Abstract: Disclosed herein are probiotic compositions comprising a mixture of at least two probiotic bacteria, including Streptococcus salivarius K12® (BLIS K12®) and at least a Lactobacillus bacteria. The Streptococcus salivarius K12® (BLIS K12®) may comprise Streptococcus salivarius K12® (BLIS K12®) BAA1024. The Lactobacillus bacteria may be selected from those known to be suitable for oral administration, for example from those known to improve recipient health, particularly recipient oral health.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are probiotic compositions comprising a mixture of at least two probiotic bacteria, including Streptococcus salivarius K12® (BLIS K12®) and at least a Lactobacillus bacteria. The Streptococcus salivarius K12® (BLIS K12®) may comprise Streptococcus salivarius K12® (BLIS K12®) BAA1024. The Lactobacillus bacteria may be selected from those known to be suitable for oral administration, for example from those known to improve recipient health, particularly recipient oral health.

Abstract: A video camera and imaging system having signal processing circuitry configured to change the black level (pedestal) of a video signal in response to comparing an overall system gain (for instance, a gain value and the electronic exposure time of the image sensor) to a threshold value. The change helps to automatically obtain brighter and more detailed images, particularly with imaging systems which are optimized for intraoral (dental) imaging but are also used to capture a headshot of the patent's smile or face.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light box for use with a dental intraoral camera is disclosed. The light box having a lamp inside is coupled to the dental intraoral camera via fiber optic cables. The light box allows easy access to the lamp for lamp replacement by pulling a tray out containing the lamp.

Abstract: A dental imaging system that extracts still images from a digital movie of a patient's mouth. The system allows still images free of shakes or flutter to be taken using an intraoral camera at the desired angle more easily than using conventional still image capture systems which may require several retakes before realizing a flutter-free image at the correct angle. Another embodiment uses image processing techniques, including color filtering and edge detection, to automatically and rapidly detect teeth in an image of a patient's mouth, without having to manually define the outline of each tooth.

Abstract: A focus mechanism having an actuator positioned near the rear of a handheld piece and that allows a lens element to be moved with respect to a stationary image sensor to achieve a range of focus. When implemented as a manual focusing feature of an intraoral dental camera or handpiece, the focus mechanism allows greater control of focus as the user's hand that grasps the actuator (e.g., ring) is not in close proximity to the distal end of the camera which is inserted into the patient's mouth. Maintaining the image sensor stationary also helps increase system reliability. In a particular embodiment, a variable profile cam allows high precision focus with the camera inside the patient's mouth, while still allowing enough focus travel for capturing a head shot or an image of the patient's smile or face when the camera is moved outside the patient's mouth.