Patent Publication Number: US-2005123490-A1

Title: Composition and method for prevention and treatment of dental caries

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/526,890, filed on Dec. 4, 2003, and the entirety of this application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to dental treatments, and more particularly to a composition and method for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The proper care, maintenance and repair of teeth is of utmost concern for people all over the world. From the earliest ages, people are taught dental maintenance steps including teeth brushing, teeth flossing and regular dental checkups. The prevention of dental caries is important for dental health. Almost 20 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 4 have had dental caries, and by the age of 17, about four out of five people have had at least one carious lesion (i.e., cavity) or restoration (filling). Over two-thirds of adults between 35 and 44 years old have lost at least one permanent tooth and about one-half of people 75 years or older have had root caries affecting at least one tooth. Glock, Martha; Horowitz, Alice M.; Canto, Maria T., compilers, Diagnosis and Management of Dental Caries. Bethesda (Md.): National Library of Medicine; 2001 February,  Current Bibliographies in Medicine  ( CBM ), no. 2001-1 (available at www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/cbm/dental_caries.html).  
      Dental caries are common oral and infectious diseases that result in the destruction of the tooth structure by the invasion of acid forming bacteria that are found in dental plaque, an intraoral biofilm. Scientific evidence has shown that the initiation of dental caries requires a relatively high proportion of mutans streptococci bacteria which is found within dental plaque. This bacteria adheres well to the surface of the tooth and produces higher amounts of acid from sugars than other bacteria types. Dental caries often appears as a white chalky area on the enamel of the tooth, that later softens and progresses to the breakdown of the tooth structure. Depending upon the severity of the dental caries, the disease can lead to the loss of tooth minerals, and the extraction of the tooth. Mineral loss is inhibited by the availability of fluoride in the mouth, as the fluoride promotes remineralization of the tooth structure which leads to rebuilt and stronger outer layers of the tooth.  
      Dental caries are dependent on dietary sucrose that change both the thickness and the chemical nature of the plaque. A diet with a high proportion of sucrose increases the risk of dental caries. When the plaque bacteria come into contact with various foods or liquids containing simple sugars, the bacteria metabolize the sugars and make organic acids as a metabolic by-product. If the acids are not buffered by saliva, the acids dissolve the surface of the apatite crystals of adjacent tooth structure, a process known as demineralization. In thick gel-like plaque, the pH falls with a couple of seconds of contact with dietary sugars. When the pH is neutral, the same crystals can regrow, using calcium, phosphate, and fluoride from saliva causing remineralization. Dental carie disease begins when demineralization outweighs remineralization.  
      Dental caries can be modified by fluoride. The minerals of enamel, cementum and dentin are a highly substituted calcium phosphate salt called apatite. While the apatite of newly formed teeth is relatively soluble, rich in carbonate and low in fluoride, demineralization and remineralization in a fluoride rich environment creates apatite of lower carbonate, higher fluoride and lower solubility. Fluorides present in foods, drinks, dentrifices, oral rinses and filling materials can reduce the solubility of teeth and reduce the risk of dental caries.  
      The prior art has not provided an adequate solution to preventing dental caries from forming or for treating dental caries. Adherence to proper dental care, including tooth brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups, may prevent the formation of dental caries. Prior art devices and methods have provided mechanical solutions for treating dental caries. The prior art mechanical devices and methods of treating dental caries are invasive and may require local anesthesia. Prior art devices use low speed and high speed handpieces in drilling procedures to remove dental caries, followed by a subsequent placement of restorative materials to replace the void. Prior art treatments using organic resin, polymer and inorganic dental cement have not been successfully used to replace early lesion of dental caries. The organic resins, polymers and inorganic dental cements do not bury the dental carie for a sufficient time without deep excavation of the affected dental carie. Because an affected part of the dental carie is microscopic in the early stages, organic resins, polymers and inorganic dental cements lie on the tooth and are easily removed over time. The difference in the rates of thermal expansion between the enamel and the organic resin, polymer and inorganic dental cements prevent adequate adhesion between the enamel and the organic resin, polymer and inorganic dental cements.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,399 to Rentsch discloses a polymerisable dental material and use of apatite fillers in the dental material. The Rentsch material has variably adjustable transparency, good polishability, high strength and capacity to release and absorb ions into and from a biological environment. The Rentsch material is a dental material filler that only provides an aesthetic solution for the teeth.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,311 to Blackshear discloses a method of preventing the formation of dental caries and other oral lesions and removing sugars from an oral cavity. The Blackshear method includes an oral hygiene composition that includes at least one carbohydrate-binding protein, and most preferably a lectin or other sucrose or galactose/glucose binding protein. The Blackshear method is used to remove sugars and is not effective for preventing non-sugar related sources of dental caries. In addition, the Blackshear method does not integrate into the tooth to prevent subsequent caries or produce a hydroxyapatite synthetic enamel.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,566 to Lynch et al. discloses an apparatus for the treatment of dental caries that includes a source of oxidizing gas and a handpiece for delivering the gas to a tooth. A cup attached to a handpiece of the Lynch et al. device is provided for receiving the gas and exposing a selected area of the tooth having the dental carie to the gas, the cup having a resilient edge for engaging and sealing the tooth. The Lynch et al. cup does not adequately seal the tooth to prevent escape of the gas into the mouth of a patient, thereby exposing the patient to health risks. The Lynch et al. device can remove the existing dental carie without preventing future dental caries and leaves a void in the surface of the enamel of the tooth.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. The compositions of the present invention offer several advantages over conventional compositions used to prevent and treat dental caries of a tooth including integrating with a chemically incomplete portion of the tooth to crystallize the chemically incomplete portion of the tooth and replace the dental carie; and integrating with an enamel of the tooth to form a synthetic enamel.  
      The present invention is a dental paste to treat a dental carie of a tooth comprising: a silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder; an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide; and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid.  
