阅读说明：本技术 在锌牙膏中的流变稳定化体系 (Rheology stabilizing system in zinc toothpaste ) 是由 尼塔·阿图尔·帕特尔 格里戈里·谢夫奇克 安德烈·摩根 梅利莎·缪尔 于 2017-12-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文公开了口腔护理组合物,其包含锌氨基酸卤化物络合物和包含聚乙二醇和丙二醇作为结构化湿润剂的湿润剂体系,所述组合物具有改善的流变稳定性。还提供了制备和使用所述组合物的方法。(Disclosed herein are oral care compositions comprising a zinc amino acid halide complex and a humectant system comprising polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol as structuring humectants, the compositions having improved rheological stability. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.)

1. A toothpaste composition comprising

a. Zinc complexed with an amino acid, and

b. a humectant system comprising a structured humectant, wherein the structured humectant is PEG in an amount of 1 to 10% by weight of the toothpaste composition and PG in an amount of 1 to 10% by weight of the toothpaste composition.

2. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1, wherein the amino acid is selected from lysine, arginine and glycine in free or salt form.

3. Any foregoing toothpaste composition wherein the amino acid is lysine in free or salt form.

4. The toothpaste composition of any preceding, wherein the zinc amino acid complex is a zinc lysine chloride complex or a zinc arginine chloride complex.

5. The toothpaste composition of any preceding, wherein the zinc amino acid complex is of the chemical structure [ Zn (C)₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺Cl^-(Z L C) or a cationic complex ([ Zn (C) ]₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺) With chloride anions, or in the form of a solid salt, optionally in the form of a monohydrate or a dihydrate.

6. The toothpaste composition of any preceding, wherein the zinc amino acid complex is present in an amount of 2 to 10 wt% of the toothpaste composition.

7. Any preceding toothpaste composition wherein the PEG is present in an amount of 2-4 wt% and the PG is present in an amount of 3-5 wt% of the toothpaste composition.

8. Any preceding toothpaste composition wherein the PEG is present in an amount of about 3% by weight of the toothpaste composition and the PG is present in an amount of about 4% by weight of the toothpaste composition.

9. Any preceding toothpaste composition wherein the PEG is PEG 600.

10. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising an organic or inorganic acid to lower the pH, optionally selected from one or more of phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, gluconic acid, benzoic acid, and the like, in an amount of 0.05 to 5% by weight, or 0.1 to 2%, or 0.1 to 1%, or 0.1 to 0.75%, or 0.25 to 0.75%, or about 0.5% of the composition.

11. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions, further comprising hydrochloric acid.

12. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions, further comprising sodium tripolyphosphate.

13. Any preceding toothpaste composition comprising an ingredient selected from one or more of the following: abrasives, buffering agents, surfactants, thickeners, gum strips or fragments, breath freshening agents, flavoring agents, fragrances, coloring agents, antibacterial agents, whitening agents, agents that interfere with or prevent bacterial attachment, a calcium source, an orally acceptable potassium salt, and anionic polymers.

14. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions comprising an effective amount of a fluoride ion source.

15. A toothpaste composition comprising

a. Zinc complexed with an amino acid, and

b. a humectant system comprising a structured humectant, wherein the structured humectant is PEG in an amount of 1% to 10% by weight of the toothpaste composition and PG in an amount of 1% to 10% by weight of the toothpaste composition,

c. an effective amount of a fluoride ion source,

d. the amount of silicon dioxide,

e. an additional wetting agent is added to the water-soluble polymer,

f. the amount of the tripolyphosphate to be added is,

g. an anionic surfactant, a surfactant,

h. a zwitterionic surfactant, and

i. flavoring agents and sweetening agents.

16. The toothpaste composition according to any preceding claim for use in reducing and inhibiting acid erosion of enamel, cleaning teeth, reducing bacterially-generated biofilm and plaque, reducing gingivitis, inhibiting formation of cavities and cavities, and/or reducing dentinal hypersensitivity.

