WO1999004755A1

WO1999004755A1 - Tongue wash

Info

Publication number: WO1999004755A1
Application number: PCT/AU1998/000574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul John Lemmerman
Original assignee: LEMMERMAN PRANEE
Current assignee: LEMMERMAN PRANEE
Priority date: 1997-07-23
Filing date: 1998-07-23
Publication date: 1999-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2000-01-23
Also published as: AU690506B3

Abstract

A liquid tongue washing material comprising a solution of hydrogen peroxide in water is disclosed. The tongue washing material is stabilised by a sufficient concentration of a suitable stabilising material such as acetanilide. Additional stabilisation may be accomplished by the addition of a suitable concentration of gelatin. A method for improved oral hygiene and for assisting in the prevention of bad breath is also disclosed, the method comprising applying several drops of the tongue washing material to a suitable soft toothbrush or other brush like applicator adapted for brushing the tongue. The top and sides of the tongue are then brushed for a suitable period with the brush or applicator, brushing as far back as is comfortable, and the mouth is rinsed with water after brushing.

Description

TONGUE WASH

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to oral hygiene, and in particular relates to breath freshness, especially by means of a technique comprising the use of a suitable liquid material for washing the tongue, that is to say a "tongue wash", used in conjunction with a brush to stimulate and clean the tongue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been recognised that bad breath results from poor oral hygiene amongst other possible causes. Of prime importance in maintaining good oral hygiene are regular brushing of the teeth with a dentifrice, using dental floss or similar to clean between the teeth and the regular use of a mouth wash for swilling around the mouth and gargling. The prime area targeted however, with the possible exception of a mouth wash/gargle solution, is generally the teeth and whilst this is useful in preventing tooth decay and keeping up a certain level of oral hygiene with a consequent reduction in bad breath, none of these techniques specifically or sufficiently address one of the most important areas, namely the tongue. Even mouth washes and so-called "breath fresheners" (which only to tend to mask rather than irradiate the causes of bad breath) are too generalised in their application to be especially useful for cleaning the tongue. Mouth washes, for example tend to concentrate their effect more around the throat and gum areas etc, rather than the tongue.

Furthermore, the surface of the tongue, in particular the upper portion, is quite different from the remainder of the soft tissue mouth surfaces and is prone to becoming "coated" or to feeling "furry" when not in the best of conditions. Although the techniques described above in normal oral hygiene management will provide an environment in which the tongue feels cleaner, closer inspection will often reveal otherwise. Even where a conventional mouth wash has been utilised, the cleansing effect is not particularly long lasting and the tongue tends to return to a less than desirable state. As it will be widely appreciated, the tongue is indeed a sensitive organ, providing the essential mechanisms (ie the taste buds) relating to sensing taste. Put simply the tongue is the primary taste sense organ. Apart from the disadvantages of bad breath arising from a "coated" or out of condition tongue, it would also be advantageous to have a clean healthy and efficiently performing tongue to enhance the taste buds and provide greater pleasure when eating.

It would therefore be extremely advantageous if a material were available, preferably in liquid form, which was especially suitable for "washing" the tongue, the technique for doing so comprising the use of the tongue wash material referred to herein in conjunction with a soft tooth brush or other brush adapted to brush the tongue surfaces to assist in the cleaning thereof.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is therefore to provide a suitable liquid tongue washing material to assist in maintaining oral hygiene especially of the tongue through initial cleansing thereof and preferably providing an environment for maintaining that improved state.

A second object of the invention is to provide a means for maintaining improved oral hygiene through the use of the aforementioned tongue wash in conjunction with a technique of brushing the tongue.

At the very least, the invention provides an alternative to presently proposed methods of maintaining oral hygiene.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid tongue washing material comprising a solution of hydrogen peroxide of preferably between 1 and 4% wt/vol in water, the tongue washing material being stabilised by a sufficient concentration of a suitable stabilising material, for example by the addition of between 50 and 400 ppm (parts per million) of acetanilide, more preferably between 50 and 150 ppm. Preferably the water is distilled or purified water. The stability of the tongue wash is further enhanced by the addition of sufficient gelatin, for example in the range of 0.5 to 1.5% wt/vol of the tongue wash solution. The amount of gelatin should be such that the solution does not gelatinise at room temperature.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for improved oral hygiene and for assisting in the prevention of bad breath, the method comprising applying several drops of tongue washing material as hereinbefore mentioned to a suitable soft toothbrush or other brush like applicator adapted for brushing the tongue, brushing the top and sides of the tongue for a suitable period with the brush or applicator, for example between 30 and 45 seconds, brushing as far back as is comfortable, and rinsing the mouth with water after brushing.

Preferably such treatment should be repeated night and morning and may be conveniently accomplished in conjunction with other oral hygiene procedures such as brushing the teeth, flossing, and the use of a general mouth wash. It has been found beneficial to use the tongue washing technique prior to brushing the teeth.

It has been found that the use of the tongue washing technique with the aforementioned tongue washing liquid significantly reduces bad breath, and leaves the tongue in particular and the mouth in general feeling fresh and clean for an extended period of time when compared to any other oral procedure or procedures in combination.

From the foregoing, it will be readily appreciated that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. It will be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments described herein is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A liquid tongue washing material comprising a solution of hydrogen peroxide in water, the tongue washing material being stabilised by a sufficient concentration of acetanilide.

2. A liquid tongue washing material according to claim 1, wherein the water is distilled or purified water.

3. A liquid tongue washing material according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is between 1 and 4% wt/vol in water.

4. A liquid tongue washing material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentration of acetanilide is between 50 and 400 ppm of the tongue washing material.

5. A liquid tongue washing material according to any one claims 1 to 3, wherein the concentration of acetanilide is between 50 and 150 ppm of the tongue washing material.

6. A liquid tongue washing material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stability of the tongue wash is further enhanced by the addition of sufficient gelatin to stabilise the tongue washing material without causing gelatinisation thereof at room temperature.

7. A liquid tongue washing material according to claim 6, wherein the concentration of gelatin is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5% wt/vol of the tongue wash material.

8. A method for improved oral hygiene and for assisting in the prevention of bad breath, the method comprising applying several drops of the tongue washing material according to any one of the preceding claims to a suitable soft toothbrush or other brush like applicator adapted for brushing the tongue, brushing the top and sides of the tongue for a suitable period with the brush or applicator, brushing as far back as is comfortable, and rinsing the mouth with water after brushing.

9. A method for improved oral hygiene according to claim 8, wherein the period for brushing the tongue is between 30 and 45 seconds.