      The present invention is a method of treating a dental carie of a tooth including: (a) applying a dental paste comprising a silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth having the dental carie; and (b) washing an excess amount of the dental paste from the tooth. Steps (a) and (b) may be repeated several times until the dental carie is treated. The method may further include applying a second dental paste comprising a fluorized apatite powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth having the dental carie and washing an excess amount of the second dental paste from the tooth.  
      The present invention is a method of preventing formation of a dental carie including: (a) applying a dental paste comprising a silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth and (b) washing an excess amount of the dental paste from the tooth. The method may further include applying a second dental paste comprising a fluorized apatite powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth and washing an excess amount of the second dental paste from the tooth.  
      The present invention is a method of making a dental paste to prevent and treat a dental carie comprising: mixing an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid-sodium silicate and a calcium phosphate; filtering a precipitate of a mixture of the aqueous solution of phosphoric acid-sodium silicate and the calcium phosphate; reducing the precipitate to a plurality of small particles and passing the plurality of small particles through a sleeve to yield a silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder; and mixing the silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid.  
      The present invention is a method of whitening a tooth that includes: applying a dental paste comprising a silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth; and washing an excess amount of the dental paste from the tooth. The method may further include applying a second dental paste comprising a fluorized apatite powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth and washing an excess amount of the second dental paste from the tooth.  
      In addition to offering all of the advantages discussed above, the compositions and methods of the present invention are safe, simple to prepare, effective and require a short duration and painless procedure. These and other advantages of the present invention will be obvious through the embodiments described hereinafter. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.  
       FIG. 1  is a cross section view of a tooth.  
       FIG. 2  is a top view of a tooth with a dental carie at an approximate center portion of the tooth.  
       FIG. 3  is a top view of a tooth treated using the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention producing a synthetic enamel that replaces a dental carie.  
       FIG. 4A  is a scanning electron microscope image of a portion of a polished cross section of a tooth, including a synthetic enamel, after application of dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4B  is a back scattered scanning electron microscope image of a portion of a polished cross section of a tooth, including a synthetic enamel, after application of the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4C  is a secondary scanning electron microscope image of an inner structure of a portion of a polished tooth, including a synthetic enamel, after application of the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4D  is a high magnification secondary scanning electron microscope image of a synthetic enamel after application of the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5A  is a wide scan x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectrum of a synthetic enamel of a tooth after application of the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5B  is a x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of a synthetic enamel of a tooth after application of the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6A  is an atomic force microscopy image of a polished surface of an enamel of a tooth before treatment with the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6B  is an atomic force microscopy image of a polished surface of a tooth after application of the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention to an enamel of the tooth.  
       FIG. 6C  is an atomic force microscopy image of a surface of a tooth covered with a plurality of particles of the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention after application of the FHAp dental paste.  
       FIG. 7A  is a low magnification scanning electron microscope image of a portion of a polished cross section of a tooth, including a synthetic enamel, after application of the dental paste containing SiHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7B  is a high magnification scanning electron microscope image of a synthetic enamel after application of the dental paste containing SiHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a low magnification scanning electron microscope image of a portion of a polished cross section of a tooth, including a synthetic enamel, after application of the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9A  is a low magnification transmission electron microscope image of a thin tooth section showing the synthetic enamel (R) and the enamel (E) after treatment with the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9B  is a magnified transmission electron microscope image of a thin tooth section showing the synthetic enamel after treatment with the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9C  is a magnified transmission electron microscope image of a thin tooth section showing the enamel after treatment with the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9D  is a magnified transmission electron microscope image of a thin tooth section showing the interface between the synthetic enamel and the enamel after treatment with the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9E  is a high-resolution transmission electron microscope image of a thin tooth section showing the crystal structure in the synthetic enamel after treatment with the dental paste containing FHAp of the present invention. 
    
    
      While the above-identified drawings set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments of the present invention are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments of the present invention by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the present invention.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The present invention provides compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. An embodiment of the present invention provides a dental paste comprising a fluorized apatite (FHAp) powder, an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluorized apatite powder is comprised of a calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder and an aqueous solution of sodium fluoride. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a dental paste comprising silicate containing hydroxyapatite (SiHAp) powder, an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid.  
      For a tooth with a dental carie, a dental paste of the present invention, either alone or in combination, is applied to a dental carie in an enamel of a tooth and then integrates with the enamel of the tooth to form a synthetic enamel. The integration of the enamel and the synthetic enamel occurs within the depth of the natural enamel of the tooth. The integration of the synthetic enamel and the enamel of the tooth should not extend beyond the dentin and enamel junction, although it may extend beyond the dentin and enamel junction. The dental paste integrates with the existing chemically incomplete portion of the enamel of the tooth by an inorganic crystallization process which completes the chemically and physically incomplete portion of the enamel of the tooth to replace the dental carie. For a healthy tooth, the dental paste of the present invention, either alone or in combination, is applied to the tooth, integrates with the enamel of the tooth to form a synthetic enamel and completes the incomplete natural enamel structure.  
       FIG. 1  shows a vertical cross section of a tooth  15 . The tooth  15  comprises an exposed crown  27  and a root  29 . The crown  27  is usually at least partially covered by an enamel  16 , an outer layer of a hard substance similar to bone. Beneath the enamel  16  is a dentin  17 , an intermediate layer of material which is also similar to bone but not as hard as the enamel  16 . The crown  27  comprises the enamel  16  and a portion of an outermost section of the dentin  17  located proximal to the enamel  16 . The dentin  17  surrounds an inner pulp cavity  18  comprised of a pulp  19 . Blood vessels and nerves reach the inner pulp cavity  18  through a channel called a root canal  20  that penetrates the root  29 . The root  29  is the lower portion of the tooth  15  that comprises the root canal  20 , and at least a portion of the inner pulp cavity  18 . A cementum  21 , a thin coating, covers the root  29  of the tooth  15 .  
