DENTAL CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Abstract: A composition useful for removing and cleaning an oral dentition of organic residues that interfere with dental material activity, such as inhibiting curing of silicone based impression material. The composition is useful for cleaning temporary adhesive from a dentition prior to permanently adhering a crown, onlay, inlay or the like thereto and removing contaminating glove residues or the like from a dentition prior to taking of an impression. A method of preparing an impression of a dentition in the oral cavity, for removing inhibitors left by latex gloves that interfere with platinum catalyzed hydrosilation reactions, includes applying the decontaminating composition including surfactants, especially a polyoxyethylene surfactant, hydrogen peroxide and water to the area that is to have its impression taken substantially immediately before applying the impression taking material. The composition is rinsed from the area and, after drying, the taking of the dental impression proceeds free of surface inhibition of curing.

Description: DENTAL CLEANING SOLUTIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to compositions and methods for preparing a dentition for taking of a dental impression or receiving a dental restoration such as a crown, onlay or inlay. More particularly the invention relates to effectively decontaminating various prepared dentition surfaces for typical dental procedures. For a number of years protective gloves have been worn by all personnel in dental operatories when hands will contact dental patients as an asepsis protection or shield to or against patient to patient or patient to operatory personnel transfer of disease or toxins. During this period of time there has been a well reported problem with materials in and on latex gloves inhibiting the surface cure of vinyl polysiloxane dental impression materials. The surface cure of the dental impression is critical to an exact detailed production of the dental prosthetic utilizing the dental impression. The materials suspected of being transferred from the gloves are materials such as the sulfur containing compounds that are residues of the manufacturing process of latex gloves, See Dent Mater 9:209-213, May 1993, "Implications of the Presence of Dithiocarbamate in Latex Gloves", B.E. Causton, F.J.T. Burke, N.H.F. Wilson. This inhibition, in part at least, is believed to be due to the fact that the typical impression material is platinum catalyzed which is known, from empirical observation, to be inhibited by interfering substances in or associated with latex gloves. Further, it is common to add various surfactants to vinyl polysiloxane impression products in order to reduce their inherent hydrophobic nature, rendering them somewhat hydrophilic. It is believed that these materials add to the problem by dispersing and partially solubilizing the contaminating inhibiting material. Surface inhibition causes a loss of detail at the interface between the impression material and the dentition. The problem occurs when the surface of a glove or even an instrument or object such as a cotton swab or retraction cord that was handled by a gloved hand, contacts the dentition. Such contacts have been observed to inhibit the optimal cure of the impression material at the contact interfaces. The resulting loss of detail is at the very place where detail is generally most important and critical. The production of good and aesthetically pleasing dental facings, crowns and other prosthetic parts as well as their fit and superior efficacy is affected by the quality of detail in the dental impression. It has been a general practice to clean the area of dentition that is to have its impression taken with water rinsing and drying with air. Flour of pumice is also used in some instances. This cleaning has been employed to remove blood, saliva, ground tooth structure and other debris. Hydrogen peroxide has been used as an antiseptic rinse in the mouth for many years . During routine oral examination and cleaning, the scaling of the teeth may disturb the gingival soft tissue. There may be bleeding and numerous bacteria that are released into the mouth. The hygienist will often instruct the patient to rinse his / her mouth with a one to one aqueous dilution of dilute hydrogen peroxide for several days after the visit, to help the tissue heal faster. It has also been a general practice to clean the area of dentition that is to undergo cementation, prior to applying dental cements for fixing a restoration in position. In the preparation of inlays, onlays and crowns, it is customary to prepare temporary restorations to be applied to the dentition while the permanent restoration is being fabricated. These temporary restorations must remain in place for periods of generally several weeks or longer. However, once the final, permanent restoration is available, the temporary restorative must be removed by the dentist and the finished restoration cemented in place. Typically, a