JP5321020B2 - Oral appliance and method for cleaning the oral appliance - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an oral appliance in which a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is kneaded or surface-coated, and a method for cleaning the oral appliance.

Keeping the oral cavity clean is important in preventing various infectious diseases and maintaining health. However, people who need nursing care at hospitals and nursing homes are often unable to brush their teeth on their own, which can lead to various infections. In the worst case, this leads to death. There was a problem that.
In addition, although a photocatalyst brush (for example, refer patent document 1), a mouth washing cleaning device (for example, refer patent document 2) etc. are disclosed as an oral appliance, depending on these oral appliances, the oral cavity is enough. There was a problem that it could not be kept clean.

For a person wearing a denture, keeping the denture clean is important not only for the prevention of bad breath but also for his own health management. Examples of the dirt adhering to the denture surface include food waste, various fungi, and bacteria. However, the conventional denture cleaning agents mainly use a surfactant and a foaming agent, but have a problem that the detergency is weak and the antibacterial effect is insufficient.
In addition, there are dentures imparted with an antibacterial effect by silver ions, but since silver is a heavy metal, it is not preferable to use it as a member to be worn in the body.
A cleaning method using an aqueous solution of titanium oxide (for example, see Patent Document 3), a photocatalyst (for example, see Patent Document 4), and the like are disclosed.
JP 2006-167396 A JP 2001-299784 A JP 2005-178025 A JP 2007-252983 A

An object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems and achieve the following objects.
That is, the present invention relates to bacteria attached to oral appliances (for example, caries that cause dental caries, periodontal bacteria that cause periodontal disease, bacteria, viruses, bacteria, and molds that cause human epidemics. It is an object of the present invention to provide an oral appliance and a method for cleaning the oral appliance that can easily and efficiently decompose and remove pathogenic bacteria such as those that do not adversely affect the human body and the environment.

Means for solving the problems are as follows. That is,
The oral appliance of the present invention is characterized in that a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is kneaded or surface-coated.

  In the oral appliance, bacteria attached to the oral appliance (for example, caries that cause dental caries, periodontal bacteria that cause periodontal disease, bacteria, viruses, bacteria, and molds that cause human epidemics. Can be easily and efficiently decomposed and removed, and the human body and the environment are not adversely affected.

  The cleaning method for the oral appliance is necessary for the cleaning solution in which the oral appliance of the present invention is immersed in a cleaning liquid containing a material having the photocatalytic activity and the organic matter adsorption ability, and the cleaning liquid is required for the expression of photocatalytic activity. And a light irradiation step of irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength.

  In the cleaning method for oral appliances, in the cleaning step, the oral appliance of the present invention is immersed and cleaned in a cleaning solution containing a material having photocatalytic activity and organic matter adsorption ability. In the light irradiation step, the cleaning solution Then, light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of the photocatalytic activity is irradiated. As a result, bacteria attached to oral appliances (for example, caries that cause tooth decay, periodontal bacteria that cause periodontal disease, bacteria that cause epidemics of the human body, viruses, bacteria, molds, etc.) Etc.) can be easily and efficiently decomposed and removed.

  According to the present invention, conventional problems can be solved, and bacteria attached to oral appliances (for example, caries that cause dental caries, periodontal bacteria that cause periodontal disease, causes of human epidemics) Bacteria, viruses, bacteria, fungi and other pathogenic bacteria that can be easily and efficiently decomposed and removed, and there are no adverse effects on the human body or the environment, and a method for cleaning the oral appliance can do.

(Oral appliance)
The oral appliance of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is kneaded or surface-coated, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Toothbrush instruments, dentures and the like can be mentioned.

-Materials with photocatalytic activity and organic adsorption ability-
The material having photocatalytic activity (photocatalytic activity) and organic matter adsorption ability is not particularly limited as long as it has photocatalytic activity and organic matter adsorption ability, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples thereof include calcium hydroxyapatite. Among these, those having a metal atom necessary for having photocatalytic activity (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a metal atom capable of expressing photocatalytic activity) are preferred. When the calcium hydroxyapatite has a metal atom necessary to have the photocatalytic activity, when the apatite is irradiated with light, the apatite is activated by the action of the metal atom necessary to have the photocatalytic activity. Electrons can be taken from the decomposition target adsorbed on the surface of the apatite, and the decomposition target object can be oxidized and decomposed.

The calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHAP) contains a calcium atom (Ca) having excellent adsorptivity and a phosphorus atom (P) having good biocompatibility, and is represented by Ca ₁₀ (PO ₄ ) ₆ (OH) ₂ .
Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHAP) is easy to exchange ions with both cations and anions, so it has excellent adsorption properties for various decomposition targets, especially adsorbability for organic substances such as proteins. Therefore, it is preferable in that it has excellent adsorption characteristics against microorganisms such as viruses, molds, and bacteria, and can inhibit or suppress their growth.

  In addition, there is no restriction | limiting in particular as said decomposition target object, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, as a component, protein, an amino acid, lipid, carbohydrate, etc. are mentioned. The decomposition target object may contain one of these alone or two or more of them. In general, specific examples of the decomposition target include microorganisms and viruses. The microorganism is not particularly limited and may be any of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and includes protozoa. Examples of the prokaryotes include bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Examples of the eukaryote include filamentous fungi such as yeasts, molds and actinomycetes. Furthermore, examples of the microorganism include caries bacteria and periodontal disease bacteria. Examples of the virus include DNA viruses and RNA viruses, and specific examples include influenza viruses. These decomposition objects may exist in any form of solid, liquid, and gas.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as an average particle diameter of the said calcium hydroxyapatite, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, 5 micrometers or less are preferable.
When the average particle diameter of the calcium hydroxyapatite exceeds 5 μm, the kneaded state or the surface coating state in the oral appliance may not be suitably maintained.

  The metal atom necessary for having the photocatalytic activity is not particularly limited as long as it can function as a photocatalytic center, and can be appropriately selected from those known as having photocatalytic activity depending on the purpose. For example, at least one selected from titanium (Ti), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), tin (Sn), indium (In), iron (Fe), and the like is preferable in terms of excellent photocatalytic activity. Among these, titanium (Ti) is more preferable from the viewpoint of excellent photocatalytic activity (photocatalytic activity).

The metal atom necessary for having the photocatalytic activity is incorporated into the crystal structure of the apatite as a part of the metal atom constituting the crystal structure of the calcium hydroxyapatite (substitution, etc.). Due to the change in crystal structure, the physical properties change to exhibit a photocatalytic function (a “photocatalytic partial structure” capable of exhibiting a photocatalytic function is formed in the crystal structure of the apatite).
The calcium hydroxyapatite having a photocatalytic partial structure that expresses such a photocatalytic activity has photocatalytic activity, and the apatite structure portion has excellent adsorption characteristics and is more than the known metal oxide having photocatalytic activity. Since it has excellent adsorption characteristics for harmful components (decomposition target), it is excellent in decomposition, antibacterial, antifouling, and growth inhibition or suppression of molds and bacteria.

  The wavelength of light necessary for the expression of the photocatalytic activity is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, the photocatalyst exhibits absorbency with respect to broadband light such as ultraviolet light or visible light. It is preferable that the activity can be expressed.

  The photocatalytic activity can be evaluated by measuring the concentration of the decomposition target, the concentration of the decomposition product, and the like.

-Toothbrush device-
The toothbrush device includes at least a handle portion and a brush portion. Preferably, the toothbrush device includes a light source, a rechargeable battery, a water supply channel, a suction channel, a cleaning liquid tank, a drain tank, and the like. A member is provided.

--- Pattern part-
The handle is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, a material having a photocatalytic activity and an organic substance adsorption ability is kneaded or surface-coated, a light source described later, a rechargeable battery, and the like. In order to be able to be built in, a hollow one is preferable.

---- Kneading ---
The kneading method is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the handle portion is formed by kneading a material having photocatalytic activity and organic matter adsorption ability into the handle portion material. The method of doing is mentioned.

---- Surface coating ---
The surface coating method is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, a method of coating a molded handle with a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability by a physical method, etc. Is mentioned. Here, as a physical method, ion deposition, sputtering, coating, or the like can be applied.

--Brush part--
The brush part is not particularly limited as long as a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is kneaded or surface-coated, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
---- Kneading ---
The kneading method is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the material of the brush part is kneaded with a material having a photocatalytic activity and an organic substance adsorbing ability to form the brush part. The method of doing is mentioned.

