Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DENTAL FORMULATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No.
09/209,621,
filed December 11, 1998, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application
Serial No.
08/874,107 filed June 12, 1997, and directed to DENTAL FORMULATION.
Back 'round Of The Invention
Oral hygiene products have been in use for centuries. The most common of these
products, toothpaste, typically consists of a mild abrasive dispersed in a gel
or paste base, with
detergents added to aid in cleaning, and fluoride added to reduce tooth decay.
Nutritional
supplements have been in use for less than a century and typically are
supplied in forms to be
swallowed and digested for subsequent dispersal throughout the body. Over the
past one
hundred and fifty years certain medications have been formulated to be
absorbed directly
through the mucus membranes of the mouth. Building on the evidence of high
absorbability of
medications through the lining of the mouth, nutritional supplements are also
now recognized
to be able to be absorbed in this way. Further, homeopathic remedies have,
since their
inception, been routinely administered via this route.
Although oral hygiene products presently on the market adequately address the
need for
cleaning the teeth and administering fluoride, no existing product takes full
advantage of the
ability of such a product to deliver to the oral cavity such nutrients and
homeopathic remedies
as would most benefit those individuals suffering from gum disease and tooth
decay. It is well
recognized that certain nutritional supplements are essential in reducing host
susceptibility to
chronic disease in the mouth.
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Accordingly it would be desirable to provide a particular formulation of
nutrients,
including not only the more commonly used vitamins and minerals, but also
including
beneficial herbal ingredients as well as homeopathics, that act together to
reduce and prevent
major chronic diseases of the mouth.
Secondly, it would be desirable to provide such a formulation in a form
directly
absorbable through the mouth without need of assimilation through the
digestive system.
Thirdly, it would be desirable to combine this formulation into carriers in
common use,
such as toothpaste, mouthwash, or chewing gum, so that individuals can gain
the advantage of
use without the need for taking a pill.
Fourthly, it would be desirable to combine this information into carriers
commonly used
in the environment of the dental office, Garners such as dental prophylaxis
paste, oral
subgingival irrigation fluid, or biologically absorbable or nonresorbable
fiber matrices, so that
the benefits of these key, orally absorbable nutrients, homeopathic remedies,
and immune
system stimulators can become part of the existing armamentarium of dentists
and dental
hygienists.
Summary Of The Invention
Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an orally absorbable
improved
dental formulation is provided. The dental formulation includes a base to
which an active
component is added. The active component includes one or more ingredients for
physiologically andlor chemically reacting to the teeth or gums of a patient.
Particularly, the
active component comprises therein Vitamin C in an amount between about 10 and
25 weight
percent, and coenzyme Q-IO (or ubiquinone) in an amount between 10 and 25
weight percent.
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Optionally, Vitamin E may be added to the active component of the inventive
composition in an amount in the active component between about 10 and 25
weight percent.
Other ingredients that can be added to the active component include Vitamin A,
the plant-based
substance propolis, echinacea, and one or more homeopathic tissue salts.
In a preferred form, the inventive dental composition consists of a toothpaste
composition, which when used, boosts the user's immune response to gum disease
and tooth
decay in addition to cleaning the teeth and freshening the breath. Although a
toothpaste
composition is preferred, the inventive formulation may be used in conjunction
With a
mouthwash or chewing gum. It may be also used in conjunction with dental
treatment carriers
such as prophylaxis paste and irrigation fluids.
In an alternative embodiment, the active component will include ubiquinone,
but no
Vitamin C, the ubiquinone will be present in an amount therein of between 10
and 25 weight
percent. Other ingredients, as discussed above, may be added to the active
component.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved oral
dental
composition for enhancing the user's immune response to gum disease and tooth
decay.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a dental composition which
is edible
and safe.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a nutritionally active
dental
composition.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a biologically absorbable
dental
composition.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious,
and will in
part be apparent from the following description.
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The invention accordingly comprises the compositions embodying the features
and
construction, combination of elements and component parts as exemplified in
the detailed
disclosure hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be
indicated in the claims.
