Calculus dissolution compositions and methods for using same

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to an anti-calculus composition and method for treating subgingival calculus. The anti-calculus composition comprises a pyrophosphate and a tripolyphosphate in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may also comprise a fluoride providing compound.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A composition for treating dental calculus comprising: (a) tripolyphosphate, (b) tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, (c) sodium bicarbonate, and (d) at least one additional compound selected from the group consisting of: a dental abrasive, a surfactant, a humectant, a flavoring agent, a coloring agent, an anticarries agent, a thickening agent, ethanol, and a gum base;
 wherein (a), (b), (c) and (d) are placed in an orally acceptable carrier selected from the group consisting of: gel, powder, paste, mouth rinse, mouth spray, gum, lozenges, floss, tape, strips, and polymer fibers.   
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the tripolyphosphate is present in an amount between 0.1% to 90% by weight. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 16 , wherein the tripolyphosphate is present in an amount between 20% to 50% by weight. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the tetra-potassium pyrophosphate is present in an amount between 0.1% to 90% by weight. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 18 , wherein the tetra-potassium pyrophosphate is present in an amount between 20% to 50% by weight. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the sodium bicarbonate is present in an amount between 2% to 50% by weight. 
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 20 , wherein the sodium bicarbonate is present in an amount between 15% and 30% by weight. 
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 15 , further comprising a C2-C20 organic acid. 
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 22 , wherein the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of: citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, alginic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, and ascorbic acid. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein the organic acid is citric acid. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 22 , wherein the C2-C20 organic acid is present in an amount between 2% to 50% by weight. 
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein the C2-C20 organic acid is present in an amount between 15% to 30% by weight. 
     
     
         27 . The composition of  claim 15 , further comprising an anticaries agent, wherein the anticaries agent is a fluoride providing compound. 
     
     
         28 . The composition of  claim 27 , wherein the fluoride providing compound is sodium fluoride. 
     
     
         29 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the anticaries agent is present in an amount between 0.02% and 0.3% by weight. 
     
     
         30 . The composition of  claim 15 , further comprising an adjuvant. 
     
     
         31 . The composition of  claim 30 , wherein the adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of: whitening agents, preservatives, silicones, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, anti-microbial agents, anti-pain agents, chlorophyll compounds, excipients, fragrance, buffers, and peroxide sources.