MXPA01009670A - Antimicrobial denture cleansing compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

A denture cleansing composition includes a monoperoxysulfate compound, an effective amount of a sequestering agent, such as a citrate compound, for removal of calculus and to provide a pH to the composition in solution (water) of about 3 to 5, and an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent, such as a benzoate compound, to provide antimicrobial activity to the composition to effectively kill bacteria, or other microorganisms found on the dentures. Tests conducted show that the composition is particularly effective in killing microbial strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans and Actinomyces viscosus within 20 minutes of contact.

Description

ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOSITIONS FOR THE CLEANING OF DENTAL PROSTHESES TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a composition for the cleaning of dental prostheses, and more particularly, to a composition for the cleaning of dental prostheses that has improved the antimicrobial activity in comparison with other compositions for the cleaning of dental prostheses. Specifically, the invention relates to a composition suitable for use as a safe and effective agent for cleaning dentures, containing a monopersulfate compound, a sequestering agent and an antimicrobial agent, such as a benzoate compound, which together They effectively eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms commonly found in dental prostheses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Scale or calcareous deposits in dental prostheses occur due to secretions inside the mouth of the user of the dental prosthesis. The parotid gland secretes material through the Stenson duct located between the first and second molars. The submandibular gland secretes material through the harton duct located below the tongue. Finally, the sublingual ducts secrete through the Rivina duct that is located on the floor of the mouth. These three glands are still working even after the teeth have been removed. These secretions leave deposits of amylase and mucin (saliva) in the dentures and cause incrustations in the dentures. Of course, food particles and stains, for example, coffee, tea and smoking, are also produced in dental prostheses. To avoid incrustations in dentures or, in other way, to free dentures from incrustations or stains, dental prostheses should be cleaned from time to time. The cleaning of the dental prosthesis is usually done either by brushing the denture with a paste or by dipping the dental prosthesis in an aqueous cleansing solution, typically at night. Aqueous solutions for the cleaning of dental prostheses are known and are generally formed of tablets, granules or powders that dissolve in water to form a cleansing bath or a cleaning system in water. For this purpose, a large number of compositions for the cleaning of dental prostheses, typically supplied in tablets or in powder form, are known in the corresponding technical field. Traditionally, these compositions have contained a variety of sulfate salts, such as bisulfates, monopersuiphates and sulfates such as detergents, oxidants and the like, and they have also used alkali metal halides and alkaline earth metal halides as bleaches. These compositions have also included the salts of perborate, carbonate and phosphate in various amounts to provide effervescence and acceleration of cleaning. The cleaning systems produced by means of these compositions, unfortunately, when dissolved in water are insufficient in many aspects. It is often very difficult to remove calcareous deposits or other deposits of dental prostheses and effective cleaning of dental prostheses continues to be an extremely difficult problem in relation to the care of dental prostheses. Monopersulfates, such as for example sodium peroxymonosulfate and potassium peroxymonosulfate, are well known as cleaning agents generally used in denture cleaning compositions. Monopersulfates are active peroxide (oxygen) bleaches and are known as effective cleaners of organic matter and can also function as a disinfectant. However, it is understood in the technical field that monopersulfates, including particularly potassium peroxysulfate, they are more active when other ingredients are not added. On the other hand, peroxymonosulfate activity is also selective, being much higher for organic matter. For this reason, when other cleaning agents are added, it is well known that the cleaning activity of the monopersulfate can be reduced and, depending on the type and amount of additional cleaning agent added, this can significantly affect the effectiveness of the composition. For example, sequestering agents such as polyfunctional organic acids, for example citric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, phosphates, phosphonates, pyrophosphates and their corresponding salts, are known as reducing the activity of monopersulfate compounds, but increase their stability. It is known that a monopersulfate compound can be decomposed by biological materials and / or by metal ions, particularly in acid solutions. Because the monopersulfate compound forms an acid in solution, the addition of a buffer solution, such as a salt of a polyfunctional organic acid, decreases the acidity of the solution and, consequently, prolongs the life of the monopersulfate compound. . Additionally, because it is known that these salts form