Abstract: A description is given of the use of polyanionic and polyanionically-derivatised natural polysaccharides or non-derivatised natural polysaccharides for inhibiting alkaline phosphatase and of oral compositions for preventing bacterial plaque, which comprises (a) 0 to 10% by weight of at least one linear molecularly dehydrated polyphosphate salt, and (b) 0.0001 to 5% by weight of a polyanionic or polyanionically-derivatised natural polysaccharide.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an anhydrous dentifrice (toothpaste, brushing gel, etc . . . ) The dentifrice is a homogeneous mixture of the following compounds: (1) organic polyols, such as glycerin; (2) cooked starch gelling agents; (3) mildly abrasive fillers such as silica, alumina and dicalcium phosphate; and, optionally, (4) compounds selected from the group consisting of anti-caries agents, anti-plaque agents, anti-calculus agents, bleaching agents, peroxide stabilizers, desensitizing agents, whiteners, anti-stain agents, breath fresheners, flavorants, sweeteners, colorants, buffers, surfactants, and anti-bacterial agents, with the proviso that if bleaching agents are employed then peroxide stabilizers must also be employed. Preferably, the dentifrice does not contain any gelling agent other than the cooked starch particles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for transforming food sugars, which acts in two ways: directly and indirectly. Said method is characterised in that the main direct action consists in inhibiting glycolysis by transforming the cariogenic polyoses into non-cariogenic polyols (for example, sorbitol); the indirect action consists in the use of products derived from the polyose degradation as substrates by the inventive enzymatic system so as to reinforce prevention of plaque formation, through five mechanisms: stimulating saliva flux with the polyols; reinforcing the saliva antibacterial power by activating the physiological lactoperoxidase/hypothiocyanate system with hydrogen peroxide; decreasing the number and pathogenicity of the bacterial environment stabilising &dgr;-lactones, which are not bacterial substrates for plaque formation; remineralizing the enamel by stabilising the calcium phosphate solution with sorbitol. The invention is applicable to bucco-dental hygiene.

Abstract: A method of therapeutic treatment of an area of severe infection of soft tissue within or surrounding a tooth of a patient involves administering Taurolidine, Taurultam or mixtures thereof to the area of severe infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental plaque hydrolyzing or inhibiting enzyme having simultaneously dextranase and amylase activities.

Abstract: A dental bleaching gel composition having a long shelf life for use with an activator system to cause accelerated bleaching action of a peroxide bleaching agent in the bleaching gel composition when applied upon a tooth surface and to a method for applying and activating a dental bleaching gel upon a tooth surface for cosmetically whitening the tooth and/or for the treatment of stains or discolorations over a shortened time period. The dental bleaching gel has a pH independent thickening agent, a stabilizing agent for the peroxide bleaching agent and a FD & C approved dye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing dental plaque and calculus deposition. The invention further relates to a method of treating or preventing periodonitis and other diseases of the teeth and tissues of the oral cavity. The invention further relates to compositions suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: The immunoglobulins of the present invention are useful therapeutic immunoglobulins against mucosal pathogens such as S. mutans. The immunoglobulins contain a protection protein that protects the immunoglobulins in the mucosal environment.

Abstract: The broadest aspect of the invention is a composition and method of treatment of fungal pathologies of the oral cavity or fungal growth on the surface of dentures. A preferred embodiment of the is a pharmacologically effective amount of a peptide selected from the group of peptides with a C-terminal sequence consisting of KPV, HFRWGKPV, and SYSMEHFRWGKPV in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of a fungicide selected from the group consisting of: itraconazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole and fluconazole. Another embodiment of the invention is a method for treating fungal pathologies of the of oral cavity and dentures by application of a pharmacologically effective amount of a peptide selected from the group of peptides with a C-terminal sequence consisting of KPV, HFRWGKPV, and SYSMEHFRWGKPV in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of a fungicide selected from the group consisting of: itraconazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole and fluconazole.