17. A method of treating or reducing dental enamel erosion, cleaning teeth, reducing bacterially-produced biofilm and plaque, reducing gingivitis, inhibiting the formation of cavities and cavities, and/or reducing dentinal hypersensitivity comprising applying to the teeth a toothpaste composition according to any preceding claim.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to oral care compositions comprising a zinc amino acid halide complex (Z L C) and a humectant system that provides improved rheological stability.

Background

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and Propylene Glycols (PGs) are very common wetting/dispersing agents in toothpaste compositions because of their solubility in water and flexibility as good binders without significantly affecting aesthetic attributes such as lather. A mixed humectant system consisting of PEG and PG is typically used to keep toothpaste formulations from crystallizing. These humectants have not previously been demonstrated to have any rheological interaction or rheological impact on toothpaste compositions. However, the present disclosure has demonstrated its significant impact on the rheology of toothpaste compositions. Experiments have shown that PEG and PG do not remain harmless in the formulation, but interact strongly with the zinc species and water present, thereby affecting the rheology of the toothpaste composition, such as viscosity. The interaction of PEG and PG with zinc and water surprisingly results in improved rheology, composition texture and thus improved stability of the composition.

Disclosure of Invention

While oral care compositions comprising the Z L C complex are known, it has been challenging to formulate compositions comprising the complex that have good long term stability and yield stress however, the present invention surprisingly improves the stability and yield stress of toothpaste compositions comprising the Z L C complex by incorporating a humectant system comprising PEG and PG as a structuring humectant.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, in one embodiment of an oral care composition, for example, a toothpaste composition comprising a zinc-amino acid complex, for example a zinc-amino acid-halide complex such as a zinc-lysine-chloride complex, for example Z L C, and further comprising a humectant system comprising a structured humectant, wherein the structured humectant is PEG in an amount of 1 to 10% by weight of the toothpaste composition and PG in an amount of 1 to 10% by weight of the toothpaste composition.

The present disclosure also provides methods of using the compositions disclosed herein to reduce and inhibit acid erosion of enamel, clean teeth, reduce bacterially-generated biofilm and plaque, reduce gingivitis, inhibit the formation of cavities and cavities, and reduce dentinal hypersensitivity comprising applying the compositions of the present invention to teeth.

The present disclosure also provides a method of making the compositions disclosed herein, comprising combining in an aqueous solution a zinc ion source (e.g., ZnO), an amino acid (e.g., a basic amino acid in free or salt form, such as arginine or lysine), and optionally a halide source, e.g., combining zinc oxide with a lysine hydrochloride, e.g., in a Zn: amino acid molar ratio of 1: 1 to 1: 3, e.g., 1: 2, and a Zn: halide molar ratio, when present, of 1: 1 to 1: 3, e.g., 1: 2; optionally isolating the ionic complex thus formed as a solid; and mixed with an oral care base, such as a toothpaste, that also comprises PEG and PG.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The zinc-amino acid complexes described herein are disclosed in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0328118 and PCT publication WO2014/098826, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides a toothpaste composition (composition 1) comprising zinc complexed with an amino acid, such as a zinc-amino acid-halide complex, PEG and PG in an amount of 1-10% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides:

1.1. composition 1, wherein the amino acid is selected from lysine, glycine and arginine, in free or orally acceptable acid addition salt form, such as in the form of a hydrochloride salt.

1.2. Composition 1 or 1.1, wherein the amino acid is a basic amino acid, such as arginine or lysine, in free or orally acceptable salt form.

1.3. Any preceding composition, wherein the amino acid is lysine in free or salt form.

1.4. Any preceding composition wherein the amino acid is lysine monohydrochloride in an amount of about 4.72% by weight of the composition.

1.5. Any of the foregoing compositions, further comprising a halide in ionic association with the zinc and the amino acid and/or comprising a halogen atom coordinated to the zinc and the amino acid.

1.6. Any of the foregoing compositions wherein the Zn: amino acid molar ratio is from 3: 1 to 1: 5, e.g., about 1: 2, and when present, the Zn: halide molar ratio is from 3: 1 to 1: 3, e.g., about 1: 2.

