of 1 DOCUMENT
WO2009134783A1 2009-11-05 PRODUCTS AND METHODS FOR DISCLOSING CONDI-TIONS IN THE ORAL CAVITY (en)
English Abstract:
An oral hygiene implement may include a body having a handle region and a head region, the head having cleaning elements extending therefrom, an energy source disposed in the head region, wherein the energy source is capable of providing visible light having a wave-length of between about 380 nm to about 700 nm, and a device for filtering visible light of predetermined wavelengths reflected from portions of an oral cavity and for transmission of energy resulting from the fluorescence from a disclosing agent. An oral hygiene kit may include a fluorescent agent capable of highlighting a condition within an oral cavity and one or more of oral hygiene devices and/or implements having an energy source capable of providing elec-tromagnetic energy and a device for filtering. A method of identifying oral conditions within an oral cavity that includes applying an oral composition to the oral cavity, wherein the oral com-position comprises a fluorescent agent, and wherein the disclosing agent is present within the oral composition from about 0.001 weight percent to about 10% weight percent, applying en-ergy from an energy source to the oral cavity, filtering at predetermined wavelengths the re-flected visible light from portions of the oral cavity, and viewing the filtered visible light from the fluorescent agent, which indicates conditions within the oral cavity.
Applicants/Assignees: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY , One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202, 45202, United States of America;
WALANSKI, Amy, Ann , 16 Nicholson Road, Fairfield, OH 45014, 45014, United States of America;
SAGEL, Paul, Albert , 1170 Craig Court, Maineville, OH 45039, 45039, United States of Amer-ica
Inventors: WALANSKI, Amy, Ann , 16 Nicholson Road, Fairfield, OH 45014, 45014, United States of America;
SAGEL, Paul, Albert , 1170 Craig Court, Maineville, OH 45039, 45039, United States of Amer-ica
Attorneys: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY, c/o Eileen L. Hughett, Global Patent Services, 299 East Sixth Street , Sycamore Building, 4th Floo, Cincinnati, OH 45202, 45202, United States of America
Application Number: WOUS09041953 W
Application/Filing Date: 2009-04-28
Priority Number and Date: US 61049904 2008-05-02
National States: AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP, KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PG, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW
Europe States: AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, TR
Eurasia States: AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM
ARIPO States: BW, GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW
OAPI States: BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG
Classifications: ECLA: A61B5/00P8; A61K8/49H2; A61Q11/00 IPC-1-8: A61B5/00 20090101CFI20091105BHEP (20090101) CoreFirst20091105 (C F I B H EP)
IPC-ADDL-CL: A61B5/00 20060101AFI20091105BHEP (20060101) Advanced-First20091105 (A F I B H EP)
IPC-ADDL-CL: A61K8/30 20090101CLI20091105BHEP (20090101) Core-Later20091105 (C L I B H EP)
IPC-ADDL-CL: A61K8/49 20060101ALI20091105BHEP (20060101) Advanced-Later20091105 (A L I B H EP)
IPC-ADDL-CL: A61Q11/00 20090101CLI20091105BHEP (20090101) Core-Later20091105 (C L I B H EP)
IPC-ADDL-CL: A61Q11/00 20060101ALI20091105BHEP (20060101) Advanc-edLater20091105 (A L I B H EP)
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Non-Patent References Cited: XP009122149Technological background (A)O\'BRIEN W J ET AL: \"Use of a dual filter-mirror device with a fluorescent plaque disclosant\" 1 January 1984 (1984-01-01), CLINICAL PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY,, PAGE(S) 13 - 16 , XP009122149 the whole document
English Description:
PRODUCTS AND METHODS FOR DISCLOSING CONDITIONS IN THE ORAL
CAVITY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a plaque disclosing system, and particularly to a denti-frice with a fluorescent dye and a lighted toothbrush that can illuminate residual dye in a user\'s mouth, as well as reduce visual indicia of dye staining on the toothbrush.
