Control of halitosis-generating and other microorganisms in the non-dental upper respiratory tract
First Claim
1. A method of controlling microorganisms infecting the nondental upper respiratory tract comprising applying electromagnetic energy to infected mucous tissues at a target site in the nondental upper respiratory tract in a manner effective to obtain a desired control of the microorganisms wherein the electromagnetic energy is pulsed and comprises light and optionally heat.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are safe, simple and effective broad-spectrum treatments for halitosis and other microbial infections of the nondental upper respiratory tract useful to treat bacterial and other microorganism species, including anaerobic bacteria. Electromagnetic radiative energy including visible, and optionally, thermal, RF and/or microwave wavelengths, is topically applied to internal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract to destroy or incapacitate superficial microorganisms without the use of antibiotics. One useful apparatus is a handheld energy applicator having a light output head suitable for treating the back of the tongue and the tonsils and which may be interchangeably provided with extensions to reach the sinuses. The energy applicator can be supported and guided by a mounting device held between the subject'"'"'s teeth, if desired. Useful embodiments of the invention include preparative treatment of the target surfaces with a photosensitizing agent such as an oxidizing agent or a complementary stain. Optionally a pre-treament procedure may be employed to remove detritus and microfloral overgrowths that may mask more deeply resident target microorganisms. Novel treatments include treatment of halitosis by destruction of bacterial species associated with halitosis, such as Atopobium parvulum, by application of non-ionizing radiative energy to the tonsils and the back of the tongue. Another embodiment comprises a candy bar incorporating a halitosis treatment lamp disposed within the candy.
140 Citations
44 Claims
- 1. A method of controlling microorganisms infecting the nondental upper respiratory tract comprising applying electromagnetic energy to infected mucous tissues at a target site in the nondental upper respiratory tract in a manner effective to obtain a desired control of the microorganisms wherein the electromagnetic energy is pulsed and comprises light and optionally heat.
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9. A method for the treatment of halitosis comprising applying light energy to a tonsillar or lingual location determined to harbor a colony of microorganisms generating malodorous gas at a wavelength and intensity and for a duration effective to control the colony of microorganisms.
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10. A method of treating halitosis produced by Gram-negative bacteria resident in the pharyngo-oral cavity comprising applying a Gram-negative bacterial sensitizing agent to target tissue ambient to the bacteria and applying photothermal energy to raise the temperature of the ambient tissue to a level sufficient to weaken the sensitized bacteria without causing tissue damage.
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11. A method of selectively destroying halitosis bacteria located at the back of the tongue without damaging the surrounding tissue, comprising:
- employing a light source and a light directing member to direct the light to the back of the tongue wherein said light directing member is constructed to avoid contact with areas responsible for activating a gagging reflex.
- View Dependent Claims (12)
- 13. A method of treating halitosis comprising spraying a photodynamically bactericidal compound on to a target tissue surface harboring bacteria causing halitosis and controlling harmful side effects by preventing the photodynamically active bactericidal compound from diffusing into deeper layers of tissue.
- 18. Apparatus for selectively destroying halitosis bacteria located at the back of the tongue without damaging the surrounding tissue, the apparatus comprising a light source, and a light directing member to direct the light to the back of the tongue wherein the light directing member can be operated while avoiding contact with anatomy responsible for activating the gagging reflex.
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21-29. -29. (canceled)
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44-51. -51. (canceled)
Specification