---- Surface coating ---
The surface coating method is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, a method of coating a molded brush part with a material having photocatalytic activity and organic matter adsorption ability by a physical method, etc. Is mentioned. Here, as a physical method, ion deposition, sputtering, coating, or the like can be applied.

-Light source-
The light source is not particularly limited as long as it emits light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the light source is incorporated in the base portion of the brush portion. LED etc. are mentioned.

--Rechargeable battery--
The rechargeable battery is not particularly limited as long as it supplies power to the light source, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the rechargeable battery is built in the handle or is always powered to the light source during charging. Examples include those supplied.

--Water injection channel--
The water injection channel is not particularly limited as long as it is connected to the water injection port and arranged to inject liquid from the water injection port, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the cleaning liquid stored in a cleaning liquid tank, which will be described later, is injected or sprayed into the oral cavity through the water injection channel from the water injection port.

--Suction channel--
The suction channel is not particularly limited as long as it is connected to the suction port and arranged to suck the injected liquid from the suction port, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the drainage after washing sucked from the suction port (for example, saliva or washing liquid accumulated in the oral cavity) is discharged to the drain tank described later through this suction channel.

-Cleaning fluid tank-
The cleaning liquid tank is not particularly limited as long as it is connected to the water injection channel, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The cleaning liquid tank contains, for example, a cleaning liquid in which a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is dispersed. Further, it is preferable that a light source for irradiating light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of the photocatalytic activity is disposed around the cleaning liquid tank.

--Drain tank-
The drain tank is not particularly limited as long as it is connected to the suction water channel, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. In this drain tank, for example, the drainage after washing sucked from the suction port is accommodated. Moreover, it is preferable that a light source for irradiating light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of the photocatalytic activity is disposed around the drain tank.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a toothbrush device as an oral device of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the toothbrush device 100 includes a toothbrush body 10, a cleaning liquid tank 20 connected to the toothbrush body 10, and a drain tank 30 connected to the toothbrush body 10.
The toothbrush main body 10 is disposed at the handle portion 11, the brush portion 12 attached to the tip portion 11a of the handle portion 11, and the root of the brush portion 12 (the tip portion 11a of the handle portion 11). An LED (light source) 13 that irradiates light having a required predetermined wavelength, a rechargeable battery 14 that is built in the handle 11 and supplies power to the LED (light source) 13 via a lead (not shown), and a tip of the handle 11 A water injection channel 16 extending from the portion 11 a to the rear end portion 11 b and connected to an ejection hole (water injection port) 15 disposed in the tip portion 11 a of the handle portion 11, and from the tip portion 11 a of the handle portion 11. A suction water channel 18 is provided which extends over the rear end portion 11 b and is connected to a suction hole (suction port) 17 disposed in the front end portion 11 a of the handle portion 11.
The cleaning liquid tank 20 connected to the water injection channel 16 in the toothbrush main body 10 is provided with a light source 21 that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity to the peripheral part.
The drain tank 30 connected to the suction water channel 18 in the toothbrush body 10 is provided with a light source 31 that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity to the peripheral portion.

The cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 20 is pressurized and introduced into the water injection channel 16 at the rear end portion 11 b of the handle 11 by the suction force of the pump 40. The cleaning liquid pressurized and introduced into the water injection channel 16 moves in the water injection channel 16 from the rear end portion 11b of the handle 11 toward the tip end portion 11a, and is ejected from the ejection hole 15 into the oral cavity. Then, the oral cavity is cleaned with the cleaning liquid ejected into the oral cavity. The post-cleaning waste water after the intraoral cleaning (for example, saliva and cleaning liquid collected in the oral cavity) is sucked from the suction hole 17 by the suction force of the pump 40, and the inside of the suction water channel 18 from the distal end portion 11a of the handle portion 11 to the rear. It moves toward the end portion 11 b and is accommodated in the drain tank 30.
In addition, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 20 is irradiated with light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity by a light source 21 disposed in the periphery of the cleaning liquid tank 20, and the cleaning liquid is sterilized.
Moreover, the waste water after washing accommodated in the drain tank 30 is irradiated with light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity by a light source 31 disposed in the periphery of the drain tank 30, and the waste water after washing is Sterilized.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing charging of a toothbrush device as an oral appliance of the present invention.
In FIG. 2, the toothbrush device 100 is stood on the charging stand 200 and charged. During this charging, the LED (light source) 13 irradiates (normally lights) the brush section 12 with light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity. The brush part 12 is sterilized by this light irradiation.