a complex with the metal ions, the decomposition of the monopersulfate compound is further inhibited. On the other hand, when the addition of these salts is carried out in too large proportions, they begin to decompose the monopersulfate instead of protecting it. In this way, the proportion of the monopersulfate compound with respect to other active agents in the composition is frequently regarded as critical with respect to cleaning efficiency and must be carefully controlled. Furthermore, it is increasingly known that bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms can grow in dental prostheses, which can lead to infection or reinfection problems in the oral cavity and gums of denture users, particularly in those who are in nursing homes and elderly users. Among the most notable bacteria commonly found in dental prostheses are Candida albicans, Actinomyces viscosus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus mutans. As a result, there is a need for a dental prosthesis cleaning composition that is effective not only as a cleanser, but also effectively eliminates and kills bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, in a safe manner for the user of the dental prosthesis. Cleaner compositions containing monopersulfate are well known in the technical field. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,857,224 and 5,486,304 both disclose these compositions. These compositions may also include a sequestering agent that functions, to some extent, as an additional cleanser that reacts with the calcium present in the calcareous deposit that accumulates in dental prostheses during the day. However, none of these references addresses the need for an antimicrobial disinfectant. U.S. Patent No. 5,486,304, however, indicates that sodium benzoate can be used as a lubricant and / or as an aid for reduction, in amounts ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.8 weight percent. However, this unimportant amount of benzoate is not significant enough to provide sufficient antimicrobial activity to the composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a safe and effective denture cleaning composition. Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition for the cleaning of dental prostheses, as mentioned above, which can eliminate the accumulation of the calcareous deposit. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a composition for the cleaning of dental prostheses, such as the one mentioned above, which can be cleaned without the need for brushing. It is yet another object beyond the present invention to provide a composition for the cleaning of dental prostheses, as mentioned above, which effectively destroys the bacteria and other microorganisms commonly found in the dental prosthesis before cleaning. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a composition for cleaning dental prostheses, as mentioned above, which effectively eliminates bacteria and microorganisms within a time limit of 20 minutes. These and other objects of the present invention, as well as the advantages that there are of the prior art in relation to the compositions for the cleaning of dental prostheses, which will be apparent from the following description, are carried out by means of the improvements what 52/135 are described and claimed below.; In general, the present invention provides a cleaning composition for dental prostheses that includes a monopersulfate compound; an effective amount of a sequestering agent to remove the calcareous deposits and which provides a pH to the composition in solution in the range of from about 3 to about 5; and an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent that provides an antimicrobial activity to the composition so that it effectively removes bacteria or other microorganisms during the cleaning of dental prostheses. The invention also provides a cleaning composition for dental prostheses that includes at least about 75 weight percent of a monopersulfate compound; up to about 25 weight percent of a sequestering agent selected from the group consisting of polyfunctional organic acids and their corresponding salts; and an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of benzoate compounds, which provides sufficient antimicrobial activity to the composition so that it effectively removes bacteria or other microorganisms within about half an hour after the start of cleaning . 52/135 PREFERRED ODALITY FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As pointed out hereinabove, the present invention is directed towards an improved composition, for the cleaning of dental prostheses, containing a monopersulfate compound, a sequestering agent and an antimicrobial agent, such as for example a benzoate compound, which is, overall, effective in eliminating the bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms commonly found in dental prostheses. More particularly, the composition shows a safe and effective denture cleaning while also effectively destroying bacteria or other microorganisms that are commonly known to grow in dental prostheses, including Candida albicans, Actinomyces viscosus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus mutans. Preferably, the composition is in granular or powdered form, although not necessarily limited thereto, and is preferably used by dissolving the powder in the water to form a cleaning bath or cleaning solution. The action of the solution for cleaning the dental prosthesis can occur by