weak temporary cement is used so that removal of the temporary crown is easily accomplished. It is common practice to use a eugenol based temporary cement for this reason, as well as for its calming effect to the dentition that has just undergone preparation for the temporary restorative. It is important that the surface of the dentition that is to be contacted with the final cement be cleaned of any residual temporary cement that may have been left from the previous procedure. This is especially important when a resin based, free radically polymerized cement is to be used as the final cement to adhere the inlay, onlay or crown. Residual amounts of eugenol have an inhibitory affect on the setting of these free radical polymerizable cements, and must therefore be used in some instances to remove residual traces of contaminates. However care must be taken as to not disturb the prepared surfaces of the dentition which could have an adverse affect on the proper fit of the final restoration. Also, there is no direct way in which the doctor knows if the surfaces have in fact been decontaminated. It is equally important to have clean surfaces when applying various dentin and enamel adhesives and restorative products. Contaminates on the surface of the surfaces to be contacted with adhesives and other restorative materials can adversely affect the resulting bond between these materials and tooth structures . One such contaminate is the lubricating oil present in commonly used dental handpieces used to remove tooth structure during cavity preparation. This contaminate is especially problematic since it acts as an invisible film on the tooth surface that is not readily observed by the dentist, but can have a dramatic effect on the resulting bonding of the restoration. The oily contaminate can serve to interfere with the bonding of dental adhesives. Additionally, other contaminates such as saliva, blood, ground tooth structure and bacteria may also be present on the dentition, so that it is generally common practice to attempt to remove these contaminates with water and air sprays. In a procedure to produce a Dicor ® MGC Inlay (Dicor is a trademark of Dentsply International, Inc.), one of the steps is to coat the prepared tooth with a surfactant to allow an imaging powder to coat the surface. The Dicor MGC Imaging liquid consists of 30% Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20) , the remainder being water. This solution is painted on the prepared tooth, blown to a thin film and then coated with powder. This product was introduced in February 1990 and has been used in the mouth for almost four years with virtually no complaints. However, it has not been known heretofore to employ a cleaning composition and method to effectively decontaminate dentition from glove inhibition of impression material or adequately clean other organic contaminents, such as temporary adhesive residues, that interfere with permanent adhesives or other active dental materials. An object of the invention is to provide a decontaminating composition that will prepare a dentition, freeing it of contaminents that inhibit or interfere with use of other active dental materials. Thus, a cleaned dentition is prepared for receipt of a dental impression material providing for the taking of a superior dental impression, providing a method of producing a superior dental impression. An object of the invention is to minimize the necessity of remaking a dental impression. Another object of the invention is to provide a decontaminating composition that will prepare dentition for receipt of cements used with inlay, onlays, and crowns. Another object of the invention is to provide a decontaminating composition for surfaces to be bonded with dental adhesives and restorative materials. Another object of the invention is to minimize the necessity of recementation of dental inlays, onlays, and crowns due to lack of proper setting of resin based cements used on preparations that have been temporarily restored with eugenol containing products. Another object of the invention is to provide a method of cleansing the surface of dentition without interfering with the use of dental adhesive agents and restorative materials. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention includes a dental composition for cleaning oral dentition surfaces, comprising: peroxides; surfactants; and a carrier. The composition is used in a method of cleaning a dentition surface in an oral cavity to remove organic residues that inhibit the activity of dental materials, comprising: applying to said dentition surface a solution comprising a surfactant; and rinsing said solution, preferably after about 10-360 seconds, from said dentition surface. A preferred composition is a dilute solution comprising a carrier of water, alcohol or mixtures thereof; about 0.1-40% by weight of polyoxyethylene surfactants; and 0.5-10% by weight of a peroxide, preferably hydrogen peroxide. A preferred method of the invention utilizes the composition of the invention for preparing