Abstract: The improvements consist of formulation of a whitening toothpaste, which is anti-plaque and anti-tartar, of low abrasion, which is suitable for treating sensitive teeth and which lacks detergents, that comprises 0.1-1% papain, 5-10% xylitol, 16-18% of an abrasive system based on silica, a buffer consisting of tetra-potassium pyrophosphate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate [pH 7 approximately], along with water, binding agents, aromatizing agents, colouring agents, preservatives, sweeteners, humectants, lubricants, opacifiers, re-mineralizing agents and vitamins A, B5, C, E or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition for treating bacterial infections of the mouth or teeth, comprising an effective amount of at least one lytic enzyme produced by bacteria infected with a bacteriophage specific for that bacteria and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical application of at least one lytic enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed is a color changing toothpaste which contains color reagents for interacting to provide a color change indicative of tooth brushing time. The color reagents comprise two separate color components which may be an FD&C dye, and FD&C lake or a natural food color, the two separate color components being adapted to interact after a predetermined brushing time to produce a third color. Optionally, the toothpaste may contain up to approximately 0.05% by weight of a foaming agent and other components such as a fluoride and a flavoring agent or flavor burst component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polypeptide hybrid containing an amino acid sequence with binding affinity for mutan, the amino acid sequence being bound to an active component useful for oral care purposes; an oral care composition comprising a mutan binding domain; an oral care product comprising such an oral care composition of the invention; and finally the use of a mutan binding polypeptide hybrid or a single unit MBD for oral care purposes, including preventing dental plaque formation and/or removal of existing dental plaque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral compositions comprising plaque-inhibiting or plaque-removing enzymes, in particular at least one starch-hydrolysing enzyme, e.g. an &agr;-amylase or a debranching enzyme such as a pullulanase, and/or at least one starch-modifying enzyme, e.g. a transglucosidase or a CGTase, and to a method for inhibiting plaque formation or removing plaque using such oral compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for treating baterial dental caries caused by Streptococcus mutans, comprising administering a composition comprising an effective amount of at least one lytic enzyme produced by a bacteriophage specific for Streptococcus mutans, with the lytic enzyme having the ability to exclusively digest a cell wall of the Streptococcus mutans infecting all or part of a mouth or teeth, and a toothpaste for delivering the enzyme to the mouth and teeth.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compounds and compositions and uses thereof, including the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections are described. The compounds and compositions include lantibiotic polypeptides and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The compounds and compositions are useful as antimicrobials in antibiotic pharmaceutical preparation and as an antimicrobial or antiseptic dentifrice.

Abstract: The present invention provides safe products for bleaching teeth. Oral compositions comprising at least one oxidoreductase fulfil criteria without the presence of peroxide or with only very little peroxide present. The invention also relates to an oral care product comprising the oral composition of the invention, a method of bleaching teeth, a method for using said oral care products and the use of oxidoreductases for oxidation of teeth stains.

Abstract: An abrasive dentifrice composition which effects enhanced tooth and stain removal which comprises an orally acceptable vehicle containing a combination of a low oil absorption silica abrasive having an oil absorption value of less than 100 cc/100 g silica and an proteolytic enzyme.

Abstract: A method for the treatment and prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases using bacteriophages and phage-encoded anti-bacterial enzymes to inhibit establishment of bacteria in the oral cavity is provided. Also provided are methods for studying the cell wall of an oral bacterium, a method for preventing spoilage of perishable items and a method for removing dextrans from surfaces utilized in sugar manufacture. Purified enzymes and the isolated DNA fragments encoding them are also provided.

