MXPA99011151A

MXPA99011151A - Dental hygiene article

Info

Publication number: MXPA99011151A
Application number: MXPA/A/1999/011151A
Authority: MX
Inventors: L Spencer Jean; G Guay Gordon
Original assignee: Gillette Canada Inc
Priority date: 1997-06-03
Filing date: 1999-12-02
Publication date: 2000-09-04

Abstract

A dental hygiene article that includes a dental floss, a first component associated with the floss, a second component associated with the floss, and a first barrier constructed to separate the first component from the second component until flossing occurs. The first and the second components are selected to react with each other when the first and the second components are combined, e.g., in the mouth during flossing.

Description

ARTICLE. OF DENTAL HYGIENE ___. •: • »_ - -: ..- ::. Description of the invention The administration of therapeutic agents to the mouth to reduce dental caries and periodontal diseases caused by the presence of bacteria in the mouth have been the focus of people in the fields of health care. Frequently, these agents are administered to the mouth via a mouthwash, toothpaste and dental floss. However, it is difficult to apply these agents to the interdental and subgingival regions of the mouth. It is also difficult to control the amount of agent applied to the mouth and maintain an effective concentration of these agents in the mouth over a period of time. In addition, certain types of agents that are not stable over time are even more difficult to administer to the mouth using these methods. In one aspect, the invention comprises a dental hygiene article that includes a dental floss, a first component associated with the cord, a second component associated with the dental floss and a first barrier constructed to separate the first component from the second component until it is applies the dental floss The first and second components are selected in such a way that they react with each other when the first and second components are combined. Preferably, the first and second REF: 32149 components are capable of reacting with each other to form an active agent, that is, an agent capable of carrying out one or more functions in the mouth, such as for example a therapeutic agent, a gas (for example, carbon dioxide or oxygen), a buffer solution, an exclusion barrier, for example, a film or heat. A third component is essentially created simultaneously and applied to an oral surface by virtue of the in situ reaction between the first and second components. Thus, the in situ reaction allows the application of components that are prone to rapid dissipation, such as for example oxygen gas and carbon dioxide gas to an oral surface. Examples of suitable two-component systems include zinc bicarbonate and citric acid, calcium and phosphate salts and peroxide and bicarbonate compounds. In preferred embodiments, the barrier is a microcapsule in which the first component is encapsulated. Preferably, the microcapsule is constructed to release the first component after the application of a force to the dental floss to allow the first component to contact the second component. The microcapsule can also be soluble in water. Alternatively, the barrier is a water-soluble binder associated with the first component in a manner to prevent the first component from being contacted with the component. The first component is preferably incorporated into the binder. The dental hygiene article further preferably includes a second barrier constructed to separate the second component from the first component. In preferred embodiments, the second barrier is a microcapsule in which the second component is encapsulated. Alternatively, the second barrier is a water-soluble binder associated with the second component in a manner that prevents the second component from contacting the first component. The second component is preferably incorporated into the binder. The dental hygiene article may further include a first encapsulated coloring agent within the first microcapsule and a second encapsulating coloring agent within the second microcapsule. In another embodiment, the dental hygiene article includes an insoluble water barrier associated with the dental floss. Preferably, the water-insoluble barrier is coated on the first and second components to protect the components and barriers from moisture, such as for example moisture present during the manufacture or storage of the dental hygiene article. In other modalities, the dental hygiene article includes a first barrier including a wall defining a first lumen and optionally a second barrier, including a wall defining a second lumen. The first and second components can be arranged within the first and second barriers. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of manufacturing a dental hygiene article that includes the association of a first component with a dental floss, associating a second component with the dental floss, selecting the first and second components in such a way that they react each other when the first and second components are combined and separate the first and second components by providing a barrier that is constructed to separate the first and second components until the application of the floss occurs. In a further aspect, the invention comprises a method of applying floss to an interdental region of a mammal, which includes placing a portion of the hygiene article described above in an interdental region and flossing the region with the portion of the article. of dental hygiene. In still a further aspect, the invention comprises a method for generating an active agent in the mouth which includes placing a portion of the dental hygiene article described above in an interdental region of a mammal and flossing the region with the portion of the article. to release: the first and second components, which allows the first and second components to come into contact with each other and to react with each other to form the active agent. Preferably, the active agent is selected from the group "consisting of a therapeutic agent, a gas (for example carbon dioxide and oxygen), a pH-regulating solution, an exclusion and heat barrier." The term "dental floss", as used herein, it may mean any flexible elongate article used to clean the interdental regions of the mouth including, for example, monofilament threads, multi-strand threads, bulky thread and wax-coated dental floss and dental tape. The term "microcapsule" as used herein refers to a hollow capsule having a diameter of less than about 2000 microns.