Abstract: The present invention relates generally to dental diseases, caries and periodontal disease. More specifically, the invention relates to Lactoferrin and PAK fusion peptides (PAK-LF), along with therapeutic, diagnostic and research uses for these polypeptides. The present invention also provides methods of treating dental diseases, caries and periodontal disease.

Abstract: A method for site-specific detection and early diagnosis of periodontal disease using periodontal pocket fluid biomarkers is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to dental diseases, caries and periodontal disease. More specifically, the invention relates to Lactoferrin and PAK fusion peptides (PAK-LF), along with therapeutic, diagnostic and research uses for these polypeptides. The present invention also provides methods of treating dental diseases, caries and periodontal disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods to detect and diagnose osteoporosis and periodontal disease using salivary biomarkers.

Abstract: A method for site-specific detection and early diagnosis of periodontal disease using periodontal pocket fluid biomarkers is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods to detect and diagnose osteoporosis and periodontal disease using salivary biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gel composition useful for the prevention or treatment of gingivitis, periodontal disease, and dental plaque which comprises ascorbic acid, copper sulfate, and essentially no added oxidizing agent, in concentrations sufficient for the prevention or treatment of gingivitis, periodontal disease, and dental plaque; and a gel carrier. The invention also provides a method for the prevention or treatment of gingivitis, periodontal disease, and dental plaque in the oral cavity of a subject which comprises applying for an effective period of time within the oral cavity of a subject an amount of the gel composition effective to prevent or treat gingivitis, periodontal disease, and dental plaque.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of quantitatively determining the amount of bacterial endotoxin present in a periodontal pocket of a subject. The method comprises:a) obtaining a sample from the periodontal pocket of the subject;b) contacting the sample with an amebocyte lysate under conditions so as to activate an enzyme capable of cleaving a bond between an arginyl group and a nitrogen-containing group;c) contacting the activated enzyme with a substrate comprising an arginyl group and a suitable nitrogen-containing group bound to the arginyl group so as to form an amine;d) treating the resulting amine to produce a detectable product; ande) quantitatively determining the amount of product formed and thereby the amount of bacterial endotoxins present in the periodontal pocket.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a gel composition useful for treating or preventing caries of the root which comprises sodium fluoride and an antibacterial agent in concentrations sufficient to retard or prevent caries of the root and a gel carrier. In the most preferred embodiment, the gel composition further comprises preservatives and taste agents and contains a gel carrier which comprises a combination of gum tragacanth, gum arabic and agar-agar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably dispensing a fluid substance on a repetitive, variable basis utilize a piston-cylinder type handheld finger operated dispenser. The dispenser includes a generally cylindrical body for containing a supply of the fluid substance to be dispensed, a formed tip through which the fluid substance may be dispensed, a piston and a piston rod for use in dispensing the fluid substance from the cylinder and a formed gouge or actuator for initiating movement of the piston rod to dispense the fluid substance in amounts controlled by the skill and desire of the user. The actuator is formed from a harder material than the material used to form the piston rod so that gouges or teeth are formed by the actuator during usage along the length of the piston rod, the spacing between adjacent teeth being variably selected by the user. A specific application of the dispenser is for use in dispensing topical dental medicine by a user in his own oral cavity.

Abstract: An oral composition for the preventative treatment of dental disease is provided. The composition includes an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride, and an anti-inflammatory agent admixed in a vehicle including a gelling agent. Sodium fluoride may also be included. Method and apparatus for dispensing this composition are further provided.