immersing the dentures in the solution at night or for a period of time as little as 20 minutes. At the same time, the composition must also provide the 52/135 cleaning solution, an effective antimicrobial activity. Also, unlike other compositions for cleaning dentures, the composition of the present invention preferably lacks perborate compounds or other compounds known to provide effervescence and activation. The composition of the present invention provides a safe and effective cleaning of dental prostheses, as well as an effective antimicrobial activity in dental prostheses. The composition of the present invention includes a monopersulfate compound, preferably in an amount of at least 75 percent by weight and more preferably, comprised between about 75 percent to about 98 percent by weight of the total cleaning composition. Preferably superlative, the monopersulfate compound is present in an amount ranging from about 75 to about 85 weight percent of the total cleaning composition. The monopersulfate compound used in the composition is preferably an alkali metal monopersulfate, or an alkaline earth metal monopersulfate. A preferred salt is sodium monopersulfate or potassium monopersulfate, especially when it is present to form a triple salt compound 52/135 with potassium bisulfate and potassium sulfate, for example, KHSO5.KHSO4.K2SO4. This stable, granular, triple potassium salt is commercially available from E.l. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. and is marketed in a molar ratio of 2: 1: 1 under the trademark of "OXONE". Notably, the potassium monopersulfate compound, for example, OXONE, includes an active peroxide (oxygen) bleach which is an effective cleanser of organic matter and a disinfectant. Although the potassium peroxysulfate compound is most active when other agents are not added, it is known that the compound in solution forms a strong acid having a pH level of about 1.5 and, therefore, can not be used alone as a dental prosthesis cleaner because it is possible that the composition may be present even after rinsing and that the acidity of the monopersulfate compound could cause a lesion in the mouth or oral cavity of the user of the dental prosthesis. Additionally, the cleaning activity of monopersulfate is selective, being much higher for organic matter than for other materials. The composition of the present invention also includes a sequestering agent to maintain the clarity of the solution, to promote the removal of calcareous deposits or tartar and to neutralize the acidity of the 52/135 monopersulfate. These sequestering agents of the present invention are preferably incorporated within the composition of the present invention in an amount effective to increase the pH of the composition in solution within the range of about 3 to about 5 and more preferably between about 3 to about 4.5 . In the composition of the present invention the amount of sequestering agent used will preferably reach about 25 weight percent and preferably fall within the range of about 1 to about 25 weight percent, with about 12 to about 25 being preferably superlative. 100 percent by weight of the sequestering agent. Preferred sequestering agents include polyfunctional organic acids, such as citric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, phosphates, phosphonates, pyrophosphates and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and their corresponding salts. More preferably they are citrate compounds, including the alkali metal and alkaline earth metal citrates. The superlative preference is sodium citrate or potassium citrate. Sodium citrate solubilizes and / or discolors many inorganic compounds, mainly calcium and iron deposits. Even more important, sodium citrate acts on chemicals that are not affected by monopersulfate. As a consequence, the cleaning action of the two mixed ingredients is greater than either of the two alone due to its complementary cleaning action. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the sequestering agent, "for example sodium citrate, functions in the solution of the invention by reaction with calcium or iron present in the calcareous deposit that accumulates in the dental prostheses. reaction delivers the underlying protein material in dental prostheses, for example dental plaque, which can be attacked by the monopersulfate compound also present in the solution.The monopersulfate compound, in turn, attacks the dental plaque and thus exposes more calcareous deposits to attack by the sequestering agent Any of the stains linked to the mentioned deposits are also removed in the process.This synergistic combination of the monopersulfate compound and the sequestering agent in a composition for the cleaning of dental prostheses, allows a removal more complete of both the dental plaque and the calcareous deposit in dental prostheses s The adsorbed spots, especially those that are due to the accumulation of 52/135 calcareous deposits, and which have been beyond the scope of the cleaning ingredients alone, are susceptible to being removed by the composition of the present invention. However, the combination of the two chemicals must be carefully controlled because the addition of sodium citrate reduces peroxisulphate activity, but increases its stability. In this way, while potassium monopersulfate forms an acid in the solution and the addition of a pH buffer, such as sodium citrate, the acidity of the solution decreases, prolonging the life of monopersulfate