Although many innovations have been made in the field of oral health care, there is a con-tinuing need for a system which can identify conditions, e.g. remaining dental plaque, within the oral cavity. Additionally, there is a need for a system which can facilitate the removal of some of these conditions, e.g. plaque removal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Some aspects of the present invention pertain to instruments / devices which comprise an energy source and a device for filtering. The energy source on the instrument / device is capa-ble of supplying energy to a disclosing agent thereby activating the disclosing agent, thereby initiating the visual contrast, and the device for filtering filters predetermined wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, thereby aiding the observance of the visual contrast of the disclosing agent.
Other aspects of the present invention pertain to kits which comprise at least one oral composition according to the present invention and at least one instrument / device according to the present invention. The kits of the present invention may be utilized to provide visual in-dication to the user and/or observer and to assist in the alleviation of the condition, e.g. re-moval of plaque, tartar, etc.
Other aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of identifying conditions within the oral cavity and/or methods of removal / alleviating the conditions within the oral cavity. For example, where an oral composition in accordance with the present invention is applied to the oral cavity, after a first brushing period, remaining plaque may be indicated as a condition. As such, a user / observer may rebrush the areas where remaining plaque is indicated, thereby removing the indicated condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
FIG. IA is a plan view showing a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present in-vention;
FIG. IB is a close up plan view showing a head region and a neck region of the toothbrush of FIG. IA;
FIG. 2 is a partial cross sectional view showing an embodiment of the head region and neck region of FIG. IB;
FIG. 3A is an exploded partial cross sectional view showing an embodiment of the head re-gion and neck region of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3B is an exploded partial cross sectional view showing an embodiment of the head re-gion and neck region of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4A is a partial cross sectional view showing another embodiment of a head and neck region of a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 4B is a close up plan view showing the head region and the neck region of FIG. 4A; FIG. 5 is a graph show-ing a correlation between dosage, concentration of disclosing agent, intensity of energy source, and amount of dentifrice used;
FIG. 6 is a partial side view showing a head of a toothbrush and a light angle for an LED in the head of the toothbrush;
FIG. 7A is a plan view of a toothbrush head according to another embodiment of the pre-sent invention;
FIG. 7B is a side view of the toothbrush head of FIG. 7A; FIGS. 8 -11 shows another em-bodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 shows graph depicting filter properties; and
FIGS. 13-16 shows further embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Definitions and Conventions
All percentages and ratios used hereinafter are by weight of total composition, unless oth-erwise indicated.
All measurements referred to herein are made at 250C unless otherwise specified.
\"Compatible\" in reference to an additional ingredient of a composition means that the addi-tional ingredient can be commingled with the other ingredients of the composition without in-teraction in a manner which would substantially reduce the composition\'s stability and/or effi-cacy.
As used herein, the terms \"oral condition\" and \"condition\" are used to refer to dental plaque, tartar, debris, tooth decay, bio films, soft tissue abnormalities, soft tissue lesions, etc. within the oral cavity.
As used herein, the terms \"plaque\" and \"dental plaque\" are used to refer to a biofilm that builds up on teeth, on gingival tissue, oral hard tissue, and/or oral soft tissue.
\" laque bacteria\" means bacteria that causes plaque to form.
The term \"dentifrice\", as used herein, means paste, gel, powder, or liquid formulations unless otherwise specified, used to treat the surfaces of the oral cavity. The dentifrice compo-sition may be a single phase composition or may be a combination of two or more separate dentifrice compositions. The dentifrice composition may be in any desired form, such as deep striped, surface striped, multilayered, having the gel surrounding the paste, a sheath/core ar-rangement, a co-extruded sheath / core arrangement, or any combination thereof. Each denti-frice composition in a dentifrice comprising two or more separate dentifrice compositions may be contained in a physically separated compartment of a dispenser and dispensed side-by-side or may be striped without physical separation. As used herein, the term \"disclosing agent\" describes agents, elements, materials, compositions, or compounds, which indicate an oral condition to a user and/or an observer other than the user. For the purposes of the present invention, a \"disclosing agent\" can render conditions within the oral cavity more visible than non-conditions within the oral cavity.
The term \"dispenser\", as used herein, means any pump, tube, package, or container suit-able for dispensing oral compositions.
