| 摘要 |
<p>A kit for the diagnosis and reduction of dental caries in patients which comprises: (i) testing means for monitoring the level of Streptococcus mutans inan oral cavity; and (ii) a two stage antimicrobial coating comprising as a firststage, an antimicrobial varnish comprising at least one antimicrobial agent, in a resin binder in an orally acceptable liquid vehicle for painting upon the teeth, and as a second stage, a dentally acceptable, biodegradable, polymeric sealant in anorally acceptable liquid vehicle which is applied over the varnish, when the varnish has dried to a translucent, transparent or tooth coloured film; wherein the testing means is used to determine the level of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity of a dental patient to establish what treatment if any the patient requires in accordance with the following guidelines: a. for a patient with normal levels of Streptococcus mutans, the patient is asked to return for routine checkups and monitoring testing for Streptococcus mutans level as usual; b. for a patient with above normal levels of Streptococcus mutans, the patient is given one application of the two stage antimicrobial coating and asked to return after three months, for a further Streptococcus mutans test; c. for a patient with substantially greater than normal or persistently above normal levels of Streptococcus mutans, the patient is given a total of from about two to about four once a week applications of the two stage antimicrobial coating; and d. for a patient whose Streptococcus mutans levels remain unaffected by the two stage applications set out in paragraph c., subjecting the patient to a careful re-examination of the dentician for previously undetected decay, recurrent root decay or leaking restorations. Also disclosed is a method for the diagnosis and reduction of dental caries in patients and the use of a kit for the diagnosis and reduction of dental caries in a patient.</p> |