an impression of a dentition in the oral cavity. The method, comprises : applying a composition comprising a surfactant to an area that is to have its impression taken, substantially immediately before applying the impression taking material to said area; rinsing said composition from said area that is to have its impression taken; applying an impression taking material into intimate contact with said area that is to have its impression taken; setting said impression material in the said area, and removing said set impression from the oral cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a photomicrograph of a dental impression of an uncontaminated prepared tooth surface. Figure 2 is a photomicrograph of a dental impression of the same prepared tooth surface contaminated. Figure 3 is a photomicrograph of a dental impression of the same contaminated prepared tooth surface shown in Figure 2 but treated according to the present invention prior to taking the impression. Figure 4 is a photomicrograph of the tooth surface taken by the impressions of Figures 1, 2 and 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The essential ingredients of the preferred composition of the present invention are peroxides and surfactants. The preferred peroxide is hydrogen peroxide. Preferably water is also present and functions as a carrier and diluent . Preferably the composition is a free flowing liquid having a viscosity at least not much greater than water. Peroxides useful in the current invention include hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide, carbamyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxide, lauryl peroxide and diisononayl peroxide and mixtures of such peroxides . In the most preferred composition of the present invention the peroxides are chosen to avoid toxicity and minimize stinging and burning especially on sensitized mucosa that has been damaged in operatory procedures during preparation of the tooth substance. It is also desirable to minimize any unpleasant taste or smell involved in the use of the compositions. The peroxides and especially the preferred hydrogen peroxide is preferably present in an amount of 0.5 to 10% more preferably 1 to 5% and most preferably 2 to 4%. Hydrogen peroxides suitable for use in the present invention are those typically known for use in the oral cavity. Suitable carriers and diluents would preferably include water and mono alcohols such as methyl, ethyl and propyl alcohol or mixtures thereof. The monohydric alcohols are considered to be carriers and may also function as homogenizing and solubilizing aspects. In the most preferred compositions of the present invention, the carriers and diluents are selected to avoid toxicity and preferably cause no unpleasant taste, smell, stinging or burning in the composition. In the most preferred compositions the only carrier-diluent is water. Preferably the carrier-diluent is present in an amount of 50 - 99%, more preferably 75 - 98% and most preferably 90 - 97.5%. Preferably the surfactant is present in the preferred compositions of the present invention in an amount of 0.1 to 40% more preferably 0.25 to 20% and most preferably 0.5 to 5%. A wide breadth of surfactants are suitable for use in the present invention. Surfactants should be chosen for their lack of toxicity and freedom from taste and smell or for a pleasant taste and/or smell. The surfactants preferably do not yield a stinging or burning sensation in use. The effervescence caused by the foaming of the peroxide may enhance any tendency to toxicity, taste, smell, stinging or a burning sensation. The ingredients of the composition of the present invention are preferably compatible in use and preferably during storage as homogeneous solutions at usual ambient temperature 21°C and conditions found in dental operatories, preferably without refrigeration for at least 6 months or more preferably at least one year or longer. In particular, in choosing the surfactant, it is desirable to find a preferred surfactant which in combination will provide all of the aforesaid properties in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and a water carrier- diluent. The surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of the classes of surfactants that include nonionic, anionic and cationic surfactants and mixtures thereof. Nonionic surfactants are preferred and more preferred are the polyoxyethylene based surfactants. Flavoring agents, coloring and pigmenting agents hemostatic and/or astringents and stabilizer and the like may be included but are considered non essential, non functional ingredients to the present invention. In the most preferred embodiments flavoring agents, coloring and pigmenting agents, hemostatic and/or astringents and the like are preferably not included because they are considered unnecessary with the proper selection of the hydrogen peroxide, surfactant and in more preferred embodiments the diluent carrying agents. Unnecessary agents at best generally add expense and often leave residues which