Methods and compositions for preventing and treating tooth erosion

Abstract

Methods and compositions are provided for reducing, treating or preventing dental erosion in a patient in need of such treatment, the methods and compositions comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an alkalinizing agent and a re-mineralizing agent to the teeth.

1 .- 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A kit for treating or preventing erosion of the teeth in a patient in need of such treatment, the kit comprising a first composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an alkalinizing agent to raise saliva pH to 7.0 or above; and a second composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of re-mineralizing agent the teeth. 
     
     
         14 . A kit according to  claim 13 , wherein the alkalinizing agent comprises: (i) sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate; and (ii) a re-hardening agent comprising calcium chloride and potassium phosphate. 
     
     
         15 . A composition for neutralizing saliva and re-hardening tooth enamel, the composition comprising an alkalinizing mouthwash comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an alkalinizing agent so as to raise the pH of the saliva to 7.0 or greater, and a therapeutically effective amount of a re-hardening agent. 
     
     
         16 . A composition according to  claim 15 , wherein the pH of the alkalinizing mouthwash is at least 8.0. 
     
     
         17 . A composition according to  claim 15 , wherein the alkalinizing agent comprises sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate; and the re-hardening agent comprises calcium chloride and potassium phosphate. 
     
     
         18 . A composition according to  claim 15 , wherein the alkalinizing agent further comprises arginine, calcium chloride, potassium phosphate and licorice root. 
     
     
         19 . A composition for re-mineralizing the teeth, the composition comprising a mouthwash comprising a therapeutically effective amount of casein phosphopeptide, calcium, phosphate, and/or fluoride. 
     
     
         20 . A composition according to  claim 18 , wherein the fluoride comprises stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride and/or sodium monofluorophosphate. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . (canceled)