JP2008001657A - Mouth washing agent, method for producing ozone water and apparatus for producing mouth washing agent - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mouth washing agent giving reduced load on the user, enabling sufficient removal of biofilm and sufficiently suppressing the decalcification of dental enamel. <P>SOLUTION: The present invention provides a liquid mouth washing agent having a pH of ≥8 and ≤12 and usable for the prevention of bacterial diseases in the mouth. Biofilms are quickly dissolved and removed simply by gargling with the mouth washing agent for a prescribed period without causing the problems such as the damage of oral cavity by strong alkali. The dissolution of biofilm is accelerated and the recalcification of the dentin is promoted by adding a prescribed salt to the mouth washing agent. The present invention further provides a method for producing ozone water which is an example of the mouth washing agent and an ozone water producing apparatus as an example of the mouth wash agent producing apparatus. Ozone water which is an example of the mouth washing agent is easily produced by the ozone water producing method and the mouth washing agent producing apparatus of the present invention. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an oral cleaning agent used for caries prevention, ozone water that is one of oral cleaning agents, a method for manufacturing ozone water, and an oral cleaning agent manufacturing apparatus.

  Caries, which is a representative example of bacterial diseases in the oral cavity, is one of the two major diseases of dentistry along with periodontal disease. It is an acid such as lactic acid produced by caries-causing bacteria that grow on the surface of the tooth, It is a tooth defect caused by dissolution (decalcification) of minerals constituting enamel or dentin.

  In the process of caries progression, a biofilm is formed on the surface of the tooth. When the biofilm is formed on the tooth surface, the tooth directly under the biofilm is decalcified and caries is induced (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Therefore, in order to prevent dental caries, growth prevention or sterilization of caries-causing bacteria, removal of biofilms using mechanical means, remineralization of decalcified tooth material, etc. are performed. It has been broken.

  As a typical example of the method for inhibiting or sterilizing caries-causing bacteria, gargle using a mouthwash containing a growth-inhibiting ingredient or a bactericidal ingredient for caries-causing bacteria can be mentioned. According to this method, it is said that dental caries can be effectively prevented because the growth of dental caries-causing bacteria on the tooth surface is suppressed, and the decalcification of the tooth is suppressed.

  Moreover, as a typical example of the method of removing a biofilm using a mechanical means, the brushing performed at home, the intraoral cleaning (PMTC) by a dentist, etc. are mentioned. According to these methods, since the caries-causing bacteria that once proliferated are removed together with the biofilm, the production of acid on the tooth surface is reduced, and caries can be effectively prevented.

Furthermore, typical examples of a method for remineralizing decalcified enamel include intake of sugar alcohols such as xylitol and fluorine application, which are performed at home. When a food containing sugar alcohol such as xylitol is ingested, a large amount of saliva is secreted by chewing, so that the enamel decalcified by calcium ions and phosphate ions contained in the saliva is remineralized. Furthermore, it is said that growth of bacteria can be prevented by components in saliva. On the other hand, when fluorine coating is performed, remineralization is promoted by fluoroapatite. For this reason, it is said that the caries can be effectively prevented because the progression from decalcification of the tooth to the defect is suppressed.
JP 2003-116516 A

  However, in the case of gargle with a gargle or the like, once the biofilm is formed, the ingredients of the gargle do not reach the inside of the biofilm, and thus the caries-causing bacteria are not sufficiently suppressed and sterilized.

  Furthermore, it is known that α-1,3-glucan and α-1,6-glucan, which are main polysaccharides constituting a biofilm, are generally insoluble in water. For this reason, the biofilm was not dispersed in water, and the biofilm could not be removed. Therefore, once the biofilm is formed, caries could not be prevented.

  Also, home brushing often does not remove the biofilm completely, and dentist PMTC cannot be performed at home and requires a long time for treatment. The burden to give was great.

  Furthermore, it is difficult to effectively remineralize at a rate exceeding the demineralization rate only by ingesting sugar alcohol or applying fluorine. For this reason, in order to prevent dental caries, it was necessary to combine sugar alcohol intake and fluorine application with other methods to suppress decalcification.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an oral cleaning agent that can reduce the burden on a user, can sufficiently remove a biofilm, and can sufficiently suppress decalcification of a tooth. For the purpose.

  By using a liquid oral cleaning agent having a pH of 8 or more and 12 or less, the present inventors can alkalinize the oral environment to suppress decalcification and dissolve the biofilm efficiently. The headline and the present invention were completed. Specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) A liquid mouth cleanser having a pH of 8 or more and 12 or less and used for the prevention of oral bacterial diseases.

According to the invention of (1), since the oral cleaning agent is made alkaline with pH of 8 or higher, α-1,3-glucan and α-1,6-glucan are dissolved in the oral cleaning agent. Thereby, since a biofilm disperse | distributes, a biofilm can fully be removed.
In addition, since the oral cleaning agent is a liquid, the biofilm is rapidly dispersed and removed only by gargle for a predetermined time. Therefore, the burden given to the user can be drastically reduced.
Moreover, since the oral environment after using an oral cleaning agent becomes alkaline temporarily, after that, it will maintain normal pH and acidification is suppressed, Therefore It can fully suppress decalcification of a tooth substance.

  On the other hand, since the oral cleaning agent has a pH of 12 or less, problems such as oral injury due to strong alkali do not occur. Therefore, safety for the user can be ensured. In addition, there are no adverse effects such as an increase in blood potassium level on the human body.

  Here, the “bacterial disease in the mouth” refers to a disease caused by bacteria in the mouth, and specifically refers to caries.

  (2) The oral cleanser according to (1), wherein an effective amount of at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium ions, phosphate ions and bicarbonate ions is added.