interfere with obtaining the best impression. Gelling agents may be desirable in some instances and are considered functional ingredients to the present invention because they change the way the treatment is carried out. The preferred compositions of the present invention are very fluid, as this aids in a superior contact of the surface to be decontaminated and also in the removal of the decontaminating composition or compositions. The foaming of the hydrogen peroxide aids in providing in-situ active decontamination and removal of the residues, the removal of which are desired. Other functional ingredients would be polyhydric alcohols used for viscosity modifying. In a typical procedure to carry out the method of the invention in performing a dental restoration, a dental clinician makes, for example, a crown preparation. In preparing a crown restoration, a tooth's exposed bulk is reduced in all dimensions to a stump upon which a crown is to be mounted. Generally the next procedure is a rinsing away of any debris and fluids with water. This is typically followed by a method of preparing an impression of dentition in situ in the oral cavity (mouth) of a patient. The clinician would in the preferred procedure performs a decontaminating treatment using the compositions of the present invention. The decontaminating surfactant, and more preferably the preferred composition of the present invention, is applied to the area that is to have its impression taken. This should preferably be done substantially immediately before applying the impression taking material to the area. Preferably the decontamination composition is applied with a swab with light rubbing to assure good contact without damaging the soft tissue of the mucosa. A cotton swab is preferred because of its good properties and ready availability. The decontaminating composition is preferably left in contact with the dentition for from 10 to 360 seconds, more preferably 15 to 60 seconds and most prefer-ably 20 to 40 seconds. The decontaminating composition is then removed, preferably washed away, by rinsing with water and removal from the mouth, typically with an aspirator. Next the dentition is air dried, typically with regular office air that is preferably free of ingredients such as lubricants. Next the dental clinician prepares to take a high resolution dental impression, typically using a vinyl siloxane that is platinum catalyzed. The dental impression material is applied to the area that is to have its impression taken in a conventional manner, in which the dental impression material is formed into intimate contact with the area. The dental impression material then is set or hardened. In the case of self curing dental impression materials, this means the dental impression material is left in place long enough to set in the impression of the area. After the dental impression material is set, the dental impression is removed from the oral cavity (mouth) and inspected visually for accuracy of detail. Methods of making clinical dental impression are well known, for example, many are represented in the text Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics. 2nd ed. , Chicago Quisatessence Publishing Co. pp 201-219, 1981. Shillinσ-burσ Jr HT. Ha ≤ -L_ Whitset- LD. The composition of the cleaner of the invention can be modified by the addition of a compatible smear layer removing agent or substance. Smear layer is defined as the surface adherent debris coating which covers the surface of a cut or abraded dentin. Examples of smear layer removing agents include ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) or an organic acid such as tannic or maleic acids. The preferred smearlayer removing agent for this invention is EDTA. The concentration range on " EDTA that can be incorporated into the composition of the invention is about 0.019 to 20 percent, on a weight by weight basis, with a preferred range of 0.19 to 5.0 percent EDTA. The invention is further illustrated by the following examples. All percents (%) are weight percents based upon 100% in the total final composition. EXAMPLE 1 A solution of the following ingredients was prepared by charging the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into a glass flask and adding the surfactant via a funnel by pouring. After addition the flask was shaken to achieve a uniform solution. INGREDIENTS CAS. NO. PERCENT 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in 7722-84-1 98.0 water solution USP polyoxyethylene (20) 9005-64-5 2.0 sorbitan monolaurate Tween 20 NF (Polysorbate 20) from ICI Americas Inc. Total 100.0 To demonstrate the effectiveness of the solution in example 1) , a bovine incisor was sanded flat with 600 grit wet sandpaper. This surface was sanded until an area of dentine was exposed in the center of the sanded surface. (Shown in Fig. 4) Note : the crack in the tooth surface is an artifact caused by high vacuum on the specimen in producing a Scanning Electron Micrograph (S.E.M.) . Fig. 1 is an S.E.M. of the impression surface of the same tooth shown in