As used herein the term \"energy source\" includes any electrically powered element that can convert electrical energy at the place where the element is disposed. For example, a light emitting element can convert electrical energy into light at the location where the element is disposed; such as on a head region of a toothbrush. As another example, a light emitting ele-ment can convert electrical energy into light at the location where the element is disposed and have the light transferred to another area of a device. For the purposes of the present inven-tion, any suitable energy source may suffice, e.g. light emitting diodes, light-emitting elements using incandescent elements, laser elements, halogen elements, neon elements, fluorescent elements, plasma elements, xenon elements, flossing elements, massaging elements, scraping elements, heat emitting elements, sonic wave emitting elements, ultrasound emitting element, electric current emitting elements, composition emitting elements, infrared emitting elements, ultraviolet emitting elements, and/or any combination thereof.
\"Fluoresces\" describes the emission of energy, e.g. visible light, due to the absorption of energy.
\"Fluorescing color\" describes the color of agents, elements, materials, compositions, or compounds, while fluorescing.
\"Fluorophore\" describes agents, elements, materials, compositions, or compounds which \"fluoresce\" regardless of whether the emission of energy is essentially immediately after ab-sorption of energy, coincident with the absorption of energy, or if the emission of energy is delayed after absorption of energy.
\"Include\" and its variants are non- limiting in the sense that recitation of items \"included\" in a list does not exclude other items. \"Marbled\" refers to a striped design with a veined and/or mottled appearance similar to marble.
As used herein, the terms \"microcapsule\" and \"microencapsulate\" are used interchangeably to describe small capsules, typically having a diameter of less than 1000 microns which contain an active material, e.g. disclosing agent.
\"Visually perceptible\" means visible to a user or a third person.
\"Ambient light\" refers to the light normally encountered in a room, whether supplied by sunlight or lamps (i.e. light bulbs) used for conventional room lighting. Generally, ambient light includes the majority of or all wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum within the visible spectrum.
\"Oral care composition\" or \"oral composition\" means a product which in the ordinary course of usage can be retained in the oral cavity for contacting selected dental surfaces and/or oral tissues for purposes of oral activity. In addition to cleaning teeth to remove dental plaque, oral care compositions may be used to prevent formation of dental calculus and disorders such as caries, periodontitis and gingivitis, and also to eliminate and prevent oral malodor or halitosis and staining. Some examples of oral care product forms are toothpastes, dentifrices, tooth gels, subgingival gels, foams, mouthrinses, denture products, mouthsprays, lozenges, chewable tablets or chewing gums and strips or films for direct application or attachment to oral surfaces including any hard or soft oral tissues.
\"Orally acceptable additive\" means any additive which is now known, or hereinafter be-comes known, as a safe and effective additive for an oral care composition. Examples include conventional additives in oral care compositions including but not limited to fluoride ion sources, anti-calculus or anti-tartar agents, desensitizing agents, teeth whitening agents such as peroxide sources, abrasives such as silica, herbal agents, chelating agents, buffers, anti- staining agents, alkali metal bicarbonate salts, thickening materials, humectants, water, sur-factants, titanium dioxide, flavor system, sweetening agents, xylitol, coloring agents, and mix-tures thereof.
\"referentially indicates\", in the context of a disclosing agent, means that in an oral cavity containing various different tissues (e.g., lips, tongue, gums), uncovered tooth enamel, tooth enamel covered by or encrusted with plaque, and optional dental work (e.g. amalgams, inlays, crowns, bridges, etc.), the disclosing agent indicates the presence of the conditions within the oral cavity when energy from an energy source is applied to the disclosing agent as opposed to indicating the entirety of the oral cavity.
\"Stripes\" or \"ribbons\" mean a phase in a composition which occupies a separate but distinct physical space inside a package in which it is stored, but is in direct contact with another \"stripe\". The stripes may be relatively uniform and even across the dimension of the package. Alternatively, the stripes may be uneven, e.g. wavy, or may be non-uniform in dimension. The stripes do not necessarily extend across the entire dimension of the package. The stripes may comprise various geometric patterns.
\"Teeth\" refers to one or more natural teeth as well as one or more artificial teeth or dental prosthesis.
\"Visually distinctive\" describes compositions that display visually different phases. These different phases are either distinctively separate or partially mixed as long as the multiple liq-uid phase composition remains visually perceptible.
