Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity. Electrodes are used to deliver a direct current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, perdiodontitis, and oral malodor while also promoting general oral hygiene.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/850,661 filed on Sep. 5, 2007. 
       REFERENCES CITED 
     U.S. Patent Documents 
       [0002]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 4,153,060 
                 May 1979 
                 Korostoff et al. 
                 128/419 F 
               
               
                   
                 4,175,565 
                 November 1979 
                 Chiarenza et al. 
                 433/32 
               
               
                   
                 4,244,373 
                 January 1981 
                 Nachman 
                 128/419 F 
               
               
                   
                 4,509,519 
                 April 1985 
                 Detsch 
                 128/419 F 
               
               
                   
                 5,433,735 
                 July 1995 
                 Zanakis et al. 
                 607/50 
               
               
                   
                 5,741,500 
                 April 1998 
                 Yates 
                 424/404 
               
               
                   
                 6,254,391 
                 July 2001 
                 Darnell 
                 433/26 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       U.S. Patent Application Documents 
       [0003]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 11/499,033 
                 November 2006 
                 Liebergesell, et al. 
                 607/134 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Other Publications 
       [0004]    Tronstad et al., “Effect of electric current and silver electrodes on oral bacteria”, Endontontics &amp; Dental Traumatology Vol. 1: 112-115, 1985. 
       Kalinowski et al., “Low-Voltage Direct Current as a Fungicidal Agent for Treating Onychomycosis”, Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association Vol. 94 No. 6: 565-572, 2004. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0006]    This invention relates to a method of concurrently promoting general oral hygiene, treating periodontal diseases such as gingivitis, killing oral microbes including cavity-causing bacteria, increasing blood flow in oral tissues, promoting gingival tissue regeneration, fostering osteogenesis in the boney structures of the teeth, mouth and related areas, and treating other periodontal and oral maladies through the non-invasive application of weak direct current electricity to the surfaces in the oral cavity, and it also relates to an apparatus suitable for providing direct current electricity for these therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative effects. 
         [0007]    2. Prior Art 
         [0008]    The benefits of electrical current for the treatment of gingival inflammations, such as gingivitis, are known within the art. However, prolonged gingivitis leads to the formation of periodontal pockets, gingival recession, and bone resorption. If left untreated, gingivitis may develop into perdiodontitis, a condition that may ultimately result in tooth loss. Even if gingivitis is properly treated and eliminated, recessed gums will still remain even after the inflammation subsides. Methods and devices such as those presented by Nachman in U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,373 of Jan. 13, 1981 and by Detsch in U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,519 of Apr. 9, 1985 and by Liebergesell et al. in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/499,033 of Nov. 30, 2006 may treat gingivitis but do not offer any way to reverse gingival recession and regenerate any lost gingival tissue. 
         [0009]    Gum recession causes many oral care and oral hygiene problems. The receding gums expose the root of the teeth. The exposed root greatly increases sensitivity to heat, cold, and sweets, which can cause discomfort and even pain. The exposed root is also much more vulnerable to tooth decay, greatly increasing the chances for tooth loss. 
         [0010]    The normal treatment for severe gum recession involves a gum graft, a type of periodontal surgery in which gingival tissue is surgically removed from a donor area and grafted upon the area affected by gum recession. These surgeries, however, are invasive, costly to the patient, require anesthesia, and usually require two to four weeks of recovery time. This type of surgery also causes scarring to the gingival area receiving the graft. There is an additional risk that the gum graft surgery may actually increase the rate of gum recession. 
         [0011]    Other treatments for gum recession focus on a topical application of a regenerative medication. These methods and devices may be effective in promoting gum growth, but are not effective in killing oral microbes, treating gingivitis, increasing oral circulation or promoting osteogenesis (e.g. Yates, U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,500, Apr. 21, 1998). While the effect of regenerating gingival tissues is desirable to the user, such methods and devices fall well short of an all-in-one oral hygiene device. 