Fig. 4. This shows the impression of a uncontaminated surface of the bovine incisor described above. Fig. 2 is an S.E.M. of the impression of the same tooth contaminated by rubbing the surface of the tooth with a latex glove, Conform, a product of Ansell Edmon . The surface detail of the impression is lost due to the inhibition of the cure. Fig. 3 is an S.E.M. of the impression of the same tooth contaminated with a latex glove as in Fig. 2 and then cleaned with the solution in Example 1. The surface of the tooth was swabbed with a cotton pellet saturated with the solution described above for 30 sec, then rinsed with water for 20 sec. and air dried. The impression of the surface was then made. The detail of the impression in Fig. 3 is as good as the detail in Fig. 1 showing the effectiveness of the solution in Example 1. Fig. 4 is an S.E.M. of the bovine incisor itself. All of the specimens were prepared for S.E.M. by coating with Ag/Pd by evaporative deposition and then viewing and photographing at the following S.E.M. separating conditions. Voltage = 10KV, magnification = 15X, tilt angle = 30°, secondary electron detector. EXAMPLES 2 - 12 The solutions set forth in the following table were prepared substantially as set forth in Example 1. The ingredients were added in order, from the ingredient of the greatest volume to the ingredient of the least volume INGREDIENTS/ 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 EXAMPLE Deionized Water 100 0 0 98 0 0 0 98 0 0 0 190 proof Ethanol USP 0 100 0 0 98 0 15 0 98 15 0 3 % Hydrogen Peroxide in 0 0 100 0 0 98 83 0 0 83 98 water solution USP Polysorbate 20 (T een 20) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 Hul's P5071 Dimethyl 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 Siloxane Ethylene Oxide Copolymer Homogeneous Solution? Yes Yes Yes No No Yes No* Yes Yes Yes Yes Results Inhibition of set SB SB SL SL SL 1 SL G SL SL G G All entries in table are weight % based upon 100% of final composition Al! RESULTS ARE BASED ON UNAIDED EYE VISUAL OBSERVATION *clear solution at first SB = Substantial inhibition SL = Slight inhibition, somewhat effective G = Good results - no inhibition TEST PROCEDURE: Eleven extracted human tooth were contaminated by hand rubbing with a latex glove for 15 to 30 seconds over the tooth's surface. The glove was a Healthco glove as identified in the previously referenced article "Implications of the presence of dithiocarbamate in latex gloves" . An impression of the contaminated tooth was made using a vinyl siloxane light body Reprosil ® (product of the L.D. Caulk Co. Division of Dentsply International Inc.) dispensed from a preloaded impression material carriage and allowed to flow onto the tooth's surface. The dental impression material remained in place for 15 minutes in situ as applied. The cured dental impression was peeled back from the tooth surface and the tooth and dental impression were visually inspected with the unaided eye. All eleven teeth were found to have uncured impression material on their surface. All eleven teeth were then cleaned by wiping clean with a piece of cheese cloth. The eleven teeth were then recontaminated with the latex glove and then each was treated according to a different respective Example 2-12 by lightly rubbing with the respective composition of the respective Example using a cotton swab. One tooth was used for each example. After treatment each tooth was rinsed with water applied from a lab squeeze bottle for 30 seconds after which the tooth was dried with gentle application of dry compressed air from a 25 psi tank. Thereafter the vinyl siloxane impression material described above was applied to each tooth as described above and the results are given below: From the test it was concluded that: Example 11 and 12 gave the best performance with peroxide and Tween surfactant. Example 8 yielded the next best result using peroxide and a surfactant that alcohol was used with to achieve solution in the peroxide (water) solution. Phase separation, however, occurred after 3 days. Example 9 was next in preference using water and Tween. The solution was fairly effective and the solution stable. Example 10 with alcohol and surfactant worked about as well as water and surfactant, but could result in a burning sensation in use. Example 4 using peroxide alone was not as effective as the above experiments. Examples 2 and 3 respectively of water alone and Ethanol alone were not effective. Example 5, a solution was not obtained. Water and silicone surfactant proved to be immiscible. Example 6, alcohol same as Example 7 peroxide and silicon surfactants. Example 5 immiscible. EXAMPLE 13 A procedure for evaluating pre-treatment solutions that does not require the use of an extracted human or bovine tooth was developed. Materials needed to do the test: 1) Latex gloves. (Known to cause inhibition of VPS impression materials . 2) ' Parchment mix pad. 3) Vinyl polysiloxane impression addition cured platinum catalized material; syringe or regular viscosity. 