      The enamel  16  is calcified bone that serves as a protective layer of the tooth  15 . The enamel  16  is comprised of a plurality of small enamel rods or prisms which form the framework of the tooth  15 . The enamel  16  is translucent and can vary in color from yellowish to grayish white based upon variations in thickness, translucent properties, and the quality of the crystal structure and surface stains of the enamel  16 . The enamel  16  is comprised of about 96% inorganic materials, about 1% organic materials and about 3% water. The main inorganic material components of the enamel  16  are calcium and phosphorus as a hydroxyapatite.  
      The dentin  17  is a light yellow and porous substance that is more radiolucent than the enamel  16 . The dentin  17  comprises the largest portion of the tooth  15  and is harder than bone, but softer than the enamel  16 . The dentin  17  carries sensations such as temperature and pain to the pulp  19 . The dentin  17  comprises about 70% inorganic material and about 30% organic material and water. The main inorganic material components of the dentin are calcium and phosphorus as a hydroxyapatite.  
      The pulp  19  is the only soft tissue of the tooth  15  and makes the tooth  15  a living tissue. The pulp  19  contains blood vessels, nerves and other cells and supplies nutrients to the tooth  15  and the nerve endings of the pulp transmit sensations such as pain and temperature. The pulp  19  responds to irritation, either by forming reparative secondary dentin or by becoming inflamed.  
      The cementum  21  is a bonelike tissue that is light yellow in color and slightly lighter in color than the dentin  17 . The cementum  21  is comprised of about 55% organic material and about 45% inorganic material. The main inorganic material components are calcium salts.  
       FIG. 2  shows a top view of the tooth  15  comprising a dental carie  44 , shown as a line at an approximate center portion of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15 .  FIG. 2  shows the top of the tooth  15  before a treatment of the tooth  15  by a dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention. The dental carie  44 , also known as a cavity, is a soft, decayed area in the tooth  15  that can progress from the enamel  16  to the dentin  17  and ultimately the pulp  19  of the tooth  15 . Bacteria present in the mouth convert all foods, and especially sugars and starches into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth  15  mineralizes into calculus or tartar. The acids in the plaque dissolve at least a portion of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15 , creating the dental carie  44 .  
       FIG. 3  shows a top view of the tooth  15  after treatment of the dental carie  44  through an application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention that integrates with the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  to form a synthetic enamel  46 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the dental carie  44 , shown as the line in the center portion of the tooth of  FIG. 2 , is removed and replaced with the synthetic enamel  46 .  
      The present invention also prevents the formation of the dental carie  44  in a manner similar to the treatment of the dental carie  44 . The chemistry and mechanism for preventing the formation of a dental carie  44  and the treatment of a dental carie  44  are similar. In one embodiment of the present invention, for a healthy tooth  15 , the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is applied to the tooth, integrates with the enamel of the tooth  15  to form a synthetic enamel  46 , and completes the incomplete natural enamel structure. In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is applied to the tooth, integrates with the enamel of the tooth  15  to form a synthetic enamel  46 , and completes the incomplete natural enamel structure. In another embodiment of the present invention, both the dental paste  36  containing FHAp and the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp are applied to the tooth, integrate with the enamel of the tooth  15  to form a synthetic enamel  46  and completes the incomplete natural enamel structure.  
       FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  can be used to discuss the prevention of the formation of a dental carie  44 . A tooth  15  having an incomplete enamel structure is susceptible to the formation of the dental carie  44 . The formation of a dental carie  44  on a healthy tooth  15  involves a process whereby the healthy tooth  15  has a susceptibility to a dental carie  44  and, if not properly treated, progresses to the formation of a dental carie  44 . A dental paste of the present invention, either alone or in combination, integrates with the incomplete enamel structure of a tooth  15  to form the synthetic enamel  46  and mechanically and chemically completes the enamel structure of the tooth  15  to prevent the formation of the dental carie  44 . The extent of integration is governed by the depth of the natural enamel  16  of the tooth  15 . The dental paste completes the apatite of the enamel  16  to prevent the formation of the dental carie  44 .  
      In an embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste is comprised of a fluorized apatite (FHAp) powder, an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluorized apatite powder is comprised of a calcium phosphate and an aqueous solution of sodium fluoride. Calcium phosphates, especially hydroxyapatite, have physiochemical properties similar to those of the enamel  16 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the calcium phosphate is a calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder. In another embodiment of the present invention, the calcium phosphate is a hydroxyapatite. In another embodiment of the present invention, the calcium phosphate is a hydroxyapatite and a calcium deficient hydroxyapatite. In another embodiment of the present invention, the calcium of the calcium phosphate may be substituted partially by strontium, barium, cadmium, lead, copper, sodium, potassium and others. Preparation of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp that prevents and treats the dental carie  44  consists of several steps.  
      The hydroxyapatite includes calcium phosphate materials with various chemical compositions. In one embodiment of the present invention, the chemical composition is Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the hydroxyapatite is a calcium deficient hydroxyapatite with a calcium to phosphorus molar ratio between about 0.5 and about 1.67. In another embodiment of the present invention, the hydroxyapatite is a calcium excess hydroxyapatite with a calcium to phosphorus molar ratio larger than about 1.67. In another embodiment of the present invention, the hydroxyapatite is a carbonated apatite with either the whole or part of the PO 4   3−  ions and/or OH −  ion are substituted by the CO 3   2−  ion. In another embodiment of the present invention, the hydroxyapatite is a fluorapatite and a chlorapatite in which either the whole or part of the OH −  ion are substituted by F− ions and/or Cl− ions. In another embodiment of the present invention, the hydroxyapatite is a cation substituted hydroxyapatite in which part of the calcium (Ca) ion is substituted by a metal such as magnesium, zinc, strontium and others. In another embodiment of the present invention, the hydroxyapatite is a combination of the calcium deficient hydroxyapatite, the fluorapatite and chlorapatite.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, the fluorized apatite powder is comprised of the hydroxyapatite and other thermodynamically metastable calcium phosphates. A thermodynamically metastable material transforms to the hydroxyapatite with time under wet conditions such as in solution or in gel like paste, especially when the hydroxyapatite coexists. In one embodiment of the present invention, the thermodynamically metastable calcium phosphate is amorphous calcium phosphate having a representative chemical composition of Ca 9 (PO 4 ) 6 *nH 2 O. In another embodiment of the present invention, the thermodynamically metastable calcium phosphate is selected from the group consisting of octacalcium phosphate (Ca 8 (HPO 4 ) 2 (PO 4 ) 4 *5H 2 O, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO 4 *2H 2 O), dicalcium phosphate anhydrous CaHPO 4 , tricalcium phosphate (whitlockite) including α and β phases (Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , tetracalcium phosphate (Ca 4 (PO 4 ) 2 O), monocalcium phosphate monohydrate Ca(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 *H 2 O and monocalcium phosphate anhydrous (Ca(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 ). Those skilled in the art will recognize there are other thermodynamically metastable calcium phosphates known in the art that are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, about 1 gram (g) of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder (calcium to phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio of about 1.64) (available from UBE Material, Ltd., Japan) is added to about 100 milliliters (ml) of an about 200 millimolar (mM) concentration aqueous solution of sodium fluoride. After the mixture of the calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder and the sodium fluoride is stirred for about one hour at about 60° C., the mixture is filtered and a precipitate from the mixture of the calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder and the sodium fluoride is obtained.  