         [0012]    There are electrical stimulation methods for inducing regeneration, similar to Zanakis et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,735 of Jul. 15, 1985, which have shown promise for generic tissue regeneration, but have not been specifically implemented for gingival tissues. Once again, however, this method of regeneration also does not address any other oral malady such as gingivitis, perdiodontitis, fungal infections, or poor oral blood flow. 
         [0013]    Other methods utilizing alternating current electricity for treating gingivitis and promoting oral hygiene, such as Liebergesell at al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/499,033 of Nov. 30, 2006 may be effective, but still have somewhat in the scope of their applications. Direct current electricity has been studied and is well known to kill common oral bacteria (“Effect of electric current and silver electrodes on oral bacteria”, Tronstad et al., Endontontics &amp; Dental Traumatology Vol. 1: 112-115, 1985). Likewise, these alternating current methods are not able to provide the benefits of increased oral blood flow, increased osteogenesis, and gingival regeneration. 
         [0014]    Electrical current dental treatment devices (see Nachman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,373, Jan. 13, 1981) are known to be effective in promoting osteogenesis and treating perdiodontitis, but do not address gingival regeneration. And while this device may be able to kill the bacteria associated with gingivitis and perdiodontitis, the current levels are too low for this device to be effective in killing other types of oral microbes, including fungi. Additionally, in some embodiments, this device creates a current flow not limited to the gingival region, but instead traveling throughout the body, which may have unknown adverse effects. These embodiments also require the use of a wrist strap electrode and electrolyte solution, which, at the very least, is inconvenient and cumbersome for the user. 
         [0015]    Similar to the previous method, Detsch, U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,519 of Apr. 9, 1985 utilizes a direct current for treating oral diseases. However, this method does not address gum regeneration in any way. As with some other treatments, the configuration of this device is inconvenient and possibly uncomfortable for the patient. Electrodes are required to be formed around each tooth whose surrounding gingiva is to be treated, which would likely have to be done by a dental professional. This would be both expensive and time consuming for the patient. Likewise, if a patient were missing a tooth or perhaps many teeth, such an apparatus would not be able to be used to treat those regions of the mouth lacking teeth. Such a treatment is not viable for those who rely on dentures, as is seen with the elderly population. Also, such an apparatus requires the attachment of a metallic plate to one&#39;s skin outside the mouth. This is cumbersome, unwieldy, and unsightly for the patient. The external electrode method also does not limit the current flow to the gingival tissues, possibly affecting other areas of the body. Lastly, current levels must be manually set for each tooth area. So for each tooth being treated, a corresponding power source must be adjusted rather than have a single point of control for all the electrodes. 
         [0016]    Another problem with the existing direct current oral treatment methods and devices of Nachman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,373 of Jan. 13, 1981 and of Detsch, U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,519 of Apr. 9, 1985 is that such methods are not effective at killing oral fungus. Under normal conditions, various fungi such as  Candida  yeasts live in the mouth but are kept in check by the immune system. In certain cases, as with an immune-deficient patient, the immune system is not able to control these normally harmless fungal infections. Patients may then develop oral fungal infections such as candidiasis, more commonly known as thrush. Thrush by itself is harmless, but provides a danger since the  Candida  yeasts can spread throughout the body causing widespread infection. These types of systemic infections can be very serious to patients with weakened immune systems, like those undergoing chemotherapy or those having other immunodeficient conditions such as HIV. Chemotherapy patients have to be especially careful when dealing with oral thrush infections, as their weakened immune system requires excellent oral hygiene to prevent such an outbreak. 
         [0017]    Another process used to treat perdiodontitis, tooth demineralization, and oral malodor is based on a concept of heating the teeth (see Darnell, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,391, Jul. 3, 2001). While this method may be effective in killing some types of oral bacteria and thus treating oral malodor, the patient faces an added risk of potentially damaging each tooth&#39;s pulp. Necrosis of the pulp can begin with as little as a 5.5° C. increase in pulpal temperatures, which is a risk with any method that heats the teeth. And while it is possible that such a method can also help with tooth remineralization, this process requires an external source of fluoride, as it is not readily available in saliva. Even though such a method may be able to treat oral malodor and kill bacteria, still it is limited in that it does not utilize any type of electricity to stimulate the oral tissues. This renders such a method ineffective at treating conditions of gingival recession or fungal infections. 