  According to the toothbrush device 100, the material having high photocatalytic activity and organic matter adsorbing ability is included in at least the brush part 12 because the material having high adsorption ability against caries, periodontal fungi, and pathogenic bacteria and high photocatalytic activity is included. And the probability of contact with oral cavity bacteria, periodontal disease bacteria, and pathogens in the oral cavity can be increased, and caries bacteria, periodontitis bacteria, and pathogens attached to the toothbrush device 100 can be easily and efficiently decomposed and removed. .

  In addition, according to the toothbrush device 100, a material having a high adsorptive ability to caries fungi, periodontal fungi, and pathogens and exhibiting high photocatalytic activity can be dispersed in the oral cavity as a fine powder. Increase the probability of contact between the active and organic adsorbing materials and oral cavity, periodontal, and pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity, and easily and efficiently decompose oral cavity, periodontal, and pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity Can be removed.

  Further, since the toothbrush device 100 exhibits antibacterial properties by light energy, it can reduce adverse effects on the human body and the environment as compared with a toothbrush device containing a conventional silver antibacterial agent.

-Dentures-
The denture is not particularly limited as long as a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is kneaded or surface-coated, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

-Materials with photocatalytic activity and organic adsorption ability-
As the material having the photocatalytic activity and the organic substance adsorption ability, those used in the toothbrush device can be used.

---- Kneading ---
The kneading method is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a method of forming a denture by kneading a denture material with a material having photocatalytic activity and organic matter adsorption ability Etc.

-Surface coating-
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as the method of the said surface coating, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, the method etc. which coat | cover the material which has photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability on a denture by a physical method etc. are mentioned. Here, as a physical method, ion deposition, sputtering, coating, or the like can be applied.

(Cleaning method for oral appliances)
The method for cleaning an oral appliance includes at least a cleaning step and a light irradiation step, and further includes other steps appropriately selected as necessary.

-Washing process-
The cleaning step is a step of immersing and cleaning the oral appliance of the present invention in a cleaning liquid in which a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is dispersed.

-Light irradiation process-
The light irradiation step is a step of irradiating a cleaning liquid in which a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is dispersed with light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity.

-Other processes-
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said other process, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, an irradiation process etc. are mentioned.

-Irradiation process-
The irradiation step is a step of irradiating at least one of an ultrasonic wave, a high frequency, and a low frequency to a cleaning liquid in which a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is dispersed.

FIG. 3 shows a denture cleaning apparatus in which the method for cleaning an oral appliance of the present invention is implemented.
In FIG. 3, a denture cleaning apparatus 300 includes an ejection hole 303 for ejecting the cleaning liquid 302, an agitating means (not shown) for agitating the cleaning liquid 302, and a light source for irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity 310 and irradiation means (not shown) for irradiating ultrasonic waves, high frequencies, low frequencies, and the like.

  In the denture cleaning device 300, the cleaning liquid 302 is injected from the ejection hole 303, the denture 301 is charged into the cleaning liquid 302, the cleaning liquid 302 into which the denture 301 is charged is stirred, and the cleaning liquid 302 is necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity. Light of a predetermined wavelength, ultrasonic waves, high frequencies, low frequencies, etc. are irradiated.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Example 1
First, a toothbrush device (FIG. 1) in which a photocatalyst (calcium / titanium hydroxyapatite (TiHAP; manufactured by Taihei Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd., PHOTOHAP PCAP-100), white powder having a particle diameter of 3 μm to 8 μm) is kneaded in the brush part. Got ready.
Next, one sample solution containing Streptococcus mutans as a caries fungus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans as a periodontal disease fungus, and 3.0 × 10 ⁵ E. coli each was prepared.
The toothbrush body of the prepared toothbrush device was put into the transparent container containing the prepared sample solution and immersed for 2 hours, and the number of Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , and Escherichia coli in the sample solution after immersion was measured. The results are shown in Table 1.
The experiment in Example 1 was performed in a normal room.
The kneading of the photocatalyst into the brush part is performed by kneading 30 parts by mass of the photocatalyst with 100 parts by mass of nylon 610 (polycondensate of hexamethylenediamine and sebacic acid) which is a material of the brush part. This was done by molding the part.

