The Problem
Dental erosion is a significant oral health problem. Exacerbation can be externally caused, such as highly acidic diets and medications reducing salivary flow. Systemic conditions such as gastroesophogeal reflux (GERD), and bulimia also contribute to erosive tooth wear as regurgitation of stomach acid exposes the enamel to the abrasive nature of HCl. Prevalence of erosion in GERD patients is approximately 24% (Pace et al., 2008). According to the National Eating Disorders Association, ~11 million Americans suffer from eating disorders. The majority of these patients require extensive restorative work to return the teeth to optimal function and esthetics. A formulation is needed to 1) prevent and treat tooth erosion in patients exhibiting tooth damage and 2) re-harden and re-mineralize the teeth after an acidic challenge.
The Technology
Researchers in the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee have developed formulations for the treatment of acid erosion, especially in patients with chronic health conditions leading to such erosion. One formulation is a two-step mouthwash composed of a neutralizing mouthwash and a re-mineralizing mouthwash. The neutralizing mouthwash contains sodium bicarbonate and is applied to the oral cavity first for approximately 30 seconds. The re-mineralizing mouthwash contains fluoride and is applied to the oral cavity for approximately 30 seconds. The neutralizing mouthwash contains components which increase the microhardness of the teeth and enhance re-mineralization. In addition, the researchers have developed a solid formulation in the form of a lozenge/lollipop for the treatment of acid erosion in teeth using the same API. The lollipop contains two layers: a neutralizing outer layer and an inner layer which enhances re-mineralization. This enhances the availability of the ingredients, leading to an increase in the desired effect.
A clinical study showed that after 1 minute of contact in the mouth, the lollipop increased the oral pH back to neutral pH after an acidic event in the mouth, compared to a time of 5 minutes or longer without the treatment. Additionally, experimental results showed that when the enamel was softened with HCl solution, the lollipop core was able to re-harden the damaged enamel by about 40%, similar to the results of MI Paste Plus.
Patents
U.S. Patent No. 10,314,771; Issued June 11, 2019.
Features and Benefits
• Effective treatment for acid erosion in patients with chronic health conditions causing tooth erosion.
• Formulation which enhances tooth microhardness.
• Lollipop formulation provides better oral availability and easier access to treatment after acidic event.