MX2008010404A - Oral care regimens and devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are various oral care devices and methods. One method includes introducing a composition into the oral cavity, wherein the composition includes a reactive species generating agent. Output from a light emitting element is directed at a portion of the soft tissue of the oral cavity for a period of time sufficient to generate one or more reactive species from the reactive species generating agent.

Description

REGIMES AND DEVICES FOR THE CARE OF THE MOUTH FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to regimens and devices for oral care that can be used to affect microorganisms in the oral cavity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Efforts have been made in the field of oral health to provide therapeutic methods beyond conventional brushing with a manual toothbrush and a toothpaste. For example, a wide variety of electric toothbrushes are available in the market that can provide superior benefits to manual brushes. In addition, the available toothbrushes have bristles or brushing elements adapted to specific types of consumers, such as children. Moreover, a variety of toothpastes are available, many of which are designed for specific functions such as bleaching of tooth surfaces. Furthermore, many other oral care products are available for different diseases or treatments such as mouthwashes, whitening strips and dental floss.

Although they are satisfactory in many aspects, there is still a need for more advances and improvements in oral health care and, specifically, in the therapeutic practices carried out by consumers of oral health care products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for affecting more than one type of microorganisms in the buccal cavity. The method comprises introducing a composition into the buccal cavity and exposing the buccal cavity to energy that activates the composition to produce one or more reactive species. The method also comprises brushing the teeth with a toothpaste and a toothbrush comprising an element that emits light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, the embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and will be illustrated with the accompanying figures that form a part thereof, and in which: Figure 1 is a view in perspective of an electric toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a planar top view of the electric toothbrush of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the toothbrush of Figure 2, taken along line 3-3 thereof; Figure 4A is a top view of the head of a toothbrush of the present invention during use; Figure 4B is a top view of the head of a toothbrush of the present invention during use; The figures. 5A to 5C are partial views on the bottom floor of a toothbrush head of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tongue device according to the present invention; and Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the tongue device according to Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES Generally, the present invention relates to oral care regimens that use one or more oral care devices or apparatus and one or more oral care compositions. The oral care apparatus or appliances used in the regimens described herein may comprise an element that emits light or another element that emits energy (eg, an element that emits heat) that can activate a composition for oral care. . Oral care devices can be provided in the form of an electric toothbrush and can also, or instead, include a device or structure for the tongue. As used herein, the phrase "device or structure for language" refers to devices or structures that are adapted to be used on or with the tongue. The oral care compositions may include one or more reactive species generating agents (GSR, for its acronym in English) that, when exposed to an input of energy such as light, generate one or more reactive species. Reactive species refer to unstable atoms or molecules that can easily react with other atoms or molecules to form new species. Reactive species can include excited radicals and atoms, such as isolated oxygen. Examples include hydroxyl radicals, hydroperoxy radicals, alkyl radicals and alkoxy radicals and superoxide. Also included are the species formed by the autooxidation of the reactive species. Reactive species can adversely affect one or more microorganisms in the oral cavity. In a modality, the regimens are directed to kill, treat, reduce or adversely affect bacteria in the oral cavity and, in another modality, treat, reduce or adversely affect bacteria associated with the soft or hard tissue of the oral cavity. As used herein, the phrase "soft tissue" encompasses the tongue, papillae and gums, which may include the marginal gingiva, gingiva suculus, interdental gingiva, gingiva structure over lingual and buccal surfaces up to and including the junction of the mucosa. gingival and the palate. Another soft tissue within the buccal cavity is also within the scope of the present invention, including, for example, the oral tissue of the cheek. The term "oral care devices" or "oral care devices" may include any device or device adapted for use or having an effect on an oral cavity, including but not limited to toothbrushes, tongue devices, polishers, gum massagers, flossing instruments, trays, applicators, mouth guards and other devices that are held by hand. The term "oral care composition" (or substance) as used herein refers to a composition that provides one or more oral care benefits to the user. Non-limiting forms of oral care compositions include dentifrices, gels, rinses, tablets, strips, coloring formulations, foaming formulations, films, strips or fast-dissolving films and the like. Activation can occur after the exposure of the RSG agent to one or more sources of light, heat, electrical energy, acoustic energy, energy vibratory, or other source of energy. Although the present invention is in no way limited only to toothbrushes and tongue devices, but can be reapplied to various other oral care devices, various aspects of the present invention will now be described for purposes of illustration with respect to brushes. of teeth and devices for the tongue. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an electric toothbrush includes a handle 12 and a neck 14 attached to the handle 12. A head 16 is attached to the neck 14. In general, the head is larger than the neck 14 and, typically, of a size smaller than that of the handle 12. Referring now to Figure 2, the head 16 is further defined by a longitudinal axis 19 and may comprise one or more mobile bristle supports 20 and one or more static supports of optional bristles 22. In this embodiment, the static bristle holders 22 are located on opposite sides of the mobile bristle support 20. The bristle mobile support 20 in this embodiment is located in the center of the head 16, but can be located in any place of the head. The mobile bristle holder 20 includes a plurality of bristles 24 supported and retained in the bristle holder 20. The mobile bristle holder can oscillate or rotate about an axis of movement approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 19 of the head 16, despite that other movements are provided. The static bristle supports and the distribution of the static bristles on them can also vary widely. For example, static bristles can partially or totally restrict the mobile bristle supports or they can be placed in a space between the supports of mobile bristles. Examples of some movements of the bristle support and the arrangements of bristles suitable for use with the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. num. 20030126699; 20030084525; 20030084524; 20030084526; and WO 03/063723 and WO 03/063722. As shown in Figure 3, the handle 12 further includes a hollow portion 30 that houses a motor 32, and has a longitudinal axis 34. The motor 32 drives the mobile bristle holder 20 through a rod 44. The shaft can rotate, oscillating, alternately moving linearly, rotating, turning in orbit, or moving conically when driven by the motor to impart one or more motions to the moving bristle supports. A transmission mechanism can functionally interconnect the stem 44 and the motor 32, although mechanisms that do not include transmission mechanisms can also be provided. Exemplary stems or transmission mechanisms suitable for use with the present invention are shown in U.S. Pat. num. 6,360,395 and 5,617,601, and in the U.S. patent applications. num. 2003/0134567 and 2003/0163881, as well as in other patents and patent publications cited herein. The handle also has a power source, such as one or more batteries, disposed therein to drive the motor and other electrical elements of the toothbrush. Alternatively, the electric toothbrush can be connected to an external power source to activate the motor. One or more switches 50 may be arranged in the handle in electrical communication with the source of energy to activate the motor or other electrical elements, such as an element that emits light. As used herein, the term "light emitting element" refers to an element that converts electrical energy into light, as opposed to an element that simply conducts or transmits light, such as a fiber optic cable (i.e. , a light transmitting element). The toothbrush may optionally include a detachable head or neck which is engaged with release means to the handle. The toothbrushes may also comprise one or more alarms or warning devices (eg, a loudspeaker or light source) to indicate, for example, the start, progress or end of a specific treatment regime or process. For example, a sound signal can indicate the start of the output of an element that emits light. The alarms or signals can take the form of sound, visual or tactile signals. The tactile signals include a vibration or other movement of certain parts of the toothbrush, for example, the handle or the mobile bristle supports. Examples of sound alarms include, but are not limited to, one or more beeps, a series of notes, a song or portion thereof, one or more tones, one or more calls, words or phrases, and combinations thereof. You can also add a stopwatch to the device so that when a certain period of time ends, another different signal is provided. The timer can be used to ensure that sufficient exposure to light or one or more oral care compositions has occurred, to ensure that the exposure time has not been exceeded, to ensure sufficient delay times when administering multiple-step regimens, indicating to the user whether to brush or otherwise direct efforts from one region of the oral cavity to another and combinations of these. For strategies in which it is desired to limit the exposure time for light emission, non-limiting examples of light emission duration include about 1 minute or less or about 30 seconds or less. It is further contemplated that the sensors may be incorporated into a toothbrush head that can detect diseases, markers, stimuli and agents in the oral cavity, such as the presence of bacteria or malodor associated with their presence. In one embodiment, the toothbrushes of the present invention comprise an element that emits light and the toothbrush is used in combination with a mouth care composition containing an RSG agent that is applied to the soft tissue. The output of the light emitting element is directed to the soft tissue of the buccal cavity to activate the RSG agent. The output of the light emitting element can be directed to the soft tissue either by the arrangement of the element emitting light in the toothbrush or by the regime employed by the user. Alternatively, bristles can be used that can transmit light optically, especially when the bristles are arranged to come in contact with the gums or when the bristles are coated so that practically all the light is emitted by the tips of the bristles as opposed to the bristles. length of the bristles. This can focus the light more effectively on the interdental spaces between the teeth where the bacteria can be located. In this arrangement, the circumference of the surface External bristles may be opaque or practically opaque while the tips or ends are transparent or translucent. In one embodiment, at least about 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of the outer surface is opaque or practically opaque. The bristles may be provided with an opaque coating on the outer surface or comprise a transparent or translucent core surrounded by an opaque sheath. The last sows can be co-extruded. A coextrusion process that may be suitable for forming these sows is described in U.S. Pat. num. 6,862,771; 5,313,909; and 5,770,307. In one embodiment, these bristles can be arranged along the sides of a brush head and form an acute angle with the upper surface of a brush head, so that the bristles can contact the gum during use, as shown by way of illustration in Figure 4A where the bristles 68, the gingival soft tissue 78 and the upper surface 84 of a toothbrush head are illustrated. The oral care composition can be applied to the soft tissue of the oral cavity before, during or after a traditional tooth brushing regime. For example, the oral care composition containing the RSG agent can be applied before or after the tooth brushing step with a dentifrice. Alternatively, the RSG agent may be incorporated into the dentifrice and the RSG agent may be activated at the same time as the tooth brushing step occurs. As used herein, the term "light" encompasses the spectrum of visible and non-visible light (e.g., ultraviolet and infrared light). In a modality of Toothbrush of the present invention, the light emitted from the light emitting element can be about 3.7E-7.3.9E-7, 4.1 E-7, 4.3E-7.4.5E-7, 4.7E-7, 4.9E -7, 5.1 E-7, 5.3E-7, 5.5E-7, 5.9E-7, 6.1 E-7, 6.3E-7, 6.5E-7, 6.7E-7, 6.9E-7, 7.1 E -7, 9E-7, 1 .1 E-6 or less than about 7.7E-7, 7.5E-7, 7.3E-7, 7.1 E-7, 6.9E-7, 6.7E-7, 6.5E- 7, 6.3E-7, 6.1 E-7, 5E-7, 4E-7 m (370, 390, 410, 430, 450, 470, 490, 510, 530, 550, 570, 590, 610, 630, 650 , 670, 690, 710, 900, 1 100 nm or less than about 770, 750, 730, 710, 690, 670, 650, 630, 610, 