Method for obtaining xylitol crystals for dental care and product obtained

Abstract

The invention relates to a method in which xylitol is heated until liquified, to be added to hydroxyapatite and zinc citrate, the mixture subsequently being subjected to a process of controlled crystallisation. This produces crystals for dental care with active agents that maximise the bioactive effect of same in the mouth, the crystals also providing slow and controlled release of the active agents, thereby increasing effectiveness in comparison with conventional forms of application. In summary, the invention represents a significant advance in dental care technology. It not only improves the therapeutic efficacy of the hydroxyapatite and zinc citrate through innovative release technology, but also increases patient acceptance and environmental sustainability.

Description

[0001] PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING XYLITOL CRYSTALS FOR DENTAL CARE AND PRODUCT OBTAINED. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a process for the production of xylitol crystals, based on a new and improved formulation. The invention is therefore situated within the field of oral dental care products. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to obtain a product that, in addition to the known properties of xylitol, offers new therapeutic benefits. More specifically, the object of the invention is to provide a product that allows for a controlled, much slower, and consequently more effective release of hydroxyapatite and zinc citrate in the oral environment. The invention allows for the control of the temperature and cooling process, ensuring homogeneous integration of the active agents into the xylitol crystalline structure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Xylitol is a 5-carbon polyalcohol obtained by the reduction of xylose sugar, ideal for dental hygiene. It consists of a crystalline powder that has been used in the formulation of some products in minimal quantities. Although xylitol crystals for dental care are already known and subject to industrial property registrations (the applicant himself holds invention patent ES 2593712A1), the specific incorporation of hydroxyapatite and zinc citrate into these crystals offers new therapeutic benefits previously unknown. Furthermore, while the conventional use of these active agents in toothpastes and mouthwashes is known, their use in slow-dissolving crystals is not yet known. Therefore, the effects of these compounds are limited by their short duration and suboptimal release.The innovation described here overcomes these limitations by using xylitol crystals as a carrier medium, which allows for a slow and continuous release of the active ingredients over a longer effective period. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The procedure of the invention fills the aforementioned technical gap, and it comprises the following operational phases: In the first phase, the xylitol is heated until it liquefies. In the second phase, hydroxyapatite and zinc citrate are incorporated into the liquid xylitol, homogeneously distributed under controlled conditions to ensure optimal distribution and stabilization. Finally, the product undergoes a controlled crystallization phase in which the mixture is cooled under conditions that promote uniform crystallization, while the active agents are distributed evenly throughout the crystal.Regarding the product's composition, xylitol, which will form the base of the crystal, will comprise between 94% and 98% by weight, contributing to caries prevention. Hydroxyapatite will be present at a proportion of between 1% and 4% by weight, in the form of micro- or nanoparticles, to maximize its incorporation and efficiency within the crystal. Finally, zinc citrate will be micronized to improve its solubility and distribution within the xylitol crystal, comprising between 0.1% and 2% by weight. Optionally, essential oils can be added to the product, specifically up to 0.9% by weight. This composition results in a product with the following advantages: • Increased efficacy: The incorporation and special distribution of the active agents maximizes their bioactive effect in the mouth.• Slow and controlled release: Ensures prolonged delivery of the active agents, increasing effectiveness compared to traditional application methods. • Improved user comfort: Easy application by sucking on the crystal, which increases user adherence to the treatment. • Ease of use and attractive application method, which facilitates daily adoption and makes it enjoyable. The application of hydroxyapatite and zinc citrate in xylitol crystals, which are used like candy, makes their use fun and encourages regular application. This not only increases acceptance by end consumers but also the effectiveness of the dental treatment. EXAMPLE OF PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION For illustrative purposes only, to obtain 100 grams of xylitol crystals for dental care, the following components were used: • Xylitol: 96.1 g. • Hydroxyapatite: 2.5 g. • Zinc citrate: 1 g.• Essential oils: up to 0.4g. In the first stage, the xylitol was heated to a temperature of approximately 92-93°C until it liquefied, creating a homogeneous base for the integration of the active ingredients. Next, the hydroxyapatite, zinc citrate, and essential oils were added homogeneously to the xylitol under controlled conditions to ensure optimal distribution and stabilization. Finally, the product underwent a controlled crystallization phase in which the mixture was cooled under conditions that promote uniform crystallization, while the active agents were evenly distributed throughout the crystal. This process took between 10 and 180 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions.The cooling of the melt is carefully managed to ensure homogeneous crystal formation, guaranteeing a uniform distribution of the active ingredients and a stable crystalline structure. An in vitro study conducted on xylitol-based candies yielded results confirming that the candy's special crystallization and composition—a pure crystal composed solely of xylitol without any other sweeteners or additives that would compromise its bacteriostatic effect—allows for a prolonged dissolution time in the mouth. This significantly enhances the bacteriostatic effect compared to any other form of xylitol consumption. A significant difference was observed between the values ​​obtained with and without xylitol candies in the Streptococcus mutans culture, suggesting an effect influenced by the duration of exposure to the xylitol in the candies.The study on pH value differences, measuring the buffering effect over time, showed significant and evident differences. These results are due to the crystallization of xylitol in 100% xylitol crystal candy. It is very stable, dissolves very slowly, and therefore remains in the mouth for a long time, providing a bacteriostatic effect and promoting the mineralization of teeth and bones. The 100% crystalline xylitol candy is in contact with the mucous membranes for a much longer period than any other form of consumption, such as powder, toothpaste, tablets, the thin outer coating of chewing gum, or the very rapid dissolution of xylitol and any other oral hygiene product containing xylitol.Its slow dissolution, 100% xylitol purity, and special crystallization protect teeth from acids produced by bacterial fermentation. When used after brushing, it acts as an effective protective agent against cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. A significant difference was found between the values ​​obtained with and without xylitol lozenges in the SM (Streptococcus mutans) culture at 48 and 72 hours. Specifically, bacterial presence was observed up to 72 hours into the study in cases where xylitol lozenges were not used. In contrast, in cases where xylitol lozenges were used, a decrease in SM content was observed at both 48 and 72 hours. This suggests an effect influenced by the duration of exposure to xylitol in the lozenges. These results are attributed to the crystallization of xylitol in the 100% xylitol crystals.It has great stability, dissolves very slowly, and that is why it remains in the mouth for so long with its bacteriostatic effect and promotes the mineralization of teeth and bones.

Claims

1. A process for obtaining xylitol crystals for dental care, characterized in that the following operational steps are established therein: a) Xylitol is heated until it liquefies. b) Hydroxyapatite and zinc citrate are incorporated into the liquid xylitol in a homogeneous manner. c) The mixture is subjected to a controlled crystallization phase in which the active agents are distributed uniformly throughout the crystal.

2. A process for obtaining xylitol crystals for dental care, according to claim 1, wherein essential oils are additionally added to the liquid xylitol during the addition of hydroxyapatite and zinc citrate.

3. A dental care product obtained from the process of claim 1, characterized in that it has the following composition by weight percentage: • Xylitol, between 94 and 98%. • Hydroxyapatite, between 1 and 4%.• Zinc citrate, between 0.1 and 2%. 4th.- Dental care product, according to claim 3, characterized in that it additionally includes essential oils, comprising up to 0.9% by weight.

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