Detailed Description Of The Preferred Embodiments
The inventive dental formulation, exclusive of the base to which it is added,
includes,
based on the overall weight of the active component, Vitamin C, and any
precursor or
derivative form thereof, in an amount between 0 and 25 weight percent and
coenzyme Q-10
known as ubiquinone, in an amount also between about 10 and 25 weight percent.
The Vitamin
C component is in the form of either sodium ascorbate and/or calcium
ascorbate, both of which
are pH neutral, slightly abrasive, yet easily absorbable forms of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is used
in the inventive dental formulation in order to promote healing of the mouth
from gum disease,
and to reduce plaque build-up on the teeth. Coenzyme Q-10 is added to the
inventive dental
formulation for its known benefit in enhancing the health of the gums.
In addition to the Vitamin C and ubiquinone ingredients, the active component
of the
dental formulation of the invention may also include Vitamin E in an amount
between about 0
and 25 weight percent, also based on the weight of the active component.
Preferably, the
Vitamin E ingredient is added to the formulation in the form of d-alpha
tocopherol, which may
also contain in addition or instead d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta tocopherols.
This form of
Vitamin E is may also be alpha tocopherols andlor Vitamin E esters. The
Vitamin E ingredient
is added to the inventive formulation because of its recognized value in
promoting the healing
of gum tissue.
Other ingredients which may be added to the active component of the inventive
formulation include Vitamin A, propolis, echinacea, and one or more
homeopathic tissue salts.
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If Vitamin A is added, it is added in an amount between about 10 and 25 weight
percent bases
on the total weight of the active component. Vitamin A is preferably added in
the form of
water dispersed Vitamin A acetate, which is a dry fish oil free form of
Vitamin A having the
appearance of a beige powder. Vitamin A is added to the inventive formulation
for its
recognized value in the promotion of gum tissue healing.
Propolis is added to the active component of the inventive formulation in an
amount
between about 5 and 15 weight percent. Propolis is a plant-based substance
used by bees in the
construction of germ-free hives, and consists of a pale yellow powder.
Propolis is added to the
inventive formulation since it is well known to facilitate the fight against
bacterial infections,
for its stimulation of phagocytosis, for its use as a salve on abraded,
bruised or inflamed
mucous membranes, and otherwise for its overall stimulation of the immune
system.
Echinacea is added to the active component of the inventive formulation in an
amount
between about 3 and 10 weight percent. Echinacea is an herbal extract of the-
Purple Cone
Flower, and consists of a light brown liquid in a water/glycerin or water/10-
20% alcohol
vehicle. Echinacea is added to the dental formulation for its recognized
properties in boosting
the immune system so that the body is resistant to bacteria and viruses.
Echinacea is also
effective in reducing inflammation and stimulating lymphatic tissue drainage.
Grape seed extracts and other anti-oxidants, methyl sulfonyl methane,
pycnogenol, and
refined or unrefined cocoa. may also be added at levels of about 0% to 25% of
the active
component.
As discussed above, one or more homeopathic tissue salts may be included in
the active
component of the inventive formulation. The sales are added to the active
component in an
amount between 5 and 25 weight percent.
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In a preferred formulation, the homeopathic tissue salt ingredient will
consist of a
complex of twelve homeopathic remedies, known collectively as the biochemic
tissue salts.
These consist of the following homeopathic tissue salts, each of which is in a
potency in the
range of between about 3X and 15X, and existing in an 80% water/20% alcohol
medium.
Calc Fluor - used for its activity in reducing caries susceptibility and
improving tissue
elasticity.
Calc Phos - used for its activity in harmonizing bone and dental enamel
metabolism.
Calc Sulph - used for its activity in purifying the blood and the tissues of
the mouth, and
for its role in improving the odor of the breath.
Ferr Phos - used for its action in mitigating inflammation and boosting the
oxygen
carrying capacity of the blood.
Kali Mur- used for its activity in aiding the general healing response.
Kali Phos - used for its activity for improving gum tissue health. .