Abstract: Dentifrice compositions for mineralizing and remineralizing a surface or subsurface of at least one tooth, are described. The compositions primarily include at least one water soluble calcium salt, at least one water soluble phosphate salt, and at least one antioxidant, such as coenzyme Q10. Additionally, at least one water soluble non-toxic divalent metal compound, wherein the metal is other than calcium, such as magnesium, may also be added. Furthermore, at least one selenium-containing material, as well as at least one bromine-containing material, may also be added to the composition. The respective materials are then mixed and formed into a paste and applied to the tooth surface for a sufficient period of time to allow sufficient amounts of calcium and phosphate ions in the mixture to diffuse through the tooth surface, where the diffused ions react together to form an insoluble precipitate on the surface or subsurface of the tooth.

Abstract: A composition for treating a biofilm comprises a first anchor enzyme component to degrade biofilm structures and a second anchor enzyme component having the capability to act directly upon the bacteria for a bactericidal effect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polypeptide hybrid containing an amino acid sequence with binding affinity for mutan, the amino acid sequence being bound to an active component useful for oral care purposes; an oral care composition comprising a mutan binding domain; an oral care product comprising such an oral care composition of the invention; and finally the use of a mutan binding polypeptide hybrid or a single unit MBD for oral care purposes, including preventing dental plaque formation and/or removal of existing dental plaque.

Abstract: A composition for degrading biofilm structure associated with cystic fibrosis and the debris associated therewith comprises an enzyme selected for its ability to dismantle the biofilm structure, and an anchor molecule coupled to an enzyme to form an enzyme-anchor complex. The anchor molecule is selected for its ability to attach to a surface on or proximal the biofilm structure. The attachment to the surface permits prolonged retention time of the enzyme-anchor complex where the biofilm structure and associated debris are present.

Abstract: Compositions for the prophylaxis or treatment of dental caries, dental plaque, and periodontal infection that include lactic bacteria that are not part of the resident microflora of the mouth, that are low acidifying, and that are capable of adhering directly to the pellicle of the teeth. The compositions are used in methods of treating or preventing dental caries, dental plaque, and infection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for treating dental caries, comprising administering a composition comprising an effective amount of at least one lytic enzyme produced by a bacteriophage specific for said bacteria, the lytic enzyme having the ability to digest a cell wall of the bacteria infecting all or part of a mouth or teeth, and a carrier for delivering the enzyme to the mouth and teeth.

Abstract: A thixotropic, smooth-flowing liquid, bulk-water-free dentifrice gel/paste that contains a stable mixture of at least one of amylopectin containing discrete solid particles and modified amylopectin containing discrete solid particles, uniformly suspended in and wetted by an inert essentially anhydrous organic hydroxylated liquid matrix material, and which dentifrice gel/paste is characterized by a high surface sheen. Preferably, the modified homopolysaccharide discrete particles contain esterified amylopectin and/or esterified amylose. The dentifrice gel/paste can be used as a toothpaste, a bleaching gel and a brushing gel.

Abstract: The present invention features gram-positive bacteria resistant to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR). Such bacteria will preferably be commensal, and will not be resistant to antibiotics. Bacteria according to the present invention may also be transformed with DNA encoding an antigenic protein. Such transformed bacteria may be used to formulate a vaccine, in order to stimulate an immune response to the antigenic protein in a patient. The present invention further provides a method for isolating gram-positive bacteria resistant to FUdR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral care composition comprising a Cellulose Binding Domain and further ingredient conventionally used in oral care compositions, oral care products, and the use of CBDs for oral care purposes.

Abstract: Selective inhibitors of the cPLA2 enzymes are provided which are of use in controlling a wide variety of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates, firstly, to a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition intended for treating keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers and more particularly human hair, comprising, in a support which is suitable for keratin fibers: (a) at least one enzyme of 2-electron oxidoreductase type in the presence of at least one donor for the said enzyme; (b) at least one substantive polymer chosen from the group consisting of: (i) cationic cellulose derivatives; (ii) dimethyldiallylammonium halide homopolymers and copolymers of dimethyldiallylammonium halide and of (meth)acrylic acid; (iii) methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium halide homopolymers and copolymers; (iv) polyquaternary ammonium polymers; (v) vinylpyrrolidone polymers containing cationic units; (vi) mixtures thereof. The present invention also relates to processes for treating keratin fibers, in particular processes for dyeing, permanently reshaping or bleaching the hair using this composition.