in this way, a very high proportion. large of citrate with respect to monopersulfate will begin to break down the monopersulfate, instead of protecting it. Preferably, the proportion of citrate monopersulfate should be within the range of about 1: 3 to about 1:10. Increasing the amount of citrate beyond the 1: 3 ratio could have detrimental effects on the composition. In other words, it has been determined that the range of sodium citrate that effectively acts with a monopersulfate compound is between about 1 percent and 25 percent by weight of sodium citrate in the total composition, while the monopersulfate of Potassium is between approximately 98 percent and 75 percent. In addition to the ingredients disclosed above, the present invention also includes an antimicrobial agent in an effective amount for the control of microbial growth in dental prostheses. It has been found that a benzoate compound would provide an effective antimicrobial activity to the composition to effectively reduce bacteria and other microorganisms during the cleaning of dental prostheses. Preferably, the antimicrobial agent will effectively remove bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms within about 20 minutes after the start of cleaning. The benzoate compound used in the present invention is preferably an alkali metal benzoate or an alkaline earth metal benzoate which has been found to be safe and effective against various bacteria, including, but not necessarily limited to, Candida albicans, Actinomyces viscosus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus mutans. It has been found that for this purpose, sodium benzoate is an excellent antimicrobial agent in the range of at least about 2 weight percent to about 4 weight percent. Even when you can use any In the case of an effective amount of sodium benzoate to provide an antimicrobial activity to the composition in the present invention, it has been found that about 3 weight percent is the superlatively preferable amount. It should also be understood that while more than 4 weight percent of a benzoate compound may be used if desired, the upper limit of about 4 weight percent is typically the maximum amount recommended for use in food or other compositions that They usually come in contact with the mouth. It will be appreciated that the amount of sodium benzoate is significantly higher than that used in other dental prosthesis cleaners such as lubricants and aid for reductions. So far, no one has recognized that a benzoate compound, such as sodium or potassium benzoate would be an appropriate antimicrobial agent for dental prostheses. In fact it is believed that this invention is the first to provide an antimicrobial agent in a composition for cleaning dental prostheses. It would be highly esteemed that some of the cleaning agents used could, as a residual effect, provide antimicrobial activity to the dental prosthesis cleaner. For example, it is well known that potassium monopersulfate would effectively kill certain microorganisms and 52/135 even to some of the common bacteria. However, it is not particularly effective against all common bacteria, including in particular the Streptococcus strains commonly found in dental prostheses. Again, without being limited to the theory, it is believed that only the presence of the three active ingredients, for example, the monopersulfate compound, the sequestering agent such as sodium citrate and the antimicrobial agent such as sodium benzoate, they provide a suitable composition, which when prepared in an aqueous solution, provides the appropriate level of acidity and adequate means to effectively eliminate the bacteria commonly known to grow in dental prostheses, all this in an average contact time hour. More particularly, an acid level with a pH between 3 and 5 and more preferably 4.5 or less is preferred and it has been found that when sodium benzoate is used in this composition for dental prostheses, bacteria such as Candida albicans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Actinomyces viscosus, and Streptococcus mutans are destroyed within a contact time with the 20 minute solution. It is of great value that while the use of active ingredients is preferably not used, others 52/135 ingredients including, but not necessarily limited to flavors, fragrances, colorants, perfumes, pH adjusting additives, lubricants, reducing aids, and surface tension adjuvants, may be employed without affecting the essential nature of this invention. For example, an adjuvant for the surface tension suitable for the composition of the material of the present invention includes up to about 1 weight percent borax. In addition, a flavoring may be added to the solutions of the present invention in insignificant amounts that are effective in providing a flavor to the composition. Generally, about one-half cup of a solution containing sugar and a peppermint flavoring are typically added to a 55-pound drum of a chemical composition. The sugar and mint flavoring solution preferably includes about half a tablespoon of pure mint mixed with 2 cups of sugar. A greater understanding of the present invention will be had from the review of the following experimental and illustrative embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that these embodiments are illustrative in nature and are in no way necessarily limited to the scope of the invention, 52/135 being the invention determined and defined by the scope and spirit of the accompanying claims.