500, 400 nm). In another embodiment the emitted light may have a wavelength greater than about 4.2E-7, 4.3E-7, 4.4E-7, 4.5E-7, 4.6E-7, 4.7E-7, 4.8E-7, or 4.9E-7m (420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, or 490 nm or less than about 490, 480, 470, 460, 450, 440, 430 nm.) In yet another embodiment of the Emitted light can have a length of about 4.2E-7, 4.3E-7, 4.4E-7, 4.5E-7, 4.6E-7, 4.7E-7 or less than about 4.7E-7, 4.6E-7 , 4.5E-7, 4.3E-7m (420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470 nm or less than about 470, 460, 450, 430 nm.) It will be understood that the particular range of wavelengths selected will depend of the desired color of light. The oral care device can also emit light of a particular intensity. The intensity can be luminous intensity measured in candelas (or lumens / stereorradians), or flux density measured in watts / meter2. In one embodiment the flow density of the illuminated electric toothbrush of the invention is about 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 100, 200, 250 mW / cm2 or less than about 300, 250, 200, 150, 100.70, 60, 50, 40, 30 mW / cm2, or any combination thereof. With reference to Figure 4B, a toothbrush is illustrated 74 where an element that emits light is arranged so that it can direct light to the soft tissue of the oral cavity during use. In one embodiment, one or more elements that emit light may be provided so that the soft tissue, especially the gingival tissue of one or both maxillary and mandibular dental arches, may be illuminated by the elements that emit light. In Figure 4B, two light emitting elements 75 are arranged so that they can illuminate the gingival tissue 78 of both dental arches during the brushing process. Each of the elements that emit light 75 has a main light emitting direction 80 which forms an acute angle 82 with an upper surface 84 of the toothbrush head. In other words, the light emitting elements 75 may be arranged such that the center line 80 of the light emitting element 75 forms an acute angle 82 with the upper surface of the bristle head or support. In addition, the main direction of the light emission is unobstructed so that the emitted light passes without interference from structures (such as bristles) of the toothbrush head to the soft tissue. The center line 80, in general, passes through the lens or aperture of the light emitting element. The centerline 80 can form an angle 82 with the upper surface of the toothbrush head between about 0, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 degrees or less than about 80, 75, 70, 60, 50 and 40 degrees.

When the light emitting element is disposed within, at or below the movable or static bristle support, a cylindrical volume or region around the center line 80 of the light emitting element may be devoid of bristles for light to be transmitted to the soft tissue without interference from the bristles. It is further contemplated that a brush head or neck of the toothbrush may use one or more transparent or translucent panels that allow light emitted from within the head or neck of the brush to pass therethrough so that the light is directed at an angle away from the upper surface of the toothbrush head. In those modalities, it is considered that the light emitted from the head of the toothbrush is directed towards the soft tissue to activate an RSG agent while at the same time the use of the bristle portion of the toothbrush head provides a more traditional cleaning benefit to the surfaces of the teeth. The light emitting elements can also be arranged so that the main direction of the light emission is generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the bristle supports or generally parallel to the direction of the bristles of the bristle support, especially when it is desired to provide a device or structure for the language with that. An example is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, where the light emitting element 75 is arranged in a mobile bristle holder 20. The light emitting element 75 can also be arranged in other places on the head so that the output of the emitting element of light can illuminate the tongue when the head It is placed in position where the light is directed to the tongue. In another embodiment shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the light can be emitted from the light emitting element 75 disposed on a back surface 86 of the toothbrush head, so that it can be directed towards a user's tongue, where they can be localized bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause bad odor. Selectively painted panwith light blocking coatings can also be used to customize the way light is emitted from the device or apparatus. Figures 5A to 5C illustrate one or more structures for the tongue that are adapted to contact the tongue. Structures for the tongue can provide a benefit of massage, scraping or cleaning. Figure 5A illustrates a plurality of projections in the form of vertical elastomeric walls 88. The walls may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes and may partially or completely surround the light emitting element. Figure 5B illustrates a plurality of protrusions in the form of hemispherical protuberances 90 that may partially or completely surround the light emitting element 75. Figure 5C illustrates a combination of vertical walls 88 and protuberances 90. As will be appreciated, the protrusions and the walls They can be provided in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. In one embodiment, the projections are transparent or translucent. An element that emits light, such as an electroluminescent diode (LED), can be placed behind the projections so that they can transmit light directly to the soft tissue during use.

While the above examples illustrate light emitting elements that are located in the head of the toothbrush, it is contemplated that the elements that emit light may be located where. For example, light emitting elements may be located in the neck or handle and structures that transmit light, such as optical fibers, transmit light to the head for light emission from the head. Although structures for the tongue can be incorporated in a toothbrush head, it is contemplated that the structures for the tongue can be provided as a separate independent device, an example of which is shown in Figures 6 and 7. The tongue device 91 comprises a handle 92 to which a head 94 is connected. The head 94 comprises a light emitting element 75 and a tongue structure in the form of a vertical wall 88. The head 94 can be integrally connected to the handle 92 or can be attached from way that can be detached later. The handle 92 contains a power source (not shown) for activating the light emitting element 75. A switch 96 can be provided which energizes the light emitting element 75. The device for the tongue 91 can be manual, or use a mechanism electrically activated to move one or more of the protrusions to facilitate scraping or cleaning of the tongue. Language devices can use interchangeable walls, protrusions of different sizes, variable