Bioactive Glass Dentin Hypersensitivity Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dentin hypersensitivity remains a significant challenge in oral health, as current treatments provide only temporary relief and lack long-term protection, with existing occluding agents failing to effectively block exposed dentin tubules, leading to persistent pain from thermal, chemical, and mechanical stimuli.
Innovation Solution
A bioactive glass composition comprising borate and borosilicate glasses, formulated into dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash, which react with saliva to form hydroxycarbonated apatite or fluorapatite, effectively occluding dentin tubules and providing long-term relief by rebuilding and strengthening tooth structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional 45S5-containing toothpaste is used, then some occlusion of dentin tubules is achieved, but the occlusion rate is insufficient and relief is only temporary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of bioactive glass by adjusting the molar ratios of SiO2 (30-70%), B2O3 (10-50%), CaO (5-30%), P2O5 (1-10%), and other oxides to optimize the glass structure. This compositional parameter change enables faster reaction kinetics and more effective apatite formation, achieving both high occlusion rate and long-term protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining bioactive glass particles (with specific size distributions including nano-scale components) with dental care additives such as fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, and herbal extracts. This composite formulation synergistically enhances both the immediate occlusion effect and long-term protective duration
2Productivity
If bioactive glass composition is formulated to react rapidly with saliva, then occlusion rate increases, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the glass composition into distinct functional components with specific size ranges: nano-scale particles (0.1-10 μm) for rapid initial occlusion, fine particles (10-50 μm) for sustained release, and coarse particles (50-200 μm) for structural reinforcement. This segmentation enables rapid productivity while maintaining manageable formulation complexity through standardized particle size classifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating zones of different glass composition within the formulation - certain regions enriched with calcium-phosphate precursors for rapid reaction, other regions containing fluoride for long-term protection, and surface-modified particles with enhanced reactivity. This localized functional differentiation achieves high occlusion rates without requiring complete reformulation of the entire system
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
The bioactive glass composition demonstrates a significantly higher rate of occluding exposed dentin tubules compared to traditional 45S5-containing toothpastes, offering extended protection against dentin hypersensitivity and promoting remineralization while being free of inorganic potassium salts and silica, with additional antimicrobial properties.
Implementation Method 1
react with saliva to form hydroxycarbonated apatite or fluorapatite
Implementation Method 2
form hydroxycarbonated apatite or fluorapatite
Implementation Method 3
promoting remineralization while being free of inorganic potassium salts and silica
Data Source
AI summary
A dental formulation including: a bioactive glass composition as defined herein, in an effective amount; and a suitable carrier as defined herein, in an effective amount. Also disclosed is a method of making and using the dental formulation to treat, for example, dentin sensitivities.