      In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture of the calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder and the sodium fluoride is stirred with a Bioshaker. The precipitate is then washed with water and dried at about 110° C. for about 24 hours, yielding a fluorized apatite powder. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluorized apatite powder is a fluoride treated calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder.  
      In the process of the formation of the fluorized apatite (FHAp) powder, the OH of the calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder (Ca 10 (PO 2 ) 6 (OH 2 ) is substituted with F −  for stability, allowing the calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder to convert into the stable fluorized apatite powder (Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 F 2 ). The fluoride content of the fluorized apatite powder can be about 0.3 weight to weight percent (w/w %). In the present invention, the fluoride content of the fluorized apatite powder preferably is between about 0.01 to about 1.0 weight to weight percent (w/w %). The fluorized apatite powder is crushed and passed through a 100 mesh sleeve (aperture size about 150 microns). About 2 ml of a mix of an about 35% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an about 85% aqueous solution of phosphoric acid is added to and mixed with about 1.5 g of the fluorized apatite powder to yield the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various aqueous solutions and powders known in the art can be used with the present invention and other amounts and concentrations of the aqueous solutions and powders in addition to other processing conditions known in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      The phosphoric acids used to yield the dental paste  36  containing FHAp includes, but are not limited to, metaphosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, ortho-phosphoric acid and triphosphate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the phosphoric acid content of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is between about 1.0 to about 20 w/w %. Those skilled in the art will recognize other acids known in the art can be used with the present invention and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      After the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is mixed, the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is applied to the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  where the dental paste  36  containing FHAp integrates with the enamel  16  of the tooth  15 . In integrating with the enamel  16 , the dental paste  36  containing FHAp fills in a in a lattice of the hydroxyapatite compound comprising the enamel  16 . The dental paste  36  containing FHAp crystallizes with a chemically incomplete portion of the enamel  16  of the tooth, forming fluorized apatite crystals of the synthetic enamel  46 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ingredients used to make the dental paste  36  containing FHAp are mixed prior to use, as the dental paste  36  containing FHAp will undergo gradual loss of activity. About fifteen minutes after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp to the enamel  16 , the excess dental paste  36  containing FHAp that has not integrated with the enamel  16  is removed by washing the tooth  15  with a washing medium. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing medium is purified water. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the dental paste can remain on the tooth for various lengths of time and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      After application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp, the dental paste  36  containing FHAp dissolves a portion of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15 . The dental paste  36  containing FHAp is comprised of a strong acid having a pH of about 1-2 from the addition of the aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide and phosphoric acid. The phosphoric acid is the primary contributor to the low pH of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp. The dental paste  36  containing FHAp dissolves the enamel  16  on a microscopic level to allow for the integration of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp within the enamel  16 . The dental paste  36  containing FHAp is removed after a specified time to dissolve a specified amount of the enamel  16  to produce the synthetic enamel  46  through integration of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp. After dissolution of a portion of the enamel  16 , there is a recrystallization as the fluorized apatite crystals of the synthetic enamel  46  are formed. The extent of integration is governed by the depth of the natural enamel  16  of the tooth  15 .  
      In an embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is applied to the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  several times. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is applied to the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  from about two times to about six times. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is applied to the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  about three times. Each application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp to the tooth  15  increases the thickness of the synthetic enamel  46 , allowing for additional integration of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp into the enamel  16  of the tooth  15 . After each application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp to the tooth  15 , the excess dental paste  36  containing FHAp is removed by washing the tooth  15  with the washing medium. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a high and/or low speed handpiece is used in addition to the application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of applications of the dental paste to the tooth are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the dental paste  36  containing FHAp can be removed from the tooth  15  in many ways known in the art and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      For a tooth showing a susceptibility to the formation of a dental carie  44 , the dental paste  36  containing FHAp integrates with the incomplete enamel structure to form the synthetic enamel  46 . The dental paste  36  containing FHAp mechanically and chemically completes the enamel structure of the tooth  15 , completing the apatite of the enamel  16  to prevent the dental carie  44  from forming.  
      The dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention treats the dental carie  44  and replaces the dental carie  44  with the synthetic enamel  46 . Those skilled in the art will recognize the dental paste  36  containing FHAp can be used to treat dental caries  44  in various stages ranging from a stage where there is no dental carie  44  to stages where the dental carie  44  is deep within the tooth  15  and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      For the tooth having a dental carie  44 , the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is used to treat the dental carie  44  existing in the enamel  16  of the tooth  15 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is used to treat the dental carie  44  that has advanced into the dentin  17  of the tooth  15 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  36  containing FHAp can be used as a cement. Those skilled in the art will recognize the dental paste  36  containing FHAp can be used to treat dental caries  44  that have progressed into various portions of the tooth  15  and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4A  shows a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of a portion of a polished cross section, including the synthetic enamel  46 , of the tooth  15  after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , the synthetic enamel  46 , the enamel  16 , the dentin  17  and the pulp  19  are shown. After at least one application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp, the dental paste  36  containing FHAp integrates with the enamel  16  to form the synthetic enamel  46 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4A , the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is strongly integrated with the enamel  16  shown by the lack of contrast between the enamel  16  and the synthetic enamel  46 . The transition zone  50  is shown as the area where the synthetic enamel  46  integrates with the enamel  16 . The transition zone  50  is shown where the light grey intersects the darker grey.  