4) Tweezers and cotton pellet or swab. 5) Pre-treatment solution. Erocedure; A. ) Rub a latex glove onto the surface of the parchment pad. Rub vigorously over a large area for at least 30 seconds with moderate pressure. B.) Using the tweezers pick up a cotton pellet saturated with pre-treatment solution and scrub one half of the latex contaminated surface for 30 seconds. C.) Rinse the parchment with water for 10 seconds, then blow dry with air. D.) Mix the impression material according to package instructions and apply it over the pre-treated and non- treated surface of the parchment pad; allow to completely cure (15 minutes at 23°C) . E.) Peel up the impression and examine the parchment for inhibited material. Inhibition of set will be noted to the naked eye as having a wet appearance on the VPS and the parchment. Rubbing the VPS material in the area corresponding to the untreated side of the parchment pad using a cotton swab results in material transfer to the cotton swab. Rubbing the treated side will not result in transfer of material to the cotton swab with pretreatment solutions represented by this invention. The present invention provides for neutralizing the effects of inhibitors, especially those left on dentition by rubber gloves during preparation for taking a dental impression using platinum catalyzed hydrosilation reactions to set the dental impression material. The method of decontaminating the dentition just before the impression material is applied assures high success in obtaining good impressions and thereby making superior dental prosthetics for the dental patient. EXAMPLE 14 Ten extracted human teeth were sanded using 600 to 1200 abrasive papers to expose flat surfaces of dentin. In one group of five teeth, a layer of an eugenol based temporary cement (Tempbond (tm) , Manufactured by the Kerr Company, Romulus Michigan) was placed on the dentin surface of the teeth and stored in 37 degree centigrade water for 24 hours. At the end of this time, the layer of temporary cement was removed and Prisma "TPH" composite restorative was adhered to the dentin surface using ProBond Primer and Adhesive as indicated in the directions for use of these products. The other set of five teeth were treated in a similar manor, except that after the 24 hour contact with the eugenol based temporary cement, the surface of the dentin was treated with the decontamination composition of Example 12 for 30 seconds using a cotton swab, rinsed with water and dried. The average shear bond strength of the first set of teeth contaminated with the eugenol cement was 1624 psi., with a standard deviation of +/-1088 psi. The second set of shear bond strengths averaged 2816 psi, with a standard deviation of +/-869 psi. Thus, the decontaminating composition of Example 12 greatly improved the bond strength and standard deviation to dentin contacted with eugenol contamination. It also demonstrates that the use of the decontaminating solution did not adversely affect the bonding action of the ProBond Primer and Adhesive, since typical adhesion values measured for ProBond Primer and Adhesive measure 2400 to 2800 psi. EXAMPLE 15 A cast gold, Type III, restoration was made to fit a prepared extracted tooth. An acrylic temporary was fitted to the tooth with a zinc oxide eugenol temporary cement. The temporary acrylic was then removed and visible remaining temporary cement removed with an explorer. Non-visible residue was then removed by one of three methods: (1) wiping with a damp (water) cotton pellet; (2) applying wet flour of pumice with a rubber cup; and (3) wiping the preparation with a cotton pellet moistened with the cavity cleaner of the invention. In each case, the clean tooth is rinsed followed by gentle drying. The gold restoration is then fitted to the prepared extracted tooth utilizing a resin ionomer cement (Advance Cement) and a dentin primer (ProBond Primer) , both manufactured by DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC. of York, Pennsylvania. The amount of tensile force (in kilograms) need to remove the cast gold restoration from the prepared tooth is then measured. The results are presented in the Table below, clearly showing the negative effect of a zinc oxide eugenol containing temporary cement on subsequent bonding. Example 4 is a positive control wherein the tooth was not previously contaminated with a temporary cement . The data clearly demonstrates the superior removal of a residue by the cleaner composition of the invention. TABLE Tensile Retentive Force (Kg) (1) ZOE Temporary Cement/Cavity Cleaner/ Advance with ProBond Primer: 44.4 Kg (2) ZOE Temporary Cemen /Wipe Only/ Advance with ProBond Primer: 15.06 Kg (3) ZOE Temporary Cement/Pumice-Rubber Cup/ Advance with ProBond Primer: 36.7 Kg (4) Advance with ProBond Primer: 51.8 Kg (Positive Control) The foregoing description illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention. However, concepts employed may, based upon such description, be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly, as well as in the specific forms shown herein.