  According to the invention of (2), since an effective amount of ions necessary for remineralization of the tooth such as calcium ion, phosphate ion and bicarbonate ion is added, these ions are supplied with cleaning in the oral cavity. As a result, remineralization of the tooth is promoted. Accordingly, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the transition from the demineralized state to the lost state.

  In addition, the oral cleansing agent to which an effective amount of at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium ion, phosphate ion and bicarbonate ion is added includes many α-1,3-glucans and α-1,6-glucans. Can be dissolved. Therefore, the biofilm can be effectively removed from the surface of the tooth.

(3) The mouthwash according to (1) or (2), wherein an effective amount of an antiseptic component is added.

  According to the invention of (3), since an effective amount of the antiseptic component is added, the caries-causing bacteria in the oral cavity are disinfected (sterilized), and caries can be further prevented.

  Here, the disinfecting component added to the oral cleaning agent refers to a component having a bactericidal action against caries-causing bacteria, and examples thereof include ozone.

  (4) The oral cleaner according to (1) or (2), which does not contain an antiseptic component.

  Fungi that do not cause caries or other diseases present in the oral cavity are called oral resident bacteria. When oral resident flora are formed in the oral cavity due to oral resident bacteria, new bacteria causing serious diseases such as tuberculosis, H. pylori, fungi, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Invasion into the mouth and proliferation in the oral cavity are suppressed.

  According to the invention of (4), since the antiseptic component is not substantially contained in the oral cleaning agent, the oral microbial flora is not destroyed. Thereby, since the invasion and proliferation of bacteria causing serious diseases are suppressed, the onset of serious diseases can be prevented.

  (5) The oral cleaning agent according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the pH is adjusted by electrolyzing the raw material water containing the electrolyte.

  When water containing an electrolyte is electrolyzed, the liquidity of the solution near the cathode shows alkalinity, and the liquidity of the solution near the anode shows acidity. According to the invention of (5), the oral cleaning agent whose pH is adjusted to 8 or more and 12 or less can be easily obtained by electrolyzing the raw water containing the electrolyte.

  Here, the electrolyte added to the raw material water is not particularly limited as long as it is an electrolyte applicable to a living body. Specific examples include calcium lactate, calcium glycerophosphate, calcium carbonate, and calcium hydroxide.

  (6) A method for producing ozone water, comprising: a high pH water preparation step for preparing high pH water in which the pH of water has been increased; and a dissolution step for dissolving ozone in the prepared high pH water.

  According to the invention of (6), high pH water is prepared in the high pH water preparation step, and ozone is dissolved in the high pH water in the dissolution step, so that it is possible to produce ozone water whose pH is kept high.

  (7) The said high pH water preparation process isolate | separates the electrolysis process which produces | generates high pH water and low pH water, and the produced | generated high pH water by electrolyzing the raw material water containing a calcium salt. A method for producing ozone water according to (6), comprising a separation step.

  According to the invention of (7), high pH water and low pH water are generated by electrolyzing the raw material water containing the electrolyte, and the ozone maintained at a high pH by using the separated high pH water. Can produce water. Here, since the high pH water was prepared by electrolysis, the pH can be easily controlled only by changing electrolysis conditions such as voltage and water amount.

  (8) Dissolution means for dissolving the disinfectant component in water, water supply means for supplying water to the dissolution means via the water supply path, and disinfectant component to the dissolution means via the disinfectant component supply path An oral cleansing agent manufacturing apparatus comprising: an antiseptic component supply means for supplying, wherein the water supply means is connected to the water supply path and prepares high pH water having an increased pH of water An oral cleaning agent manufacturing apparatus comprising: means; and raw water supply means for supplying raw water to the high pH water preparation means.

  According to the invention of (8), first, the raw water is supplied to the high pH adjusting means by the raw water supplying means, and the pH of the raw water is adjusted to become high pH water. Subsequently, the high pH water is supplied to the dissolving means via the water supply path, and the oral cleansing agent is generated by dissolving the disinfecting ingredient supplied from the disinfecting ingredient supplying means via the disinfecting ingredient supply path. Is done. Thus, according to the invention of (8), an oral cleaning agent manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an oral cleaning agent having a high pH can be provided.

  (9) The raw water supply means supplies raw water containing an electrolyte, and the high pH water preparation means includes an electrolysis means for generating high pH water by electrolyzing the supplied raw water. The oral cleaner manufacturing apparatus as described in (8) which has.

  According to the invention of (9), since the electrolysis means is provided in the raw water supply means, the high pH water used for the production of ozone water is prepared by electrolysis. For this reason, pH can be easily adjusted only by changing electrolysis conditions, such as a voltage and the amount of water.

  (10) The oral cleaning agent production apparatus according to (8) or (9), wherein the high pH water preparation unit includes a pH control unit that holds the generated high pH water within a predetermined range.

  (11) The oral cleaning agent production apparatus according to (10), wherein the dissolution means further includes a concentration control means for maintaining the concentration of the disinfectant component dissolved in the high pH water within a predetermined range.

  According to the inventions of (10) and (11), the pH of the oral cleaning agent and the concentration of the antiseptic component are maintained within a predetermined range. Therefore, depending on the intended use of the oral cleaning agent, the pH of the oral cleaning agent And the density | concentration of the disinfectant component contained in a mouth washing | cleaning agent can be adjusted.

  According to the present invention, since the oral cleaning agent is made alkaline with a pH of 8 or higher, α-1,3-glucan and α-1,6-glucan are dissolved in the oral cleaning agent. Thereby, since a biofilm disperse | distributes, a biofilm can fully be removed. In addition, since the oral cleaning agent is a liquid, the biofilm is rapidly dispersed and removed only by gargle for a predetermined time. Therefore, the burden given to the user can be drastically reduced. In addition, the oral environment after using the oral cleaning agent temporarily becomes alkaline, and after that, normal pH is maintained and acidification is suppressed, so that decalcification of the tooth can be sufficiently suppressed.

