Abstract: Methods and systems for producing metal/polymer multilayer microstructures. In some examples, a method includes method for fabricating a multilayer microstructure using sequential multilayer deposition. This method includes deposition of an active metal containing desired physical, mechanical, and/or electrical properties, followed by the deposition of a protective layer of an inert metal. Subsequently, a polymer layer is deposited in which the deposition bath chemistry and conditions are optimized to control the growth direction and rate of the polymerization and thus the morphology of the layer. This is defined as the morphological polymer layer. A film of the same polymer with different polymerization conditions is then deposited such that a proper interface for subsequent metal deposition is created; this is the interfacial polymer layer. Lastly, the interfacial polymer layer is activated by deposition of a thin pure metal on the surface, creating an optimal substrate for the next active metal layer.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a head extending from a neck which extends from a handle, and the head has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom. A first group of tooth cleaning elements is located towards a free end of the head, and a second group of tooth cleaning elements is located towards the outside of the head. A third group of tooth cleaning elements, which alternate with the second group of tufts, are oriented at an acute angle to a top surface of the head in a direction that is across the width of the head. A fourth group of tooth cleaning elements is located toward the inside of the head, and each is made of a thermoplastic elastomer and each is in the shape of a curved wall. A fifth group of tooth cleaning elements is located towards the inside of the head.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of sensitive teeth comprising a suitable carrier and a desensitizing amount of: a) at least one tubule blocking agent preferably a combination of two such agents; and b) a nerve desensitizing agent selected from the group consisting of at least one potassium salt at least one strontium salt and mixtures thereof wherein the tubule blocking agent deposits or swells upon the dentinal surface and/or precipitates within the dentinal tubules retaining a higher concentration of the nerve desensitizing agent at the exposed dentinal surface and within the dentinal tubules The compositions may further contain a source of physiologically acceptable fluoride ion such as stannous fluoride Also disclosed are methods of using the subject compositions in the treatment of sensitive teeth.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a tooth cleaning element extending from a top surface of the head. The head is divided into at least two portions which can be moved independent of each other. The tooth cleaning element is rotatable relative to that portion of the head from which it extends. A vibrator vibrates the head and tooth cleaning element.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition is disclosed and comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition. This composition exhibits enhanced adhesive performance and reduces oozing and incidence of food occlusion. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a denture adhesive composition comprising: preparing a mixture which comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition; forming a denture adhesive composition including the mixture; and recovering the denture adhesive composition. A method of making a denture adhesive composition more adhesive and less oozing is disclosed as well. This method comprises adding to the denture adhesive composition a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition.

Abstract: A denture cleansing agent containing a film forming material for preventing plaque formation. The denture cleansing agent may be a denture cleanser tablet, and the film forming material may be a polyoxyethylene oxide/vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a concentrated solid or semi-solid disinfectant or sterilant composition for use in an aqueous disinfecting or sterilizing solution, comprising an oxidant and a protected glutaraldehyde such as a glutaraldehyde bisulfite addition compound (GBS): ##STR1## or a glutaraldehyde dioxime compound (GDO): ##STR2## The present invention further provides a method for disinfecting or sterilizing a surface or apparatus comprising the steps of mixing a concentrated solid or semi-solid glutaraldehyde sterilant composition comprising an oxidizing compound and a protected sterilant with water to form a solution and bringing the solution into contact with the surface or apparatus.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition is disclosed and comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition. This composition exhibits enhanced adhesive performance and reduces oozing and incidence of food occlusion. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a denture adhesive composition comprising: preparing a mixture which comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition; forming a denture adhesive composition including the mixture; and recovering the denture adhesive composition. A method of making a denture adhesive composition more adhesive and less oozing is disclosed as well. This method comprises adding to the denture adhesive composition a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition.

Abstract: Described is the use of vitamin E in topically applied compositions for the purpose of enhancing the penetration of therapeutically effective (cosmetically or pharmaceutically-active) drug or cosmetic ingredients. The topical compositions containing the penetration-enhancing concentration of vitamin E may be provided in a variety of forms including semi-solid (gel, paste, cream, lotion, ointment, etc.), liquid, suspension, film or laminate.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition contains a denture adhesive and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier in which the denture adhesive is a salt of a copolymer of maleic acid or anhydride and a 1 to 5 carbon atom alkyl vinyl ether having a specific viscosity of at least 4.0. The denture adhesive composition is used to adhere a denture to the oral mucosa.

Abstract: A denture adhesive with significantly improved hold performance is comprised of the mixed partial salts of polymethyl vinyl ether maleic acid. At least one of said salts comprises zirconium while a second salt is selected from the group consisting of calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, strontium and mixtures thereof. Optionally, a tripartite salt formulation may be prepared utilizing sodium, lithium or potassium. The adhesives are formulated in a standard pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle comprised of waxes, oils, colorants, viscosity modifiers and the like as is known in the art. The denture adhesive may be formulated as a paste, powder or liquid which has rapid absorption characteristics for faster swelling softening and superior coalescence.

Abstract: Phosphate-free oral compositions containing cationically charged colloids are effective to treat tooth hypersensitivity.

Abstract: Denture cleanser tablet compositions are disclosed which include a flavoring agent in one layer and a bleaching agent in a second layer. This arrangement avoids deterioration of the tablet flavor and taste during storage.

Abstract: An improved denture adhesive that exhibits superior tack, adhesion, cohesive strength and spreadability characteristics is made from a hydrocarbon-free base consisting of a mixture of medium length chain triglycerides which have been mixed with a small amount of fumed silica and other components so as to improve the viscosity, spreadability and taste. Preferred triglycerides include captic and caprylic acids and in particular, a mixture of the caprylic and captic acids which are combines with fumed silica and a water soluble cellosic polymer and a synthetic methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer that is formulated as a paste or gel.

Abstract: A novel denture adhesive composition contains an adhesive mixture comprising sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and, either a partially neutralized sodium, magnesium, zinc mixed salt or a partially neutralized magnesium, zinc mixed salt of an alkyl vinyl ether maleic acid copolymer.

Abstract: A composition containing a water soluble or water swellable polyelectrolyte or salts thereof in a dentifrice base or other oral compositions which can be used for relieving pain and discomfort caused by hypersensitive teeth. The salts can be single or mixed partial salts of the polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: A toothpaste having high polishing and cleaning properties suitable for use in the removal of coffee and tea stains comprises about 10-35% of an abrasive system combined with a non-toxic paste, said abrasive system comprising a combination of anhydrous aluminum silicate and diatomaceous silica in a ratio of about 0.5:1-1.5:1, said toothpaste having a radioactive dentin abrasion index not in excess of about 150. The system provides excellent fluoride stability during storage and does not interfere with fluoride bioavailability.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition contains a denture adhesive and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier in which the denture adhesive is a salt of a copolymer of maleic acid or anhydride and a 1 to 5 carbon atom alkyl vinyl ether having a specific viscosity of at least 4.0. The denture adhesive composition is used to adhere a denture to the oral mucosa.