Methods and kits for removing calculus using a non-enzymatic, hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst

1. A method of removing calculus from a tooth comprising:

applying a component A to the tooth, wherein component A comprises a hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereto;

applying a component B to the tooth, wherein component B comprises a non-enzymatic, hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst for generating oxygen gas;

wherein components A and B are applied simultaneously or sequentially to the tooth, thereby generating oxygen gas to soften and/or loosen at least part of the calculus on the tooth; and

removing at least a part of the calculus from the tooth.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein component A is applied before or after component B is applied.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein component A is applied for a period of less than 1 hour before applying component B.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein component B is applied for a period of less than 1 hour before applying component A.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein component B comprises a water-soluble inorganic compound, an Fe(III) complex, a water-insoluble inorganic compound, a metalloporphyrin complex, a mononuclear metal non-porphyrin complex, a dinuclear metal non-porphyrin complex, a trinuclear metal non-porphyrin complex, a tetranuclear metal non-porphyrin complex, and a combination thereof.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein Component B comprises a water-soluble inorganic compound.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the water-soluble inorganic compound is selected from the group of an iodate precursor, a molybdate precursor, a polyoxometallate, an HCl-Cl 2 solution, and a combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein component B comprises greater than 0.05 M of an iodate precursor.

9. The method of claim 5 wherein component B comprises an Fe(III) complex.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein component B comprises at least 0.02 M of an Fe(III) complex.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the Fe(III) complex is selected from the group of Fe(III)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, FeTrF 5 Ph-β(SO 3 ) 2 -corrole 2− , 5,14-dihydro-5,9,14,18-tetraaza-di(2,2-dimethyl-[5,6]benzo-[1,3]dioxolo)[a,h]cyclotetradecene-Fe(III) chloride, and a combination thereof.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the Fe(III) complex is Fe(III)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein component B has a pH of at least 5 up to 10.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein component B comprises a pH buffer.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the component B buffer comprises compounds selected from citric acid, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium phosphate monobasic, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′,2″-nitrilotriethanol, glycine, diglycine, N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl) glycine, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and combinations thereof.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein component A comprises at least 1.0 M hydrogen peroxide.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein at least a part of the calculus is removed by mechanical means.

18. A kit of parts for removing calculus from a tooth comprising:

a component A comprising a hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereto; and

a component B comprising a non-enzymatic, hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst for generating oxygen gas; and

instructions for applying component A and component B to the tooth according to the method of claim 1 .

19. The kit of parts of claim 18 wherein component A and/or component B further includes one or more additives.

20. The kit of parts of claim 19 wherein one or more additives are selected from antiseptics and preservatives, antibiotics, flavoring materials, surfactants, abrasives, thickeners and binders, propellants, carriers, tartar control agents, calcium sequestrants, fluoride salts, and dyes.