The present invention provides products, systems, and methods for indicating conditions within the oral cavity. While the oral compositions described herein may disclose at least one of a number of conditions within the oral cavity, for the sake of simplicity, the discussion below will focus mainly on plaque and similar debris. Similarly, while the present invention contem-plates the usage of any oral care device which can be equipped with an energy source, for the sake of simplicity, the discussion hereafter will focus on a toothbrush which is equipped with an energy source.
ORAL COMPOSITIONS
Disclosing Agents
The oral compositions of the present invention include a disclosing agent or a plurality of disclosing agents. The disclosing agent of the present invention can be utilized to provide vis-ual indication of oral conditions to an observer and/or user. The visual indication of oral condi-tions to the observer and/or user can assist the observer and/or user in removal of the condi-tions or in identifying conditions which should be treated by a professional, e.g. dentist, oral surgeon, etc.
The disclosing agents of the present invention may visually indicate a condition within the oral cavity by providing a visual contrast between the conditions of the oral cavity and other tissues and surfaces within the oral cavity. For example, a disclosing agent may be selected such that when the disclosing agent is subjected to energy from an energy source, the disclos-ing agent fluoresces at locations of the oral conditions. Other examples of providing visual contrast are discussed hereafter. As a specific example, the disclosing agent may be applied to the oral cavity and visually highlight and/or indicate remaining plaque to a user and/or ob-server.
In some embodiments, any agents, materials, elements, compounds, or compositions, which will absorb light energy at a first range of wavelengths and, in response, emit light at second range of wavelengths can be a suitable disclosing agent, so long as it is safe for use in the manner intended here. In some embodiments, the first range of wavelengths may be dif-ferent than the second range of wavelengths. For example, the disclosing agent may comprise a fluorophore.
Some examples of suitable disclosing agents include fluorescein, dibromofluoroscein, tri-bromofluoroscein, tetrabromofluoroscein, other fluorescein derivatives (including salts thereof), xanthenes, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, B-vitamins, quinine, pyrenes, e.g. pyranine, D&C Blue No. 1, D&C Blue No. 2, D&C Green No. 3, D&C Red No. 3, D&C Red No. 6, D&C Red No. 7, D&C Red No. 21, D&C Red No. 22, D&C Red No. 27, D&C Red No. 28, D&C Red No. 33, D&C Red No. 40, D&C Yellow No. 5, D&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, combinations thereof or any other dye approved for use in drugs and cosmetics by regulatory agencies such as, for exam-ple, The United States Food and Drug Administration. Other suitable disclosing agents may in-clude dyes sold under the trade name Alexafluor™by Invitrogen Corporation located in Carls-bad, California. Some examples of disclosing agents which generally exhibit excitation when exposed to blue light are dibromofluorescein, fluorescein, riboflavin, pyranine. These disclosing agents are available from Spectrum Chemical located in Gardena, California, United States. In embodiments where the disclosing agent comprises a fluorophore, the disclosing agent may be selected such that the disclosing agent fluoresces in response to electromagnetic energy hav-ing wavelengths which range from about 380 nm to about 780 nm, or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the disclosing agent may fluoresce in response to electromagnetic energy having wavelengths which are greater than about 380 nm, greater than about 390 nm, greater than about 400 nm, greater than about 410 nm, greater than about 420 nm, greater than about 430 nm, greater than about 440 nm, greater than about 450 nm, greater than about 460 nm, greater than about 470 nm, greater than about 480 nm, greater than about 490 nm, greater than about 500 nm, greater than about 510 nm, greater than about 520 nm, greater than about 530 nm, greater than about 540 nm, greater than about 550 nm, greater than about 560 nm, greater than about 570 nm, greater than about 580 nm, greater than about 590 nm, greater than about 600 nm, greater than about 610 nm, greater than about 620 nm, greater than about 630 nm, greater than about 640 nm, greater than about 650 nm, greater than about 660 nm, greater than about 670 nm, greater than about 680 nm, greater than about 690 nm, greater than about 700 nm, greater than about 710 nm, greater than about 720 nm, greater than about 730 nm, greater than about 740 nm, greater than about 750 nm, greater than about 760 nm and/or less than about 780 nm, less than about 770 nm, less than about 760 nm, less than about 750 nm, less than about 740 nm, less than about 730 nm, less than about 720 nm, less than about 710 nm, less than about 700 nm, less than about 690 nm, less than about 680 nm, less than about 670 nm, less than about 660 nm, less than about 650 nm, less than about 640 nm, less than about 630 nm, less than about 620 nm, less than about 610 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 590 nm, less than about 580 nm, less than about 570 nm, less than about 560 nm, less than about 550 nm, less than about 540 nm, less than about 530 nm, less than about 520 nm, less than about 510 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 490 nm, less than about 480 nm, less than about 470 nm, less than about 460 nm, less than about 450 nm, less than about 440 nm, less than about 430 nm, less than about 420 nm, less than about 410 nm, or less than about 400 nm.