Claims: It is claimed: 1. A dental composition for cleaning oral dentition surfaces, comprising: peroxide; surfactant; and a carrier. 2. The dental composition of claim 1 wherein said surfactant is compatible with oral use and a nonionic surfactant. 3. The dental composition of claim 1 wherein said surfactant is a polyoxyethylene 4. The dental composition of claim 1 wherein the surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.1 - 40% by weight of the total composition. 5. The dental composition of claim 3 wherein said polyoxyethylene is present in an amount of about 0.25 - 20% by weight of the total composition. 6. The dental composition of claim 1 wherein the peroxide is hydrogen peroxide in an amount of about 0.5%- 10% by weight of the composition and the surfactant is 0.25 - 20% by weight of the composition. 7. The dental composition of claim 6 wherein said water is present in an amount of about 75 - 98% by weight of the total composition. 8. The dental composition of claim 1 further includes ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) at 0.019 to 20% weight percent of the composition. 9. The dental composition of claim 8 wherein said EDTA is 0.19 to 5 weight %. 10. The dental composition of claim 1 comprising flavoring agent. 11. The dental composition of claim 1 wherein said carrier is water, alcohol or mixtures thereof. 12. A dental cleaning composition, consisting essentially of: a carrier of about 90 - 97.5% by weight of water, alcohol or mixtures thereof; hydrogen peroxide of about 2 - 4% by weight; and a polyoxyethylene surfactant of about 0.5 - 5% by weight. 13. A method of cleaning a dentition surface in an oral cavity to remove organic residues that inhibit the activity of dental materials, comprising: applying to said dentition surface a solution comprising a surfactant; and rinsing said solution, after about 10-360 seconds, from said dentition surface. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein said solution comprises a carrier of water, alcohol or mixtures thereof; about 0.1-40% by weight polyoxyethylene surfactant; and 0.5-10% by weight hydrogen peroxide. 15. A method of preparing an impression of dentition in the oral cavity, comprising: applying a composition comprising a surfactant to an area that is to have its impression taken, substantially immediately before applying the impression taking material to said area; rinsing said composition from said area that is to have its impression taken; applying an impression taking material into intimate contact with said area that is to have its impression taken; allowing said impression material to remain in the said area until setting/hardening, and removing said set impression from the oral cavity. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein said composition comprises peroxide. 17. The method of claim 15 wherein said surfactant is a nonionic surfactant. 18. The method of claim 15 wherein said impression material is set by platinum catalyzed hydrosilation reactions. 19. The method of claim 15 wherein said composition comprises a carrier of water, alcohol or mixtures thereof. 20. The method of claim 16 wherein said peroxide is present in an amount of about 0.5-10% by weight of the total composition. 21. The method of claim 17 wherein said surfactant is a polyoxyethylene. 22. The method of claim 17 wherein the surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.25 - 20% by weight of the total composition. 23. The method of claim 19 wherein said carrier is present in an amount of about 75 - 98% by weight of the total composition.

Inventors: HAMMESFAHR PAUL D, HARE ROBERT V, HAMMESFAHR, PAUL, D., HARE, ROBERT, V.
Applicants: DENTSPLY INT INC, DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: A61K7
IPC codes: A61C9, A61K6, A61K8, A61Q11