amounts of protrusions, etc. Examples of some language devices suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, those described in the patents of The USA. num. 3,254,356; 2,651, 068; 2,405,029; 4,455,704; 4,488,327; 5,217,475; 5,226,197; 5,569,278; 5,735,864; 5,779,475; 5,766,193; 5,893,860; 5,910,151; 5,915,433; 5,916,228; 6,013,089; 5,980,541; 5,984,935; 6,056,763; 6,089,865; 6,099,540; 6,152,939; and 6,440,149. Also of interest is European patent EP 1034721. Structures for the tongue can be formed from a variety of materials, including elastomeric materials, such as rubbers, even synthetic and natural rubbers. Other materials include polypropylene or polyethylene. The structure for the tongue may include a flavoring, artificial or natural. The flavor is preferably included in the plastic before manufacture. As usual, the light-based outputs emit light for a set period of time. For example, light with a wavelength between about 6E-7m and about 9E-7m, about 5E-9 (600nm and about 900nm), about 5 to about 10mW of intensity per about 0.5 to about 2 minutes with compositions containing RSG agents. Toluidine blue or methylene blue may be provided in a oral care composition that is applied to the oral cavity to obtain an antibacterial benefit or in a toothpaste used with the toothbrush or dispensed by the toothbrush. Preferably, these agents are used with light with a wavelength of between about 6E-7m and about 6.6E-7m (600nm and about 660nm). Other RSG agents include vitamins, such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), in combination with light with a wavelength between about 410 and about 450, and preferably from about 420 to about 460. Chlorophyll can be used (eg, chlorophyll a &b, and bacterial chlorophyll) ) in combination with light with a wavelength between about 4E-7m and about 4.8E-7m and especially at 4.4E-7m (400nm and about 480nm and specifically at 440nm), and other radical generating agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, percarbonate and the like, at a variety of wavelengths. Metals such as silver, iron and manganese, although not being RSG agents, can be agents that can adversely affect bacteria and other microorganisms if the wavelength of the light results in insufficient heat generation. Light with a wavelength between approximately 3.8E-7m approximately 4.2E-7m (380nm and approximately 420nm) may be effective in eliminating or adversely affecting bacteria and other microorganisms without the use of an RSG agent. Another GSR agent is thioxanthone. This agent can be used in conjunction with light with a wavelength of between about 3.6E-7m 4E-7m and particularly about 3.8E-7m (360 and about 400nm, and particularly about 380nm). Moreover, light can be used in combination with one or more vitamins in the regimens of the present invention. Non-limiting examples of vitamins or other corresponding agents include, but are not limited to, riboflavin or vitamin B12. Light with a wavelength of approximately 4. 1 E-7 at about 4.5E-7 m (410 at about 450 nm). Riboflavin is a safe agent for oral applications. The dihematoporphyrin ester and phthalocyamine can also be used. Generally, for these combinations, light with a wavelength between about 6E-7 and about 6.6E-7m, preferably about 6.33E-7m (600 and about 660 nm, preferably from about 610 to about 650) is effective. nm and particularly about 633 nm). Additional details are presented in Oral Microbial Immunol., 1993, 8; 182-187. Other RSG agents may include rose bengal; zinc phthalocyanine; porphyrin, especially hematoporphyrin, uroporphyrin, and tetraphenylporphyrins and their complexes of Zn, Al, Si, Sn, phthalocyanines and their complexes with Zn, Al, Si, Sn and curcumin .; chlorides, especially bacterialchlorides; bilirubin; curcumin; EDTA; diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DEPTA); NTA; EHDP; tetraethylene diamine (methylene phosphonic acid); and diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonic acid). The GSR agents can be added to the composition for oral care in an amount of about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 or less than about 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.1 percent by weight, based on the total amount of the composition. The superoxide can be generated using any of the aforementioned sensitizers in combination with an electron donor, such as amines and amides (EDTA, DTPA), diethylenetriaminepentaphosphonic acid, triethanolamine, triethylamine, tryptophan, tyrosine or acetanilide. In another mode, scale zinc diode can be used nanometer and titandioxide. In some embodiments, multiple RSG agents can be provided in a single composition for oral care, where each RSG can be activated by a different wavelength of light. Such an arrangement can be useful when the RSG agent is used to target different species of microorganisms. In an alternative embodiment, the RSG agent can be produced within the microorganism. Porphyrins, when exposed to light, can produce an isolated oxygen and other reactive species. The porphyrins can be formed naturally within the target microorganism or be administered separately as an RSG agent. The production of porphyrins within a microorganism can be improved by providing porphyrin precursors in the buccal cavity. A porphyrin precursor is a compound, molecule, or agent, or combination thereof, which causes the production of porphyrins within a microorganism, such as bacteria, as a result of the metabolic activity of the microorganism. The porphyrin precursor is ingested, adsorbed or absorbed by the microorganism. In one embodiment, the porphyrin precursor is a compound or agent that is used to produce aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or porphobilinogen (PBG) within the microorganism. ALA can then be metabolized or transformed into a porphyrin by a process involving one or more cellular enzymes such as ALA synthase, ALA dehydratase, PBG deaminase, uroporphyrinogen III cosintase, uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, coproporphyrinogen oxidase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase and ferrochelatase. An example of a porphyrin precursor is the combination of glycine and succinyl coenzyme A that, when ingested or absorbed by a microorganism, can cause the production of ALA within the target microorganism and eventually a porphyrin. Alternatively, the porphyrin precursor may be ALA, PBG, hydroxymethylbilane (HMB), uroporphyrinogen III, coproporphyrinogen I, or any other agent in the heme biosynthetic pathway for the formation of a porphyrin. These porphyrin precursors can be provided directly in the buccal cavity in a composition for oral care so that one or both are ingested, absorbed or adsorbed by the microorganism. In one embodiment, the porphyrin precursor may be provided in the form of a rinse or dentifrice that is used at least once a day. In another embodiment, the oral care composition containing the porphyrin precursor is administered into the soft or hard tissue of the buccal cavity between about 1 and about 20 times or between about 