       FIG. 4B  shows a back scattered scanning electron microscope image of a portion of the polished cross section, including the synthetic enamel  46 , of the tooth  15  after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention.  FIG. 4B  is the same tooth  15  and view as  FIG. 4A , but with the back scatter technique used to show the absence of a contrast between the synthetic enamel  46  and the enamel  16 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4B , the back scattered scanning electron microscope image shows the portion of the polished cross section of the tooth  15  as if the polished cross section of the tooth  15  was comprised of a single constituent. By showing the polished section of the tooth  15  as a single constituent, the back scattered scanning electron microscope image of  FIG. 4B  confirms the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is strongly integrated with the enamel  16  to form a strong synthetic enamel  46 . In addition, without a contrast between the applied dental paste  36  containing FHAp and the enamel  16 ,  FIG. 4B  shows the integrated dental paste  36  containing FHAp has a similar chemical composition as the enamel  16 .  
       FIG. 4C  shows a secondary scanning electron microscope image of an inner structure of the portion of the polished tooth  15 , including the synthetic enamel  46 , after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4C , the thickness of the synthetic enamel  46  is between about 30 microns and about 50 microns. As discussed previously, various factors including the number of applications of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp to the tooth  15  affect the thickness of the synthetic enamel  46 . As shown in  FIG. 4C , the dental paste  36  containing FHAp integrates into the enamel  16  producing the synthetic enamel  46 , shown as a net like structure.  
       FIG. 4D  shows a high magnification secondary scanning electron microscope image of the synthetic enamel  46  after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4C , the synthetic enamel  46  comprises a plurality of micron-scaled pillar crystals  25 . The plurality of pillar crystals  25  are arranged in a direction not parallel (approximately perpendicular) to a surface of the tooth  15 . The structure and direction arrangement of the plurality of pillar crystals  25  of the synthetic enamel  46  is approximately the same as the structure and arrangement direction of the enamel rods or prisms of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15 .  
      The integration of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp into the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  fills in a plurality of voids in a lattice of the hydroxyapatite compound comprising the enamel  16 . The dental paste  36  containing FHAp integrates with a chemically incomplete portion of the tooth  15  to crystallize the chemically incomplete portion of the tooth  15 . The integration of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp results in the pillar crystal  25  morphology shown in  FIG. 4D . The plurality of hydroxyapatite crystals of the enamel  16  are products of the integration of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp with the enamel  16 . When compared to the chemical composition and the crystal structure of the hydroxyapatite of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  that has not been treated with the dental paste  36  containing FHAp, the chemical composition and the crystal structure of the synthetic enamel  46  shown in  FIG. 4B  and  FIG. 4D  are about the same as the chemical composition and crystal structure of the untreated tooth  15  prior to treatment with the present invention. In addition, the crystallization of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp to the enamel  16  provides a smooth contrast between the dental paste  36  and the enamel  16 .  
       FIG. 5A  shows a wide scan x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum of the synthetic enamel  46  of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  shows a graph of the intensity versus the binding energy. When compared to a XPS spectrum of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  that has not been treated with the dental paste  36  containing FHAp, the various intensity peaks shown in  FIG. 5A  corresponding to the synthetic enamel  46  approximately coincide with the peaks of the XPS spectrum of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  prior to treatment with the present invention. Intensity peaks corresponding to F, Ca2s, Ca2p3, P2s and P2p of the synthetic enamel  46  are shown on  FIG. 5A  and coincide with F, Ca2s, Ca2p3, P2s and P2p intensity peaks of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  prior to treatment with the present invention. The synthetic enamel  46  comprises Ca 2+ , P 5+  and F− ions that are fundamentally the same as the Ca 2+ , P 5+  and F −  ions in the enamel  16 . In addition, the amount of F −  ions in the synthetic enamel  46  is about the same as the amount of F− ions in the enamel  16 . The Ca/P atomic ratio of the synthetic enamel  46  in the present invention is about 1.58 while a Ca/P atomic ratio of the enamel is about 1.64.  
       FIG. 5B  shows a x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the synthetic enamel  46  of the present invention. When compared to a XRD pattern of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  prior to treatment with the present invention, the detected peaks shown in  FIG. 5B  corresponding to the synthetic enamel  46  approximately coincide with the detected peaks of the XRD pattern of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  prior to treatment with the present invention. Sharp intense 002 reflections indicate that the synthetic enamel  46  consists of single crystals with arranging [ 0001 ] direction. The apatite crystal is bounded by the ( 0001 ) crystallographic face (also known as the c-face), and the ( 10 {overscore ( 1 )} 0 ) face (also known as the a face). The ( 0001 ) face corresponds to the basal face of the apatite crystal while the ( 10 {overscore ( 1 )} 0 ) face corresponds to the sides of the crystal. The single crystals arranged in the [ 0001 ] direction are in a direction approximately perpendicular to the ( 0001 ) face.  