(Example 2)
In Example 1, instead of the toothbrush device in which the photocatalyst was kneaded in the brush part, the experiment was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the toothbrush device in which the photocatalyst was coated on the brush part was used. The number of Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , and E. coli in the sample solution was measured. The results are shown in Table 1.
The surface coating was performed by immersing the brush part in a dispersion in which 30 parts by mass of photocatalyst was dispersed in 100 parts by mass of pure water for 3 minutes and then drying in an oven at 100 ° C. for 2 hours.

(Example 3)
In Example 1, while the whole toothbrush device was immersed in the sample solution (2 hours), the experiment was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the LED was irradiated with light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity. The number of Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , and E. coli in the sample solution after immersion was measured. The results are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 1)
In Example 1, instead of the toothbrush device in which the photocatalyst was kneaded in the brush portion, a toothbrush device not containing a photocatalyst was used, and the experiment was performed in the same manner as in Example 1, and Streptococcus mutans in the sample solution after immersion was performed. , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , and the number of E. coli were measured. The results are shown in Table 1.

From the results shown in Table 1, the toothbrush device (Examples 1 to 3) in which the photocatalyst was kneaded or surface-coated in the brush portion was more submerged than the toothbrush device (Comparative Example 1) in which the photocatalyst was not contained. It was found that the antibacterial property (adsorption degree of bacteria and sterility against bacteria) was high.
Furthermore, among the toothbrush devices (Examples 1 to 3) in which the brush portion photocatalyst is kneaded or surface-coated, the bacteria after immersion in Example 3 in which light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of the photocatalytic activity was irradiated from the LED It was found that the number was the smallest and the antibacterial property (adsorption degree of bacteria and sterilization against bacteria) was the highest.

(Examples 4 to 6)
First, a photocatalyst (calcium / titanium hydroxyapatite (TiHAP; manufactured by Taihei Chemical Sangyo Co., Ltd., PHOTOHAP PCAP-100), white powder having a particle diameter of 3 μm to 8 μm) is kneaded into the brush part, and a cleaning liquid ( A toothbrush appliance A containing 400 mm ^{2 of} a sterile liquid containing the photocatalyst (solid content: 1% by mass) is prepared, the photocatalyst is kneaded into the brush portion, and pure water is injected into the cleaning liquid tank. The toothbrush device B was prepared, and further, the toothbrush device C in which the photocatalyst was kneaded into the brush portion and the cleaning liquid was not injected into the cleaning liquid tank was prepared.
The kneading of the photocatalyst into the brush part is performed by kneading 30 parts by mass of the photocatalyst with 100 parts by mass of nylon 610 (polycondensate of hexamethylenediamine and sebacic acid) which is a material of the brush part. This was done by molding the part.
Next, 15 denture models (manufactured by Nippon Medical Instrument Laboratories, dental model jaws) were prepared, and 1 drop of artificial plaque (1g of plaque stain (red No. 3 (erythrocin)) was added to 1g of starch paste and mixed. The same amount was applied.
Next, one sample solution containing Streptococcus mutans as a caries fungus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans as a periodontal disease fungus, and 3.0 × 10 ⁵ E. coli each was prepared.
The prepared sample solution was sprayed in the same amount onto 15 denture models to which artificial plaque was applied, and left for 2 hours.
For 5 of the 15 denture models after being left, the toothbrushing device A is used to brush the toothbrush with the scrubbing method with a brushing force of 200 g while spraying the cleaning liquid from the spray hole (water injection port). The number of Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , and Escherichia coli in the denture model after the cleaning solution was sucked was measured, and the state of five denture models after the cleaning solution was sucked was photographed with a digital camera. In the image taken by the digital camera, the artificial plaque adhesion area and the artificial plaque non-adhesion area are detected, and the plaque removal rate (%) (artificial plaque non-adhesion area / (artificial plaque non-adhesion area + Artificial plaque adhesion area) × 100) was calculated. The results (average value) are shown in Table 2.

