Method and tools for oral hygiene

Abstract

A composition and method for self-cleaning of the teeth and mouth using a source of light in the visible range in conjunction with a photosensitive liquid oral hygiene composition possessing a broad absorption spectrum in the visible range. The composition and method selectively eliminates harmful bacteria by use of a photosensitive agent and a light source. The composition also includes resistive elements to protect the photosensitizers from the degrading effects of blood serum, saliva, and other materials located naturally within the oral cavity. The method involves the use of a light-providing dental device to activate a photosensitive agent and destroy harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. It prevents or deters oral diseases, inflammations, and infections.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A liquid oral hygiene composition comprising: 
 a photosensitizer, having a broad absorption spectrum at visible wavelengths, said photosensitizer being safe for consumption in modest quantities.    a compound for protecting the photosensitizer from the harmful effects of blood serum, saliva, or other bodily fluids in the oral cavity.    
     
     
         2 . The liquid oral hygiene composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said photosensitizer is an extract St. John's Wort.  
     
     
         3 . The liquid oral hygiene composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said photosensitizer is hypercin.  
     
     
         4 . The liquid oral hygiene composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said photosensitizer is erythrosin B.  
     
     
         5 . The liquid oral hygiene composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said photosensitizer is a targeting photo-pharmaceutical that can selectively reduce harmful bacteria in an oral cavity.  
     
     
         6 . The liquid oral hygiene composition according to  claim 5 , wherein said vector molecules are antibodies.  
     
     
         7 . The liquid oral hygiene composition according to  claim 4 , wherein said product vector molecules are polyLysine residues.  
     
     
         8 . The liquid oral hygiene composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said compound is dispersible in a water-based liquid.  
     
     
         9 . The liquid oral hygiene composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said compound is water-soluble.  
     
     
         10 . The liquid oral hygiene composition according to  claim 1  where said liquid oral hygiene composition allows attachment of said photosensitizer to desired locations, and has sufficient resistance to the decomposing effects of saliva and other natural bodily defenses.  
     
     
         11 . A dental hygiene device comprising: 
 at least one light source, having emission wavelength characteristics which overlap the absorption characteristics of said liquid oral hygiene composition of  claim 1;     at least one light source having power output matching requirements for activating said liquid oral hygiene composition of  claim 1;     means to transmit light from said at least one light source to said liquid oral hygiene composition within a user's oral cavity.    
     
     
         12 . A method for oral hygiene comprising the steps of: 
 applying a liquid oral hygiene composition as claimed in claim I to surfaces within a user's oral cavity;    activating said liquid oral hygiene composition with a dental hygiene device of  claim 11;  and    rinsing any residue from said user's oral cavity.