In some embodiments, the disclosing agent may fluoresce in response to electromagnetic energy having wavelengths which are from about 400 nm to about 530 nm. For example, in one specific embodiment, the disclosing agent fluoresces in response to electromagnetic en-ergy having a wavelength of about 470 nm. In other embodiments, the disclosing agent may fluoresce in response to electromagnetic energy having wavelengths between about 400 nm to about 440 nm. In other embodiments, the disclosing agent may fluoresce in response to electromagnetic energy having wavelengths between about 440 nm to about 530 nm. Addi-tionally, embodiments are contemplated where the disclosing agent fluoresces in response to electromagnetic energy having wavelengths which are outside of the visible light spectrum, e.g. either higher or lower, combinations of higher and lower, and/or combinations of higher, lower, and visible spectrum. For example, embodiments are contemplated where the disclosing agent fluoresces in response to ultraviolet light, e.g. UVA about 315 nm to about 400 nm; UVB about 280 nm to about 315 nm; and/or UVC less than about 280 nm.
In some embodiments, the disclosing agent may emit electromagnetic energy having wavelengths of greater than about 400 nm. For example, disclosing agent useful in the present invention may emit electromagnetic energy having wavelengths which are greater than about 410 nm, greater than about 420 nm, greater than about 430 nm, greater than about 440 nm, greater than about 450 nm, greater than about 460 nm, greater than about 470 nm, greater than about 480 nm, greater than about 490 nm, greater than about 500 nm, greater than about 510 nm, greater than about 520 nm, greater than about 530 nm, greater than about 540 nm, greater than about 550 nm, greater than about 560 nm, greater than about 570 nm, greater than about 580 nm, greater than about 590 nm, greater than about 600 nm, greater than about 610 nm, greater than about 620 nm, greater than about 630 nm, greater than about 640 nm, greater than about 650 nm, greater than about 660 nm, greater than about 670 nm, greater than about 680 nm, greater than about 690 nm, greater than about 700 nm, greater than about 710 nm, greater than about 720 nm, greater than about 730 nm, greater than about 740 nm, greater than about 750 nm, greater than about 760 nm and/or less than about 780 nm, less than about 770 nm, less than about 760 nm, less than about 750 nm, less than about 740 nm, less than about 730 nm, less than about 720 nm, less than about 710 nm, less than about 700 nm, less than about 690 nm, less than about 680 nm, less than about 670 nm, less than about 660 nm, less than about 650 nm, less than about 640 nm, less than about 630 nm, less than about 620 nm, less than about 610 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 590 nm, less than about 580 nm, less than about 570 nm, less than about 560 nm, less than about 550 nm, less than about 540 nm, less than about 530 nm, less than about 520 nm, less than about 510 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 490 nm, less than about 480 nm, less than about 470 nm, less than about 460 nm, less than about 450 nm, less than about 440 nm, less than about 430 nm, less than about 420 nm, or less than about 410 nm. While fluorescing, the disclosing agent may absorb energy from the energy source where the energy has a first range of wavelengths having a first band maxima (k&) and may emit energy at a second range of wavelengths having a second band maxima (λE). The difference (in frequency or wavelength) between (λβ) and (k&) is termed the emission-absorbance shift. In some em-bodiments, the emission-absorbance shift of the disclosing agent can be greater than about 10 nm, greater than about 20 nm, greater than about 30 nm, greater than about 40 nm, greater than about 50 nm, greater than about 60 nm, greater than about 70 nm, greater than about 80 nm, greater than about 90 nm, greater than about 100 nm, greater than about 125 nm, greater than about 150 nm, greater than about 200 nm, greater than about 250 nm, greater than about 300 nm, greater than about 350 nm, greater than about 375 nm and/or less than about 400, less than about 375 nm, less than about 350 nm, less than about 300 nm, less than about 250 nm, less than about 200 nm, less than about 150 nm, or less than about 100 nm. The emission-absorbance shift can be the same as the Stokes shift for the disclosing agent when λA is equal to the excitation maxima of the disclosing agent.