5 and about 10 times. The oral care composition containing the porphyrin precursor can be left in the buccal cavity at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or about 60 seconds or less than about 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 minutes. This period may vary depending on the amount of time the microorganism ingests, absorbs, or adsorbs the porphyrin precursor. The application of light to the buccal cavity by an oral care apparatus can occur between at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or about 60 seconds or less than about 10, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 minutes after the aforementioned ingestion / absorption / adsorption period. Optionally, an additional step may include eliminating the oral care composition containing the porphyrin precursor after the aforementioned ingestion / absorption / adsorption time period has passed. The oral care composition can be removed by brushing or rinsing with a second oral care composition that does not contain a porphyrin precursor. The oral care composition containing the porphyrin precursor can also be applied in the oral cavity two or more times per day. After application of the porphyrin precursor in the buccal cavity, light can be applied to the buccal cavity to activate the porphyrins. The light can be applied after a sufficient incubation period to cause the production of porphyrins in the microorganism from the porphyrin precursor. The incubation period can be 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 24 hours after the application of the oral care composition comprising the porphyrin precursor. The incubation period may be extended to 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14 or more days, during which time the oral care composition containing the porphyrin precursor may be applied one or more times per day during that period. Alternatively, the use of a mouth care composition comprising a porphyrin precursor followed by the application of light with an appropriate wavelength to activate the porphyrins can be part of a daily regime. The composition for oral care may also include a porphyrin precursor as well as other RSG agents. The porphyrins can absorb light between about 4E-7m and about 4.5E-7m (400nm and about 450nm), or between about 4.9E-7m and about 5.5E-7m (490nm and about 550nm), or between about 5.8E-7 m and about 6E-7 m (580 nm and about 600 nm), and between about 6E-7 m and about 6.4E-7 m (600 nm and about 640 nm), depending on the porphyrin. A wide variety of elements that emit light can be used with the regimes of the present invention. In one mode the element that emits light is a diode (LED) that emits light, small, of low energy consumption, such as those available in the market under the designation of Luxeon ™ manufactured by Lumileds Lighting, LLC of San José CA. Other lighting units available in the market include those of American Opto Plus LED Corporation. The LED may operate from a relatively low voltage DC power source, such as in a mode of approximately 0.5 to approximately 5 volts, and in another embodiment of approximately 1 to approximately 3 volts, and in another embodiment of approximately 1.6 to approximately 2.4. volts. In other embodiments, the source of light radiation is a solid state light (SSL) including a diode (LED) that emits light and LED variations, such as edge emission LED (EELED, for its acronym in English), surface emission LED (SELED, for its acronym in English) or high brightness LED (HBLED, for its acronym in English). The LED can be based on different materials such as Alln-GaN / AIN (emitting from 285 nm), SiC, AlInGaN, GaAs, AlGaAs, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, Alln-GaN, BaN, InBaN, AlGalnP (which emit in NIR and IR), etc. LEDs also include organic LEDs that are constructed with a polymer as the active material and that have a broad emission spectrum. The radiation source can be an LED such as a form of LED arrays, LEDs with a transparent confinement region, photonic crystal structure, or diodes that emit resonant cavity light (RCLED). Other possibilities include a super-luminescent diode (SLD) or LED that can preferably provide a source of high-spectrum emission. In addition, laser diodes (LD), waveguide laser diodes (WGLD) and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) can be used. The same materials used for LEDs can be used for diode lasers. Other possibilities include a fiber laser (FL) with laser diode pumping. A fluorescent solid-state light source (FLS) with LD light or electro pump, LED or current / voltage sources can also be the source of radiation. The FLS can be an organic fiber with electric pumping. Lamps, such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, lamps, etc., can also be used in the present invention. micro halide or other suitable lamps. A lamp can provide the radiation source for white, red, NIR and IR irradiation. For the range of 5-100 microns, quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) or far infrared emitting diodes can be used. A person experienced in the industry will appreciate that a variety of radiation sources can provide the optical radiation needed for the toothbrush that responds to a sensor depending on the size, energy requirements, desired treatment regimen and combinations thereof. For diodes that emit light, the dominant or central wavelength can be determined by the equations: For continuous spectra, and For different spectra. Where / is the illumination intensity and? It is the wavelength. These equations are described in more detail in CIE 127 (1997) entitled "Measurement of LEDs", published by the International Commission of lllumination (International Commission for Illumination). These equations and their methodology can also be applied to light emitting elements other than LEDs, or other methodologies known in the industry can be used to determine the dominant or central wavelength of a light emitting element. Spectral characteristics (eg, peak wavelength), photometric (eg, light intensity), radiometric (eg, radiant intensity), and colorimetric (eg, dominant wavelength) ) of the light emitting elements can be measured using apparatuses known in the industry, such as the OL 730CV radiometer / photometer manufactured by Optronic Laboratories, Inc. of Orlando, FL. Some light may not have a dominant or central wavelength (eg, white light). As mentioned above, the term "light" comprises the spectrum of visible and non-visible light (eg, ultraviolet and infrared). This spectrum can range from light with a dominant or centroid wavelength of about 10 nm (far ultraviolet) to light with a centroid wavelength of 106 nm (infrared), or the spectrum can include visible light with a centroid wavelength between about 3.7E-7m and about 7.7E-7m (370nm and about 770nm). In addition, the spectrum may include visible light with a centroid wavelength between about 370 to about 500. This length may be different from the peak wavelength which is the wavelength at which the LED radiant intensity is at its maximum.