  On the other hand, since the oral cleaning agent has a pH of 12 or less, problems such as oral injury due to strong alkali do not occur. Therefore, safety for the user can be ensured. Other adverse effects such as an increase in blood potassium level are not affected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Oral cleaning agent>
The oral cleaning agent according to the present embodiment is a liquid oral cleaning agent, and is an oral cleaning agent used for prevention of oral bacterial diseases. If the pH of the oral cleaning agent is too low, sufficient solubility of α-1,3-glucan and α-1,6-glucan (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “mutane”) may not be obtained. If it is too high, it may adversely affect the human body, such as an increase in blood potassium level. Therefore, it is 8 or more and 12 or less, preferably 9 or more and 10.5 or less.

  The method for adjusting the pH of the mouth rinse is not particularly limited. That is, the pH of the mouthwash may be adjusted by adding a basic compound to water, or may be adjusted by electrolyzing water containing an electrolyte.

  The basic compound that can be added to water for adjusting the pH is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, strong bases such as calcium hydroxide, and weak acids such as calcium lactate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium hydrogen phosphate. Examples include salts with strong bases. In addition, it is preferable to add a predetermined amount of a weak base and a salt thereof in that a buffer action is imparted to the oral cleansing agent and the pH in the oral cavity can be maintained above a certain pH for a long time.

  The pH of the oral cleaning agent may be adjusted by electrolyzing water containing an electrolyte. Examples of the electrolyte that can be used for adjusting the pH of the oral cleaning agent include calcium lactate, calcium glycerophosphate, calcium carbonate, and calcium hydroxide. For example, in the case of calcium carbonate, the electrolyte content is preferably 300 mg / l or less.

  The electrolysis of the water to which the electrolyte is added is performed in an electrolytic cell having a semipermeable membrane. When calcium lactate is used as the electrolyte, hydrogen ions contained in the aqueous solution on the cathode side acquire electrons and become hydrogen molecules, which are released. For this reason, in the aqueous solution on the cathode side, hydroxide ions become excessive as compared with hydrogen ions, and the pH rises. In order to keep the aqueous solution electrically neutral, calcium ions permeate from the aqueous solution on the anode side through the semipermeable membrane, so the aqueous solution on the cathode side becomes a state in which calcium ions, hydroxide ions, and lactic acid ions are mixed, and minerals are added. Comes with many.

[Ion addition]
The oral cleansing agent according to the present embodiment can improve the remineralization action of the tooth by adding predetermined ions as necessary. Examples of such ions include calcium ions, phosphate ions, and bicarbonate ions.

  When calcium ions are supplied to the demineralized part of the tooth, the remineralization of the demineralized part is promoted. Moreover, when calcium ions are dissolved, the ability to dissolve mutan of the oral cleaning agent is further improved. Examples of the calcium ion supply source include calcium lactate, phosphorylated oligosaccharide calcium, and calcium carbonate. The calcium ion content in the oral cleaning agent is preferably 1 mol / L or less.

[Addition of disinfecting ingredients]
An antiseptic component may be added to the oral cleansing agent according to the present embodiment as necessary. Thereby, along with the removal of the biofilm, the caries-causing bacteria can be sterilized. Although it does not specifically limit as an antiseptic component which can be added to an oral cleaner, For example, ozone is mentioned.

[High pH ozone water]
By dissolving ozone in the oral cleaning agent according to the present embodiment, high pH ozone water having a high pH can be produced. The pH of the high pH ozone water is preferably 8 or more and 10 or less, and more preferably 8 or more and 9 or less. The content of ozone in the high pH ozone water is preferably 0.05 ppm or less.

  Since ozone exhibits a low pH value when dissolved in water, it promotes demineralization of enamel and dentin. However, according to the high pH ozone water, since the pH is kept high, decalcification of the tooth can be suppressed, and furthermore, the pH of the application site of the high pH ozone water can be kept high. Moreover, the ability to dissolve the mutan in the oral cleaning agent can be further improved by dissolving ozone.

  In addition, the oral cavity cleaning agent which concerns on this embodiment does not need to contain a disinfection component substantially. As a result, bacteria that cause other serious diseases such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, fungi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the oral cavity cannot be killed because useful oral resident bacteria except caries-causing bacteria are not sterilized. Adhesion and proliferation are suppressed. Therefore, a serious disease caused by these bacteria can be prevented.

  In addition, the oral cleaning agent according to the present embodiment can be used as a biological cleaning agent for the treatment of other diseases. Specifically, removal of a biofilm formed in the oral cavity, such as removal of a biofilm constituted by periodontal disease-causing bacteria, removal of a biofilm formed in the urinary tract, and artificial In arthroplasty and the like, it can also be suitably used for removing a biofilm formed at an artificial joint formation site.

<Ozone water production method>
The ozone water production method according to the present embodiment includes a high pH water preparation step for preparing high pH water in which the pH of water has been increased, and a dissolution step for dissolving ozone in the prepared high pH water.

[High pH water preparation process]
In the high pH water preparation step, high pH water is obtained by adjusting the pH of the water. The preparation of high pH water is preferably performed so that the pH is 10.0 or more and 12.0 or less. The method for adjusting the pH of water is not particularly limited. That is, the pH of the mouthwash may be adjusted by adding a basic compound to water, or may be adjusted by electrolyzing water having an electrolyte.