       FIGS. 6A-6C  show the integration of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention with the enamel  16  and how the morphology of the fluoride treated hydroxyapatite crystals are extended to [ 0001 ] direction.  FIG. 6A  shows an atomic force microscopy (AFM) image of a polished surface of the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  before treatment with the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  illustrates a plurality of stretched lines resulting from the polishing of the surface.  FIG. 6B  shows the AFM image of the polished surface of the tooth  15  after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp to the enamel  16  for about one minute and a subsequent rinse of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp with a washing medium from the tooth  15 .  FIG. 6B  shows an intermediate step where the dental paste  36  containing FHAp dissolves a portion of the enamel  16  and the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is partially integrated into the enamel  16 .  FIG. 6C  shows the AFM image of the polished surface of the tooth  15  after about 15 minutes of treatment and a subsequent rinse of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp with the washing medium from the tooth  15 . As shown in  FIG. 6C , the surface of the tooth  15  is covered with particles having diameters between about 30 nanometers (nm) and about 50 nm. Combined with the SEM images of  FIGS. 4C-4D ,  FIG. 6C  shows that the particles are the top part of the pillar crystals  25  shown in  FIG. 4D .  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, a dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is applied to the tooth  15  either alone or in addition to the dental paste  36  containing FHAp to enhance the prevention and the treatment of the dental carie  44 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is applied after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp. In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is applied before application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp. The dental paste  38  containing SiHAp can enhance the treatment of the dental carie  44  and help promote the replacement of the dental carie  44 . The SiHAp powder may be applied to the tooth either before or after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp. By applying SiHAp powder to the tooth after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp, the thickness of the synthetic enamel is increased and the appearance of the tooth is improved due to a greater luster, shine, and polishability. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of applications of either or both of the dental pastes to the tooth are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the dental pastes can be removed from the tooth  15  in many ways known in the art and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      Preparation of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp consists of several steps. In the process of the formation of the silicate containing hydroxyapatite (SiHAp) powder, samples are synthesized by using a wet process. A mixed solution of phosphoric acid-sodium silicate (both available from Kanto Pure Chemicals Co. Ltd., Japan) is prepared having a total concentration of PO 4   3−  and SiO 4   4−  of about 0.3 mol.dm −3  and added to a calcium hydroxide Ca(OH) 2  slurry containing about 0.5 mol.dm −3  of Ca 2+  ion (available from UBE Material, Ltd., Japan). The sodium silicate decreases the viscosity of the silicate containing hydroxyapatite paste. The compositions of the samples can be controlled by changing synthesis temperature, and contents of trace elements are controlled by selecting the purity of Ca(OH)2. Furthermore, the molar ratio of phosphate ion and silicate ion (Si/P ratio) in samples are controlled by selecting the Si/P ratio in mixed solution of phosphoric acid-sodium silicate. The molar ratio of Si/P may range from about 0.11 to about 0.43. The synthesis temperature may range from about 5 to 40° C. A method of forming the silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder is known in the art, such as for example, the silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder taught in Okada and Suzuki, 2001,  Journal of the Society of Inorganic Materials, Japan,  8: 118-124, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. About 2 ml of a mix of an about 35% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an about 85% aqueous solution of phosphoric acid is added to and mixed with about 1.5 g of the mixture of the phosphoric acid, the sodium silicate and the calcium hydroxide suspension to yield the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various aqueous solutions and powders known in the art can be used with the present invention and other amounts and concentrations of the aqueous solutions and powders in addition to other processing conditions known in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      After the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is mixed, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is applied to the tooth  15  where the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp integrates with the enamel  16 . The extent of integration is governed by the depth of the natural enamel  16  of the tooth  15 . In integrating with the enamel  16 , the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp fills in a plurality of voids in a lattice of the hydroxyapatite compound comprising the enamel  16 . The dental paste  38  containing SiHAp crystallizes with a chemically incomplete portion of the enamel  16  of the tooth, forming silicate apatite crystals of the synthetic enamel  46 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ingredients used to make the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp are mixed prior to use, as the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp will undergo gradual loss of activity. About 10 minutes after application of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp to the enamel  16 , the excess dental paste  38  containing SiHAp that has not integrated with the enamel  16  is removed by washing the tooth  15  with a washing medium. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing medium is purified water. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the dental paste can remain on the tooth for various lengths of time and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is applied to the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  several times. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is applied to the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  from about two times to about six times. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is applied to the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  about three times. Each application of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp to the tooth  15  increases the thickness of the synthetic enamel  46 , allowing for additional integration of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp into the enamel  16  of the tooth  15 . After each application of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp to the tooth  15 , the excess dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is removed by washing the tooth  15  with the washing medium. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a high and/or low speed handpiece is used in addition to the application of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of applications of the dental paste to the tooth are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp can be removed from the tooth  15  in many ways known in the art and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      For a tooth showing a susceptibility to the formation of a dental carie  44 , the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp integrates with the incomplete enamel structure to form the synthetic enamel  46 . The dental paste  38  containing SiHAp mechanically and chemically completes the enamel structure of the tooth  15 , completing the apatite of the enamel  16  to prevent the dental carie  44  from forming.  
      The dental paste  38  containing SiHAp of the present invention treats the dental carie  44  and replaces the dental carie  44  with the synthetic enamel  46 . Those skilled in the art will recognize the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp can be used to treat dental caries  44  in various stages ranging from a stage where there is no dental carie  44  to stages where the dental carie  44  is deep within the tooth  15  and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      For the tooth having a dental carie  44 , the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is used to treat the dental carie  44  existing in the enamel  16  of the tooth  15 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is used to treat the dental carie  44  that has advanced into the dentin  17  of the tooth  15 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp can be used as a cement. Those skilled in the art will recognize the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp can be used to treat dental caries  44  that have progressed into various portions of the tooth  15  and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7A  shows a low magnification (40×) scanning electron microscopy image of a portion of a polished cross section, including the synthetic enamel  46 , of the tooth  15  after application of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7A , the synthetic enamel  46 , the enamel  16  and the dentin  17  are shown. After at least one application of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp, the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp integrates with the enamel  16  to form the synthetic enamel  46 . The integration of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp into the enamel  16  of the tooth  15  fills in a plurality of voids in a lattice of the hydroxyapatite compound comprising the enamel  16 . The dental paste  38  containing SiHAp integrates with a chemically incomplete portion of the tooth  15  to crystallize the chemically incomplete portion of the tooth  15 . The transition zone  50  is shown as the area where the synthetic enamel  46  integrates with the enamel  16 . The transition zone  50  is shown where the light grey intersects the darker grey.  