Additionally, in some embodiments, a disclosing agent may be selected such that the dis-closing agent absorbs applied energy and emits or reflects very little energy. This may cause the indicated areas to look dark versus other oral cavity surfaces being lighter. These embodi-ments may also provide visual distinction to the observer. In such embodiments, the energy source which applies energy to the disclosing agent can be matched with the absorbance of the disclosing agent. Accordingly, the light reflected from oral surfaces may be visually distinct from the areas of indication because the areas of indication will absorb the applied energy and the remaining oral surfaces may reflect a large portion of the energy applied.
Embodiments are similarly contemplated where the disclosing agent reflects a large portion of energy wile the oral cavity surfaces reflect less energy. In these embodiments, the condi-tions indicated by the disclosing agent may appear lighter than the surrounding oral cavity surfaces.
In order to provide visual indication of an oral condition, in some embodiments, the re-flected and emitted energy from the indicated condition and the reflected and emitted energy from other oral cavity surfaces may be visually distinct. For example, in some embodiments where the applied wavelength of energy from the energy source is about 470 nm, the re-flected energy and emitted energy from a portion of the surface of the tooth may be about 470 nm, i.e. blue. However, the disclosing agent may reflect and emit energy at a wavelength of about 550 nm, i.e. yellow. The absolute value of the difference in maxima of the wavelengths between the reflected energy and the emitted energy is termed the reflectance-emission shift (RES): where λoc a maximum wavelength of the reflected and/or emitted energy from other oral cavity surfaces, and where λ^A is the wavelength of the reflected and/or emitted energy from the disclosing agent.
In general, the wavelength of the reflected and emitted energy from the other oral cavity surfaces may be similar to the wavelength of the energy which is introduced into the oral cav-ity via the energy source. Accordingly, λoc may be equal to λA described heretofore. Similarly, the wavelength of the reflected and emitted energy from the disclosing agent may be similar to the wavelength of the disclosing agent described heretofore, e.g. λ^Amay be equal to λβ.
The RES can have a value similar to that described with regard to the emission-absorbence shift described previously. Additionally, the RES can be applicable to embodiments where the disclosing agent emits or reflects energy or where the disclosing agent emits or reflect very little of the applied energy as described above.
Additionally, there may be more than one RES shift. For example, if there are distinct re-flectance and an emission maxima from the oral cavity surfaces, more than one RES shift may exist.
Aside from the measurement of the wavelengths reflected and/or emitted either from the oral cavity or the disclosing agent, under the same applied energy source, the reflected / emitted energy from a portion of the tooth can be a first color while the reflected /emitted en-ergy from the disclosing agent is a second color. The first color is different than the second color. For example, the first color may be perceptibly lighter than or perceptibly darker than the second color. As another example, the difference between the first color and the second color may be a perceptible color contrast, e.g. the first color may be blue while the second color is yellow. Accordingly, the present invention is capable of providing a visual contrast to the user and/or observer between oral conditions and the remainder of the oral cavity.
The concentration of the disclosing agent in the oral composition can be selected so that the conditions within the oral cavity are not readily visually perceptible under ambient light but becomes more visually perceptible when electromagnetic energy is applied to the oral cavity from an energy source. Note that the electromagnetic energy supplied by the energy source may be in addition to the ambient light or may be in the absence of ambient light. Thus, the concentration of the disclosing agent may depend, in part, on the particular disclosing agent selected, with possibly lesser amounts being needed for disclosing agent absorbing or output-ting greater light intensity and conversely. Additionally, the concentration of the disclosing agent may depend, in part, on the oral condition to be identified, the ability of the disclosing agent to be incorporated into the specific carrier, e.g. mouthrinse, dentifrice, etc., and where the condition to be identified is plaque, the ability of the disclosing agent to attach, diffuse into, bind with, saturate, etc., to the plaque.