Abstract: A method and a product for cleaning and/or whitening of teeth. Natural human cysteine proteinases are employed for cleaning and whitening purposes and this activity can be blocked by natural cysteine protease inhibitors, which are released secondarily from the product at a later stage. The use of natural cysteine proteinases and their inhibitors provides the advantage that they are man's own proteins, and therefore the risk of allegorization is minimized. In addition, their enzyme kinetics are will known.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of bacterial infections are disclosed which comprise administering to an individual an effective amount of a composition comprising an effective amount of lytic enzyme and a carrier for delivering the lytic enzyme. This method and composition can be used for the treatment of upper respiratory infections, skin infections, wounds, burns, vaginal infections, eye infections, intestinal disorders and dental problems.

Abstract: An dental hygiene solution is provided comprising water; sodium tripolyphosphates in an amount from 100 to 1000 mg per gallon of water; disodium edetate in an amount from 0.01 to 1.0 ml of saturated solution per gallon of water (0.1 mg to 10 mg per gallon of water); and a detergent in an amount from 1 to 10 ml per gallon of water, which detergent is effective to remove plaque from the tooth surface and thereby reduce the risk of oral diseases associated with plaque such as tooth decay or mouth ulcers. Further provided herein is a dental hygiene paste or gel comprising the same ingredients as the solution and further including a binding agent, such as carboxymethyl-celloulose sodium in an amount from 80 g to 150 g per gallon of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral care compositions comprising high concentrations of Coenzyme Q10 which are uniform, stable, and retain characteristics favorable to the consumer. The oral care compositions of the present invention include toothpastes and tooth gels, pastes, irragants, ointments, films, dental gels, mouth rinse, mouth spray, chewing gum, lozenges and a base composition for coating toothpicks and dental floss. In formulating the oral care compositions of the present invention, the Coenzyme Q10 is solubilized in a non-toxic solubilizing agent which is compatible with use in the oral cavity. The formulations further comprise a water soluble flavoring agent. Methods are also provided for preparing the oral care compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: A composition for controlling bacterial growth/colonization is provided. The composition comprises a selected enzyme, a selected anchor molecule coupled to the enzyme to form an enzyme-anchor complex, with the anchor being capable of attaching to a substrate proximal to a bacterial colony. The attachment to the substrate permits prolonged retention time of the enzyme-anchor complex where the bacterial colony is present to increase the effectiveness of the complex. The invention is also for a method of controlling colonization of bacterial plaque in the oral cavity, as well as a method of forming a composition for controlling the proliferation of bacterial colonies in the oral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of one or more oxidoreductases in combination with a mediator for the reduction of malodour. Malodour reducing compositions and products comprising such composition are also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of one or more oxidoreductases in combination with a mediator for the reduction of malodor. Malodor reducing compositions and products comprising such composition are also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides safe products for bleaching teeth. Oral compositions comprising at least one oxidoreductase fulfil said criteria without the presence of peroxide or with only very little peroxide present. The invention also relates to an oral care product comprising the oral composition of the invention, a method of bleaching teeth, a method for using said oral care products and the use of oxidoreductases for oxidation of teeth stains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preventing caries and other sugar-dependent dental and oral lesions and to a carbohydrate binding protein-based composition suitable for use therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are toothpaste compositions and a process for preparing such compositions comprising dental abrasive, humectant, fluidized polymer suspension and a suitable vehicle for the humectant, wherein the fluidized polymer suspension comprises: polyethylene glycol, carboxymethyl cellulose and hydrated thickening silica.