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof and of the claims Figure 1 is a highly enlarged schematic perspective view of a segment of a dental floss according to a modality of the invention. Figure 2 is a highly enlarged schematic perspective view of a segment of a dental floss - according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a view: in perspective - highly enlarged of a segment of a dental floss according to another alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a highly enlarged schematic perspective view of a segment of a dental floss according to another alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a highly enlarged perspective view of a segment of a dental floss according to another alternative embodiment of the invention. With reference to Figure 1, an article 10 of dental hygiene includes two components 12 and 14 randomly distributed over the floss 11. The components 12, 14 are encapsulated separately in microcapsules 16, 18, such that the two components they are separated from each other by walls of microcapsules. The microcapsules 16, 18 function to separate the first and second components in such a way as to prevent them from coming in contact with each other and to react with each other until such a reaction is desired (that is, until the flossing occurs). . The microcapsules 16, 18 are "preferably breakable by pressure, that is, • have walls that are thin enough to break under the application of shear forces of the magnitude generally exerted by flossing and yet of sufficient strength to withstand the normally applied pressure that occurs during manufacture, handling and packaging of the dental hygiene article. The preferred microcapsules are broken under normal flossing forces. The microcapsules 16, 18 can also be soluble in water to release the components by dissolving in water. Any suitable material capable of forming a microcapsule can be used, provided that it is suitable for use in the mouth and non-toxic when used in amounts contemplated by the invention. Examples of suitable materials for forming microcapsules include, but are not limited to the following: starches, dextrin; jelly; arabic gum; casein; paraffin wax; natural waxes such as carnauba wax, beeswax, candelilla wax, Japan wax, styrene maleic acid, polyethylene-ethyl cellulose mixtures; cellulose acetophthalate; polymerized acrylonitrile; polymers of butadiene and styrene; acetal copolymers and homopolymers; acrylic resins; allylic resins; amino resins; cellulosic resins; epoxy resins; fluoroplast resins; furan polymers; ionomer resins; nitrile barrier resins; nylon polymers; phenolic resins; resins based on phenylene oxide; poly (amide imide) resins; polyaryl ethers; polyaryl sulfones; "polybutylenes; polycarbonates; polyesters; polyether sulfones; polyethylenes; p.olyiamides; polyimides; - csulfuros.m cde. polyphenylene; polypropylenes; polysulfones, polyurethanes; Polymers and polyvinyl resins; silicones; gelatine derivatives of which gelatin is the main radical; poly (oxyethylene urea); poly (oxymethylene urea) modified by melamine; colloidal albumins; hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate; hydrolysed cellulose esters, for example hydrolysed cellulose acetate at an acetyl content of 19 to 26 percent; polyvinyl alcohol; vinyl alcohol polymers containing urethane carboxylic acid groups, polymeric materials resulting from the polymerization of proteins with monomers having a vinyl group and natural and synthetic alginates and combinations and mixtures thereof. Preferred microcapsules are formed from materials including: starch, gelatin, xanthan gum, poly (oxymethylene urea) and poly (oxymethylene urea) modified by melamine. Starch, gelatin and poly (oxymethylene urea) microcapsules are available from a variety of sources, for example Lipo Technologies of Vadalia, Ohio, Ronald T. Dodge, Dayton Co., Ohio and Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing of St. Paul, MinnesotaThe appropriate microcapsules can assume various forms such as spherical, globular, kidney-like and rice-like. The preferred microcapsules are spherical and have a diameter ranging from about 1 to about 1000 microns, more preferably less than about 100 microns. Methods for encapsulating the components in microcapsules include polycondensation, interfacial polymerization, coacervation / phase separation, freeze-dried dispersive phase encapsulation, solvent dehydration, in situ polymerization, fusible dispersion, solvent evaporation, fluidized bed coating, suspension coating. air, spray coating, spray drying, spray freezing, spray cooling, spin coating, vacuum coating, electrostatic spray, centrifugal and liposome multi-hole trapping. These methods are well known in the art and are described for example in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,324,500, 3,472,675, 3,598,123, 3,640,629 and 5,403,578. Although barriers in the form of microcapsules are preferred, the barriers can be in any form that will allow the components to remain associated with the dental floss and that will separate one component from another to prevent the components from reacting with each other until such a reaction is desired. . Examples of appropriate forms of barriers include microcapsules as shown in Figure 1, layers as shown in Figure 2, combinations of layers and microcapsules as shown in Figure 3, and hollow fiber dental floss as shown in Figure 4. and Figure 5. With reference to Figure 2, the dental hygiene article 20 includes barriers in the form of layers 26, 28 on the surface of the