Kali Sulph - used for its activity in improving cellular metabolism and cell
detoxification.
Mag Phos - used for its activity as a general tissue tonic.
Nat Mur - used for improved salivary gland activity.
Nat Phos - used as an acid neutralizer and as an aid to nutrient absorption.
Nat Sulph - used to improve gum tissue tone and to aid cells in purging
intracellular
toxins.
Silica - used in elimination toxins from tissues and improving tissue tone.
Alternatively, the homeopathic tissue formulation will be a four salt form
comprising
calc fluor, calc phos, calc sulph and silica.
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In an alternative form, the active component of the inventive formulation will
include
ubiquinone in an amount in the active component of from 10 - 25 weight
percent. The Vitamin
C ingredient need not be added, but other active component ingredients can be
added.
In addition to the active component of the inventive dental formulation, an
optional
component may also be added to and mixed with the active component base. The
optional
component will consist of at least one of cranberry extract, stevia, tangerine
oil, and lemon oil.
The cranberry extract of the optional component would be present therein in an
amount
between about 20 and 50 weight percent. Cranberry extract is a red liquid of
the Viburnum
Oplus berry and is used in the formulation for its ability to prevent the
adherence of bacteria to
various structures of the mouth, as well as for its use as a flavoring agent.
Cranberry extract
may be bought from most conventional health food stores in either the form of
encapsulated
powder of the extract or in a liquid form.
Stevia may be added to the optional component formulation in an amount therein
between about 25 and 50 weight percent. Stevia is an herbal extract of the
Stevia Rebaudiana
plant, and comprises a clear, slightly syrupy liquid. Stevia is used in the
inventive formulation
for its natural sweetness, while at the same time inhibiting the formation of
plaque on teeth. It
also serves the purpose of balancing the salty taste that is associated with
the addition of
sodium ascorbate (Vitamin C). Further, stevia reduces the craving for other
plaque - and caries
- producing sweets.
Tangerine oil may be part of the optional component in an amount between about
10
and 25 weight percent. Tangerine oil is the essential oil of the common fruit
of the same name,
and is merely added as a natural flavoring agent.
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Lemon oil may also be added in an amount between about 10 and 25 weight
percent to
the optional component, and like the tangerine oil ingredient, it is the
essential oil of the
common fnzit of the same name. It is used in the composition as a natural
flavoring agent.
For a toothpaste, the base component of inventive formulation will include
water in an
amount between about 5 and 20 weight percent and glycerine in an amount
between about 10
and 40 weight percent. The base preferably also includes abrasives such as
calcium carbonate
in an amount between about 20 and 40 weight percent and silica in an amount
between about
20 and 40 weight percent. The water component can either be filtered,
distilled or deionized.
The glycerine component would preferably be vegetable glycerin, which is the
sweet syrupy
trihydroxy alcohol (C3H803) derived from the manufacture of vegetable soap. It
is added to the
base both as a moisturizer and lubricant of the mouth, as well as to
facilitate the cleansing of
the teeth and the absorption of nutrients. It further functions as a liquid
vehicle for forming the
ingredients into an appropriate consistency.
The calcium component comprises an edible powder thereof. The silica component
comprises an edible powder made by milling the mineral quartz. It is used in
the base of the
inventive formulation as a mild abrasive and consistency modulator.
Overall, the inventive formulation as a toothpaste will include an active
component
amount between about 8 and 33 weight percent, and a base component in an
amount between
65 and 90 weight percent. If one or more of the ingredients of the optional
component is
added, optional component will be present in the overall toothpaste
formulation in an amount
between about 0.5 and 5 weight percent.