GENERAL EXPERIMENTATION In order to demonstrate the practice of the present invention, various examples of compositions for the cleaning of dental prostheses according to the concepts of the present invention were prepared. Each example of the present invention includes about 85 percent potassium monopersulfate, commercially available under the trademark of "OXONE", about 12 weight percent of a sequestering agent, namely sodium citrate and about 3 weight percent. of an antimicrobial agent, namely sodium benzoate. Small quantities of flavor (<0.1 weight percent) also formed part of the composition. Samples of powders and dental prosthesis chips (4 cm x 0.3 cm x 2 cm) of this composition were provided to test the antimicrobial activity of the composition in solution, over a period of seven days, against the following four known bacteria: Actinomyces viscosus (ATCC 15987), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 12344). 52/135 Strains of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes were cultured in a Soya Tripticase Broth (CST) at 35 ° C for 24 hours. hours. Strains of Candida albicans were cultured in Saboraud Dextrose Broth (CDS) at 35 ° C for 72 hours and strains of Actinomyces viscosus were cultured in a Broth for Actinomyces (CA) at 35 ° C for 72 hours. Equal volumes of the four cultures were combined to form a composite culture. The number of viable cells of each microorganism in the composite culture was determined using the standard methodology of colony count in boxes. 5% blood agar Defibrinado was used (ASC) to detect the two strains of Streptococcus sp., Papa Dextrose Agar (APD) to detect the strains of C. albicans and Agar for Actinomyces (AA) to detect strains of A. viscosus. The boxes were incubated at 35 ° C for 24-48, 48-96 and 48-72 hours respectively. On day 0, a solution of the powder of the material of this composition was prepared in a sterile sealed container, dissolving 1 teaspoon (7g) of powder in 240 ml of warm sterilized distilled water by shaking for 3 minutes. Another vessel containing 240 ml of sterilized distilled water served as control. The solution containing the composition solution and the sterilized distilled water were left in airtight containers at room temperature for a period of 7 days.

Each day, three dental prosthesis chips were thoroughly washed with tap water, sanitized with 70% ethyl alcohol for 15 minutes and rinsed with sterilized distilled water. Three microplates were inoculated on one side, at a concentration of approximately 108 colony-forming units (ufe) per microplate and air-dried at 35 ° C for 15 minutes. One of the three microplates was analyzed without taking any other treatment to confirm the presence of microorganisms. A second microplate was placed in a solution containing the composition and a third in distilled water sterilized for 20 minutes and then analyzed. In addition, the inside of the loop of the culture handles filled with the solution containing the composition and the water were inoculated by scratching, before and after the 20 minute treatment of the dental prosthesis microplates. Each of the steps mentioned above were carried out every day for 7 days, using the same solutions of the composition and distilled water for daily treatments. A portion (taken with the culture handle) of each solution of the present invention / composition and control / distilled water), before and after each 20 minute treatment and the 3 dental prosthesis microplates, were inoculated in the medium above. 52/135 mentioned for each of the 3 types of microorganism species. The boxes were incubated at 35 ° C and the presence or absence of the inoculated microorganisms was examined at 24, 48 and 72 hours and after 6 days of incubation. The same thing was repeated every 24 hours for up to 7 days. The results of this experiment are disclosed in Table I.