         [0018]    Direct current stimulation for promoting osteogenesis is known throughout the art. However, existing methods such as Chiarenza, U.S. Pat. No. 4,175,565 of Nov. 27, 1979, may require surgical implantation of electrodes in order to achieve such results. This is inconvenient, painful, and costly to a patient. Other non-invasive methods using direct current for osteogenesis exist but are designed solely for osteogenesis and are not designed to treat gingivitis, increase blood flow, or regenerate gums (e.g., Korostoff et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,060, May 8, 1979). 
         [0019]    Therefore, there is a need in the art for a non-invasive method that treats common oral defects and diseases simultaneously. Specifically, a method to concurrently treat gingivitis and perdiodontitis, to kill oral microbes including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, to increase oral blood flow, to regenerate recessed gums, to catalyze oral osteogenesis, and to promote general oral hygiene is greatly desired. Additionally, such a method would prove greatly effective in reducing tooth decay, preventing tooth loss, preventing cavity formation, and treating oral malodor due to its microbicidal effects. This desired method would also greatly reduce the invasiveness, cost, complexity, recovery, and risks associated with other dental treatments for these conditions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    This invention encompasses a method and apparatus that delivers microampere-level direct current electricity to the patient&#39;s gingival surfaces. This type of treatment is effective for treating for gingivitis, perdiodontitis, and related conditions, for killing or disabling oral microbes including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, for promoting osteogenesis in the teeth and jaw, for increasing blood flow in oral tissues, and for regenerating gingival tissues. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    It is known in the art that oral bacteria cannot survive when exposed low-microampere direct current electricity. This method of killing oral bacteria and treating bacteria-caused conditions such as gingivitis has been demonstrated in Nachman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,373 of Jan. 13, 1981 and in Detsch, U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,519 of Apr. 9, 1985. Killing oral bacteria has the added benefit of preventing tooth decay and dental caries, or cavities. Generally, tooth decay is attributed to acid-producing bacteria whose acid causes uncompensated demineralization of the teeth. 
         [0022]    While researching the effect of direct current electricity on the mouth, the applicants discovered that by increasing the current level to the approximate range of 50 to 250 microamperes, a direct current electrical treatment was able to deliver new and unexpected therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits previously unknown in the art. 
         [0023]    Specifically, by utilizing a direct current in the aforementioned range, not only did such a treatment kill bacteria, but it was also found to kill or disable viruses and fungus as well. Studies from the podiatric field have shown that higher current levels than those used in existing oral electrical treatments are necessary to effectively treat fungal infections (“Low-Voltage Direct Current as a Fungicidal Agent for Treating Onychomycosis”, Kalinowski, et al., Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association Vol. 94 No. 6: 565-572, 2004). By applying this knowledge of increased current levels from research outside the art, the applicants were able to add fungicidal and viricidal benefits to a method already known to be bactericidal. The applicants&#39; studies have shown that these microbicidal properties take effect within approximately 5 and 15 minutes of treatment. 
         [0024]    In addition, the applicants&#39; clinical research unexpectedly demonstrated that a direct current in the approximate range of 50 to 250 microamperes was able to regenerate gingival tissues, providing a non-surgical treatment alternative for those with recessed gums. While the osteogenic properties of electricity have been known in the art, the connection between non-osseous tissue regeneration and electricity were not well known in the art prior to these experiments. The unique current range associated with the method and apparatus of this invention is one of a few effective methods in the dental field to accomplish effective gingival tissue regeneration in a non-surgical manner. 
         [0025]    Thus, this method and corresponding apparatus are able to achieve multiple prophylactic, therapeutic, and regenerative effects whose combination was not previously known or available in the art. Namely, these effects are: promotion of oral osteogenesis, destruction or disabling of oral microbes, gingival tissue regeneration, cavity prevention, increased oral vasodilation and oral blood flow, treatment of common oral conditions such as gingivitis and perdiodontitis, and generally improved oral hygiene. 