(Addition of basic compounds)
Although it does not specifically limit as a compound which can be added to water for adjustment of pH, For example, the salt of weak acids and strong bases, such as calcium hydroxide, calcium lactate, etc. are mentioned. Moreover, you may make a mouthwash have a buffering effect by adding predetermined amount of weak base and its salt. Thereby, since an intraoral environment is maintained by high pH, a caries can be suppressed over a long time.

(Electrolysis process)
In the preparation of high pH water, the pH may be adjusted by electrolyzing water to which an electrolyte has been added. Examples of the electrolyte that can be used to adjust the pH of the oral cleaning agent include calcium lactate, calcium glycerophosphate, calcium carbonate, and calcium hydroxide. The concentration of the electrolyte to be added is preferably 300 mg / l or less in the case of calcium carbonate, for example.

  Electrolysis of water containing an electrolyte is performed in an electrolytic cell having a semipermeable membrane. When calcium hydroxide is used as the electrolyte, hydrogen ions contained in the aqueous solution acquire electrons and become hydrogen molecules on the cathode side, and are released. For this reason, in the aqueous solution on the cathode side, hydroxide ions become excessive as compared with hydrogen ions, and the pH rises as a whole. At the same time, in order to keep the aqueous solution electrically neutral, calcium ions permeate from the aqueous solution on the anode side through the semipermeable membrane, so that the aqueous solution on the cathode side becomes a state in which calcium ions and hydroxide ions are mixed. There will be many states.

  The electrolysis process may be performed in a batch system in which a certain amount of water is stored and electrolyzed, or in a continuous water flow system in which water is continuously passed at a constant flow rate and electrolysis is performed. However, it is preferable to perform the continuous water flow method in that a large amount of high pH water can be efficiently produced.

  When performing by a continuous water flow system, it is preferable to adjust the amount of water to flow according to the pH of the aqueous solution contained on the cathode side of the electrolytic cell. That is, when the pH of the aqueous solution on the cathode side exceeds a predetermined pH (upper limit), the amount of water to be passed is increased so that the pH is increased from the electrolytic cell before the pH exceeds the predetermined (upper limit) pH. When the pH water is recovered and the pH is less than the predetermined pH (lower limit), the amount of water passing through is reduced, and the electrolytic cell is removed until the pH becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pH (lower limit). Do not collect high pH water. Thereby, pH of high pH water can be maintained in the range of predetermined pH.

(Separation process)
In the separation step, high pH water generated on the cathode side by the electrolysis step is recovered. In the electrolytic cell used in the electrolysis process, since the anode side and the cathode side are separated by a semipermeable membrane, the low pH water generated on the anode side is discharged and the high pH water generated on the cathode side is recovered. Thus, high pH water can be separated.

[ozone]
In the method for producing ozone water according to the present embodiment, examples of a method for supplying ozone include a method for generating ozone in parallel with the production of ozone water. Specific examples of the method for generating ozone include silent discharge.

  In silent discharge, a plate-like dielectric and a plate-like metal or plate-like dielectric are arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, and a dried gas containing oxygen is used as the dielectric and the dielectric or Ozone can be generated by applying a voltage of 9000 V or more and 12000 V or less by flowing between metals. Note that the gas flowing between the dielectric and the dielectric or metal is preferably a gas that does not substantially contain nitrogen, and more preferably oxygen, from the viewpoint that generation of nitric oxide can be suppressed.

[Dissolution process]
In the dissolution step, ozone is dissolved in the high pH water produced in the high pH water preparation step. For example, ozone can be dissolved by bubbling a gas containing ozone in high pH water and applying pressure. In bubbling ozone into high pH water, it is preferable to generate smaller bubbles in order to increase the efficiency of dissolution. Note that bubbling can be performed by supplying ozone having a pressure equal to or higher than a certain level into a pipe provided in the melting apparatus and having minute holes.

  When ozone is dissolved in high pH water, the ozone concentration is measured by measuring the ozone concentration in high pH water, and depending on the measured value, the supply amount of gas containing ozone, the amount of ozone contained in the gas containing ozone, It can be changed by adjusting the content and the pressure for supplying the gas containing ozone. Although it does not specifically limit as a method to measure the ozone concentration in high pH water, For example, an ultraviolet absorption method etc. are mentioned.

<Ozone water production device>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ozone water production apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the ozone water production apparatus 10.

  The ozone water manufacturing apparatus 10 is an example of an oral cleaning agent manufacturing apparatus. The ozone water production apparatus 10 includes a dissolution apparatus 20 as a dissolution means for dissolving ozone in water, a water supply apparatus 30 as a water supply means for supplying water to the dissolution apparatus 20 via a water supply path 31, water, A salt supply device 60 that supplies salt to the dissolution device 20 through the salt-containing water supply channel 63 and an ozone supply channel 41 (an example of an antiseptic component supply channel) to the dissolution device 20. An ozone supply device 40 serving as a disinfecting component supply means for supplying ozone, and a control device 50 for controlling the ozone water production device 10.

[Water supply device]
The water supply device 30 is an electrolysis device 32 as electrolysis means that generates high pH water by electrolyzing the supplied raw material water, and a raw material that supplies tap water as raw water to the electrolysis device 32 And a raw water supply unit 33 as water supply means. The electrolyzer 32 constitutes high pH water preparation means and electrolysis means.

  The electrolysis apparatus 32 includes an electrolysis tank 321 through which water can flow, a semipermeable membrane 322 that divides the internal space of the electrolysis tank 321, and a cathode disposed on the opposite side of the semipermeable membrane 322. 323 and an anode 324. The anode 324 and the cathode 323 are electrically connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a power source 325, respectively. The power source 325 is connected to a control unit 51 described later, and tap water is passed to the electrolysis tank 321. Are configured to flow current.