In some embodiments, the concentration of the disclosing agent in the oral composition may range from about 0.001% by weight to about 5% by weight, or any individual number within the range. In some embodiments, the concentration of the disclosing agent can be greater than about 0.001% by weight, greater than about 0.003% by weight, greater than about 0.005% by weight, greater than about 0.007% by weight, greater than about 0.009% by weight, greater than about 0.01% by weight, greater than about 0.02% by weight, greater than about 0.03% by weight, greater than about 0.04% by weight, greater than about 0.05% by weight, greater than about 0.06% by weight, greater than about 0.07% by weight, greater than about 0.08% by weight, greater than about 0.09% by weight, greater than about 0.1% by weight, greater than about 0.165% by weight, greater than about 0.2% by weight, greater than about 0.3% by weight, greater than about 0.4% by weight, greater than about 0.5% by weight, greater than about 0.6% by weight, greater than about 0.7% by weight, greater than about 0.8% by weight, greater than about 0.9% by weight, greater than about 1% by weight, greater than about 1.5% by weight, greater than about 2% by weight, greater than about 2.5% by weight, greater than about 3% by weight, greater than about 3.5% by weight, greater than about 4% by weight, greater than about 4.5% by weight and/or less than about 5% by weight, less than about 4.5% by weight, less than about 4% by weight, less than about 3.5% by weight, less than about 3% by weight, less than about 2.5% by weight, less than about 2% by weight, less than about 1.5% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, less than about 0.9% by weight, less than about 0.8% by weight, less than about 0.7% by weight, less than about 0.6% by weight, less than about 0.5% by weight, less than about 0.4% by weight, less than about 0.3% by weight, less than about 0.2% by weight, less than about 0.1% by weight, less than about 0.09% by weight, less than about 0.08% by weight, less than about 0.07% by weight, less than about 0.06% by weight, less than about 0.05% by weight, less than about 0.04% by weight, less than about 0.03% by weight, less than about 0.02% by weight, or less than about 0.01% by weight.
Carriers
In addition to the disclosing agent, the inventive oral care compositions may include a car-rier for delivering this disclosing agent to the teeth to be treated. The particular carrier to be used may be determined by the way the composition is to be introduced into the oral cavity. For example, where the carrier is a toothpaste or tooth gel, the carrier materials for toothpaste, tooth gel or the like may include abrasive materials, sudsing agents, binders, humectants, fla-voring and sweetening agents, etc. as disclosed in e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,988,433, to Benedict. Carrier materials for biphasic dentifrice formulations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,213,790, issued May 23, 1993, 5,145,666, issued September 8, 1992, and 5,281,410 issued January 25, 1994 all to Lukacovic et al. and in U. S. Patents 4,849,213 and 4,528,180 to Schaeffer.
As another example, oral compositions in accordance with the present invention may be in the form of dentifrices, such as toothpastes and tooth powders. Carrier materials of such den-tifrices may include one or more of a dental abrasive (from about 6% to about 50%), a sur-factant (from about 0.01% to about 10%), a thickening agent (from about 0.05% to about 5%), a humectant (from about 10% to about 55%), a flavoring agent (from about 0.04% to about 2%), a sweetening agent (from about 0.1% to about 3%), and water (from about 2% to about 45%). Such toothpaste or tooth gel may also include one or more of an anticaries agent (from about 0.05% to about 0.3% as fluoride ion), an anticalculus agent (from about 0.1% to about 13%), and other orally acceptable additives, as further discussed below. Tooth powders, of course, contain substantially all non-liquid components.
As yet another example, oral compositions in accordance with the present invention may include mouthwashes, rinses, and mouth sprays. Carrier materials of such mouthwashes, rinses, and mouth sprays, may include one or more of water (from about 45% to about 95%), ethanol (from about 0% to about 25%), a humectant (from about 0% to about 50%), a sur-factant (from about 0.01% to about 7%), a flavoring agent (from about 0.04% to about 2%), and a sweetening agent (from about 0.1% to about 3%). Such mouthwashes and mouth sprays may also include one or more of an anticaries agent (from about 0.05% to about 0.3% as fluoride ion), an anticalculus agent (from about 0.1% to about 3%), and other orally ac-ceptable additives, as further discussed below. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,988,433 to Benedict.
