Methods and kits for removing calculus

Abstract

Methods and kids for removing calculus from a tooth. The method can include applying a component A to the tooth; applying a component B to the tooth, thereby generating oxygen; and removing at least a part of the calculus from the tooth.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A kit for removing calculus from a tooth surface in an oral cavity, the kit comprising:
 a component A comprising at least 0.1 wt % hydrogen peroxide, at least 0.1 wt % hydrogen peroxide adduct, or a hydrogen peroxide precursor in an amount effective to provide at least 0.1 wt % hydrogen peroxide;   a component B comprising at least 30 units/mL catalase; and   a set of instructions directing a user to perform the steps comprising:
 applying component A to the tooth surface, 
 applying component B to the tooth surface such that component A and component B are contacted,
 wherein the applying of component A occurs before or after the applying of component B, 
 wherein oxygen is generated upon contacting component A and component B, and 
 wherein after the applying of component B, the concentration of catalase inside the oral cavity surpasses a natural concentration of catalyze prior to the applying of component B, and 
 
 removing calculus from the tooth surface. 
   
     
     
         22 . The kit of  claim 21 , component A comprising at least 1 wt-% hydrogen peroxide, at least 1 wt-% hydrogen peroxide adduct, or a hydrogen peroxide precursor in an amount effective to provide at least 1 wt % hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         23 . The kit of  claim 21 , component A comprising 1 wt % to 35 wt % hydrogen peroxide, 1 wt % to 35 wt % hydrogen peroxide adduct, or a hydrogen peroxide precursor in an amount effective to provide 1 wt-% to 35% hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         24 . The kit of  claim 21 , component A comprising 1 wt % to 10 wt % hydrogen peroxide, 1 wt % to 10 wt % hydrogen peroxide adduct, or a hydrogen peroxide precursor in an amount effective to provide 1 wt-% to 10 wt % hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         25 . The kit of  claim 21 , component A comprising carbamide peroxide, percarbonate salts or acids, polyvinylpyrrolidone peroxide, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         26 . The kit of  claim 21 , component A comprising perborate salts or acids, metal peroxides, organic peroxides, inorganic peroxyacid or salts, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         27 . The kit of  claim 21 , component A comprising peracetate salt or acid. 
     
     
         28 . The kit of  claim 21 , component A comprising a peroxide-generating enzyme. 
     
     
         29 . The kit of  claim 21 , component B comprising 30 units/mL to 300,000 units/mL catalase. 
     
     
         30 . The kit of  claim 21 , component B comprising at least 300 units/mL catalase. 
     
     
         31 . The kit of  claim 21 , component B comprising 300 units/mL to 300,000 units/mL catalase. 
     
     
         32 . The kit of  claim 25 , component B comprising 300 units/mL to 300,000 units/mL catalase. 
     
     
         33 . The kit of  claim 21 , the set of instructions further comprising wherein the component A is allowed to contact the tooth surface for a period of less than about 1 h. 
     
     
         34 . The kit of  claim 21 , the set of instructions further comprising wherein the component A is allowed to contact the tooth surface for a period of less than about 1 h. 
     
     
         35 . The kit of  claim 21 , the set of instructions further comprising wherein the applying of component A occurs at least 30 seconds before the applying of component B. 
     
     
         36 . The kit of  claim 21 , the set of instructions further comprising wherein the removing of calculus occurs within 1 day after the applying of component A and the applying of component B. 
     
     
         37 . The kit of  claim 21 , the set of instructions further comprising wherein the applying of component A, the applying of component B, and the removing of calculus are completed in less than about 1 day. 
     
     
         38 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the removing of calculus comprises mechanical means. 
     
     
         39 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the removing of calculus comprises mechanical means other than toothbrushing. 
     
     
         40 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the removing of calculus comprises the use of a dental scaler.