Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating and protecting teeth against erosion by use of oral compositions comprising polymeric mineral surface active agents, metal ions such as stannous and zinc and combinations thereof. The present methods provide improved resistance of teeth to erosive demineralization or dissolution and prevention of tooth damage by subsequent exposure of teeth to erosive chemicals such as acidic foods and beverages.

Abstract: A method for identifying constituents for detoxifying oral virulence factors and a method for determining the effectiveness of detoxifying agents.

Abstract: A method of quantitating sorption of stannous by microbial cells of a biofilm is an effective way of assessing efficacy of oral care products containing stannous.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating and protecting teeth against erosion by use of oral compositions comprising polymeric mineral surface active agents, metal ions such as stannous and zinc and combinations thereof. The present methods provide improved resistance of teeth to erosive demineralization or dissolution and prevention of tooth damage by subsequent exposure of teeth to erosive chemicals such as acidic foods and beverages.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and quantifying toxins present in the oral cavity. The methods may include providing a biological sample, providing reporter cells expressing one or more Toll like receptors, exposing the cells to the biological sample, measuring the EC50 value of the lipopolysaccharide on activation of a Toll like receptor, quantification of the lipopolysaccharide in the biological sample.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for assessing treatment effectiveness of tooth sensitivity with an oral care product comprising a tooth shaped member (50) comprises an outer layer (60) simulating an enamel, wherein the outer layer (60) at least partially covers an exterior surface of an inner layer (70) simulating a pulp, and a liquid sensor (80) contained either between the outer layer (60) and inner layer (70), or within the inner layer (70); and a plurality of holes (90), simulating open dentin tubules, configured through the outer layer (60) to the inner layer (70), and in fluid communication with the liquid sensor (80); wherein the liquid sensor (80) is configured to sense liquid passing through at least one of the plurality of holes (90) as simulating the treatment effectiveness of tooth sensitivity of the oral care product.

Abstract: Dentifrice compositions with high water, a calcium-containing abrasive and polyethylene glycol have an alkaline pH and provide improved anti-plaque benefits with an alkaline pH.

Abstract: A therapeutic micro-current delivery device includes a first electrode in electrical contact with a user at a first user location, a second electrode in electrical contact with the user at a second user location, a power source operable to provide a first voltage potential at the first electrode and a second voltage potential at the second electrode, and a micro-current control circuit in electrical communication with the first electrode, second electrode and power source. Electrical contact of the first electrode at the first user location and electrical contact of the second electrode at the second user location completes an electrical circuit. The micro-current control circuit generates a micro-current Iramped through a user between the first location and the second location that increases from a start current Istart to an end current Iend over a rise time trise. Oral care devices and micro-current control methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Dentifrice compositions with high water, a calcium-containing abrasive, an alkaline pH and minimal or nil amounts of polyols, such as PEG humectants, provide improved anti-plaque benefits.

Abstract: A head portion for a tongue cleaning device is disclosed. The head portion includes a mechanical tongue cleaning section and a tongue cleaning electrode. The mechanical tongue cleaning section includes a cleaning protrusion. The tongue cleaning electrode enables a current flow into a user's tongue during operation.

Abstract: A head portion for a mouth cleaning device is disclosed. The head portion includes an electrical connecting element; cleaning elements for cleaning teeth; and a tongue cleaning electrode for enabling a current flow into a user's tongue during use. The cleaning elements and the tongue cleaning electrode are arranged on substantially opposing sides of the head portion. The electrical connecting element on the head portion is electrically coupled to the tongue cleaning electrode for establishing an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connecting element located at a handle portion in a connected state.

Abstract: A therapeutic micro-current delivery device includes a first electrode in electrical contact with a user at a first user location, a second electrode in electrical contact with the user at a second user location, a power source operable to provide a first voltage potential at the first electrode and a second voltage potential at the second electrode, and a micro-current control circuit in electrical communication with the first electrode, second electrode and power source. Electrical contact of the first electrode at the first user location and electrical contact of the second electrode at the second user location completes an electrical circuit. The micro-current control circuit generates a micro-current Iramped through a user between the first location and the second location that increases from a start current Istart to an end current Iend over a rise time trise. Oral care devices and micro-current control methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A head portion for a tongue cleaning device is disclosed. The head portion includes a mechanical tongue cleaning section and a tongue cleaning electrode. The mechanical tongue cleaning section includes a cleaning protrusion. The tongue cleaning electrode enables a current flow into a user's tongue during operation.

Abstract: A head portion for a mouth cleaning device is disclosed. The head portion includes an electrical connecting element; cleaning elements for cleaning teeth; and a tongue cleaning electrode for enabling a current flow into a user's tongue during use. The cleaning elements and the tongue cleaning electrode are arranged on substantially opposing sides of the head portion. The electrical connecting element on the head portion is electrically coupled to the tongue cleaning electrode for establishing an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connecting element located at a handle portion in a connected state.

Abstract: An oral care composition for the treatment of dry mouth comprising a polyethylene oxide with a molecular weight from about 200,000 to about 7,000,000, an anti-bacterial agent, and a sensate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the multivariate analysis of spectra from saliva for estimating the oral health of an individual or group of individuals. The technique enables rapid sampling and evaluation and is particularly useful for facilitating the screening and monitoring of participants in clinical trials, and for evaluating developmental treatment products, as well as providing a straightforward, non-invasive diagnostic method.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of enhancing fluoride incorporation into teeth and mineralization of teeth by use of oral care compositions comprising the combination of one or more fluoride ion sources and specialized phosphonate containing polymers or telomers. The present methods provide enhanced protection of teeth against caries and cavities and increased resistance to acid demineralization associated with caries processes as well as anticalculus (antitartar) benefits.

Abstract: Disclosed are oral hygiene regimens comprising a plurality of steps involving the use of two or more oral care products containing actives effective to provide one or more benefits including cleaning, antimicrobial, antiplaque, anticaries, anti-calculus, anti-demineralizing, anti-erosion, antisensitivity/desensitizing, whitening, surface conditioning, polishing, and pH-balancing, wherein the plurality of steps are conducted and sequenced for maximizing delivery of oral care actives to target surfaces of a subject's oral cavity thereby achieving optimum oral health and hygiene benefits. In one aspect, a regimen comprises at least once daily of each of the following steps: (a) applying an antimicrobial dentifrice to oral cavity surfaces, and (b) rinsing the oral cavity with an antimicrobial mouthrinse, wherein at least one of steps (a) and (b) is conducted prior to retiring at night.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chewing gum composition comprising a polymeric surface active agent. A second aspect of this invention relates to a crunchy chewing gum wherein the crunchy texture is provided by particulate polyphosphate particles within the formulation and which lasts through the initial minutes of mastication. The chewing gum composition may also contain a cationic material and or an orally active metallic ion. The chewing gum composition will provide surface conditioning effects on a subject's teeth and or oral mucosa and the crunchy texture is used as a sensate to reinforce these effects. The surface conditioning effects can be measured through in vitro or in vivo testing. The in vitro testing shows a total surface energy and or a lewis base score to increase immediately after treatment with the chewing gum and then decrease over time.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating and protecting teeth against erosion by use of oral compositions comprising polymeric mineral surface active agents, metal ions such as stannous and zinc and combinations thereof. The present methods provide improved resistance of teeth to erosive demineralization or dissolution and prevention of tooth damage by subsequent exposure of teeth to erosive chemicals such as acidic foods and beverages.