  A low pH water discharge path 326 is connected to the anode 324 side of the electrolysis tank 321, and low pH water is discharged from the low pH water discharge path 326 as described later. On the other hand, a water supply path 31 is connected to the cathode 323 side of the electrolysis tank 321, and high pH water is supplied to the dissolution apparatus 20 through the water supply path 31 as described later.

  The raw water supply unit 33 includes a raw water supply channel 34 that communicates a water source (not shown) and the electrolysis tank 321, and an electrolyte addition unit (not shown) that adds an electrolyte to the raw water is provided in the middle of the raw water supply channel 34. Is provided. Examples of the electrolyte added by the electrolyte adding unit include calcium lactate, calcium glycerophosphate, and calcium carbonate. The raw material water supply path 34 is provided with a flow meter 52 so that the flow rate of the raw water passing through the raw material water supply path 34 can be measured. The flow meter 52 is connected to a control unit 51 described later.

[Salt supply equipment]
The salt supply device 60 includes a salt-containing water supply channel 63 that branches from the water supply channel 31 to the dissolution device, a salt dissolution unit 61 provided in the salt-containing water supply channel 63, and a salt-containing solution from the water supply channel 31. And a switching valve 62 that switches the flow path to the water supply path 63. The switching valve 62 is connected to a control unit 51 to be described later, and can switch the flow path by an operation by the user.

[Ozone supply device]
The ozone supply device 40 includes an ozone generation device 42 that generates ozone. The ozone generation device 42 communicates with a dissolution tank 21 described later via an ozone supply path 41. In the middle of the ozone supply path 41, a compressor 411 and an ozone supply valve 412 are provided. While the compressor 411 applies a predetermined pressure to ozone, the ozone supply valve 412 can change the ozone supply amount according to the opening degree, and furthermore, ozone can be not supplied by an operation by the user. The ozone supply valve 412 is connected to the control unit 51 described later.

  In addition, although it does not specifically limit as the ozone generator 42, For example, a silent discharge apparatus can be used.

[Dissolution equipment]
The dissolution apparatus 20 has a dissolution tank 21 having an internal space. An ozone water discharge path 22 is connected to the dissolution tank 21, and ozone water in the dissolution tank 21 is discharged from the ozone water discharge path 22 to the outside. Further, an ozone concentration meter 53 is disposed in the dissolution tank 21, and the ozone concentration meter 53 is connected to a control unit 51 described later.

  In addition, many fine holes are formed in the surface of the end part 413 on the dissolution tank 21 side of the ozone supply path 41 described above, and ozone bubbles are ejected from these fine holes into high pH water (bubbling).

The above ozone water production apparatus 10 operates as follows.
First, raw water is passed from the raw water source to the water supply device 30 via the raw water supply path 34. At this time, the electrolyte is added to the raw material water by the electrolyte addition unit.

  When the raw material water to which the electrolyte is added is passed through the electrolyzer 32, a current is circulated from the power source 325. Thereby, the electrolysis of water in the electrolyzer 32 is started. That is, low pH water is generated on the anode 324 side and discharged from the low pH water discharge path, and high pH water is generated on the cathode 323 side and supplied into the dissolution tank 21 through the water supply path 31.

  Here, when the user needs ozone water containing calcium ions, bicarbonate ions, phosphate ions, etc., the switching valve 62 is switched via the control unit 51 by the operation of the user. The flow path is switched from the supply path 31 to the salt-containing water supply path 63. Thereby, the high pH water is passed through the salt dissolution unit 61, and the salts are dissolved in the high pH water. The high pH water in which the salts are dissolved is supplied into the dissolution tank 21 through the salt-containing water supply path 63.

  On the other hand, in the ozone supply device 40, ozone is generated by the operating ozone generator 42, and this ozone is compressed by the compressor 411. Here, when the ozone supply valve 412 is opened to a predetermined opening, the compressed ozone is supplied into the dissolution tank 21 through the ozone supply path 41.

  Ozone supplied from the ozone generator 42 is ejected as fine bubbles from the end 413 into the high pH water stored in the dissolution tank 21 (bubbling). As a result, ozone is dissolved in the high pH water to generate high pH ozone water. Finally, this ozone water is discharged from the ozone water discharge path 22 to the outside.

  In the dissolution tank 21, only high pH water can be generated without dissolving ozone. In this case, the operation of the user closes the ozone supply valve 412 via the control unit 51, and the supply of ozone is completely shut off. At this time, the ozone generator 42 and the compressor 411 are stopped, and generation and concentration of ozone are interrupted.

[Control device]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control device 50.
The control device 50 includes a control unit 51 as control means, and a flow meter 52 and an ozone concentration meter 53 connected to the control unit 51.

  The flow meter 52 detects the flow rate of the raw material water that flows through the raw material water supply path 34 and is supplied to the electrolysis tank 321, and transmits the detected flow rate to the control unit 51. The ozone concentration meter 53 measures the ozone concentration in the high pH water in the dissolution tank 21 and transmits it to the control unit 51.

  The control unit 51 includes a raw material water amount determination unit 511 as a raw material water amount control unit and an ozone amount determination unit 512 as an ozone amount control unit.

  When the detected value in the flow meter 52 exceeds a predetermined flow rate, the raw material water amount determination unit 511 increases the voltage applied by the power source 325 in the electrolyzer 32, and the detected value in the flow meter 52 reaches the predetermined value. If it is less than the flow rate, the voltage applied by the power source 325 is decreased. The relationship between the voltage applied by the power source 325 and the pH of the high pH water generated as a result of the electrolysis when the flow rate of the raw material water is a predetermined flow rate is stored in the control unit 51 in advance. The pH can be controlled through the control of the applied voltage.