         [0026]    These effects are accomplished by the delivery of direct current to the gums through a plurality of electrodes in direct contact with the inner and outer gingival surfaces. The electrodes may be fashioned out of any electrically-conductive material, including but not limited to silver, stainless steel, copper, gold, platinum, palladium, aluminum, an alloy thereof, electrically-conductive nanotubes, carbonized rubber, electrically-conductive silicone, or electrically-conductive polymers. The electrodes may be composed of the same or of differing materials. These electrodes fit snuggly against the patient&#39;s inner and outer gumlines and make direct contact with each gumline to pass direct current electricity across the teeth and neighboring gingival tissues. 
         [0027]    The electrodes on each side of the gumline are of the same polarity. Electrodes on opposite sides of the gumline are of different polarities. This allows the current to flow across the teeth and gums to the electrodes positioned on the transverse gumline to complete the electrical circuit. Put another way, all electrodes on the interior gumline will be completely anodic or completely cathodic. All electrodes on the exterior gumline, transverse the interior gumline, would have the opposite polarity. The polarization of these electrodes may be reversed during treatment or in between treatments. 
         [0028]    The upper and lower gumlines each have a set of a plurality of polarized electrodes as previously described. This allows for treatment of both the upper and lower gum and bone structures simultaneously. The upper and lower set of electrodes may be powered by two different adjustable power supplies or by the same adjustable power supply. 
         [0029]    Electrical conductors then connect these electrodes to an adjustable power supply. All of the anodic electrodes will connect to the positive pole of the power supply and all of the cathodic electrodes will connect to the negative pole of the power supply. The adjustable power supply is capable of delivering a stable, direct current in the approximate range of 1 to 500 microamperes. The preferred current setting for treatment is in the approximate range of 50 to 250 microamperes. 
         [0030]    In order to increase conductivity in the tissues adjacent to the electrodes, an ionic or colloidal liquid or gel may be used as a conductive medium to decrease electrical resistance in the mouth. This medium would be placed along any desired areas of desired electrical contact, such as the teeth, gums, or surrounding oral tissues. Examples of such a medium would include, but not be limited to, colloidal silver gel, liquid colloidal silver, colloidal copper gel, liquid colloidal copper, colloidal gold gel, liquid colloidal gold, saline gel, liquid saline or any combination thereof. 
         [0031]    Colloidal silver, in whole in or combination, has great promise not only in increasing electrical current flow, but also in offering additional bactericidal benefits. Colloidal silver, in concentrations as little as five parts per million, is known to be bactericidal by inhibiting a bacterium&#39;s production of adenosine triphosphate. 
         [0032]    This conductive medium may also contain dietary supplements including, but not limited to, oil of oregano. Oil of oregano is believed to have many health benefits and may also be microbicidal. Such microbicidal properties would be effective in treating common oral infections and diseases as well as aiding in preventative oral care. 
         [0033]    This conductive medium may also contain teeth whitening agents. This would allow for the addition of teeth whitening to the list of benefits offered by an embodiment of this invention. A whitening agent that is catalyzed by direct current electricity could be included and may even offer reduced teeth whitening treatment times when compared with non-electrically-catalyzed whitening agents. 
         [0034]    Artificial or natural flavorings may also be added to this conductive medium to offer a more appealing taste to the user, similar to the method of flavoring dental fluoride treatments. This flavoring would mask any unpleasant tastes from the ingredients of the conductive medium or as well as any taste of the mouthpiece or electrodes themselves. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  demonstrates the overall structure of the first embodiment of our invention, including a microcontrolled power source, user input, user feedback and oral electrodes. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  shows a top-down view of another embodiment that includes a mouthpiece with two continuous electrodes and associated conductors. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the same embodiment of  FIG. 2 , with two electrodes embedded in a mouthpiece. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  offers a top-down view of another embodiment similar to  FIG. 2  that includes a mouthpiece, but with a plurality of discrete electrodes. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  provides a perspective view of an additional embodiment similar to  FIG. 4  with a plurality of electrodes that are electrically connected by embedded conductors. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  shows an additional embodiment of with an analog power supply using a dual unit, three-port switch. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     Reference Numerals 
       [0041]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 110 
                 microcontrolled direct current 
                 112 
                 microcontroller 
               
