Buffered Oral Composition for Saliva Stimulation Without Demineralization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current compositions and methods for alleviating hyposalivation and xerostomia often provide temporary relief, are limited by chemical stability issues, require repeated administration, and can cause dental demineralization due to prolonged acid exposure, while also being unsuitable for nighttime use.

Innovation Solution

A topical composition combining grape seed extract and freeze-dried lemon pulp, which activates the M3 receptor to increase salivary flow, is formulated for oral administration as a mouth rinse, toothpaste, or lozenge, with a synergistic ratio of 9:1, providing lasting relief from dry mouth symptoms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chewing gum with hydrophilic compounds or acids is used to promote salivation, then salivary flow is improved, but dental demineralization occurs due to prolonged acid exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesalivary flowVSAvoiddental demineralization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the composition by using a buffered acidic mixture (acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid in specific ratios) instead of pure acids, and incorporates calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize excess acid. This modifies the pH trajectory and chemical composition to maintain salivary stimulation while protecting teeth from demineralization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide as intermediary substances that act as buffers between the acidic components and tooth enamel. These intermediaries neutralize the harmful effects of prolonged acid exposure while allowing the acidic mixture to continue stimulating salivary flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If chewing gum is used to alleviate hyposalivation, then oral comfort is improved, but it is limited to daytime use and not suitable for nighttime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoral comfortVSAvoidusage timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the formulation parameters by eliminating chewing gum mechanics and using a soluble powder composition that can be administered at any time including nighttime. The composition uses buffering agents and calcium carbonate to maintain neutral pH, making it suitable for prolonged use without the daytime limitations of chewing gum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of chewing gum with a chemical composition that dissolves in the mouth and provides relief without requiring mechanical chewing. This substitution allows for nighttime use as it doesn't interfere with sleep or require active participation from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If repeated administration of compositions is required to maintain relief, then symptom control is achieved, but loss of time and convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymptom controlVSAvoidadministration frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves continuity of useful action through the buffered acidic mixture that provides sustained salivary stimulation over extended periods. The inclusion of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide buffers maintains stable pH levels, ensuring continuous symptom relief without requiring frequent re-administration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the temporal parameters of action by using buffering agents that extend the duration of effect. The calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide slow the neutralization process, allowing the composition to maintain its therapeutic effect for longer periods between administrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition significantly increases saliva flow and volume, providing immediate and lasting oral comfort, reducing symptoms of dry mouth, bad breath, and altered taste, with clinical results showing improvements lasting up to 6 hours and additional benefits like reduced plaque and gingivitis.

Implementation Method 1

A topical composition combining grape seed extract and freeze-dried lemon pulp, which activates the M3 receptor to increase salivary flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectM3 receptor activation:

Data Source

PatentUS10201582B2Compositions and methods for alleviating hyposalivation and for providing oral comfort

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 HAMLIN JOYCE

AI summary

Various compositions and methods are provided to alleviate one or more symptoms associated with hyposalivation and/or xerostomia. Preferred compositions and methods employ one or more plant pulp products and/or a proanthocyanidin at a concentration effective to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Especially preferred product components are isolated from a fruit and/or seed (e.g., grape, cranberry, blue berry, black berry, etc.), and where a second component is is preferably a freeze-dried pulp from a citrus fruit (e.g., lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, tangerine, mandarin orange, ugli fruit, etc.) not containing peel or juice therein.