Phosphorylcholine Polymer Oral Composition for Dentin Hypersensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reducing dentinal hypersensitivity, such as those using aluminum lactate or potassium nitrate, are limited in consumer accessibility and effectiveness, with potassium nitrate having solubility issues and unpleasant tastes, while existing phosphorylcholine-containing polymer technologies require professional application or have ingredient limitations.

Innovation Solution

An oral composition containing a phosphorylcholine-containing polymer, specifically homopolymers or copolymers of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, with a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000 to 10,000,000, combined with ingredients like glycerin or sorbitol, that can be used by general consumers to reduce dentinal hypersensitivity through direct application in the oral cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aluminum lactate or potassium nitrate is used to reduce dentinal hypersensitivity, then the sensitivity reduction effect is achieved, but the taste becomes bitter, astringent, or harsh

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehypersensitivity reduction effectVSAvoidunpleasant taste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from traditional aluminum lactate or potassium nitrate to a phosphorylcholine-containing polymer, which fundamentally alters the taste profile while maintaining the hypersensitivity reduction effect through a different mechanism of action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite formulation combining the phosphorylcholine-containing polymer with specific flavoring agents and sweeteners to create a composition that both reduces hypersensitivity and masks any unpleasant tastes, transforming the overall sensory experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If potassium nitrate is used in combination with sodium lauryl sulfate, then the hypersensitivity reduction is achieved, but the solubility decreases and precipitation occurs at low temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehypersensitivity reductionVSAvoidsolubility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure of the active ingredient from ionic potassium nitrate to a polymer-based phosphorylcholine compound, which has different solubility characteristics and does not precipitate when combined with surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate across a wide temperature range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If phosphorylcholine-containing polymer is used for dentin hypersensitivity reduction, then the sensitivity reduction and moisturizing effects are achieved, but the application requires professional intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehypersensitivity reduction effectVSAvoidconsumer accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention formulates the phosphorylcholine-containing polymer in a consumer-friendly oral composition format (toothpaste, mouthwash, or dental rinse) that can be easily applied by consumers themselves during routine oral hygiene, eliminating the need for professional dental application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: reducing dentin hypersensitivity, providing moisturizing effects, and being suitable for routine consumer use, making it a versatile product that addresses multiple needs in a single formulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If traditional methods are used to protect dentinal tubule, then the stimulus transmission is blocked, but the methods cannot be utilized routinely by general consumers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestimulus blockage effectVSAvoidroutine usability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a self-applied oral composition that consumers can use independently at home to protect their dentinal tubules, replacing professional procedures with a consumer-friendly routine treatment that maintains effective stimulus blockage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3187169B1Oral composition for alleviation of dentin hypersensitivity
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 NOF CORP
  • EP3187169B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3187169B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3187169B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An oral composition for reducing dentinal hypersensitivity according to the present invention comprises a phosphorylcholine-containing polymer as an active ingredient. A general consumer can use the oral composition routinely in various forms. The oral composition is brought into contact with an oral cavity of a user to reduce the dentinal hypersensitivity.