floss 22. A component (not shown) is incorporated in the layer 26 and another component (not shown) is incorporated into layer 28. Alternatively, an optional pole; -. i | Hmtitr > between the dental room 22 and 3a rn 26, and secondly, it can be separated between layer 26 and layer 28-how much does this mean that the bladder filters? aitce .si. The layers may be acupress or discontinuous and may be coextensive with the floss or extend along a portion of the floss. Suitable materials for forming such barrier layers include water-soluble materials that break during use in the mouth (eg, flossing) and release the components disposed therein and materials that can be penetrated during cleaning with the dental floss to expose the components therein and allow the components to contact and react with each other. Examples of such water-soluble materials include those water-soluble binders which are generally used in coatings for food products, for example hydrocolloids, starches, chemically modified starches, alginates, pectins, gum arabic, gelatin, casein, protein. soybean, "protein, deorroserum, wheat gluten and zein. Methods for incorporating a component into such layers are generally described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,943,949 (Ashton et al.), 4,033,365 (Klepak et al.), 3,897,795 ( Engel) and 3,771,536 (Dragan) Various methods can be used to apply the layers to the dental floss which include for example thermal fusion coating, resin bath coating, spray coating, coating by impregnation roller and coating in These methods are well known to those skilled in the art and are generally described, for example, in North American patents. icanas Nos. 5,423,337 '(Ahlert et al.) and 3,943,949 (Ashton et al. ). An alternative embodiment, in which the article 30 of dental hygiene includes components 32, 34 separated by barriers 36, 38 in the form of a layer 36 coated on the floss 31 and a microcapsule 38 incorporated in the layer 36, is shown in FIG. Figure 3. The component 34 is encapsulated in the microcapsule 38 and the component 32 is coated on the floss 31. Alternatively, the microcapsule 38 can be coated on the layer 36 and the component '32 can be incorporated into the barrier 36.

In another embodiment, a plurality of filaments 47, which form the floss 46 and define the lumen 41, function as a barrier surrounding the component 42, as shown in Figure 4. The filaments 47 prevent the components 42 and 44 get in touch and react to each other. The component 44 can be further separated from the component 42 by the walls of the microcapsule 48, that is, a second barrier. However, the second barrier can be in any form, in which for example a water-soluble layer surrounding the second component is included. The component 42 located in the lumen 41 is released when the filaments 47 are separated or frayed, for example during flossing. In other embodiments, the dental hygiene article may include a dental floss having at least one filament 50 having openings 52 and 54 and at least one lumen 56 extending between the openings and containing the component 58, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 illustrates a single lumen filament, however, the filaments can have multiple lumens, for example two, three and four lumens. In addition, the number of lumens in each filament of a dental floss can also vary. For example, dental floss may contain a combination of one or more of a single lumen, double lumen, triple lumen and solid filaments. Each lumen may contain a different component. The walls of the filament (s) will fracture during flossing and release the component contained within each lumen. A component can also be coated on the outer surface of the filament, as described above. Hollow filaments are commercially available for example under the trade designations "Tynex Trilocular" and "Tynex Tetralocular" from DuPont de ilmington, DE. The dental hygiene article may also be in the form of a braided dental floss in which a plurality of filaments, for example hollow or solid filaments are entangled or woven together to form a hollow cylinder. The continuous wall of interlaced filaments (that is, the cylinder wall) defines the lumen within the cylinder. The components can be placed in the lumen. Braided dental threads are commercially available from ard ell Braiding Machine Company of Central Falls, Rl. Any method for incorporating components into these lumens can be selected, which include, for example, injection, capillary action reinforced by pressurization and vacuum suction, that is, the components are pulled into the lumen using a vacuum. The opening 54 can be placed directly to the component and the component can be extracted to the lumen. Alternatively, the component can be directed to the opening 54, for example, by placing the component on top of a filtration device, such as for example a Buchner funnel and strongly securing the opening 54 near the funnel stem. The vacuum can be applied for example by attaching the vacuum directly to the opening 52 or by suspending the opening 52 in a vacuum flask and applying the vacuum to the side arm. Preferably, the vacuum is applied simultaneously to a plurality of hollow filaments. The vacuum attracts the component through each lumen and is applied for a sufficient period to fill the lumens to a desired height or length. The vacuum preferably sucks the component through the lumens but does not pull the component along the length of the outer surface of the filament. When the vacuum is removed from the opening the component remains inside the lumen. The component can be in any form that will allow the component to be placed in and remain in the filament lumens. Such forms include solutions, dispersions, microemulsions, gels, pastes and powders. In addition, the component can be adsorbed onto the surface of microparticles, for example polystyrene microparticles or degradable microparticles, as described for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,300,290 incorporated herein by reference or encapsulated in microcapsules.

