Lozenge Composition for Tooth Erosion Neutralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current products for preventing and treating tooth erosion, such as toothpastes and mouthwashes, often cause further damage due to abrasion or have acidic content that contributes to demineralization, and they do not effectively neutralize acidity in saliva, which is essential for treating conditions like GERD and bulimia.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), xylitol, and an alkalinizing agent like L-arginine, formulated as a lozenge or lollipop that raises saliva pH and provides sustained re-mineralization, neutralizing acidity and stimulating salivary flow to re-harden tooth enamel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluoride and calcium phosphate products are used for re-mineralization, then tooth erosion is treated, but abrasion damage occurs from brushing immediately after acidic regurgitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvere-mineralization effectivenessVSAvoidabrasion damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by using an alkalinizing agent to neutralize saliva acidity before re-mineralization products can cause harm. The composition raises saliva pH to above 7.0, creating a protective environment that prevents further demineralization and reduces the harmful effects of subsequent brushing, allowing safe and effective re-mineralization to occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If alcohol-based mouthwashes are used for re-mineralization, then tooth erosion is treated, but further demineralization occurs due to low pH and acidic content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvere-mineralization effectivenessVSAvoiddemineralization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies inversion by reversing the approach: instead of using acidic mouthwashes that inadvertently cause demineralization, the composition uses an alkalinizing agent to raise saliva pH above 7.0, creating an alkaline environment that promotes remineralization while eliminating the harmful acidic effects of conventional mouthwashes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If conventional rinses and gels are used to provide fluoride, then re-mineralization occurs, but saliva acidity is not neutralized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvere-mineralization effectivenessVSAvoidsaliva acidity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two separate functions into one composition: an alkalinizing agent to neutralize saliva acidity and re-mineralization agents (fluoride, calcium, phosphate) to rebuild enamel. This combined approach simultaneously addresses both the acidic environment and the need for remineralization, eliminating the need for separate products

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If toothpastes are used for re-mineralization, then tooth erosion is treated, but further damage occurs from abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvere-mineralization effectivenessVSAvoidabrasion damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical abrasion of toothpaste brushing with a chemical/physiological approach. The composition uses an alkalinizing agent to neutralize saliva and promotes natural remineralization through fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, eliminating the need for mechanical brushing that causes abrasion damage to already softened enamel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 composition effectively prevents and treats tooth erosion by neutralizing acidic saliva, re-hardening enamel, and providing extended re-mineralization, reducing tooth damage in patients with conditions like GERD and bulimia, with a longer-lasting effect compared to conventional products.

Implementation Method 1

an alkalinizing agent like L-arginine, formulated as a lozenge or lollipop that raises saliva pH and provides sustained re-mineralization, neutralizing acidity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH neutralization:

Implementation Method 2

crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), xylitol, and an alkalinizing agent like L-arginine, formulated as a lozenge or lollipop that raises saliva pH and provides sustained re-mineralization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSustained release:

Implementation Method 3

stimulating salivary flow to re-harden tooth enamel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSalivary flow stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS10314771B2Methods and compositions for preventing and treating tooth erosion

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE RESEARCH FOUNDATION

AI summary

An oral composition is provided comprising crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and xylitol. The xylitol and the crosslinked PVP are in a ratio of about 5:1, and the oral composition is in the form of a lozenge or lollipop. Methods are also provided.