Alkalinizing and Re-mineralizing Agents for Tooth Erosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dental products fail to effectively prevent and treat tooth erosion caused by acidic conditions, such as those experienced in GERD and bulimia, by not addressing the acidity of saliva or re-mineralizing tooth enamel effectively.

Innovation Solution

The use of alkalinizing agents to raise saliva pH and re-mineralizing agents containing fluoride and calcium phosphate to re-harden and re-mineralize tooth enamel, providing a two-step treatment approach in compositions like mouthwashes or kits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluoride and calcium phosphate products are used for caries prevention and re-mineralization, then tooth re-mineralization is improved, but saliva acidity is not neutralized and tooth erosion from acid exposure continues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth re-mineralization effectivenessVSAvoidsaliva acidity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the oral care routine into two distinct segments: Step 1 uses an alkalinizing agent to neutralize saliva acidity and prevent erosion, while Step 2 uses fluoride and calcium phosphate products to promote re-mineralization. This segmentation allows each product to perform its specific function optimally without interference from the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies alkalinizing agents as a preliminary action before re-mineralization treatment. By first neutralizing the acidic environment in Step 1, the conditions are prepared to be less harmful and more conducive to the subsequent re-mineralization process in Step 2, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of tooth restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If alkalinizing agents are applied to neutralize saliva acidity, then tooth erosion prevention is improved, but existing softened enamel requires additional re-mineralization treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth erosionVSAvoidtreatment steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment is segmented into two clear steps: Step 1 for alkalinization and erosion prevention, and Step 2 for re-mineralization. This segmentation makes the complexity manageable by providing clear instructions and distinct product functions, rather than attempting to combine all functions into a single product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention maintains continuous protective action by having Step 1 neutralize acidity to prevent further erosion, followed immediately by Step 2 to rebuild mineral content. This continuous two-step process ensures that protection and restoration occur back-to-back without interruption, maximizing beneficial effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multiple treatment steps are implemented for comprehensive tooth protection, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth protection effectivenessVSAvoiduser compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The comprehensive treatment is segmented into just two simple steps rather than multiple complex procedures. This limited segmentation maintains effectiveness while improving ease of operation by reducing the cognitive burden and time commitment required from users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention structures treatment as periodic action occurring twice daily (morning and evening), which is a familiar and manageable routine for most users. This periodic structure with clear Step 1 and Step 2 instructions makes compliance easier compared to irregular or overly frequent treatment schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively neutralizes acidic saliva, re-hardens, and re-mineralizes tooth enamel, reducing tooth erosion and damage, as demonstrated by increased enamel hardness recovery in studies.

Implementation Method 1

applying a therapeutically effective amount of an alkalinizing agent to the teeth so as to raise saliva pH to 7.0 or above

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH neutralization:

Implementation Method 2

applying a therapeutically effective amount of a re-mineralizing agent to the teeth... re-harden and re-mineralize tooth enamel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRe-mineralization:

Data Source

PatentUS9744108B2Methods and compositions for preventing and treating tooth erosion

Publication Date: 2017.08.29 UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE RESEARCH FOUNDATION

AI summary

Methods and compositions are provided for reducing, treating or preventing dental erosion in a patient in need of such treatment, the methods and compositions comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an alkalinizing agent and a re-mineralizing agent to the teeth. Dental erosion is a significant oral health problem that affects millions of individuals around the world. Erosive tooth wear can cause significant tooth damage compromising the esthetics and function of teeth, requiring extensive dental treatment.