Abstract: Dental bleaching compositions, for example in the form of liquids, gels, creams, pastes and ointments, comprising a peroxide releasing compound and from 1% to 35% by weight of a potassium-containing compound such as potassium nitrate, wherein the potassium nitrate is present in a safe and effective amount to prevent tooth hypersensitivity in the patient during the bleaching process. The potassium nitrate contemplated by the invention is compatible with peroxide yielding bleaching compounds such as peroxide, carbamide peroxide, calcium peroxide, zinc peroxide, magnesium peroxide and sodium perborate. Potassium nitrate is complimentary and synergistic with the peroxide bleaching agents contemplated by the invention and enhances the release of oxygen to the tooth enamel. Also contemplated are methods of bleaching teeth comprising application of the dental bleaching compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A method and composition for the restoration and maintenance of gingival and periodontal health are provided. The composition includes a potassium as an essential ingredient, which acts as an anti-bacterial agent. In some embodiments, the compositions include an osmotic agent other than potassium.

Abstract: Dental bleaching compositions, for example in the form of liquids, gels, creams, pastes and ointments, comprising a peroxide releasing compound and from 1% to 35% by weight of a potassium-containing compound such as potassium nitrate, wherein the potassium nitrate is present in a safe and effective amount to prevent tooth hypersensitivity in the patient during the bleaching process. The potassium nitrate contemplated by the invention is compatible with peroxide yielding bleaching compounds such as peroxide, carbamide peroxide, calcium peroxide, zinc peroxide, magnesium peroxide and sodium perborate. Potassium nitrate is complimentary and synergistic with the peroxide bleaching agents contemplated by the invention and enhances the release of oxygen to the tooth enamel. Also contemplated are methods of bleaching teeth comprising application of the dental bleaching compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A method and composition for the restoration and maintenance of gingival and periodontal health are provided. The composition includes a potassium as an essential ingredient, which acts as an anti-bacterial agent. In some embodiments, the compositions include an osmotic agent other than potassium.

Abstract: Dental bleaching compositions, for example in the form of liquids, gels, creams, pastes and ointments, comprising a peroxide releasing compound and from 1% to 35% by weight of a potassium-containing compound such as potassium nitrate, wherein the potassium nitrate is present in a safe and effective amount to prevent tooth hypersensitivity in the patient during the bleaching process. The potassium nitrate contemplated by the invention is compatible with peroxide yielding bleaching compounds such as peroxide, carbamide peroxide, calcium peroxide, zinc peroxide, magnesium peroxide and sodium perborate. Potassium nitrate is complimentary and synergistic with the peroxide bleaching agents contemplated by the invention and enhances the release of oxygen to the tooth enamel. Also contemplated are methods of bleaching teeth comprising application of the dental bleaching compositions of the invention.

Abstract: Dental cements containing desensitizing agents, preferably potassium-containing desensitizing agents, are described. The cements favorably provide decreased post-application sensitivity upon application compared to prior art formulations. Methods for preparing these cements are also described, as are methods for decreasing the incidence and the severity of post-application sensitivity using the desensitizing cements of the invention.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition and a method of using the composition are provided. The composition includes an osmotic agent and an active agent. The osmotic agent improves the delivery of the active agent to the targeted tissue site.

Abstract: A method and composition for the restoration and maintenance of gingival and periodontal health are provided. The composition includes a potassium as an essential ingredient, which acts as an anti-bacterial agent. In some embodiments, the compositions include an osmotic agent other than potassium.

Abstract: Dental cements containing desensitizing agents, preferably potassium-containing desensitizing agents, are described. The cements favorably provide decreased post-application sensitivity upon application compared to prior art formulations. Methods for preparing these cements are also described, as are methods for decreasing the incidence and the severity of post-application sensitivity using the desensitizing cements of the invention.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a hollow housing having an elongate chamber formed therein. A power supply is located within the chamber of the housing, the power supply being in electrical communication with a variable speed motor also located within the chamber of the housing. A switch, accessible from outside the housing, is in electrical communication with the power supply and motor for selectively operating the motor from a non-operable condition to an operable condition. A microprocessor controls the speed of the motor, enabling the fluid dispenser to deliver fluid at a wide range of speeds.