In addition, tooth brushing was performed on the other five of the 15 denture models after being left, using a scrub method with a brushing force of 200 g while jetting pure water from the spray hole (water injection port) using the toothbrush device B. After sucking pure water after washing from the suction port, and measuring the number of Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and E. coli in the denture model after sucking the pure water after washing, and after sucking the pure water after washing The state of five denture models was photographed with a digital camera, and the plaque removal rate (%) was calculated. The results (average value) are shown in Table 2.
Further, the remaining 5 of the 15 denture models after being left are not sprayed from the injection holes (water injection ports), and the toothbrushing device C is used to brush the teeth by a scrub method with a brushing force of 200 g. The number of Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , and Escherichia coli in the denture model after tooth brushing was measured, and the state of five denture models after tooth brushing was photographed with a digital camera, and the plaque removal rate (%) was calculated. . The results (average value) are shown in Table 2.
The experiments in Examples 4 to 6 were performed in a normal room.

From the results in Table 2, the denture model (Examples 4 to 5) sprayed with the cleaning liquid has a higher plaque removal rate and the number of each bacteria is smaller than the denture model (Example 6) not sprayed with the cleaning liquid. I understood that. This is thought to be due to physical destruction of the artificial plaque by spraying the cleaning liquid.
Moreover, from the results of Table 2, it was found that Example 4 using the photocatalyst water dispersion as the cleaning liquid had a higher plaque removal rate and fewer bacteria than Example 5 using pure water as the cleaning liquid. It was. This is thought to be because the photocatalyst water dispersion spray has a higher physical plaque destruction effect and fungus adsorption effect than the pure water spray.

(Example 7)
First, a denture having a surface coated with a photocatalyst (calcium / titanium hydroxyapatite (TiHAP; manufactured by Taihei Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd., PHOTOHAP PCAP-100), white powder having a particle diameter of 3 μm to 8 μm) was prepared.
Next, one sample solution containing Streptococcus mutans as a caries fungus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans as a periodontal disease fungus, and 3.0 × 10 ⁵ E. coli each was prepared.
The prepared denture was put into the prepared sample solution, and the entire denture was immersed in the sample solution for 2 hours, and the number of Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , and Escherichia coli in the sample solution after immersion was measured. The results are shown in Table 3.
The experiment in Example 7 was performed in a normal room.
The surface coating was performed by immersing the denture in a dispersion in which 30 parts by mass of photocatalyst was dispersed in 100 parts by mass of pure water for 3 minutes and then drying in an oven at 100 ° C. for 2 hours.

(Comparative Example 2)
In Example 7, an experiment was performed in the same manner as in Example 7 except that a denture not containing a photocatalyst was used instead of a denture whose surface was coated with a photocatalyst, and Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in the sample solution after immersion, and The number of E. coli was measured. The results are shown in Table 3.

  From the results of Table 3, the dentures (Example 7) coated with a photocatalyst had a smaller number of bacteria after immersion than dentures (Comparative Example 2) that did not contain a photocatalyst, and antibacterial properties (adsorption degree of the bacteria) And sterility against bacteria).

(Example 8)
First, a denture having a surface coated with a photocatalyst (calcium / titanium hydroxyapatite (TiHAP; manufactured by Taihei Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd., PHOTOHAP PCAP-100), white powder having a particle diameter of 3 μm to 8 μm) was prepared.
Next, one sample solution containing Streptococcus mutans as a caries fungus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans as a periodontal disease fungus, and 3.0 × 10 ⁵ E. coli each was prepared.
The prepared sample solution was sprayed on the prepared denture and left for 2 hours. The number of Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , and E. coli in dentures after standing was measured. The results are shown in Table 4 as before washing.
Further, the denture after standing was washed with a washing liquid (sterile liquid containing the photocatalyst (solid content: 1% by mass)) for 30 minutes using a denture washing apparatus (FIG. 3), and the denture was taken out from the washing apparatus, The number of Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , and E. coli in dentures after washing was measured. The results are shown in Table 4 as after washing.
The experiment in Example 8 was performed in a normal room.
The surface coating was performed by immersing the denture in a dispersion in which 30 parts by mass of photocatalyst was dispersed in 100 parts by mass of pure water for 3 minutes and then drying in an oven at 100 ° C. for 2 hours.

(Comparative Example 3)
In Example 8, an experiment was performed in the same manner as in Example 8 except that a denture not containing a photocatalyst was used instead of a denture whose surface was coated with a photocatalyst, and Streptococcus mutans , Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in the sample solution after immersion, and The number of E. coli was measured. The results are shown in Table 4.