TABLE I Initial Microbial Accounts and Antimicrobial Activity of the Solutions ? Data collected along observations of selected boxes in 24, 48, 72 hours and 6 days for. to. Table II. b. Table III. c. Table IV. d. Table V. e. Table VI. f. Table VII. g. Table VIII. h. Growth recovered from all inoculated microorganisms. i. Without growth. 52/135 TABLE II. Non-treated Inoculated Dental Prosthesis Microplates (Microplate # 1) for Initial Microbial Confirmation. to Password: + = Growth; ng = No Growth; a = Actinomyces viscosus; b = Candida albicans; c = Streptococcus mutans; d = Streptococcus pyogenes TABLE III. Inoculation Handle of Composition / Solution Before Treatment for 20 Minutes of the Microplate. t Password: + = Growth; ng = No Growth; a = Actinomyces viscosus; b Candida albicans; c = Streptococcus mutans; d = Streptococcus pyogenes TABLE IV. Inoculation Handle of Composition / Solution Before Treatment for 20 Minutes of the Microplate. t Password: + Growth; ng = No Growth; to Actinomyces viscosus; b = Candida albicans; c = Streptococcus mutans; d Streptococcus pyogenes TABLE V. Swabs of the Dental Prosthesis Microplate (Microplate # 2) Treated for 20 Minutes with a Cleaning Solution Containing the Present Invention. to 8 Password: + = Growth; ng = No Growth; to Actinomyces viscosus; b Candida albicans; c = Streptococcus mutans; d Streptococcus pyogenes Ul M? TABLE VI. Inoculation Handles of the Cleaning Solution Containing the Present Invention After a Treatment for 20 Minutes of the Microplate. t Password: + Growth; ng = No Growth; a = Actinomyces viscosus; b Candida albicans; c = Streptococcus mutans; d = Streptococcus pyogenes Ul TABLE VII. Swabs of the Dental Prosthesis Microplate (Microplate # 3) Treated for 20 Minutes with Distilled Water. ? or Password: + = Growth; ng = No Growth; a = Actinomyces viscosus; b Candida albicans; c = Streptococcus mutans; d = Streptococcus pyogenes TABLE VIII. WATER INOCULATION HAND DISTILLED AFTER TREATMENT FOR 20 MINUTES OF THE MICROPLAQUETTE.

Password: + = Growth; ng = No Growth; to Actinomyces viscosus; b = Candida albicans; c = Streptococcus mutans; d Streptococcus pyogenes All the inoculated microorganisms used to contaminate the dental prosthesis microplates (chip # 1) were recovered from the untreated samples, therefore, confirming the initial inoculation. The inoculated microorganisms were not recovered from the chip of the dental prosthesis containing the present invention (chip # 2) after the 20 minute treatments in a workforce solution (containing the present invention) for a period of seven days . In contrast, all the inoculated microorganisms were recovered from the dental prosthesis chip (chip # 3) after a 20 minute exposure in distilled water at all time points of the measurement. The solution containing the composition of the present invention alone, before and after the treatment for 20 minutes of the microplate, was negative for all organisms for a period of seven days. In comparison, the distilled water before the first 20 minutes treatment of the microplate was negative; but thereafter all microorganisms (before and after treatment) were recovered on days 1 through 7. As a result, it is evident that a solution of the composition of the present invention exhibited activity. 52/135 antimicrobial for seven days. The inactive solution daily inoculations of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans and Actinomyces viscosus for a period of 7 days. In addition to the above tests, additional tests were carried out using water that "barely meets" the chemical standards to be considered as potable, which was specially prepared for this test procedure. Essentially the same test was repeated using unsterilized glassware and the "worst case" of tap water and a solution was prepared using the composition of the present invention. As a result of this additional seven-day study, no organisms were recovered from the solution containing the composition of the present invention. This demonstrates (a) a total elimination of organisms in the microplate itself and (b) a total elimination of any organisms released into the wash solution. The use of specially prepared water, representing the "worst case" of tap water, did not adversely affect the antimicrobial activity of the solution of the present invention. As a consequence it should be evident that the compositions and solutions of the present invention are highly effective in eliminating bacteria, fungi and others. 52/135 microorganisms found in dental prostheses. The invention particularly conforms to powders that dissolve in water to provide washing solutions for the cleaning of dental prostheses, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The compositions and solutions of the present invention can be used separately for other purposes where it is known that certain bacteria, fungi or microorganisms grow. Based on the above disclosures, it should now be evident that the use of compositions for the cleaning of dental prostheses described herein meets the objectives disclosed hereinbefore. Therefore, it should be understood that any apparent variation would fall within the scope of the claimed invention and therefore, the selection of specific component elements can be determined without departing from the spirit of the invention disclosed and described herein. In particular, the monopersulfate compound according to the present invention should not necessarily be limited to potassium peroxymonosulfate. Moreover, as noted hereinabove, other sequestering agents in addition to sodium citrate can be used and other benzoate compounds can replace the sodium benzoate set forth herein as an antimicrobial agent. In this way the scope of the invention should include all modifications and variations that may fall within the scope of the appended claims. 2/135