  The ozone amount determination unit 512 increases the supply amount of ozone when the measured value with the ozone concentration meter 53 is less than a predetermined concentration, and when the measured value with the ozone concentration meter 53 exceeds the predetermined concentration. Reduces the supply of ozone. Specifically, when the measured value with the ozone concentration meter 53 is less than a predetermined concentration, the amount of ozone supplied is increased by increasing the opening of the ozone supply valve 412, and the measurement with the ozone concentration meter 53 is performed. When the value exceeds a predetermined concentration, the opening of the ozone supply valve 412 is decreased to reduce the ozone supply amount.

  The operation of the control device 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the user passes the raw water to which the electrolyte is added to the water supply device 30 (ST1). Then, the power source 325 causes current to flow between the cathode 323 and the anode 324, and starts electrolysis of water in the water supply device 30 (ST2).

  Next, the flow meter 52 detects the flow rate of the raw material water supplied to the electrolysis tank 321 (ST3), and the raw water amount determination unit 511 increases the voltage when the detected value exceeds a predetermined value, and the detected value is When it is less than the predetermined value, the voltage is decreased. This adjusts the voltage (ST4).

  After adjusting the voltage, the raw material water amount determination unit 511 determines that the pH of the high pH water is in a desired range, and starts dissolving ozone in the high pH water (ST5).

  Subsequently, the ozone concentration meter 53 measures the ozone concentration in the high pH water stored in the dissolution tank 21 (ST6), and the ozone amount determination unit 512 determines whether or not the detected value is less than a predetermined concentration. A determination is made (ST7). If this determination is “YES”, the ozone amount determination unit 512 increases the ozone supply amount (ST8), and then returns to ST7.

  On the other hand, when the determination in ST7 is “NO”, the ozone amount determination unit 512 determines whether or not the detection value in ST6 exceeds a predetermined concentration (ST9). If this determination is “YES”, the ozone amount determination unit 512 reduces the ozone supply amount (ST10).

  If the determination in ST9 is “NO”, it is determined that the ozone concentration in the high pH water is at a desired value, and the process ends.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(A) Since the electrolyzer 32 is provided in the water supply apparatus 30, the high pH water used for manufacture of ozone water is prepared by electrolysis. For this reason, pH can be easily adjusted only by changing electrolysis conditions, such as a voltage and the amount of water.

  (B) Since the raw water amount determination unit 511 is provided in the control unit 51, the pH of the high pH water generated by the water supply device 30 is set to a desired range according to the flow rate of the raw material water detected by the flow meter 52. Since it can be adjusted, ozone water having a pH within a desired range can be produced.

  (C) Since the ozone amount determination unit 512 is provided in the control unit 51, the amount of ozone supplied to the dissolution apparatus 20 can be controlled in accordance with the ozone concentration in the high pH water inside the dissolution tank 21. It is possible to maintain the ozone concentration dissolved in the desired predetermined concentration.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the high pH water preparation means was comprised with the electrolyzer 32, it is not limited to this. That is, as a means for preparing high pH water, a basic compound or the like may be added to raw water to adjust the pH.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the amount of raw water is measured using the flow meter 52 and the applied voltage at the power source 325 is controlled via the raw water amount determination unit 511, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when adjusting the pH of the high pH water, the pH of the high pH water is measured with a pH meter, and the flow rate of the raw water is adjusted so that the pH of the high pH water is within a predetermined pH range. May be.

FIG. 5 is an overall perspective view of the artificial oral cavity device 100 used in each example.
The artificial oral cavity device 100 has an internal space formed by a cylindrical translucent wall 110, and this internal space is blocked from the outside. A disk-shaped stage 120 is provided in the internal space, and the tips of a plurality of dropping pipes 130 are disposed on the stage 120. As a result, the liquid medium or the like dropped from the tip of 130 is added to the sample 121 placed on the stage 120.

<Example 1> Dissolution of biofilm The following test is performed on the biofilm dissolution ability of high pH water (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "alkali ion water") obtained by electrolyzing water containing calcium lactate. It was investigated by.

The bovine enamel is cut to 4 mm × 4 mm × 1.5 mm, the surface of the cut piece is ground with water-resistant abrasive paper # 800 SiC to # 1500 SiC, and further polished with diamond paste 6 to 3 μm, Was prepared. This sample was immobilized on the stage 120 of the artificial oral cavity device 100 (37 ° C. thermal reflux) described above, and a phosphate buffered saline (PBS), a suspension of Streptococcus mutans MT8148 strain (OD) was immobilized on the immobilized sample. ₃₀₀ = 3.0), sucrose-containing HI medium (25 g / l sucrose, 10.0 g / l heart infusion, 10.0 g / l tryptose, 5.0 g / l sodium chloride) continuously over 8 hours Dripping to form a biofilm.

  Subsequently, after removing the sample from the artificial oral cavity device 100 and washing the surface with PBS, while immersing in alkaline ionized water (pH 11.5) and mineral water (pH 7.0), vibration at 10 Hz at room temperature for 20 seconds, Three times every minute. Next, 250 μL of phenol and 1250 μL of 95% sulfuric acid were added to 500 μL of each solution after the sample was taken out and reacted, using a spectrophotometer (trade name Spectrophotometer BiotrakII Plate Reader, manufactured by Biochrom. GE). By measuring the absorbance at 490 nm, the concentration of glucan in the solution was calculated. The result is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a significantly larger amount of glucan was dissolved in alkaline ionized water (pH 11.5) than mineral water. From this, it was confirmed that alkaline ionized water has a biofilm dispersibility superior to that of mineral water.

