Use of sulphated sucrose in preparations for the treatment of teeth and their supporting tissue.

The use of a sulphated saccharide or a salt or a complex thereof as an ingredient in a topical preparation for the prophylaxis or treatment of diseases or conditions of the tooth or tooth-supporting tissue, in particular for the prophylaxis or treatment of inflammatory and plaque-related conditions, a method of preventing or treating such diseases or conditions by topically applying the sulphated saccharide or salt or complex thereof, and a topical preparation containing the sulphated saccharide or salt or complex thereof for the prophylaxis or treatment of such diseases or conditions. The sulphated saccharide is especially a polysulphated or persulphated saccharide. e.g. sucralfate (sucrose octakis(hydrogen sulphate) aluminum complex) or a sodium and/or potassium salt of sucrose octakis(hydrogen sulphate). The preparation may be in the form of a solution, suspension, salve, paste, powder, gel, cream, dental fixative, periodontal implant, chewing gum, chewable tablet, effervescent tablet or lozenge.