1.7. Any preceding composition, wherein the zinc-amino acid complex is formed in situ, in whole or in part, after the composition is applied.

1.8. Any preceding composition, wherein the zinc-amino acid complex is formed in situ, in whole or in part, after formulation of the composition.

1.9. Any preceding composition wherein the zinc is present in an amount of 0.05 to 10% by weight of the composition, optionally at least 0.1%, at least 0.2%, at least 0.3%, at least 0.4%, at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3% or at least 4% by weight of the composition up to 10% by weight of the composition, such as 0.5 to 1%, or 2%, 2.5%, 3% or 4% or 5%, such as 1 to 3%, such as 2 to 2.7% by weight of the composition, such as about 0.84% by weight of the composition.

1.10. Any preceding composition, wherein the amino acid is present in an amount of 0.05 to 30 wt% of the composition, optionally at least 0.1 wt%, at least 0.2 wt%, at least 0.3 wt%, at least 0.4 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, at least 0.8 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 3 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 5 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 15 wt%, at least 20 wt% up to 30 wt%, e.g., 0.1-10 wt%, 0.5 wt%, or 1 wt%, or 2 wt%, or 3 wt%, or 4-5 wt%, about 4.72 wt%, 0.5-2 wt%.

1.11. Any of the foregoing compositions, wherein the molar ratio of zinc to amino acid is from 2: 1 to 1: 4, optionally from 1: 1 to 1: 4, from 1: 2 to 1: 4, from 1: 3 to 1: 4, from 2: 1 to 1: 3, from 2: 1 to 1: 2, or from 2: 1 to 1: 1, for example about 1: 2 or 1: 3.

1.12. Any of the foregoing compositions comprising a halide ionically associated with zinc and an amino acid and/or comprising a halogen atom coordinated to zinc and the amino acid, wherein the halide is selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, and mixtures thereof.

1.13. Any of the foregoing compositions, wherein the zinc amino acid complex is a zinc lysine chloride complex (e.g., (Zn L ys)₂Cl)⁺Cl^-Or (Zn L ys)₃)²⁺Cl₂) Or zinc arginine chloride complex (e.g., (ZnArg)₂Cl)⁺Cl^-Or (ZnArg)₃)²⁺Cl₂)。

1.14. Any of the foregoing compositions, wherein the zinc amino acid complex is a zinc lysine chloride complex, e.g., Z L C, e.g., having the chemical structure [ Zn (C)₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺Cl^-Or with a cation (e.g., [ Zn (C) ]₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺) And chloride anions, or in the form of a solid salt, for example in crystalline form, optionally in the form of a monohydrate or dihydrate.

1.15. Any preceding composition, wherein the composition comprises 1% to 10% by weight of a zinc-amino acid complex, such as a zinc-lysine complex or a Z L C complex, for example 2-8%, or 3-8%, or 4-7%, or 4-6%, or 5-6%, or about 5.77%.

1.16. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions wherein the PEG is present in an amount of 2 wt% to 4 wt% and the PG is present in an amount of 3 wt% to 5 wt% of the toothpaste composition.

1.17. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions, wherein the PEG is present in an amount of about 3% by weight of the toothpaste composition and the PG is present in an amount of about 4% by weight of the toothpaste composition.

1.18. Any preceding toothpaste composition wherein the PEG is PEG 600.

1.19. Any preceding toothpaste composition wherein the humectant system comprises an additional humectant, for example selected from sorbitol, glycerol, xylitol and mixtures thereof, for example, comprising at least 20%, for example 20-80%, for example 30-60% of the humectant.

1.20. Any of the toothpaste compositions, wherein the composition comprises 0.1 to 5% by weight linear-PVP, e.g., 0.5 to 5%, 0.5 to 4%, 0.5 to 3%, 0.5 to 2.5%, 0.5 to 2%, 1 to 1.5%, or about 1%, or about 1.5%.