The toothbrushes described herein can dispense one or more compositions for oral care. For these embodiments, the toothbrushes may use a dispensing system that includes one or more cartridges, each containing a particular oral care composition and an RSG agent. A more detailed description on cartridges, dosing systems and the like is set forth in the U.S. patent application publication. no. 2003/0194678, filed April 25, 2003. Other means for supplying a composition for oral care having an RSG agent to the soft tissue include strips, trays, brush applicators, and the like. Examples of strips that are suitable for use in the method of the invention include, but are not limited to, strips that are described in U.S. Pat. num. 6,096,328, 6,136,297, 6,045.81 1, 5,989,569, 5,894,017, 5,891, 453, 5,879,691, 6,277,458, 6,287,120 and 6,343,932. Examples of trays suitable for use in the method of the invention include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. num. 5,846,058, 5,816,802 and 5,895,218, and other pre-loaded devices such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,563. The treatment regimens of the present invention also include the use of oral care compositions in the form of strips, films, or layers, which dissolve when placed within an oral cavity. Generally, such films are fast dissolving and dissolving in less than 60 seconds and often in less than 30 seconds. Additional non-limiting details of these films are provided in U.S. Pat. num. 5,948,430 a and 6,709,671. The strips, films, or layers can be used by placing the film on the surface of interest, such as, for example, on a tongue, and then allowing the film to dissolve. Before, during, or after the (i) placement of the film on the surface, (ii) the dissolution of the film, or (iii) completion of the dissolution of the film; an oral care device such as the one described herein can be used. For example, a device for the tongue or toothbrush can be used. Equipment can be provided that includes one or more of these means of application as well as a handle or body of a toothbrush and a collection of interchangeable head components, each of which can engage with the body of the toothbrush. The oral care compositions herein may also comprise a thickening agent. In one embodiment the thickening agent (or viscosity modifier) may also function to increase the retention of the composition in the soft tissue. The viscosity modifier may be present at a level of from about 0.01% to about 20%, in an embodiment of from about 0.1% to about 10%, and in another embodiment from about 1% to about 3%, and in yet another embodiment of about 0.4% to about 5%, by weight of the composition. Suitable viscosity modifiers herein include natural and synthetic polymers and gums such as cellulose derivatives (e.g., methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, etc.), carbomer polymers (eg, polyacrylic acid copolymer or homopolymers and copolymers of crosslinked acrylic acid with a polyalkenyl polyether), karaya gum, guar gum, gelatin, algin, sodium alginate , chitosan, polyethylene oxide, acrylamide polymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamines, polyquaternary compounds, polymers of ethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cationic polyacrylamide polymers and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the thickening agent is selected from carbomers, for example, the class of homopolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with an alkyl ether of pentaerythritol or an alkyl ether of sucrose. The carbomeros are available in the market of B.F. Goodrich as the Carbopol series. In a modality the carbopol are Carbopol 934, 940, 941, 956, and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the viscosity modifier is a hydrophobically modified carbomer. Hydrophobically modified carbomers may increase the retention of the compositions herein or the integral carriers on the surfaces of the teeth and stop the erosion of the compositions once applied to the surfaces of the teeth. Suitable hydrophobically modified carbomers include C10-C30 acrylate / alkyl acrylate crosslinked polymer such as Carbopol 1382, Carbopol 1342, Carbopol 1392, and Carbopol ETD 2020, all available from BF Goodrich, and C10-C30 acrylate / alkyl acrylate crosslinked polymers such as Pemulen TR- 1 and Pemulen TR-2 both available from BF Goodrich. In one embodiment, hydrophobically modified carbomer blends can be used. In other modality the silicones with the carboxyl functional group (diacid, monoacid) are used to increase the retention of the RSG agents on the soft tissue. Another treatment agent that can be used with the present invention is an optical coupling agent. These compounds provide enhanced optical access in the underlying tissue by reducing the amount of light scattering on the tissue surface. Illustrative optical coupling agents include glycerol; glucose; propylene glycol; polyethylene glycol; polyethylene glycol; x-ray contrast agents (Trazograph-60, Trazo-graph-76, Verogrann-60, Verografin-76, and Hypaque-60); proteins (hemoglobin, albumin); and combinations of these. Optical coupling agents can also be used with additives such as ethanol and water (e.g., ethanol, glycerol and water). In the case that the emission of light and the activation or administration of the oral care compositions occur simultaneously or practically simultaneously, the present invention includes a strategy in which the dispensed composition passes through a field or beam of light emitted, thereby activating, at least partially, the composition. As the composition is dispersed within the buccal cavity, activation may continue due to exposure to emitted light. In yet another embodiment, a rinse is used to treat the soft tissue of the oral cavity either before or after exposure to the emissions of the electric toothbrush. The rinse comprises an RSG agent and, optionally, a polymer that gives substantivity to the RSG agent or helps it adhere to the soft tissue. The teeth are then brushed using the mouth care implement described above; exposing the soft tissue of the oral cavity to the emissions of the head of the implement for oral care. The rinsed surfaces may be exposed to light during or immediately after coming in contact with the rinse, or a delay time from about 0 seconds to about 2 minutes may occur between rinsing and exposure to light from the rinsed surfaces. Printed instructions with the package can be provided to direct the user to follow any combination of steps described herein. In another embodiment, a composition for oral care is used in combination with a device for the tongue. Preferably, the composition is applied before, simultaneously, or after it comes into contact with the tongue. Generally, contacting or moving (perhaps without direct contact with the tongue) the tongue device along the surface of the tongue is performed in a period of time from about 0 seconds to about 5 minutes, about 0 seconds. at about 2 minutes, from about 0 seconds to about 1 minute and from about 0 seconds to about 30 seconds. It should also be noted that the regimens of the present invention include methods in which a device for oral care is used by orienting the device in such a way that the light is directed to the regions or surfaces of interest, such as the tongue, without any scraped Contact. In that instance, the light output from the light emitting element