Poorly-Soluble Calcium Compound Oral Care Remineralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oral care methods using highly-soluble calcium compounds are less effective in providing remineralization and pH buffering benefits compared to poorly-soluble calcium compounds when combined with fluoride.

Innovation Solution

Administering a poorly-soluble calcium compound, such as calcium carbonate, to the oral cavity prior to introducing fluoride, either through a tablet or other delivery forms, to enhance remineralization and pH buffering effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If highly-soluble calcium compounds are used, then calcium delivery is rapid, but remineralization and pH buffering effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalcium delivery rateVSAvoidremineralization effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solubility parameter of calcium compounds from highly-soluble to poorly-soluble forms. This parameter change transforms the release kinetics from rapid to sustained, allowing calcium to be released gradually over time. The poor solubility ensures that calcium remains available in the oral cavity longer, maintaining effective concentrations for remineralization and pH buffering without being rapidly cleared or washed away.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic release system where poorly-soluble calcium compounds gradually dissolve and release calcium ions over time in the oral cavity. This dynamic release pattern mimics physiological calcium release, providing sustained availability rather than a single rapid dose. The gradual dissolution ensures continuous supply of calcium for ongoing remineralization processes and persistent pH buffering capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If poorly-soluble calcium compounds are used, then remineralization and pH buffering are enhanced, but calcium release rate is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremineralization effectivenessVSAvoidcalcium release rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs poorly-soluble calcium compounds that are pre-positioned in the oral cavity (via tablets, chewing gum, or mouthwash) before fluoride application. This preliminary placement ensures calcium is already available when fluoride is introduced, creating optimal conditions for fluorocarbonate formation. The calcium compounds remain in place, gradually releasing ions that will react with subsequently applied fluoride.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves continuous useful action through the sustained release of calcium ions from poorly-soluble compounds. Rather than a single rapid release followed by depletion, the slow dissolution maintains a continuous supply of calcium ions in the oral cavity. This continuous availability ensures ongoing remineralization of enamel and persistent buffering of acidic challenges throughout the day.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If calcium compounds are administered prior to fluoride, then fluorocarbonate deposits are enhanced, but treatment sequence complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorocarbonate deposit formationVSAvoidtreatment sequence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having consumers administer calcium-containing products (tablets, chewing gum, or mouthwash) before applying fluoride treatments. This sequencing ensures calcium is already present in the oral cavity when fluoride is introduced, facilitating immediate reaction and deposit formation. The calcium compounds are placed in advance, creating a ready reservoir for fluorocarbonate precipitation upon fluoride contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses poorly-soluble calcium compounds as an intermediary substance that mediates between the oral environment and fluoride. These compounds serve as a calcium reservoir that controls the timing and rate of calcium availability. By introducing calcium through this intermediary mechanism before fluoride, the system ensures optimal conditions for fluorocarbonate formation without requiring complex simultaneous delivery systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method effectively forms calcium-bound fluoride deposits in plaque and on teeth, providing significant remineralization and pH buffering, outperforming methods using highly-soluble calcium compounds.

Implementation Method 1

reacting with the administered fluoride to form calcium-bound fluoride deposits in plaque, on teeth and in oral tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 2

significant remineralization and pH buffering, as compared to other methods including methods using highly-soluble calcium compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH buffering:

Data Source

PatentUS11857653B2Method of providing an oral care benefit using a poorly-soluble calcium compound and fluoride

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 KENVUE BRANDS LLC

AI summary

Provided are methods of providing a benefit to the oral cavity by administering to the oral cavity a poorly-soluble calcium compound and subsequently introducing fluoride to the oral cavity.