               
                   
                 power supply 
               
               
                 114 
                 timer 
                 116 
                 direct current power source 
               
               
                 120 
                 user input device 
                 130 
                 user feedback device 
               
               
                 140 
                 cathodic electrodes 
                 150 
                 anodic electrodes 
               
               
                 200 
                 mouthpiece 
                 210 
                 single interior gumline electrode 
               
               
                 220 
                 single exterior gumline electrode 
                 230 
                 conductors to power supply 
               
               
                 300 
                 mouthpiece 
                 310 
                 single interior gumline electrode 
               
               
                 320 
                 single exterior gumline electrode 
                 330 
                 conductors to power supply 
               
               
                 340 
                 embedded electrical conductors 
               
               
                 400 
                 mouthpiece 
                 410 
                 interior gumline electrode set 
               
               
                 4102 
                 interior gumline electrode 
                 4104 
                 embedded electrical conductor 
               
               
                 420 
                 exterior gumline electrode set 
                 4202 
                 exterior gumline electrode 
               
               
                 4204 
                 embedded electrical conductor 
                 430 
                 conductors to power supply 
               
               
                 500 
                 mouthpiece 
                 510 
                 interior gumline electrode set 
               
               
                 5102 
                 interior gumline electrode 
                 5104 
                 embedded electrical conductor 
               
               
                 520 
                 exterior gumline electrode set 
                 5202 
                 exterior gumline electrode 
               
               
                 5204 
                 embedded electrical conductor 
                 530 
                 conductors to power supply 
               
               
                 540 
                 embedded electrical conductors 
               
               
                 610 
                 dual-unit three-port switch 
                 612 
                 100 μA switch option 
               
               
                 614 
                 power off switch option 
                 616 
                 200 μA switch option 
               
               
                 618 
                 332 kiliohm resistor 
                 620 
                 2 volt LED 
               
               
                 622 
                 48.7 kiliohm resistor 
                 624 
                 665 kiliohm resistor 
               
               
                 626 
                 2 volt LED 
                 628 
                 97.6 kiliohm resistor 
               
               
                 630 
                 cathodic lower mouth electrodes 
                 632 
                 cathodic upper mouth electrodes 
               
               
                 634 
                 anodic lower mouth electrodes 
                 636 
                 anodic upper mouth electrodes 
               