From the results in Table 4, it was found that the dentures cleaned using the denture cleaning device (FIG. 3) did not survive the bacteria.
Further, the dentures (Example 8) coated with the photocatalyst have a smaller number of bacteria before washing than the dentures (Comparative Example 3) not containing the photocatalyst, and have antibacterial properties (adsorption of bacteria and sterilization against bacteria) It was found that the property was high.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are as follows.
(Appendix 1) An oral appliance characterized in that a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is kneaded or surface-coated.
(Additional remark 2) In the oral appliance which is a toothbrush appliance provided with a handle | pattern part and the brush part with which the front-end | tip part of the said handle | pattern part was equipped, the material which has the said photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is kneaded in the said brush part. The oral appliance according to claim 1, wherein the oral appliance is coated or surface coated.
(Additional remark 3) The oral appliance of Additional remark 2 further provided with the light source which irradiates the light of the predetermined wavelength required for expression of the said photocatalytic activity.
(Additional remark 4) The oral appliance of Additional remark 3 further equipped with the rechargeable battery which supplies electric power to the said light source.
(Supplementary Note 5) A water injection port and a suction port are provided at the tip of the handle portion, connected to the water injection port, and arranged for injecting liquid from the water injection port, and The oral appliance according to any one of appendices 2 to 4, further comprising a suction water channel that is connected and is arranged to suck the injected liquid from the suction port.
(Supplementary note 6) In any one of supplementary notes 2 to 5, further comprising a cleaning liquid tank connected to the water injection channel, wherein the cleaning liquid tank is provided with a light source for irradiating light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity. The oral appliance described.
(Supplementary note 7) In any one of supplementary notes 2 to 6, further comprising a drain tank connected to the suction channel, wherein the drain tank is provided with a light source that irradiates light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity. The oral appliance described.
(Appendix 8) The oral appliance according to appendix 1, wherein the oral appliance is a denture.
(Supplementary note 9) The oral appliance according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 8, wherein the material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is calcium hydroxyapatite.
(Supplementary note 10) The oral appliance according to supplementary note 9, wherein the calcium hydroxyapatite has titanium (Ti).
(Additional remark 11) The oral appliance in any one of Additional remark 1 thru | or 10 whose average particle diameter of the material which has the said photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is 5 micrometers or less.
(Additional remark 12) The washing | cleaning process which immerses and wash | cleans the oral appliance in any one of Additional remark 1 thru | or 11 in the washing | cleaning liquid containing the material which has the said photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability, and expression of photocatalytic activity in the said washing | cleaning liquid And a light irradiation step of irradiating light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the cleaning.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a toothbrush device as an oral device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing charging of a toothbrush device as an oral appliance of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view showing a denture cleaning apparatus in which the method for cleaning an oral appliance of the present invention is implemented.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Toothbrush main body 11 Handle part 11a Front-end | tip part 11b Rear-end part 12 Brush part 13 LED (light source)
14 Rechargeable battery 15 Ejection hole (water injection port)
16 Water injection channel 17 Suction hole (suction port)
18 Suction channel 20 Cleaning liquid tank 21 Light source 30 Drain tank 31 Light source 40 Pump 100 Toothbrush device 200 Charging stand 300 Denture cleaning device 301 Denture 302 Cleaning liquid 303 Ejection hole 310 Light source

Claims (4)

A handle portion provided with a water inlet and a suction port at the tip, and
A brush part that is attached to the tip part of the handle part and kneaded or surface-coated with a material having photocatalytic activity and organic matter adsorption ability;
A water injection channel connected to the water injection port and arranged to inject a cleaning liquid in which a material having photocatalytic activity and organic substance adsorption ability is dispersed from the water injection port, and the water injected photocatalytic activity is connected to the suction port. And a suction channel disposed for sucking a cleaning liquid in which a material having an organic substance adsorption ability is dispersed from the suction port. The oral appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning liquid tank connected to the water injection port and containing the cleaning liquid. The oral appliance according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning liquid tank includes a light source that irradiates light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity. The oral appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a drain tank connected to the suction water channel, wherein the drain tank includes a light source that emits light having a predetermined wavelength necessary for the expression of photocatalytic activity.