is simply directed to the surface of the tongue for a predetermined period of time, sufficient to activate the GSR agent along a portion or nearly the entire upper surface of the tongue. language. Such a strategy can be used as a portion of a general or broader regime. The aforementioned methods can be repeated from about 1, 2, 3, 4 to about 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 times a day for a period of time from about 1 day to about 8 weeks. Additionally, the aforementioned methods can be used indefinitely, for example, as part of a daily oral care regimen. Moreover, despite the fact that the scheme of the present invention has been mainly described in combination with an electric toothbrush having an assembly of movable bristles, the invention includes oral care apparatus other than toothbrushes or other brushes. of teeth other than those described herein. For example, the present invention includes a manual toothbrush used in combination with one or more oral care compositions as also described herein. As described above, the apparatuses of the present invention can be used in a variety of ways. As will be appreciated, the apparatuses of the present invention can be used in a traditional brushing regime, where a dentifrice comprising an RSG agent is used and the teeth brushed conventionally near the gum line while an element that emits light is energized. A signal can be provided to the user after a predetermined period of time. For example, a signal may be provided to the user that the light emitting element is on or that it is time to move the brush along the gums of the upper and lower dentitions. Another signal can be provided to the user indicating that the light emitting element has been turned off. If the back surface of the brush head incorporates an element that emits light or structures for the tongue, another signal may be provided to indicate that it is time to move the rear surface of the brush head along or near the surface of the tongue . Alternatively, instructions may be provided to the user of the toothbrush with the instructions of the toothbrush package, to incorporate a step of moving the brush head along the tongue as part of the brushing regime. In another embodiment of the regimen, a separate composition comprising an RSG agent to the soft tissue may be applied before or after a traditional brushing regime incorporating a dentifrice. For example, an oral care composition comprising an RSG agent may be applied to the soft tissue, a toothbrush incorporating an element that emits light may be used to direct a light output to the soft tissue for a predetermined amount of time. enough to activate the RSG agent, and then a toothpaste is applied to the toothbrush head and a traditional brushing regime is used, perhaps with a different toothbrush head such as a toothbrush head that does not include an element that emits light The order of these steps can reverse In addition, a specific step to move the head of the brush that has the element that emits light along the tongue can be included at any point in the process to direct the light on the tongue for a sufficient period of time to activate the agent RSG. The amount of time required to activate the RSG agent may be less than about 2 minutes, or less than about 90 seconds, or less than about 60 seconds, or less than about 30 seconds and more than about 5 seconds, or more than about 10 seconds. seconds, or more than about 15 seconds, or more than about 20 seconds per dental arch or along the tongue. A timer can be used to determine when to provide a signal to the user that the predetermined time period has passed. In an alternative embodiment, an RSG agent can be incorporated into a dental floss used in combination with the light emitting devices of the present invention. Some examples of dental threads that may be suitable for incorporating one or more RSG agents include: 2002/0006415; 2002/0023659; 2005/0064089; RE 35,439; 6, 123,982; 6,270,890; 5,129,824; 5,165,913; 5,033,488; 5,226,434; 5,423,337; 5,603,921; 5,616315; 5,875,799; 5,904,152; 5,937,874; 5,941, 256; 5,967,153; 4.91 1, 927; 4,776,358; 3,771, 536; and 3,897,795. The RSG agent may be impregnated in the floss coating, which may be a wax-based coating, such that the RSG agent is solubilized by saliva, a rinse, or a dentifrice or in any other form released during its use. The GSR agent can also be deposited mechanically on the hard and soft tissues (eg, on or under the gingival tissues and in the gingival margin, within the interproximal spaces between the teeth, etc.) of the mouth, tailored that the floss coating is removed and deposited on these tissues during use. Once deposited on the fabric, the RSG agent can be solubilized or released further as described above. In another embodiment, the RSG agent can be placed in microcapsules, as described in U.S. Pat. num. 6,145,516 and 5,937,874, or placed within cavities or sheets of the yarn, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,358, in such a way that the dental floss breaks the microcapsules or expresses the RSG agent outside the cavities and over the buccal tissues. Flossing can be used in combination with mechanical devices such as toothpicks, interdental cleaning threads, and the like, which facilitate the movement of dental floss between the teeth and in or under the gingival tissues. In other embodiments, the RSG agents may be delivered by the bristles of the toothbrush or the materials incorporated in the toothbrush head, such as are described in US Pat. No. 5,340,581. As discussed above, a dental floss containing an RSG agent can deposit the RSG agent on the hard or soft tissues of the oral cavity. A floss that incorporates an RSG agent can be used between one or more pairs of teeth or along or under the gingival tissue of these, before using a device for oral care with an element light emitter or near the pair of teeth or the gingival tissue on which the floss was used. In one regimen, the oral care device having the light emitting element is used shortly after one or more use of the dental floss. Flossing can be used at least about 1, 2, 3, or 4 times a day for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 30, 45, 50, 55, 60 , 65, 70, 90, 120 or 150 days. In addition, the combination of the dental floss having an RSG agent and an oral care device with a light emitting element can be used at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 years, as part of a regimen for long-term oral care. In another embodiment, the combination of dental floss, or other composition, having an RSG agent and an oral care device with light emitting element can be used during at least a portion of the pregnancy period. In one embodiment, the combination of the dental floss having an RSG agent and a buccal care device with a light emitting element can be used during the first, second, or third trimesters of a pregnancy or at least about 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 35, 40, 45, or 50 weeks from the date of conception of a fetus. The dental floss, or other composition, such as a rinse or dentifrice, containing an RSG agent can be provided as a kit together with a buccal care device, or a portion thereof such as an accessory, having an emitting element of the mouthpiece. light. The case can be provided with printed materials that communicate that the case is for use by women with a pregnancy.

