Control of halitosis-generating and other microorganisms in the non-dental upper respiratory tract

Abstract

Disclosed are safe, simple and effective broad-spectrum treatments for halitosis and other microbial infections of the nondental upper respiratory tract useful to treat bacterial and other microorganism species, including anaerobic bacteria. Electromagnetic radiative energy including visible, and optionally, thermal, RF and / or microwave wavelengths, is topically applied to internal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract to destroy or incapacitate superficial microorganisms without the use of antibiotics. One useful apparatus is a handheld energy applicator having a light output head suitable for treating the back of the tongue and the tonsils and which may be interchangeably provided with extensions to reach the sinuses. The energy applicator can be supported and guided by a mounting device held between the subject's teeth, if desired. Useful embodiments of the invention include preparative treatment of the target surfaces with a photosensitizing agent such as an oxidizing agent or a complementary stain. Optionally a pre-treatment procedure may be employed to remove detritus and microfloral overgrowths that may mask more deeply resident target microorganisms. Novel treatments include treatment of halitosis by destruction of bacterial species associated with halitosis, such as Atopobium parvulum, by application of non-ionizing radiative energy to the tonsils and the back of the tongue. Another embodiment comprises a candy bar incorporating a halitosis treatment lamp disposed within the candy.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims benefit of Krespi et al. provisional patent application No. 60 / 511,549 filed Oct. 15, 2003. The subject matter of this application is related to that of Krespi et al. copending patent application (number unknown) filed concurrently herewith and entitled “CONTROL OF RHINOSINUSITIS-RELATED, AND OTHER MICROORGANISMS IN THE SINO-NASAL TRACT” attorney docket number KRESPI3. The entire disclosure of each one of the aforesaid applications is hereby incorporated herein by this specific reference thereto.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002](Not applicable.)BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to methods of treatment and instruments for the control of halitosis-generating and other microorganisms in the non-dental upper respiratory tract. More particularly the methods and instruments of the invention are useful for the control of chronic or low-level infection...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0035]In another aspect, the invention provides a method for the treatment of halitosis comprising applying light energy to a tonsillar or lingual location determined to harbor a colony of microorganisms generating malodorous gas at a wavelength and intensity and for a duration effective to control the colony of microorganisms.

[0036]The invention also provides, in a further aspect, a method and apparatus for non-ablative treatment of lingual, palatine or other tonsils, and / or other pharyngeal anatomy wherein the treatment comprises delivering optical energy to the tonsils of other anatomy in an amount which reduces the gram negative bacterial burden of the tonsils below a level which can produce sulfuric compounds at a desired level for example 200 ppb, 80 ppb or other suitable level as known or apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0042]In another aspect, the invention provides a candied photoapplicator for delivering light to treat microorganisms populating a target site in the oral-pharyngeal cavity, the candied photoapplicator comprising:a) an illuminator member;b) a light source supported on the illuminator member to illuminate the target site in the oral cavity; andc) a candy component supported by the illuminator member, the candy component being suitable for sucking by the subject while the illuminator member illuminates the oral cavity. Such a candied photoapplicator embodiment provides an appealing device or means for self-treatment and is particularly suitable for children. Steps can be taken, as described hereinbelow, and as will otherwise be apparent to those skilled in the art to effectively protect the source of illumination and to facilitate safe and effective operation of the photoapplicator.

[0043]The methods and instruments of the invention provide novel, simple effective treatments for chronic halitosis, sinusitis and other low-level infections of the nondental upper respiratory tract which can quickly and easily be carried out in a doctor's or dentist's office by a physician, dentist or other qualified practitioner, or could be effected by consumers. Systemic or topical drugs are not required and accordingly problems of antibiotic resistance are avoided. Nor is it necessary to employ damaging radiation, such as ionizing radiation which might induce long-term adverse effects attributable to mutagenicity, carcinogenicity or teratogenicity.

Problems solved by technology

As is well known, the affliction of halitosis (bad breath) may constitute a serious problem, particularly in social situations.

However, the bacteria responsible for halitosis have not as yet been fully elucidated.

Some such conditions include chronic periodontitis, that is a major cause of tooth loss in adults when unfavorable species inhabit the periodontal pockets and halitosis (or bad breath) associated with the presence of unfavorable species on the back and base of the tongue.

Nevertheless, in chronic bacterially induced conditions there may be severe disadvantages to the long-term use of pharmacological antimicrobial agents, either systemically or topically.

Possible drawbacks include the development of resistance rendering the agents clinically ineffective and disruption of the normal oral microflora present in healthy individuals.

Gastrointestinal disturbances may also be associated with use of antibiotics.

Notwithstanding a wide range of available remedies such as the foregoing, it has been estimated that as many as 20-90 million people in the United States continue to be afflicted with the embarrassment and distress of halitosis, possibly because of the failure of such remedies to be fully effective.

Prescription of systemic antibiotics may be deemed unwise for a condition not regarded as presenting substantive risk of developing more serious pathologies or, if acceptable, may provide only short term control, with the unpleasant symptoms again presenting themselves within a few weeks or months of the initial relief.

Orally administered topical agents, mouthwashes and the like may bring too little active agent to the site of infection for too short a period to be wholly effective.

Neither systemic nor topical antibiotics are likely to be effective against viral or fungal infections which may be present as predominant or component microorganisms in the infection.

Such treatments are usually quite drastic and may not be suitable for treatment of chronic oral conditions.

Furthermore, employment of short wavelength radiation risks DNA damage and possible carcinogenicity.

None of the foregoing proposals describes a simple and safe, non-chemical, broad-spectrum treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, including halitosis, in diverse human populations largely comprising otherwise healthy individuals, and which is suitable for repeated application to treat chronic conditions.

Furthermore, many, if not all, known treatments act largely superficially and may fail to reach organisms lodged more deeply beneath the epithelial surface.

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