As yet another example, oral care compositions in accordance with the present invention may be in the form of non-abrasive gels and subgingival gels, which may be aqueous or nonaqueous. Carrier materials of aqueous gels may include water, a thickening agent (from about 0.1% to about 20%), a humectant (from about 0.01% to about 55%), a flavoring agent (from about 0.001% to about 2%), or a sweetening agent (from about 0.1% to about 3%). The compositions may comprise an anticaries agent (from about 0.001% to about 0.3% as fluoride ion), an anticalculus agent (from about 0.005% to about 13%), and other orally ac-ceptable additives, as further discussed below. For subgingival gels used for delivery of actives into the periodontal pockets or around the periodontal pockets, a \"subgingival gel carrier\" may be chosen as disclosed in, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,198,220 and 5,242,910, issued March 30, 1993 and Sept. 7, 1993, respectively both to Damani.
As yet another example, oral compositions in accordance with the present invention may include lozenges. Lozenge carrier materials typically include a candy base; chewing gum car-rier materials include a gum base, flavoring and sweetening agents, as in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,955, to Grabenstetter et al. Sachet carrier materials typically include a sachet bag, fla-voring and sweetening agents.
As yet another example, the oral compositions in accordance with the present invention may also be in the form of dental solutions and irrigation fluids. Carrier materials of such den-tal solutions generally include one or more of water (from about 90% to about 99%), pre-servative (from about 0.01% to about 0.5%), thickening agent (from 0% to about 5%), fla-voring agent (from about 0.04% to about 2%), sweetening agent (from about 0.1% to about 3%), and surfactant (from 0% to about 5%), and other orally acceptable additives, as further discussed below.
Oral compositions in accordance with the present invention may comprise any suitable car-rier or carrier material. Some examples of suitable carriers for use in oral care compositions in accordance with the invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,288,480; 5,288,480; 5,344,641; 4,855,155; 6,696,045; 5,939,052; 6,740,311; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0134018; 2006/0134018; 2006/0141039; 2006/0140883; 2005/0112070; 2004/0126334; and 2005/0169852.
pH
The inventive oral care composition may have a pH ranging from about 4.0 to about 11 , or any individual number within the range. In a number of embodiments, the pH of the composi-tions can be greater than about 4, greater than about 4.5, greater than about 5, greater than about 5.5, greater than about 6, greater than about 6.5, greater than about 7, greater than about 7.5, greater than about 8, greater than about 8.5, greater than about 9, greater than about 9.5, greater than about 10, greater than about 10.5 and/or can be less than about 11, less than about 10.5, less than about 10, less than about 9.5, less than about 9, less than about 8.5, less than about 8, less than about 7.5, less than about 7, less than about 6.5, less than about 6, less than about 5.5, less than about 5, or less than about 4.5. The pH of a denti-frice composition is measured from a 3:1 aqueous slurry of the dentifrice, e.g., 3 parts water to 1 part toothpaste.
The pH can play a role in the solubility of the disclosing agent within the oral care composi-tion. Additionally, the pH may also impact the stability of the disclosing agent within the oral care composition.
Colorants
The disclosing agent used in particular embodiments of the inventive oral care compositions may be selected to emit light whose color is different from the color of the oral care composi-tion as a whole when viewed under ambient light. The disclosing agent may or may not impart color to the composition. In cases where the disclosing agent does impart color to the inven-tive oral care composition an additional colorant for imparting a different overall particular color to the oral care composition may be included.
The difference in wavelengths between a colorant of the oral composition (as determined via absorbence) and the color of the disclosing agent (as determined by absorbance) is termed the compositional shift. The colorant of the oral composition has a first wavelength having a first band maxima (determined via absorbance) and the color of the disclosing agent, has a second wavelength having a second band maxima. The absolute value of the difference (in frequency or wavelength) between the first band maxima of the colorant and the second band maxima of the disclosing agent is the compositional shift (CS): where XQ is the first band maxima of the colorant of the oral composition, and where λD is the second band maxima of the disclosing agent. |