The following patent and patent applications provide more details on the different aspects of the toothbrushes described herein. The US application Serial No. 60/501, 266 filed on September 9, 2003; the US application Serial No. 10 / 832,168 filed on April 26, 2004; the US application Serial No. 10 / 847,429 filed May 17, 2004; the US application Serial No. 10 / 842,302 filed May 10, 2004; the US application Serial No. 10 / 887,644 filed July 9, 2004; the US application Serial No. 10 / 887,667 filed July 9, 2004; the US application Serial No. 10 / 888,206 filed July 9, 2004; the published application of the USA 2004 / 0191729A1 filed on February 10, 2004; the published application of the USA 2004 / 0193235A1 filed on February 10, 2004; the published application of the USA 2004 / 0193236A1 filed on February 10, 2004; the published application of the USA 2004 / 0199227A1 filed on February 10, 2004; the published application of the USA 2004 / 0204745A1 filed on February 10, 2004; the published application of the USA 2004 / 0210276A1 filed on February 10, 2004; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,904. Other oral care devices having a light emitting element that may be suitable for use with the present invention are described in U.S. patent applications. num. series 2005/0064371; USSN 60 / 733,711 filed on November 4, 2005; and 2005/0221251. Although these devices can be used in accordance with any of the methods described above, in one embodiment, these devices may be used once or twice a day (preferably, in the morning and in the evening) after the use of: 1) a composition or material containing an RSG agent, or 2) after the use of a toothbrush, toothpaste, or rinse as part of a regular dental regimen. These oral care devices having a light emitting element can be used for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 30, 40, or 52 weeks or at least about 1 , 2, 3, 4, or 5 years. Other aspects, details, and alternative designs related to the oral care apparatuses of the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. num. 3,624,219; 4,066,745; 4,834,969; 5,057,308; 5,057,309; 5,057,310; 5,082,444; 5,095,615; 5,096,699; 6,214,320; and 6,509,007. U.S. patent applications published nos. which may also contain similar information include 2001/0002994; 2003/00821 13; 2003/0190292; and 2004/0014001, in addition to the European Patent Publication No. EP 104669 and the International Patent Application Serial No. 2005/008050, registered on March 9, 2005. All documents cited in this application are fully incorporated in the present as a reference; The inclusion of any document should not be construed as an admission that it is a precedent industry with respect to the present invention. It should be mentioned that any of the features, aspects or details of any method or product described herein may be be combined, in whole or in part, with any other characteristic, aspect or detail of one or more additional methods or products described herein. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the industry that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is, therefore, intended to cover in the appended claims all changes and modifications that are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

1 . A method for affecting one or more microorganisms in an oral cavity, comprising: using a dental floss that incorporates a reactive agent generating agent; depositing an amount of the reactive species generating agent on the tissue of an oral cavity; and directing an exit from a light emitting element in the tissue of the buccal cavity for a period of time sufficient to generate one or more reactive species from the reactive species generating agent.

2. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that the agent generating reactive species is solubilized from the dental floss during its use.

3. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that the agent generating reactive species is arranged in microcapsules.

4. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that the agent generating reactive species is arranged in cavities or sheets of dental floss.

5. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that the floss is used during a first, second, or third trimester of a pregnancy.

6. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that the reactive species generating agent is selected from the group consisting of thioxanthone, riboflavin, chlorophyll, toludin blue, methylene blue, dihematoporphyrin ester, phthalocyanine metals, forming agents, metal complexes, peroxides, metal chlorites, percarbonates, peroxyacids, persulfates, and combinations thereof. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that the output of the light emitting element is light having an intensity of less than about 100 mW / cm2. 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising introducing a porphyrin precursor into the buccal cavity. 9. A method for affecting one or more microorganisms in an oral cavity, comprising: introducing a composition into the oral cavity of women during a first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy, characterized in that the composition comprises a species-generating agent reactive; and directing an exit from a light emitting element to a tissue portion of the oral cavity for a period of sufficient time to generate one or more reactive species from the reactive species generating agent. The method according to claim 9, further characterized in that the composition is used during a first, second, or third trimester of a pregnancy. 11. The method according to claim 9, further characterized in that the reactive species generating agent is selected from the group consisting of thioxanthone, riboflavin, chlorophyll, toludin blue, methylene blue, dihematoporphyrin ester, phthalocyanine metals, forming agents, metal complexes, peroxides, metal chlorites, percarbonates, peroxyacids, persulfates, and combinations thereof. 12. The method according to claim 9, further characterized in that the output of the light emitting element is light having an intensity of less than about 100 mW / cm2. The method according to claim 9, further characterized in that the light emitting element is arranged in an electric toothbrush. 14. The use of a reactive species generating agent selected from the group consisting of thioxanthone, riboflavin, chlorophyll, toludin blue, methylene blue, dihematoporphyrin ester, phthalocyanine metals, metal complexing agents, peroxides, metal chlorites, percarbonates , peroxyacids, persulphates, and combinations of these in the manufacture of a dental floss that incorporates the agent generating species reactive for use in a method that affects one or more microorganisms in an oral cavity, comprising: using a dental floss that incorporates a reactive agent generating agent; depositing an amount of the reactive species generating agent on the tissue of an oral cavity; and directing an exit from a light emitting element in the tissue of the buccal cavity for a period of time sufficient to generate one or more reactive species from the reactive species generating agent. 15. The use of a reactive species generating agent selected from the group consisting of thioxanthone, riboflavin, chlorophyll, toludin blue, methylene blue, dihematoporphyrin ester, phthalocyanine metals, metal complexing agents, peroxides, metal chlorites, percarbonates , peroxyacids, persulfates, and combinations thereof in the manufacture of a dental floss incorporating the reactive species generating agent for use in a method that affects one or more microorganisms in an oral cavity, comprising: introducing a composition into the oral cavity of women during a first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy, characterized in that the composition comprises a reactive agent generating agent; Y directing an exit from a light emitting element to a tissue portion of the oral cavity for a period of time sufficient to generate one or more reactive species from the reactive species generating agent.