The most preferred toothpaste formulation in weight percent is as follows:
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EXAMPLE 1
Calcium Carbonate 32%
Silica 26%
Glycerine 23
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin A 2%
Vitamin C 2%
Vitamin E 2%
Co-enzyme Q-10 1%
Propolis 0.6%
Echinacea 0.4%
Homeopathics 1
Cranberry Ext. 0.4%
Stevia Ext. 0.3%
Tangerine oil 0.17%
Lemon oil 0.13%
Other suitable formulations
for toothpaste composition
comprising both Vitamin C and
ubiquinone are as follows:
EXAMPLE 2
Calcium Carbonate32%
Silica 26%
Glycerine 23
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin C 3.0%
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Vitamin E 3.7%
Co-enzyme Q-10 3%
Tangerine oil 0.17%
Lemon oil 0.13
EXAMPLE 3
Calcium Carbonate32%
Silica 26%
Glycerine 23 %
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin A 3%
Vitamin C 3%
Co-enzyme Q-10 3%
Stevia Ext. 1
EXAMPLE 4
Calcium Carbonate32%
Silica 26%
Glycerine 23%
Deionized water 8%
Vitamin C 3%
Co-enzyme Q-10 3%
Propolis 0.5
Homeopathics 2%
Cranberry Ext. 2.5%
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Calcium Carbonate32%
Silica 26%
Glycerine 23
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin C 2.5%
Vitamin E 3.5%
Co-enzyme Q-10 2.5%
Echinacea 0.25
Cranberry Ext. 1.05%
Lemon oil 0.2%
EXAMPLE 6
Calcium Carbonate 32%
Silica 26%
Glycerine 23%
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin A 3.5%
Vitamin C 2.5%
Co-enzyme Q-10 2.5%
Homeopathics 0.5%
(four salt form)
Stevia Ext. 0.7%
Tangerine oil 0.17%
Lemon oil 0.13%
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Suitable formulations for the inventive toothpaste composition comprising just
ubiquinone and other ingredients in the active component (other than Vitamin
C) are as
follows:
EXAMPLE 7
Calcium Carbonate 32%
Silica 26%
Glycerine 23
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin E 4%
Co-enzyme Q-10 4%
Echinacea 0.2%
Homeopathics 0.5%
(four salt form)
Cranberry Ext. 1.1%
Tangerine oil 0.2%
EXAMPLE 8
Calcium Carbonate 32%
Silica 26%
Glycerine 23
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin A 4%
Co-enzyme Q-10 3.5%
Propolis 0.5%
Homeopathics 1%
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Cranberry Ext. 0.75%
Stevia Ext. 0.25%
The inventive formulation may also be in the form of a dental prophylaxis
paste. In this
form, the base component comprises water in an amount between about 5 and 25
weight
percent and glycerin in an amount between about 10 and 50 weight percent. It
may also
include calcium carbonate in an amount between about 20 and 40 weight percent,
and silica in
an amount between about 20 and 40 weight percent.
Overall, the inventive formulation as a prophylaxis paste will comprise
between about
and 50 weight percent of the active component, and 48 to 88 weight percent of
the base
component. The optional component may be added in an amount between about 0.5
and 2
weight percent.
The most preferred prophylaxis paste composition in percent by weight is as
follows:
EXAMPLE 9
Calcium Carbonate29%
Silica 25%
Glycerine 9%
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin A 5.5%
Vitamin C 5.5%
Vitamin E 5.5%
Co-enzyme Q-10 5.5%
Propolis 2%
Echinacea 2%
Homeopathics 1
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Cranberry Ext. 0.4%
Stevia Ext. 0.3%
Tangerine oil 0.17%
Lemon oil 0.13%
Other suitable formulation
for prophylaxis paste composition
comprising both Vitamin
C and ubiquinone are as follows:
EXAMPLE 10
Calcium Carbonate 29%
Silica 25%
Glycerine 9%
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin A 2%
Vitamin C ~ 8%
Vitamin E 7.5%
Co-enzyme Q-IO IO%
Tangerine oil 0.3%
Lemon oil 0.2%
EXAMPLE 11
Calcium Carbonate29%
Silica 25%
Glycerine 9%
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin C 8%
Vitamin E . 6.5%
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Co-enzyme Q-10 10%
Echinacea 0.5%
Cranberry Ext. 2.8%
Lemon oil 0.2%
EXAMPLE 12
Calcium Carbonate 29%
Silica 25%
Glycerine 9%
Deionized water 9%
Vitamin A 8.5%
Vitamin C 8%
Co-enzyme Q-10 10%
Homeopathics 0.5
(four salt form)
Stevia Ext. 0.7%
Tangerine oil 0.17%
Lemon oil 0.13%
One possible formulation for a prophylaxis
paste composition comprising just
ubiquinone and other ingredients
in the active component (other than
Vitamin C) is as follows:
EXAMPLE 13
Calcium Carbonate 27%
Silica 23%
Glycerine 10%
Deionized water 12%
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Vitamin E I3%
Co-enzyme Q-10 13%
Echinacea 0.5%
Homeopathics 0.5%
(four salt form)
Cranberry Ext. 0.8%
Tangerine oil 0.2%
Tn order to prepare the inventive formulation, the required amounts of Vitamin
A
powder, Vitamin C powder, Vitamin E powder, Propolis, and Co-enzyme Q-10 are
first
combined and milled together to yield a uniformly textured fine powder, which
is the sum of
the dry ingredients of the formulation.