1.21. Any preceding toothpaste composition wherein the composition comprises 0.1 to 5% by weight of crosslinked PVP, for example 0.5 to 5%, 0.5 to 4%, 0.5 to 3%, 0.5 to 2.5%, 0.5 to 2%, 1 to 1.5%, or about 1%, or about 1.5%.

1.22. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions comprising an effective amount of one or more alkali metal phosphates, such as sodium, potassium or calcium salts, for example selected from alkali metal hydrogen phosphates and alkali metal pyrophosphates, for example selected from alkali metal phosphates selected from: disodium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and mixtures of any two or more of these, for example, in an amount of 0.5-20%, such as 1-8%, such as 1-5%, such as 1-3%, such as about 2% by weight of the composition.

1.23. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions comprising an alkali metal tripolyphosphate, such as sodium or potassium tripolyphosphate, in an amount of from 0.5 to 20% by weight, such as from 1 to 5%, from 2 to 5%, or from 2 to 4%, or from 2 to 3%, or from 1 to 4%, or from 1 to 3%, or from 1 to 2% or about 2% by weight.

1.24. Any preceding toothpaste composition, wherein the composition does not comprise an alkali metal pyrophosphate salt (e.g., tetrasodium pyrophosphate or tetrapotassium pyrophosphate).

1.25. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions wherein sodium tripolyphosphate is the only polyphosphate present.

1.26. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions wherein sodium tripolyphosphate is the only polyphosphate present, in an amount of about 2% by weight of the composition.

1.27. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising an organic or inorganic acid to lower the pH, for example one or more selected from phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, gluconic acid, benzoic acid, and the like, in an amount of 0.05 to 5% by weight of the composition, or 0.1 to 2%, or 0.1 to 1%, or 0.1 to 0.75%, or 0.25 to 0.75%, or about 0.44%.

1.28. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising hydrochloric acid in an amount of from 0.05 to 5% by weight of the composition, or from 0.1 to 2%, or from 0.1 to 1%, or from 0.1 to 0.75 or 0.5 or 0.4 or 0.3%, or from 0.25 to 0.75%, or about 0.25%.

1.29. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising phosphoric acid in an amount of 0.05 to 5% by weight of the composition, or 0.1 to 2%, or 0.1 to 1%, or 0.1 to 0.75%, or about 0.17%.

1.30. Any foregoing toothpaste composition, wherein the composition comprises sodium tripolyphosphate and phosphoric acid.

1.31. Any foregoing toothpaste composition, wherein the composition comprises linear-PVP, sodium tripolyphosphate, and phosphoric acid.

1.32. Any preceding toothpaste composition wherein the composition is a low water composition, for example, having a water content of less than 20 wt%, such as 5-20 wt%, or 5-15%, such as 15%, or 5-11 or 12 or 13 or 14 wt%.

1.33. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions wherein the zinc-amino acid complex is present in an effective amount, e.g., in an amount of 0.05-4% by weight of the composition of zinc, e.g., 0.1-3%, 0.2-2%, about 0.84%.

1.34. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions, wherein the composition comprises an abrasive, such as a silica abrasive, in an effective amount, such as from 5-30%, for example about 5%, 7%, about 10% and about 22%.

1.35. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions wherein the composition comprises a silica abrasive/detergent in an amount of 22%.

1.36. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising an effective amount of a fluoride ion source, for example to provide 50 to 20,000ppm fluoride, for example 1000 to 5000ppm, for example about 3200 ppm.

1.37. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising an effective amount of a fluoride source, for example, wherein the fluoride is a salt selected from stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium fluorosilicate, ammonium fluorosilicate, an amine fluoride (e.g., N '-octadecyltrimethylendiamine-N, N' -tris (2-ethanol) -bifluoride), ammonium fluoride, titanium fluoride, hexafluorosulfate, and combinations thereof.

1.38. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising an effective amount of a fluoride source, wherein the fluoride source is sodium fluoride.

1.39. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising an effective amount of a fluoride source, wherein the fluoride source is sodium fluoride in an amount of 0.32%.