<Example 2> Dissolution of biofilm When applying vibration, cows were subjected to the same method as in Example 1 except that 15 Hz vibration was applied for 30 seconds, left for 10 minutes, and then 15 Hz vibration was applied for 30 seconds. The amount of glucan adhering to the tooth enamel in mineral water (pH 7.0), alkali ion water (pH 11.0), and sodium hydroxide aqueous solution (pH 13.5) was measured. The result is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a significantly larger amount of glucan was dissolved in alkaline ionized water (pH 11.0) than in mineral water, and an amount of glucan equivalent to that of an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was dissolved. It was. From this, it was confirmed that alkaline ionized water is superior to mineral water and has biofilm dispersibility equivalent to that of sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, while having no danger like sodium hydroxide aqueous solution.

<Example 3> Peeling of biofilm from enamel In the same manner as in Example 1, a biofilm was formed on the surface of bovine enamel and the surface area of the biofilm was measured. Subsequently, bovine enamel is mixed with an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) having a pH of 13.5, alkaline ionized water having a pH of 11.5 (AW (pH11.5)), and alkaline ionized water having a pH of 10.0 (AW (pH10.0). )), And immersed in mineral water (MW) for 10 minutes, 2 hours, 5 hours, and 15 hours, respectively. Then, about the bovine tooth enamel taken out from each solution, the surface area which the biofilm adhered was measured, and the ratio of the peeled glucan was computed by comparing with the surface area of the biofilm before immersion. The result is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the immersion time was 2 hours or more, the alkaline ionized water having a pH of 11.5 significantly increased the percentage of the separated glucan compared to the mineral water. When the immersion time was 15 hours, alkaline ionized water having a pH of 10.0 significantly increased the percentage of glucan peeled off compared to mineral water. From this, it was confirmed that the alkaline ionized water can be dispersed and removed more quickly than the mineral water.

<Example 4> Influence on oral bacteria First, a biofilm was formed on the surface of bovine enamel by the same method as in Example 1. Subsequently, a certain amount of biofilm was collected and suspended in a sterilized sodium hydroxide aqueous solution (pH 13.5), two types of alkaline ionized water (AW11.5, AW10.0), and mineral water (MW). And left at room temperature for 2 hours. Thereafter, the number of cells in each solution was counted, diluted at an appropriate magnification, and the same number of cells was inoculated into the Mitis Salivarius medium. After culturing at 37 ° C. for 48 hours, the number of colonies formed on the medium was counted. The result is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, no bacterial colonies were formed in the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, whereas an equivalent number of bacterial colonies were formed in any alkaline ionized water and mineral water. That is, even if alkaline ionized water is administered into the oral cavity, it can be expected not to sterilize useful bacteria including oral resident bacteria.

<Example 5> Influence on oral bacteria First, bovine enamel having a biofilm formed on the surface thereof in the same manner as in Example 1, mineral water (MW), two types of alkaline ionized water (AWpH10). 0.0, AWpH11.5) for 30 minutes each. Thereafter, the biofilm remaining on the bovine enamel was collected, stained with Live / Dead BacLight Bacterial Viability Kit (manufactured by Molecular Probes Invitrogen Detection), and observed with a fluorescence microscope. The result is shown in FIG. The upper part of FIG. 10 is a fluorescence microscope image when irradiated with excitation light of 630 nm, and shows the presence of living bacteria. The lower row is a fluorescence microscopic image when irradiated with excitation light of 460 nm and shows the presence of dead bacteria.

  Similarly, observation was performed using 0.5% cyclohexidine, tap water, and a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution (pH 13.5). The result is shown in FIG. The upper part of FIG. 11 is a fluorescence microscope image when irradiated with excitation light of 630 nm, showing the presence of living bacteria, and the lower part is a fluorescence microscope image when irradiated with excitation light of 460 nm, and a stained image. Indicating the presence of dead bacteria.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the bactericidal effect of alkaline ionized water was weaker than that of cyclohexidine or sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, and was equivalent to that of mineral water. That is, even if alkaline ionized water is administered into the oral cavity, it can be expected not to sterilize useful bacteria including oral resident bacteria.

<Example 6> Dissolution of biofilm First, an aqueous solution A (0.1 M NaHCO ₃ , 0.001 M Ca (OH) ₂ , 0.01 M Na ₂ HPO ₄ ) was 100 times with alkaline ionized water having a pH of 10.5 ( An immersion liquid was prepared by diluting the solution a), 10 times (solution b), and 2 times (solution c). The pH after dilution was 10.78 for solution a, 9.70 for solution b, and 9.01 for solution c.

Next, in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the suspension of Streptococcus mutans MT8148 strain was OD ₅₀₀ = 2.0 and the dropping time of the sucrose-containing HI medium was 4 hours, A biofilm was formed on the surface, and the surface area of the biofilm was measured. While immersing this bovine enamel in various solutions a to c, sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) having a pH of 13.5 and alkaline ionized water having a pH of 10.5 (AW 10.5), vibration at 10 Hz for 20 seconds was repeated three times. Gave.

  Then, the bovine enamel was taken out from each solution, the adhesion area of the biofilm was measured, and compared with the adhesion area of the biofilm before immersion. The result is shown in FIG. Moreover, after adding 250 μL of phenol and 1250 μL of 95% sulfuric acid to 500 μL of each solution after the immersion, the reaction was performed, and then the absorbance at 490 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer (Spectrophotometer BiotrakII Plate Reader, manufactured by Biochrom GE). The result of calculating the glucan concentration in the solution from the absorbance value is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the solutions a to c significantly decreased the residual rate of glucan compared to the alkaline ionized water to which no salt was added. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the solution a dissolved a significantly larger amount of glucan than the alkaline ionized water to which no salt was added. Therefore, it was confirmed that the biofilm can be dispersed and removed more quickly by adding a salt to the alkaline ionized water.