Separately, the required amount of glycerine, water-, homeopathic tissue
salts,
Echinacea extract, Cranbeury extract, Stevia extract, Tangerine oil, and Lemon
oil are
combined and thoroughly mixed. Essential oils such as lemon and tangerine oil
may be use as
solubilizers for the non-water soluble components of the active ingredient
blend.
The dry ingredients of the formulation are then slowly added to the liquid
ingredients
while mixing, until a homogeneous slurry is produced.
Other possible delivery systems for the inventive formulation herein include
toothpaste,
prophylaxis paste or gel, coated dental floss, coated interproximal dental
brush, mouthwash,
resorbable membrane for application to gums and oral mucosa, chewing gum,
lozenge,
topically applied gel - either tray or directly to the gums and teeth, for use
by patient and/or
dental professional, topically applied solution, coated toothbrush, candy-gum
drops, chocolate
pieces or bars, nougats, etc., probably sugar free and non-cariogenic and
nutritional
supplements either for topical application or for ingestion.
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To this slurry, the required amount of the milled calcium carbonate and silica
powder is
added incrementally while stirnng until all of this powder has been
incorporated, resulting in a
homogenous mass of a suitable, paste-like composition for use as, on the one
hand, the p
composition of the invention, or, on the other hand, the dental prophylaxis
paste composition of
the invention.
In still a further form, the inventive formulation will include a base and at
least one of
cranberry extract in an amount between about 0.1 and 5 weight percent and
stevia (a specific
herbal extract) in an amount between about 0.1 and 4. weight percent, the
weight percents based
on the overall weight of the formulation. One or more active component
ingredients, as
discussed hereinabove, may be added to this alternative formulation.
Examples of this additional embodiment as a toothpaste composition are as
follows:
EXAMPLE 14
Calcium Carbonate 35%
Silica 31
Glycerine 26%
Deionized water 6%
Cranberry Ext. 1.~%
Lemon oil 0.2%
EXAMPLE 15
Calcium Carbonate 35%
Silica 32%
Glycerine 16.5
Deionized water S,°
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Propolis 1
Echinacea 0.4%
Homeopathics 0.5%
Stevia Ext. 0.6%
Examples of this additional
embodiment as a prophylaxis
paste composition are as
follows:
EXAMPLE 16
Calcium Carbonate35%
Silica 32%
Glycerine 16.5%
Deionized water 14.5%
Cranberry Ext. 1.8%
Lemon oil 0.2%
EXAMPLE 17
Calcium Carbonate 36%
Silica 31%
Glycerine 15.5
Deionized water 13.5%
Propolis 1.0%
Echinacea 1.0%
Homeopathics 1.0%
Stevia Ext. 1.0%
It will thus be seen that the objects
set forth above, among those made
apparent from
the preceding description, are efficientlysince certain changes may
attained, and be made in the
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above compositions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as
illustrative, and not in a
limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to all of
the generic
and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of
the scope of the
invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there
between.
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