Abstract: A method of anesthetizing a tooth requiring tooth preparation, caries removal or manual manipulation thereof is disclosed. The method includes the steps of applying a composition having a high concentration of potassium to the tooth requiring tooth preparation, caries removal or manual manipulation, the composition being adapted to anesthetize the tooth so that the tooth may be drilled or manually manipulated, whereby the potassium enters the dentinal tubules and odontoblastic fibrils and penetrates the pulpal tissues of the tooth for anesthetizing the tooth. The improvement consists essentially of applying a solution of EDTA, EGTA, and citric acid to the tooth before the application of the potassium composition, the solution of EDTA, EGTA, and citric acid effectively removing a smear layer from the tooth so as to facilitate the penetration of the potassium solution through the dentinal tubules and odontoblastic fibrils.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a hollow housing having an elongate chamber formed therein. A power supply is located within the chamber of the housing, the power supply being in electrical communication with a motor also located within the chamber of the housing. A switch, accessible from outside the housing, is in electrical communication with the power supply and motor for selectively operating the motor from a non-operable condition to an operable condition. A gear train is driven by a drive shaft of the motor, the gear train being located within the chamber of the housing and having a plurality of gears. At least one of the gears defines a slow speed gear which is rotatable at a relatively slow rate of speed and at least another of the gears defines a fast speed gear which is rotatable at a relatively fast rate of speed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for anesthetizing teeth which does not require an injection into the gum in order to anesthetize a tooth (or teeth) which requires attention. The method comprises the step of applying a composition having a high concentration of potassium to a tooth requiring caries removal or manual manipulation thereof. The composition is adapted to anesthetize the tooth so that the tooth may be drilled or manually manipulated. It has been discovered that the potassium enters the dentinal tubules and odontoblastic fibrils and penetrates the pulpal tissues of the tooth for anesthetizing the tooth without having to inject anesthetics into the gum surrounding the tooth.

Abstract: A method for treating and reducing post-restoration dental pain comprising the application of an agent, the essential ingredient of which is potassium nitrate, to the affected tooth and the cemento-enamel junction thereof.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes an elongated handle portion and a tip portion detachably received on the handle portion. One of either the handle portion or the tip portions has a longitudinally extending cavity formed in one end thereof and the other of either the tip portion or the handle portion has a projection formed on one end thereof which is receivable in the cavity for detachably securing the tip portion on the handle portion. The tip portion preferably includes a base having bristles thereon for brushing the teeth of a user.

Abstract: A method for treating herpes simplex lesions comprising topical application of an agent to the herpetic lesions, said agent comprising a liquid, cream or paste having potassium nitrate as its essential ingredient.

Abstract: A disposable syringe for use in administering a medication including a flexible, compressible container, means located on said container for mounting a needle thereon, and a holder for said container that defines a means for compressing the container to eject the medication through said needle, said holder being defined by a flat flexible member having a central opening for receiving said container therein, and securing means associated with said holder for locating said container therein so that compression of said holder results in the compressing of said container to cause the medication to be ejected through said needle. In another form of the invention, a diluent contained in either a pod or container is mixed with a powdered medicated material in the container to form a preselected medicated fluid therein, the pod being removable from the container for thereafter mounting the needle thereon for the dispensing of the medicated fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A compound and method for preserving dental pulp, the essential ingredient of said compound comprising potassium nitrate and the method comprising as its essential step the capping of the pulp with the aforesaid compound.

Abstract: A compound and method of treating gingival and periodontal tissues, the essential ingredient of said compound comprising potassium nitrate, and the method comprising the application of said compound in aqueous solution or nontoxic paste form to said tissue.