               
                 640 
                 9 volt power source 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Embodiment—FIG.  1   
       [0042]      FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a treatment apparatus according to this invention. A user input device  120  is connected to a microcontrolled direct current power supply  110 . This input device  120  may include, but not be limited to potentiometer dials, push buttons, switches, toggles, etc. User input device  120  allows the patient to control various aspects of the treatment including but not limited to power on or off, output current levels, treatment program selection, treatment duration, treatment reminders, polarity, etc. Microcontrolled power supply  110  reads the state of input device  120  and adjusts the output current accordingly. 
         [0043]    An optional user feedback device  130  is show in  FIG. 1  connected to microcontrolled power supply  110 . Feedback device  130  may contain various methods and devices capable of relaying treatment information to the user. Feedback device  130  could include, but not be limited to an LCD display, LCD matrix display, color LCD displays, indicator LEDs, LED bar graphs, LED segment displays, OLED displays, audio speakers, vibrating devices, or any combination thereof. Feedback device  130  offers the user information including, but is not limited to, output current level, treatment time elapsed, treatment time remaining, date, time of day, battery power level, treatment reminder indicators or sound alarms, recharging indicators, etc. Feedback device  130  also provides information regarding any state change from input device  120 . This allows the user to receive information on how his/her input is affecting the treatment. Feedback device  130  is not required for the operation of this embodiment of the treatment apparatus and may be omitted. 
         [0044]    Microcontrolled power supply  110  contains a microcontroller  112  and a direct current power source  116 . Microcontroller  112  is electrically connected to input device  120  and is capable of reading the device&#39;s state(s). Microcontroller  112 , upon reading these state(s), is able to dynamically adjust the output of power source  116 . This allows the user to control the level of current generated by the power source  116 . Microcontroller  112  is also connected to an optional user feedback device  130 . Microcontroller  112  is able to output information related to the treatment duration, current timer status, current levels, and other information to feedback device  130 . Microcontroller  112  also has timing capabilities, represented by timer  114 , that allow for limiting treatment time based on some predetermined treatment duration. Timer  114  is also used to output the elapsed treatment time to feedback device  130 , if present. The user is be able to input desired treatment parameters such as treatment duration, treatment current levels, etc. to microcontroller  112  by way of input device  120 . 
         [0045]    The programmable nature of microcontroller  112  allows for advanced functionality not present in other oral electrical treatment devices. For example, the software on microcontroller  112  could be programmed to run a predetermined treatment regiment. This treatment regiment could include but not be limited to such factors as: treatment duration, treatment current levels, treatment time-of-day, treatment reminders, etc. This treatment regiment could also be programmed by a dental professional by way of input device  120  so that a patient&#39;s treatment may simplified and guaranteed to follow set parameters. 
         [0046]    Cathodic electrodes  140  are connected to the positive pole of power source  116  and anodic electrodes  150  are connected to the negative pole of power source  116 . These electrodes are placed on the gumline, mounted transversely from one another. This allows a current flow from cathodic electrodes  140  to the gingival tissues, surrounding teeth, boney structures, and connected mouth tissues to anodic electrodes  150  mounted on the transverse gumline and then back to power supply  110 , forming a complete circuit. 
         [0047]    Power source  116  may be any known device capable of delivering an adjustable direct electrical current. This includes, but is not limited to disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, AC-DC power converter, etc. Microcontroller  112  is able to regulate the current output of power source  116  by a known method of electrical current control. Power supply  116  is capable of delivering a direct current of between 1 and 500 microamperes, with an approximate range of 50 to 250 microamperes used for most treatments. Microcontroller  112  is also able to reverse the polarity of the cathodic electrodes  140  and anodic electrodes  150  by controlling the output of power source  116 . This allows for dynamic changing of electrode polarity during treatment. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Alternative Embodiments—FIGS.  2 - 6   
       [0048]      FIG. 2  shows a top-down view of another embodiment of the treatment apparatus. In this embodiment, a mouthpiece unit  200 , known in the art, has two electrodes attached to or embedded in it, and is worn in the mouth. A single interior gumline electrode  210  fits snugly against the inner gingival tissue of the mouth. A single exterior gumline electrode  220  is attached to or embedded in mouthpiece  200  so that it is transverse from the interior gumline electrode  210  and fits snugly against the outer gingival tissues of the mouth. Two electrical conductors  230  connect electrodes  210  and  220  to an adjustable current power supply, of whose embodiment may be similar to that of  110  or that of  FIG. 3 . Electrical conductors  230  are insulated so that a short circuit does not occur inside or outside of the mouth. Electrical conductors  230  are shown as attached to the anterior of mouthpiece  200 , but may be electrically connected to electrodes  210  and  220  at any point along mouthpiece  200 , so long as electrical conductors  230  are not attached to the same electrode. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the same type of embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . A mouthpiece  300  has an interior gumline electrode  310  and an exterior gumline electrode  320  attached to or embedded it. Electrodes  310  and  320  span the inner and outer gingival surfaces of the mouth, respectively. A set of embedded electrical conductors  340  are connected to electrodes  310  and  320  on one end and on the other end to a set of conductors to the power supply  330 . Conductors  340  are embedded in the mouthpiece material and are electrically insulated. Conductors  330  then connect to the positive and negative poles of a direct current power source, similar to that of  110  or  FIG. 6 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  presents another embodiment similar in nature to that of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In this embodiment, electrode sets are attached to or embedded in a mouthpiece unit  400 . A set of interior gumline electrodes  410  are affixed to or embedded in mouthpiece  400 . Electrode set  410  comprises a plurality of discrete interior gumline electrodes  4102 , which are