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A composition for cleaning dental prostheses comprising: a monopersulfate compound; an effective amount of sequestering agent for the removal of calcareous deposits and providing a pH to the composition in solution in a range of from about 3 to about 5; and an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent that provides antimicrobial activity to the composition, to effectively remove bacteria and other microorganisms during the cleaning of dental prostheses, wherein the denture cleaning composition lacks perborate compounds. A composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 1, wherein the monopersulfate compound is selected from a group consisting of alkali metal monopersulfates and alkaline earth metal monopersulfates. The composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 2, wherein the monopersulfate compound is selected from a group consisting of potassium monopersulfate and sodium monopersulfate. The composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 1, wherein the sequestering agent is selected from a group consisting of polyfunctional organic acids and their corresponding salts. The composition for cleaning dentures according to claim 4, wherein the sequestering agent is a citric acid salt. The composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 5, wherein the salt is selected from a group consisting of sodium citrate and potassium citrate. The composition for cleaning dentures according to claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from a group consisting of benzoate compounds. The composition for cleaning dentures according to claim 7, wherein the benzoate compound is sodium benzoate. 9. The denture cleaning composition according to claim 1, further comprising a sugar solution and a peppermint flavoring. A composition for cleaning dental prostheses comprising: at least about 75 weight percent of a monopersulfate compound; up to about 25 weight percent of a 52/135 sequestering agent selected from a group consisting of polyfunctional organic acids and their corresponding salts; and an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent selected from a group consisting of benzoate compounds that provide antimicrobial activity to the composition, sufficient to effectively remove bacteria and other microorganisms within a period of half an hour after the start of cleaning. , wherein the composition for cleaning dentures lacks perborate compounds. A composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 10, wherein the monopersulfate compound is selected from a group consisting of alkali metal monopersulfates and alkaline earth metal monopersulfates. The composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 11, wherein the monopersulfate compound is selected from a group consisting of potassium monopersulfate and sodium monopersulfate. The composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 10, wherein the sequestering agent is the citric acid salt. 14. The composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 13, wherein the salt is 52/135 selects from a group consisting of sodium citrate and potassium citrate. 15. The composition for cleaning dentures according to claim 10, wherein the benzoate compound is sodium benzoate. The composition for cleaning dentures according to claim 10, wherein the composition includes from about 75 to about 98 weight percent of the monopersulfate compound; from about 1 to about 25 weight percent of the sequestering agent; and at least 2 weight percent of the benzoate compound. The denture cleaning composition according to claim 10, wherein the composition includes: from about 75 to about 85 weight percent of the monopersulfate compound, the monopersulfate selected from a group consisting of sodium monopersulfate and monopersulfate potassium; from about 12 to about 25 weight percent of the sequestering agent, the sequestering agent selected from a group consisting of sodium citrate and potassium citrate; and from about 2 to about 4 52/135 weight percent of a benzoate compound, the benzoate compound selected from a group consisting of sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate; 18. The denture cleaning composition according to claim 17, further comprising about one-half cup of a sugar solution and mint flavor per 55 pounds of the total cleaning composition, wherein the mint flavor solution contains approximately half a spoonful of pure mint mixed with 2 cups of sugar. 19. A composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 10, wherein the composition will effectively remove the microbial strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans and Actinomyces viscosus during cleaning. 20. The composition for cleaning dental prostheses according to claim 19, wherein the strains are eliminated within a period of time of 20 minutes of contact with the composition. 52/135