• "Appressed materials for use - under-training - of floss include filaments 47 of the dental hygiene article shown in Figure 4 are well known to those skilled in the art and include natural fibers, for example cotton and wool, synthetic polymeric filaments, for example nylon, rayon, polyester, polymers of Dacron and acetate, polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomers, for example, Kratones (for example block copolymers of styrene-ethylene or styrene-butylene), Pebax (for example polyether-polyamide block copolymers) and thermoplastic urethanes The components associated with dental floss are selected such that when they are brought into contact with each other they will react to form a third component, such as for example a therapeutic agent. , heat, a pH-regulating solution, a gas (for example carbon dioxide oxygen) or a film.Preferably, the third component is ca peace of carrying out a function in the mouth, for example, cleaning of the mouth, remineralization of the enamel of the tooth, protection of the oral surfaces and extermination of microorganisms. An example of an appropriate two-component system is one in which the two components are selected in such a way that they react with each other to form a therapeutic agent. An example of such a system is zinc bicarbonate and citric acid, which form zinc citrate.Zinc citrate has antibacterial, anticalculus and deodorizing properties.Another example of an appropriate two-component system is one in which two components are selected in such a way that they react with each other to form a "gas such as carbon dioxide or oxygen. Gas bubbles of carbon dioxide and oxygen, when present in the mouth, provide effervescence associated with a perceived sense of cleanliness and freshness and also to act to loosen deposits in the dental cavity, such as for example food and plaque on teeth and gums. Flossing can be carried out to introduce the gas to subgingival regions that support anaerobic bacteria associated with periodontal disease. The presence of this gas, particularly oxygen, would compromise the necessary environment for these bacteria to develop. The two-component system of zinc bicarbonate and citric acid can react to form carbon dioxide. A suitable two-component system that reacts to form oxygen consists of peroxide and bicarbonate compounds. Another example of an appropriate two-component system is one in which the two components are selected in such a way that. They react to form a remineralizing agent that will act to remineralize the enamel of the tooth. An example of an appropriate system for remineralizing the surface of the tooth is a system in which two components react to cause precipitation of phosphate and calcium salts. Another example of a suitable two-component system is one in which the two components react to form a gel or a film. In situ film formation on the surfaces of the teeth and gingival tissues prevents the formation of plaque. The film remains on the surface of the tooth and. in the interdental spaces for extended periods, which prolongs the "that" effect prevents the formation of plaque. Examples of suitable two-component systems that react to form a film include: calcium salts (eg calcium acetate or calcium chloride) and hydrophilic colloidal polymers of linked (1-4) beta-D-mannopyranosyluronic acid and acidic polymers beta-L-gulopyranosiluronics (for example alginates) and calcium salts and complex polysaccharides (for example pectins). These film-forming compositions can be used as a carrier for effective agents, for example pH regulating agents, antimicrobial agents and calcium-phosphate remineralization systems. The active agent may be incl ^ i b ^? ^ _c ^ i''fe! <i) film-forming rapporteurs such that the active agent is disposed within the matrix of the film formed on the surface of the tooth. The film provides the slow release of the active agent for a period of time. In this way, an effective concentration of active ingredient can be maintained in the mouth for a considerable period after flossing. Alternatively, the components can be selected in such a way that they react with each other to generate heat. The heat applied to the interproximal regions of the teeth and gums can kill several microorganisms. An example of an appropriate two component system that generates heat includes the combination of calcium peroxide and a reducing agent. such as, for example, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, ascorbic acid, tocopherols and phospholites. The two components can also be selected in such a way that they react to form a pH-regulating solution, that is, a solution having a neutral pH, for example a pH of about 7 or a pH that will not damage the teeth. The pH regulating solution acts to counteract acids that may be present in the mouth, for example acids that can be produced by the fermentation of dietary sugars and which can inevitably demineralize the enamel surface. Suitable materials for forming a pH buffer in the mouth are known to those skilled in the art. The first component and the second component are provided in a predetermined proportion selected in such a way that when the components are freed from the floss and put in contact with each other they will form a third component. Preferably, the first and second components are present in sufficient amounts to form the third component in sufficient amounts to effectively carry out the desired function in the mouth.Also, when the barrier is in the form of a microcapsule, a plurality of microcapsules containing components Many different components, individually or in combination, can be included in the dental hygiene article Suitable components and mixtures of components are those that are acceptable for use in the mouth, for example, they are non-toxic when they are provided in amounts contemplated herein and those which will not interfere with the ability of the components to react