.
It can be seen, therefore, that there is a need in the art for a product, and a process for making a product, for rinsing the mouth which can clean the surfaces of the teeth and kill bacteria on all the exposed areas of the teeth using natural constituents without the side effects caused by alcohol.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A dentifrice, either a mouthwash solution or a toothpaste, includes nutritional supplements which aid in cell reproduction, immunity, and wound healing and herbal supplements having anti-bacterial properties and anti-inflammatory properties. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a solution is made which includes the nutrients zinc and folic acid and the herbal supplements clove oil and myrrh oil. In an optional embodiment, the solution includes 25% by mass clove oil, 25% by mass myrrh oil, 10% by mass folic acid, 10% by mass zinc, and 30% by mass water. In such an optional embodiment, 5 milliliters of solution optionally includes 0.5 milligrams zinc, 0.5 milligrams folic acid, 1.25 milligrams clove oil, 1.25 milligrams myrrh oil and 1.5 milligrams water.
The solution is made using powdered zinc and liquid folic acid, myrrh oil, and clove oil. The manufacture takes place at ambient pressure and room temperature. The toothpaste embodiment may additionally include a thickening agent to give a paste-like consistency.
In use, a user pours a dose into the user's mouth and swishes vigorously for between thirty and sixty seconds. The user then expels the mouthwash from the mouth.
It is an object the mouthwash embodiment of the present invention to provide a solution which can clean areas of the teeth and gums which cannot be reached with floss or a toothbrush. A further object of the present invention is to provide an dentifrice to inhibit the bacteria which grow on plaque. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mouthwash and toothpaste that can help control bad breath. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice which includes natural constituents and does not cause the side effects of alcohol-based mouthwashes.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4272512 (1981-06-01), Gaffar
patent: 4335110 (1982-06-01), Collins
patent: 4376115 (1983-03-01), McCorey
patent: 4469674 (1984-09-01), Shah et al.
patent: 4683133 (1987-07-01), Southard
patent: 5066483 (1991-11-01), Harkrader et al.
patent: 5817297 (1998-10-01), Ha et al.
patent: 5925335 (1999-07-01), Shuch et al.
Takhtalian Robert
Takhtalian Yvonne M.
Anderson & Morishita
Morishita Robert Ryan
Rose Shep K.
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