Oral health care products

Lysozyme is a good example of an enzyme that catalyzes chemical reactions in the cell. Lysozyme acts to kill bacteria by cleaving the covalent bond between the alternating polysaccharides that compose peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls. The human salivary defense proteins and lysozyme are known to exert a wide antimicrobial activity against a number of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens in vitro. Therefore, these proteins, alone or in combinations, have been incorporated as preservatives in foods and pharmaceuticals as well as in oral health care products to restore saliva s own antimicrobial capacity in patients with dry mouth. These antimicrobials used in oral health... 

Consumer Initiatives. Consumer demand for oral health care products is increasing as people recognize the importance of oral health in overall health and well-being. There are several major corporations that... 

Many monoterpenes have found application in perfumery, aromatherapy, as cosmetics and insecticides. Menthol, a constituent of essential oils from Mentha species, is the most widely used monoterpene. It is contained in pharmaceuticals, oral health care products, chewing gums, and tobacco products (Croteau et al., 2005). More than 7,000 t of menthol are produced every year either by total synthesis or from the steam-distilled essential oil of corn-mint Mentha arvensis var. piperascens). The cooling sensation stimulated by menthol is caused by excitation of cation channels that serve as thermal receptors (Jordt et al, 2003). 

The use of fluoridated products, as well as fluoridation of domestic water supplies, has been one of the most successful approaches ever adopted to improve any aspect of public health. Continued use of such products, albeit under careful control and supervision by the dental profession, will remain important if the advances in oral health of the past 50 years are to be maintained in the future. 

Commercial applications. Over the last decade, bovine LF has been commercialised in various applications, e.g., in milk-based infant formulas, health supplements, functional foods and drinks, cosmetics, oral care products, chewing gums and feed supplements (Steijns, 2001). Such products are targeted at optimal iron delivery, mimicking human breast milk or boosting natural defense systems against infections. Also, LF could be exploited as a natural antioxidant due to its strong ability to bind iron, which is an important catalyst for free radical formation inside the cells. 

Health care providers including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians should demonstrate to parents and older children how medications should be administered and offer appropriate dosing devices (oral syringe, dropper, cylindrical medication spoon, or a small-volume doser with attachable nipple) to enable parents to accurately measure liquid products. A household teaspoon or tablespoon should not be used for medication administration because they are inaccurate. Kraus and Stohlmeyer explain the use of a new oral liquid medication delivery system that can be used for infants and young children who still use a bottle for feeding. 

Oral film technology also offers similar advantages. Novartis Consumer Health Care has launched two products Therafiu and Triaminic Thin Strips said to be the first... 

Patients with photosensitivity reactions should be treated much the same as burn victims would be management of the bum is of primary importance. Some patients benefit from topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines, but these are relatively ineffective. Systemic corticosteroids, typically oral prednisone at 1 mg/kg per day tapered over 3 weeks, is more effective for these patients. Pharmacists and other health care professionals should encourage the proper use of sunscreen, and recommend a protective product that protects against ultraviolet A and B rays. ... 

The potential health risks of personal care products that can occur include skin or eye irritation, ingestion, and inhalation. In general, surfactants used in shampoos do not demonstrate serious oral and ingestion toxicity. 

P G brings to the Health Care sector the same capacity for technical innovation, understanding of consumers and marketing expertise that has made possible the success of the Company s consumer products, such as Oil of Olay , Tide , Pampers , and Bounty. Health Care brands include nonprescription medicines such as Vicks , Mctamucil , and ThermaCare prescription products such as Actonel (risedronate) and Asacol (mesalamine) and oral care products such as Crest and Fixodent . 

A significant market exists for items such as lUDs, diaphragms, condoms, and a variety of over-the-counter products used for contraception. In addition, many pharmaceutical products are focused on women s health care. These products include oral contraceptives, fertility-enhancing products, hormonal preparations, and medications to ease menstrual cramps. 

---