to form a third component These components may include for example antimicrobial agents, anti-gingivitis agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-caries agents, deodorants, "agents" : - desensitizers_,. anticalculus agents, antiplaque agents, antiviral agents, remineralization agents, effervescent agents, flavors, perfumes, bleaching agents, abrasives, pigments, dyes and combinations thereof. The preferred concentration of additional components will vary depending on the proposed function of the component and can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. Coloring agents, for example pigments and dyes can be incorporated into the barrier together with each component, such that each component is associated with a different color. When the components are put in contact with each other and react with each other, a third color is generated. The third color indicates to the user that a reaction to what has already been presented is being presented. Preferred coloring agents are those agents that are currently certified with respect to Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act for use in food and ingested medicines. Suitable pigments include, for example, synthetically derived pigments such as FD &C pigments, for example Lake Blue # 1 of FD &C, Lake Blue # 2 of FD &C, Lake Yellow # 5 of FD &C, Lake Red # 40 of FD &C; Lake Erythrosin; Lake Amaranth; Lake Ponceau 4R; Lake Carmoisine; natural pigments such as for example titanium dioxide, Carmine Lake (bluish red), Carmine Lake (yellowish red) and. Carmine. Lake (purple) r, pigments .generated to - convert a natural dye to a salt based on calcium or aluminum. Preferred dyes include dyes such as Red No. 3 of FD &C (sodium salt of tetraiodofluoroscein), Yellow No. 5 of FD &C (sodium salt of 4-p-sulfophenylazo-1-p-sulfophenyl-5 acid) -hydropyrazole-3-carboxylic acid), Yellow No. 6 of FD &C (sodium salt of p-sulfophenylazo-beta-naphthol-6-monosulfonate), Green No. 3 of FD &C (disodium salt of 4- { [4- (N-ethyl-p-sulfobenzylamino) -feñil] - (4-hydroxy-2-sulfoniofenil) -methylene.} - [1- (N-ethyl-Np-sulfbben-cil) -delta- 3, 5-cyclohexadienimine], Blue No. 1 of FD &C (disodium salt of dibenzyldiethyl-diaminotriphenyl-carbinol trisulfonic acid anhydride), Blue No. 2 of FD &C (sodium salt of indigotine disulfonic acid) The concentration of the coloring agent in a unitary area of the floss will affect the intensity of the color seen by the user when the color is released from the barriers, thus, the coloring agent is preferably present in the floss in a sufficient concentration to provide a visually observable color change when the coloring agent is released from the barrier. The amount of coloring agent required will vary depending on the coloring agent used, the intensity desired and the proposed function of the coloring agent and can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, an optional water-insoluble layer, for example, wax, can be coated on the yarn, in which the components and barriers on the floss are included. The water insoluble layer functions as a moisture barrier, for example the moisture that may be present during the manufacturing process and during the storage of the dental hygiene article. For the first and second components to react with each other, the water-insoluble layer must be physically altered to release the components from within the barriers to allow water to access the barriers. When the barrier is in the form of a microcapsule, the microcapsule can be modified in such a way that it has a layer on its outer surface surrounding a portion of the microcapsule, preferably the entire microcapsule. example impermeable to gas or liquid or to the component that is inside the microcapsule.The impermeable layer inhibits the loss of the component within the microcapsule due to evaporation or leaching.Preferably, the impermeable layer inhibits the loss of volatile active ingredients such as for example - ^ oils - • aromatics - and perfumes Suitable materials for forming an impermeable layer include for example poly (methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, beeswax, carnauba wax, petroleum wax, polyhydroxylalcanic acid, glycolipids, glycerides, phospholipids and glycerol distearate, although a two-component system has been described above a multi-component system that is capable of reacting in the mouth to form one or more new components is also contemplated. Also, with the exception of the embodiments shown in Figure 4 and 5, a monofilament dental floss may be used in place of the monofilament yarns described above. Although the uniform distribution of the two-component system over the entire length of the yarn is preferred, the two components may be distributed in sections along the length of the yarn. It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS. d Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following claims: 1. A dental hygiene article, characterized in that it comprises: a dental floss; a first component associated with dental floss; a second component associated with dental floss; and "" "a first barrier constructed to separate the first component from the second component until flossing occurs, wherein the first component and the second component are selected in such a way that they react with each other when the first fuses are combined. and second components 2. The article in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the barrier comprises a microcapsule and the first component is encapsulated within the microcapsule. 3. The article in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that the microcapsule is constructed to release the first component after the application of a force to the dental floss to allow the first component to contact the second component. 4. The article according to claim 2, characterized in that the microcapsule is soluble in water. 