electrically connected by embedded electrical conductors  4104 . Conductors  4104  are insulated and are embedded in or attached to mouthpiece  400 . Likewise, a set of exterior gumline electrodes  420  are affixed to or embedded in mouthpiece  400  transverse of electrode set  410 . Electrode set  420  comprises a plurality of discrete interior gumline electrodes  4202 , which are electrically connected by embedded electrical conductors  4204 . Conductors  4204  are insulated and are embedded in or attached to mouthpiece  400 . This embodiment allows for multiple, discrete points of electrical contact within the mouth. In  FIG. 4 , conductors to the power supply  430  are shown as attached to the posterior electrodes in mouthpiece  400 . However, conductors  430  may be electrically connected to any point of electrode sets  410  and  420 , so long as conductors  430  are not connected to the same electrode set. Conductors  430  then connect to the positive and negative poles of a direct current power source, similar to that of  110  or  FIG. 6 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  offers a perspective view of an embodiment similar to  FIG. 4 . An interior gumline electrode set  510  and an exterior gumline electrode set  520  are attached to or embedded in a mouthpiece  500 . Electrode set  510  comprises a plurality of interior gumline electrodes  5102  that are electrically connected by embedded electrical conductors  5104 . Conductors  5104  are electrically insulated and are embedded in or attached to mouthpiece  500 . Similarly, electrode set  520  comprises a plurality of exterior gumline electrodes  5202  that are electrically connected by embedded electrical conductors  5204 . Conductors  5204  are electrically insulated and are embedded in or attached to mouthpiece  500 . Electrode set  520  is mounted transverse of electrode set  510  to allow direct current to flow across the tissue of the teeth and gums. Electrode sets  510  and  520  are connected to conductors to the power supply  530  by way of embedded electrical conductors  540 . Conductors  540  are electrically-insulated and are embedded in mouthpiece  500 . Conductors  530  then connect to the positive and negative poles of a direct current power source, similar to that of  110  or  FIG. 6 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  presents another embodiment of an adjustable direct current power source used to supply direct current to a plurality of oral electrodes. This particular circuit design is capable of delivering a steady current regardless of moderate fluctuations in the resistance between the electrodes. The circuit uses a 9-volt power supply  640 , which could be a disposable battery, a rechargeable battery, an AC-to-DC converter, or any other suitable 9-volt power source. A dual unit, three-port switch  610  is used to select the current level in the circuit. The three options of the switch circuit are power off  614 , 100 μA  612 , or 200 μA  616 . Switch option  614  simply does not complete a circuit, preventing current from flowing. Switch option  612  comprises a 332 kΩ resistor  618  in series with a 2 volt LED  620 . These two components are in parallel with a 48.7 kΩ resistor  622  to provide a 100 microamp current. The Switch option  616  comprises a 665 kΩ resistor  624  in series with a 2 volt LED  626 . These two components are in parallel with a 97.6 kΩ resistor  628  to provide a 200 microamp current. Cathodic upper mouth electrodes  630  and cathodic lower mouth electrodes  632  are in parallel with each other and are electrically connected to the output of switch  610 . Electrical current then travels from power supply  640  to these electrodes, through the gingival tissues of the mouth to anodic upper mouth electrodes  636  and anodic lower mouth electrodes  634  and finally back to power supply  640 . This circuit design will allow moderate and reasonable fluctuations in the resistance across the electrodes and prevent over driving the circuit should the resistance in the mouth vary. 
         [0053]    In another embodiment of this invention or in combination with those previously described, an ionic or colloidal medium in the form of a liquid or a gel may be used to decrease electrical resistance in the mouth and to facilitate a more even current distribution across oral electrodes. Any combination of one or more ionic or colloidal compounds may be used. Examples of such a medium would include, but not be limited to, colloidal silver gel, liquid colloidal silver, colloidal copper gel, liquid colloidal copper, colloidal gold gel, liquid colloidal gold, saline gel, liquid saline or any combination thereof. Artificial or natural flavorings may be added to this medium to offer a more appealing taste to the user. The medium may also contain dietary supplements including, but not limited to, oil of oregano. This medium may also contain teeth-whitening chemical agents. A whitening agent that is catalyzed by the direct current would be most effective in this ionic or colloidal medium. 
         [0054]    In yet another embodiment, microcontrolled power supply  110  would be miniaturized and be physically attached to a mouthpiece similar to  200 ,  300 ,  400 , or  500 . This would allow for an all-in-one unit that would fit inside the user&#39;s mouth. In this embodiment, power source  116  would have to be of small physical size. One of many possible options is a watch-type battery or other small, portable power source. This circuitry would then be encased in a waterproof manner in the material of the mouthpiece itself. Input device  120  and feedback device  130  would be waterproofed and protected from any kind of electrical shorting, as well. 
       CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
       [0055]    Thus the reader will see that at least one embodiment addresses a desired need in the oral hygiene and dental fields to concurrently treat common oral diseases and conditions in a more effective, less invasive, and less expensive manner. These embodiments promote general oral hygiene, treat periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and perdiodontitis, kill oral microbes including bacteria and thus preventing cavities and tooth decay, increase vasodilation and blood flow in oral tissues, promote gingival tissue regeneration, foster osteogenesis in the boney structures of the teeth, mouth, and related areas, and treat other periodontal and oral maladies through the non-invasive application of weak direct current electricity to the surfaces in the oral cavity. 
         [0056]    While our above descriptions contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the invention, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, electrodes may be attached directly to the gumline without the use of a mouthpiece, perhaps using an electrically-conductive paste. Or electrodes may be placed in contact with tissues neighboring the gumline, such as the teeth or tissues of the cheek, instead of directly on the gumline to accomplish the same result. Another example would be replacing LEDs  626  and  620  from  FIG. 6  with standard diodes to achieve the same resultant circuit. Overall, the circuitry from  FIGS. 1 and 6  could be altered in many ways to deliver the same electrical current to the oral electrodes. 
         [0057]    Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.