       FIG. 7B  shows a high magnification (500×) scanning electron microscope image of the synthetic enamel  46  after application of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp of the present invention. The integration of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp results in a pillar crystal  25  morphology. The plurality of hydroxyapatite crystals of the enamel  16  are products of the integration of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp with the enamel  16 . The crystallization of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp to the enamel  16  provides a smooth contrast between the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp and the enamel  16 . The transition zone  50  is shown as the area where the synthetic enamel  46  integrates with the enamel  16 . The transition zone  50  is shown where the light grey intersects the darker grey.  
       FIG. 8  shows a scanning electron microscopy image of a portion of a polished cross section, including the synthetic enamel  46 , of the tooth  15  after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the synthetic enamel  46 , the enamel  16  and the dentin  17  are shown. After at least one application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp, the dental paste  36  containing FHAp integrates with the enamel  16  to form the synthetic enamel  46 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 8 , the dental paste  36  containing FHAp is strongly integrated with the enamel  16  shown by the lack of contrast between the enamel  16  and the synthetic enamel  46 . The transition zone  50  is shown as the area where the synthetic enamel  46  integrates with the enamel  16 . The transition zone  50  is shown where the light grey intersects the darker grey.  
      When comparing  FIGS. 7A and 7B  with  FIG. 8 , it is evident that the application of dental paste  38  containing SiHAp to a tooth  15  results in an increase in the crystallization of the synthetic enamel  46  as compared with application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp.  
      Without being limited to any particular theory, the increase in the crystallization of the synthetic enamel  46  after application of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp is partly due to the larger size of the SiHAp molecules as compared to the FHAp molecules. The larger size of the SiHAp molecules also results in an increase in the thickness of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp as compared to the dental paste  36  containing FHAp for the same number of applications. Thus, if fewer layers of dental paste are desired, one should use the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp. The dental paste  38  containing SiHAp provides, among other things, better polishability (i.e., better surface finish after polishing with dental tools) and an increase in viscosity (which affects the wettability of the dental paste) as compared with the dental paste  36  containing FHAp.  
      FIGS.  9 A-E show transmission electron microscopy images of a thin tooth section after application of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp of the present invention.  FIG. 9A  is a low magnification of the tooth  15  including the synthetic enamel  46  (labeled as R in  FIG. 9A ) and the enamel  16  (labeled as E in  FIG. 9A ). The transition zone  50  is shown as the arrow and dotted line and is the transition between the synthetic enamel  46  and the enamel  16  (scale bar is 5 μm).  FIG. 9B  shows a magnified image of the synthetic enamel  46  of the tooth  15 . The synthetic enamel  46  consists of elongated pillar crystals  25  arranged in the same orientation (scale bar is 100 nm). An electron diffraction pattern of the observed area is superimposed at the bottom right corner of  FIG. 9B .  FIG. 9C  shows a magnified image of the enamel  16  region (scale bar is 100 nm). An electron diffraction pattern of the observed area is superimposed at the bottom left corner of  FIG. 9C .  
       FIG. 9D  is a magnified image around the interface between the synthetic enamel  46  and the enamel  16  region of the tooth  15 . As shown in  FIG. 9D , pillar crystals  25  grow continuously, i.e., there is no discontinuous boundary observed (scale bar is 100 nm). Continuous growth of pillar crystals leads to better integration of the synthetic enamel  46  and the enamel  16 .  FIG. 9E  is a high-resolution image showing the crystal structure of the synthetic enamel  46  of the tooth  15  (scale bar is 1 nm). Crystal lattice periodicities on the nanometer scale were observed as shown in  FIG. 9E  (0.817 nm and 0.688 nm). The arrows in  FIG. 9E  indicate the elongated direction of the crystal.  
      Those skilled in the art will recognize that apatite powders other then fluorized apatite (FHAp) and silicate containing hydroxyapatite (SiHAp) can be used in the compositions and methods of the present invention. The general chemical formula for the apatite used in the compositions of the present invention is A 10 (BO 4 ) 6 C 2 , where A is calcium (Ca), B is phosphate (P) and C is fluorine, chlorine or hydroxyl (F, Cl, OH). The F, Cl and OH ions can freely substitute in the crystal lattice of apatite and all three are usually present in every specimen although some specimens have been close to 100% in one or the other. For example, the fluorized apatite (FHAp) powder used in the dental paste of the present invention has a chemical formula of Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 F 2 , in which the C is fluorine. The silicate containing hydroxyapatite (SiHAp) powder used in the dental paste of the present invention has a chemical formula of Ca 10 (POSi) 6 OH 2 , in which the C is hydroxyl and the PO 4   3−  ion in the hydroxyapatite has been partially substituted for SiO 4   4−  ion.  
      In three-dimensional space, fourteen different lattices divided among six crystal systems may be constructed. These are the isometric or cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic, and hexagonal systems, as established by French crystallographer Auguste Bravais. The apatite mineral belongs to the hexagonal crystal system of the Bravais lattice. Minerals of the hexagonal crystal system are referred to three crystallographic axes which intersect at 120° and a fourth which is perpendicular to the other three. This fourth axis is usually depicted vertically. All crystals of the hexagonal division possess a single 6-fold axis of rotation. In addition to the single 6-fold axis of rotation, crystals of the hexagonal division may possess up to six 2-fold axes of rotation. Crystals of the hexagonal division may demonstrate a center of inversion symmetry and up to seven mirror planes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any apatite powder that meets the above criteria can be used in the compositions and methods with the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      In other embodiments of the present invention, the dental paste compositions of the present invention can be used in various fields both inside and outside of the field of dentistry. For example, the dental paste compositions can be used in the field of orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, operative/restorative dentistry, prosthodontic dentistry, preventive dentistry, implantology, column chromatography, piezoelectric materials and semiconductors.  