5. The article in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the barrier comprises a water-soluble binder associated with the first component in a manner to prevent the first component from contacting the second component. 6. The article in accordance with the claim 5, characterized in that the first component is incorporated into the binder. 7. The article in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the first barrier comprises a wall defining a lumen, the first component is arranged inside the lumen. 8. The article in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a second barrier constructed to separate the second component from the first component. 9. The article according to claim 8, characterized in that the second barrier comprises a microcapsule and the second component is encapsulated within the microcapsule. claim 9, characterized in that the microcapsule is constructed to release the second component after the application of a force to the dental floss to allow the second component to come in contact with the first _ component. The article according to claim 8, characterized in that the second barrier comprises a water-soluble binder associated with the second component in such a way as to prevent the second component from coming into contact with the first component. 12. The article according to claim 11, characterized in that the second component is incorporated into the binder. 13. The article by. according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a water-insoluble barrier associated with the dental floss. 14. The article according to claim 13, characterized in that the water-insoluble barrier is coated on the first and second components. 15. The article according to claim 8, characterized in that the first barrier comprises a wall defining a lumen, the first component is disposed within the lumen and the second barrier comprises a wall that defines a "second" line. iaeny ^ ei-11 second component is arranged within the second lumen. 16. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components are able to react with each other to form a therapeutic agent. 17. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components are able to react with each other to form a gas. 18. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components are capable of reacting with each other to form carbon dioxide. 19. The article by. according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components are capable of reacting with each other to form oxygen. 20. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components are able to react with each other to form a film. 21. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components are capable of reacting.; between. yes-to form a pH-regulating solution. 22. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components are able to react with each other to form an exclusion barrier. 23. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components, after reacting with each other, generate heat. 24. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components comprise zinc bicarbonate and the other component comprises citric acid. 25. The article by. according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second components comprise a calcium salt and the other component comprises a phosphate salt. 26. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the first and second components comprises a peroxide compound and the other component comprises a bicarbonate compound. 27. The article according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a first encapsulated coloring agent within the first microcapsule and a second encapsulated coloring agent within the second microcapsule. 28. A method for manufacturing a dental hygiene article, characterized in that it comprises: associating a first component with a dental floss; associate a second component with the dental floss; selecting the first and second components in such a way that they react with each other when the first and second components are combined; and - separating the first and second components by providing a barrier constructed to separate the first and second components until flossing occurs. 29. A method to floss an interdental region of a. mammal, characterized in that it comprises: placing a portion of a dental hygiene article in an interdental region, the dental hygiene article comprising: a dental floss; a first component associated with the portion of the dental floss; a second component associated with the portion of the dental floss and a barrier constructed to separate the first and second components until flossing occurs, the first and second components are selected in such a way that they react with each other when the first and second second components are combined and floss the region with the portion of the dental hygiene article. 30. A method for generating an active agent in the mouth, characterized in that it comprises: placing a portion of a dental hygiene article in an interdental region of a mammal, the article comprising: a dental floss, a first microcapsule associated with the dental floss , a first component encapsulated within the first microcapsule, a second microcapsule associated with the dental floss, a second component encapsulated within the second microcapsule, the first and second components are capable of forming an active agent when placed in contact with each other and Flossing the region with the portions of the article to release the first and second components, to allow the first and second components to come into contact with each other and to react with each other to form an active agent. 31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that the active agent comprises a therapeutic agent. 32. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that the active agent is selected from the group consisting of a therapeutic agent, a gas, a buffer solution, an exclusion barrier and. hot.