Abstract: The present invention is a compound and method for treating and preventing periodontal disease. The compound contains a gum tissue regeneration agent, such as coenzyme Q.sub.10, and a antimicrobial agent, such as melaleuca alternifolia extract oil, mixed into a solution medium. The compound is applied to the bristles of a brush. The brush then is used to introduce the compound into any pockets that may exist between and around the teeth and gums because of periodontal disease. Once introduced into pockets between the teeth and gums, the compound has a dual effect. First, the antimicrobial agent kills any bacteria in the pockets and prevents the growth of new bacteria in the pockets. Second, the gum tissue regeneration agent promotes growth of the gums against the teeth. As a result, the size of the pockets is reduced over time until the pockets are no longer abnormal and the damage from past periodontal disease is at least partially repaired.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-tartar composition comprising:(a) 0.5 to 5% by weight of at least one compound selected from among zirconium silicate and hydrated silica;(b) 0.5 to 5% by weight of at least one compound selected from among chlorhexidine digluconate and zinc digluconate;(c) 0.5 to 5% by weight of at least one compound selected from among potassium thiocyanate, glucose oxidase, lysozyme, and lactoperoxidase; and(d) 1 to 5% by weight of at least one acid compound selected from among vitamin C and citric acid.It also concerns the use thereof in combination with food supplements or chewable supports for animals as well as the food supplements and chewable articles thus obtained.The invention applies, in particular, to the control of the formation of tartar in domestic animals such as dogs.

Abstract: A striped and/or speckled dentifrice stable to color bleeding, wherein at least one dentifrice component contains a colorant entrained in a high density polyethylene matrix having a melting point range as measured by DSC is between about 110.degree. C. and about 145.degree. C., whereby on storage substantially no visually observable colorant bleeding is present in any other dentifrice component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having mutanase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing the polypeptides. The present invention further relates to oral cavity compositions and methods for degrading mutan.

Abstract: A composition for controlling bacterial growth/colonization is provided. The composition comprises an enzyme, an anchor molecule coupled to the enzyme to form an enzyme-anchor complex, with the anchor being capable of attaching to a substrate proximal to a bacterial colony. The attachment to the substrate permits prolonged retention time of the enzyme-anchor complex where the bacterial colony is present to increase the effectiveness of the complex. The invention is also for a method of controlling colonization of bacterial plaque in the oral cavity, as well as a method of forming a composition for controlling the proliferation of bacterial colonies in the oral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having mutanase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing the polypeptides. The present invention further relates to oral cavity compositions and methods for degrading mutan.

Abstract: Oral compositions, such as oral gels, toothpastes and mouthwashes, containing a tartaric acid chelating agent and a hydrophobic anionic surfactant.

Abstract: Shaving compositions for use in the personal shaving process with a razor blade assembly include insoluble solid particulate additives. The shaving compositions may include one or more of the following: wetting agents, cleansing agents, lather producing compositions, emollients and mixtures thereof; and further includes at least one solid, insoluble particulate additive in a well dispersed suspension throughout said shaving composition. The solid additives are present in an effective amount to produce physical microscopic support for the blade of a razor blade assembly during the personal shaving process. By providing micro-support of the razor blade parallel to skin surface and above surface irregularities, the solid particulate additives provide improved razor blade glide, thereby preventing nicks and cuts, and also enhancing exfoliation of dead skin and removal of grease and oils, as well as improving hair extraction prior to cutting, thereby improving overall smoothness of the post-shaven skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil-based, anti-plaque dentifrice comprising vitamin E and an enzyme in an admixture which is effective to dissolve plaque and to resist plaque formation. The preferred dentifrice composition is substantially anhydrous, and includes a chelating agent and a promoter to assist the enzyme in fighting plaque.

Abstract: A substitute oral fluid standard for testing, calibration, and standardization of devices and methods for collection, storage, and analysis of oral fluids. The oral fluid standard comprises a mucin and a protease inhibitor.