MSM and EDTA Oral Composition for Plaque Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing dental plaque are inefficient and can irritate periodontal soft tissues, with existing oral compositions relying on surfactants, soaps, and mild abrasives that do not effectively dissolve plaque without causing tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A formulation combining methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as a transport enhancer with EDTA, a chelating agent, which surprisingly reduces plaque formation without harming dental or periodontal tissues, offering a naturally occurring or GRAS-compliant option.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical agents are used to dissolve dental calculus, then the dissolution action is improved, but irritation to periodontal soft tissues occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses citric acid as a intermediary substance that can chemically dissolve dental calculus without the harsh effects of traditional chemical agents. Citric acid acts as a mediator between the need for effective calculus removal and the requirement to protect soft tissues, providing a gentler alternative that achieves dissolution through chelation of calcium ions in the calculus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the dissolution agent from strong acids or alkalis to a weaker organic acid (citric acid). This parameter change reduces the harmful effects on soft tissues while maintaining sufficient dissolution capability through prolonged contact and chelation mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and tissue safety.
2Reliability
If mechanical removal methods are used for dental calculus, then the treatment time is extended, but the effectiveness of plaque removal is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scraping and scaling methods with a chemical dissolution system using citric acid. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming mechanical removal process while maintaining effective plaque and calculus removal through chemical chelation, directly addressing the time effectiveness contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The citric acid formulation enables patients to perform calculus removal at home without requiring professional dental scaling procedures. The chemical agent works autonomously to dissolve calculus deposits during normal oral hygiene routines, eliminating the need for repeated mechanical interventions by dental professionals and significantly reducing overall treatment time.
3Ease of operation
If traditional anti-plaque formulations are used, then the cleaning ability is provided, but the dissolution of dental plaque is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of traditional toothpaste formulations by incorporating citric acid at specific concentrations (0.1-10%). This parameter modification transforms the formulation from merely providing surface cleaning to actively dissolving calculus and plaque through chelation, thereby improving dissolution efficiency while maintaining ease of use as a standard toothpaste product.
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 MSM/EDTA combination significantly reduces dental plaque formation, outperforming traditional anti-plaque toothpastes, with a 106% greater reduction after a single brushing and showing high statistical significance in plaque prevention over two weeks of use.
Implementation Method 1
MSM also does not have any anti-plaque properties. However, treatment with a combination of MSM/EDTA surprisingly and unexpectedly showed dramatic reductions in plaque formation.
Implementation Method 2
a formulation composed of a therapeutically effective amount of a chelating agent and an effective transport-enhancing amount of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Data Source
AI summary
An antiplaque oral composition, such as a toothpaste, gel dentifrice, tooth powder, mouth-rinse or mouthwash, tooth hardener, anti-calculus composition, gum or lozenge, comprising a chelator (such as EDTA and its salts), and a transport enhancer (such as Methyl Sulfonyl Methane; MSM) are provided. Together, the combination of the two substances unexpectedly and beneficially removes dental plaque when brushed or applied on teeth and gums. Preferred compositions are toothpastes, gel dentifrices and mouth-rinses or mouthwashes. Also provided are processes of repeatedly applying such antiplaque oral compositions to the teeth to obtain the antiplaque benefits mentioned.