Cariology—Related Patents in South America: Innovations in Prevention, Management and Treatment

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform a technological prospecting about the current scenario regarding patent applications involving the Cariology area in five South American countries. METHODS: This review offers general and oriented insights about patents in the Cariology area, considering active reports from 2000 through 2025. We conducted a technological prospecting on intellectual property banks of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay using the keywords 'caries', 'dental caries', 'dentistry', 'dental', 'oral' and 'buccal'. RESULTS: From a total of 1740 patents, companies and industries had 63.56% applications, 50.4% were claimed for compositions and 37.01% for personal products. Brazil was the most expressive with 88.39% followed by Argentina with 8.16% patent deposits. The United States was the main country of origin of patents with 41.72%. Most of the patents are A61K code (61.09%) for medical, dental or hygienic purposes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the interest in patenting compositions and products for personal use, mainly by Brazilian and American industries/companies. Based on the largest number of deposits founded, The United States demonstrates its strong influence on the international market. However, according to the patent application scenario observed, there is a need for innovation on new materials of prevention and treatment, also in detection and diagnosis techniques, as well as the protection of intellectual property developed and focused on the area of Cariology.