THIXOTROPIC TOPICAL FLUORIDE-PHOSPHATE GEL COMPOSITIONS USE- FUL FOR THE PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES

摘要

DENTAL THIXOTROPIC FLUORIDE PHOSPHATE COMPOSITION A fluoride-phosphate dental composition, for topical application to the teeth for the control and prevention of dental caries, which is comprised of active fluoride and phosphate ions in an acid solution with a thixotropic carrier which imparts gel-like properties to the resulting composition. The thixotropic properties of the carrier enable the composition to be handled like a liquid during filling and dispensing by simple agitation of the mixture whereas, when held stationary, the solution sets up very quickly into a gel-like material which enables it to be applied to and retained by a dental applicator tray when inserted in a patient's mouth. The fluoride-phosphate composition, besides its thixotropic gel-like characteristics, is heat- and acid-stable, deep-penetrating to the interproximal surfaces of the teeth and, following set up, will not drip, run or thin out in use, even when used in an inverted tray to treat the lower teeth. In a preferred embodiment the carrier comprises about 10% by weight of the total composition of complex colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate to provide thixotropic properties, and about 1% by weight silica dioxide powder used as an acid-stabilizing and thickening agent, either alone or with additional thickening agents provided, if desired, by carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose or other cellulose gums. Sweeteners, flavoring and coloring agents are also included to improve the appearance, taste and acceptability of the fluoride "gel" composition.