      In the field of orthodontics, the dental paste compositions reduce the need for strategic tooth extractions, such as the extraction of premolars in order to create space to mobilize teeth. By combining the enamel plasty technique, a technique that usually removes enamel from the mesial and distal sides of the tooth, and the application, building and contouring of the dental paste compositions, the orthodontist is able to control the space needed for orthodontic treatment without teeth extraction.  
      In the field of oral surgery and periodontics, the dental paste compositions can be used to treat a site of alveolar bone loss or deficiency. For example, the fluoride treated calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder dental paste composition of the present invention is mixed in succinic acid solution or a similar solution and applied to fill the void from the bone loss or deficiency as a bone cement or artificial bone.  
      In addition to its use for filling sites of bone loss in the fields of oral surgery and periodontics, the fluoride treated calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder dental paste composition of the present invention can be used in operative/restorative dentistry and prosthodontic dentistry to protect the pulp, prevent further tooth decay and reduce the sensitivity which a patient experiences. When the pulp chamber is close to being exposed after excavation of the dental caries and preparation of the restoration, the solidified and shaped fluoride treated calcium deficient hydroxyapatite powder dental paste composition can be placed instead of the base material to protect the pulp, prevent further tooth decay and reduce the sensitivity. The dental paste compositions also transition unsupported enamel into a supported enamel by integrating into the tooth to provide a synthetic enamel, thereby making restorations more conservative.  
      The dental paste compositions have use in the field of operative dentistry and prosthodontic dentistry. In these fields, the dental paste compositions can be used as a restorative material in place of composite resins or cement materials.  
      Further enhancement of the prevention of dental caries in the field of preventive dentistry can be achieved by mixing the dental paste compositions of the present invention with toothpaste, prophy paste and fluoride treatment gel. The dental paste compositions of the present invention are more effective than prior art dental sealants that stay in place due to adhesion, rather than integration to the tooth structure.  
      The dental paste compositions can be used in the field of implantology as well. For applications in this field, the dental paste compositions are applied to a metal base of the implant and used as an artificial calcium of the natural tooth to coat the base metal.  
      When periodontitis, gingivitis and/or other factors cause an exposure of the cementum of the tooth and a subsequent sensitivity due to the exposed cementum occurs, the dental paste compositions can be used as a coating agent on the exposed cementum to reduce the sensitivity. Furthermore, the dental paste compositions, mixed with polysaccharide (especially maltotriose) and/or soy bean fiber powder, can be applied to the cementum to act as an artificial cementum.  
      The dental paste compositions of the present invention are also useful as disinfectants or antibacterial agents. The disinfectant effect or antibacterial effect helps prevent the formation of dental caries. The dental paste compositions can be applied to a tooth with or without a dental carie.  
      Various applications of the dental paste compositions outside of the field of dentistry include the use of the dental paste compositions as a filler material for column chromatography, piezoelectric materials or surface application materials of semiconductors. For these uses, for example, the fluoride treated calcium deficient hydroxyapatite dental paste composition is ionized in the low pH solution and then recrystallized. This produces a more dense, regular, larger and higher quality of the crystal when compared to the case where the naturally occurring calcium phosphate cluster is ionized in the same low pH solution and recrystallized. The higher quality of the crystal allows use in the aforementioned fields outside of the field of dentistry.  
      In an embodiment, the present invention provides a dental paste to treat a dental carie  44  of a tooth  15  including a fluorized apatite powder; an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide; and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid.  
      In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a dental carie  44  of a tooth  15  including applying a dental paste comprising a fluorized apatite (FHAp) powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth  15  having the dental carie  44  and washing an excess amount of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp from the tooth  15 . The process is repeated until the dental carie  44  of the tooth  15  is treated. The method may further include applying a dental paste  38  containing SiHAp to the tooth  15  having the dental carie  44  and washing the excess dental paste  38  containing SiHAp from the tooth  15 .  
      In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing formation of a dental carie  44  of a tooth  15  including: (a) applying a dental paste  36  comprising a fluorized apatite (FHAp) powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth  15  and (b) washing an excess amount of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp from the tooth  15 .  
      In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of making a composition to prevent and treat a dental carie  44  including: mixing an aqueous solution of sodium fluoride and a calcium phosphate; filtering a precipitate of a mixture of the aqueous solution of sodium fluoride and the calcium phosphate; reducing the precipitate to a plurality of small particles and passing the plurality of small particles through a sleeve to yield a fluorized apatite powder; and mixing the fluorized apatite powder with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid.  
      In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of whitening a tooth including: applying a dental paste  36  comprising a fluorized apatite (FHAp) powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth  15  and washing an excess amount of the dental paste  36  containing FHAp from the tooth  15 .  
      In an embodiment, the present invention provides a dental paste to treat a dental carie  44  of a tooth  15  including a silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder; an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide; and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid.  
      In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a dental carie  44  of a tooth  15  including: (a) applying a dental paste  38  comprising a silicate containing hydroxyapatite (SiHAp) powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth  15  having the dental carie  44  and (b) washing an excess amount of the dental paste  38  containing SiHAp from the tooth  15 .  
      In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing formation of a dental carie  44  including: (a) applying a dental paste  38  comprising a silicate containing hydroxyapatite (SiHAp) powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth  15  and (b) washing the excess dental paste  38  containing SiHAp from the tooth  15 .  
      In an embodiment, the present invention also provides a method of making a dental paste  38  containing SiHAp to prevent and treat a dental carie  44  including: mixing an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid-sodium silicate and a calcium phosphate; filtering a precipitate of a mixture of the aqueous solution of phosphoric acid-sodium silicate and the calcium phosphate; reducing the precipitate to a plurality of small particles and passing the plurality of small particles through a sleeve to yield a silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder; and mixing the silicate containing hydroxyapatite powder with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid.  
      Further, the present invention provides a method of whitening a tooth  15  including: applying a dental paste  38  comprising a silicate containing hydroxyapatite (SiHAp) powder mixed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the tooth  15  and washing the excess dental paste  38  containing SiHAp from the tooth  15 .  
      All patents, patent applications, and published references cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.