<Example 7> Effect on pH of oral cavity environment One caramel was orally administered to three subjects who sufficiently brushed their teeth. Subsequently, the subject was allowed to gargle with alkaline ionized water, and the pH of saliva collected after a predetermined time was measured. The result is shown in FIG. The pH is measured before caramel administration (before caramel), 10 minutes after caramel administration (10 minutes after caramel), immediately after gargle (AW gargle), 10 minutes (10 minutes after gargle with AW), 20 After 30 minutes (20 minutes after gargle with AW), 30 minutes (30 minutes after gargle with AW) and 40 minutes (40 minutes after gargle with AW).

  As shown in FIG. 14, when caramel is administered, the pH of the oral environment rapidly decreases. However, when gargle is performed using alkaline ionized water, the pH of the oral environment increases and 40 minutes after gargle. Up to a high pH. Therefore, according to alkaline ionized water, it can be expected that demineralization of enamel is suppressed for a long time.

<Example 8>
First, a biofilm was formed on the surface of bovine enamel by the same method as in Example 1. Next, while immersing this bovine enamel in ozone-containing alkaline ionized water (AW + OZONE), ozone-containing tap water (W + OZONE), alkaline ionized water (AW), and tap water (W), 20 A vibration of 10 Hz per second was repeated 3 times every minute. Thereafter, 250 μL of phenol and 1250 μL of 95% sulfuric acid were added to 500 μL of each solution from which bovine enamel was taken out, reacted, and then using a spectrophotometer (Spectrophotometer BiotrakII Plate Reader, manufactured by Biochrom. GE) at 490 nm. The absorbance was measured. FIG. 15 shows the result of calculating the glucan concentration in the solution from the absorbance value.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the alkaline ionized water containing ozone dissolved a larger amount of glucan than the alkaline ionized water not containing ozone. Therefore, it was confirmed that the high pH ozone water has extremely excellent biofilm dispersibility.

It is a schematic block diagram of the oral-cleaner manufacturing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the oral-cleaning-agent manufacturing apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram of a control device which constitutes a mouth cleaning agent manufacture device concerning the embodiment. It is a flowchart of the oral cleaner manufacturing apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a perspective view of the artificial oral cavity apparatus used in the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the glucan solubility with the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the glucan dissolving ability by the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a graph which shows the glucan peeling ability by the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the influence with respect to the growth of oral bacteria of the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is a microscope image which shows an intraoral bacterium at the time of using the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on Example 5 of this invention. It is a microscope image which shows an intraoral bacterium at the time of using the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on the comparative example of this invention. It is a graph which shows the glucan peeling ability by the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on Example 6 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the glucan dissolving ability by the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on Example 6 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the time-dependent change of pH of an intraoral environment at the time of using the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on Example 7 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the glucan dissolving ability by the mouth cleaning agent which concerns on Example 8 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Ozone water production device 20 Dissolution device (dissolution means)
21 Dissolution tank 22 Ozone water discharge path 30 Water supply device (water supply means)
31 Water supply path 32 Electrolysis device (high pH water preparation means, electrolysis means)
33 Raw water supply section (raw water supply means)
34 Raw material water supply path 40 Ozone supply device (disinfectant supply means)
41 Ozone supply channel (disinfectant component supply channel)
42 Ozone generator 50 Control device 51 Control unit (control means)
52 Flow Meter 53 Ozone Concentration Meter 60 Salt Supply Device 61 Salt Dissolving Unit 62 Switching Valve 63 Salt-Containing Water Supply Path 321 Electrolysis Tank 322 Semipermeable Membrane 323 Cathode 324 Anode 325 Power Supply 326 Low pH Water Discharge Path 341 Raw Water Supply Valve 411 Compressor 412 Ozone supply valve 413 End 511 Raw water quantity determination unit (pH control means)
512 Ozone amount determination unit (concentration control means)

Claims (11)

A liquid mouthwash,
An oral cleaning agent having a pH of 8 or more and 12 or less and used for the prevention of oral bacterial diseases.   The oral cleanser according to claim 1, wherein an effective amount of at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium ions, phosphate ions and bicarbonate ions is added.   The mouth rinse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an effective amount of an antiseptic component is added.   The mouthwash according to claim 1 or 2, which does not contain an antiseptic component.   The oral cleaning agent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pH is adjusted by electrolyzing raw material water containing an electrolyte. A high pH water preparation step of preparing high pH water in which the pH of the water is increased;
And a dissolving step of dissolving ozone in the prepared high pH water. The high pH water preparation step is an electrolysis step of generating high pH water and low pH water by electrolyzing raw material water containing a calcium salt;
And a separation step of separating the produced high pH water. Dissolution means for dissolving the disinfectant component in water, water supply means for supplying water to the dissolution means via the water supply path, and disinfection for supplying the disinfectant component to the dissolution means via the disinfectant component supply path An oral cleanser manufacturing apparatus comprising a sex component supply means,
The water supply means includes a high pH water preparation means for preparing high pH water connected to the water supply passage and having an increased pH of water, and a raw water supply means for supplying raw water to the high pH water preparation means. An oral cleaning agent manufacturing apparatus comprising: The raw water supply means supplies raw water containing an electrolyte,
The said high pH water preparation means is an oral cleansing agent manufacturing apparatus of Claim 8 which has an electrolysis means which produces | generates high pH water by electrolyzing the supplied raw material water.   The oral cleanser manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the high pH water preparation means includes a pH control means for maintaining the generated high pH water within a predetermined range.   The oral cleaning agent manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the dissolution means further includes a concentration control means for maintaining the concentration of the disinfectant component dissolved in the high pH water within a predetermined range.