1.40. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions comprising a buffering agent, such as a sodium phosphate buffer (e.g., sodium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate).

1.41. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions comprising one or more surfactants, e.g. selected from anionic, cationic, zwitterionic and nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof, e.g. comprising an anionic surfactant, e.g. a surfactant selected from sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and mixtures thereof, e.g. in an amount of from 0.3 wt% to 4.5 wt%, e.g. from 0.5 to 1, or 2 or 3 or 4%, e.g. 1-2% sodium lauryl sulfate (S L S), e.g. 1.75% S L S, and/or a zwitterionic surfactant, e.g. a betaine surfactant, e.g. cocamidopropyl betaine, e.g. in an amount of from about 0.1 wt% to about 4.5 wt%, e.g. 0.5-2% cocamidopropyl betaine, e.g. about 1%.

1.42. Any preceding composition comprising S L S.

1.43. Any of the foregoing compositions comprising S L S in an amount of 1.75% by weight of the composition.

1.44. Any of the foregoing compositions comprising cocamidopropyl betaine.

1.45. Any of the foregoing compositions comprising cocamidopropyl betaine in an amount of 1.00% by weight of the composition.

1.46. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising a viscosity-adjusting amount of one or more polysaccharide gums, such as xanthan or carrageenan, carboxymethyl cellulose, silica thickener, and combinations thereof, such as xanthan gum.

1.47. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising xanthan gum in an amount of 0.1%.

1.48. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions comprising a strip or fragment of tree gum.

1.49. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising a flavoring agent, a fragrance, and/or a coloring agent.

1.50. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions comprising an effective amount of one or more antibacterial agents, for example comprising an antibacterial agent selected from: halogenated diphenyl ethers (e.g., triclosan), herbal extracts and essential oils (e.g., rosemary extract, tea extract, magnolia extract, thymol, menthol, eucalyptol, geraniol, carvacrol, citral, hinokitiol, catechol, methyl salicylate, epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, gallic acid, miswak (miswak) extract, sea buckthorn extract), magnolol and derivatives thereof (e.g., isobutyl magnolol, isopropyl magnolol, tert-butyl magnolol, honokiol), biguanide preservatives (e.g., chlorhexidine, alexidine, or tinidine), quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), benzalkonium chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride (TPC), N-tetradecyl-4-ethyl pyridinium chloride (TDEPC)), phenolic preservatives, preservatives, Hexetidine, tinidine, sanguinarine, povidone iodine, delmopinol, salifiuor, metal ions (e.g., zinc salts (e.g., zinc citrate), stannous salts, copper salts, iron salts), sanguinarine, propolis and oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, buffered sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate), phthalic acid and its salts, monoperoxyphthalic acid and its salts and esters, ascorbyl stearate, oleoyl sarcosine, alkyl sulfates, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, salicylanilide, domiphen bromide, octapipradine and other piperidinyl derivatives, nicotinic acid preparations, chlorite salts; and mixtures of any of the foregoing; for example, triclosan or cetylpyridinium chloride is included.

1.51. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising a whitening agent, for example selected from the group consisting of peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, hypochlorites, and combinations thereof.

1.52. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising hydrogen peroxide or a source of hydrogen peroxide, for example, urea peroxide or a peroxide salt or complex (such as, for example, a peroxyphosphate, peroxycarbonate, perborate, peroxysilicate or persulfate salt; e.g., calcium peroxyphosphate, sodium perborate, sodium peroxycarbonate, sodium peroxyphosphate, and potassium persulfate);

1.53. any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising a physiologically or orally acceptable potassium salt, e.g., potassium nitrate or potassium chloride, in an amount effective to reduce dentinal hypersensitivity.

1.54. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising an anionic polymer, such as a synthetic anionic polymeric polycarboxylate, for example wherein the anionic polymer is selected from 1: 4 to 4: 1 copolymers of maleic anhydride or acid with another polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer; for example, wherein the anionic polymer is a methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride (PVM/MA) copolymer having an average molecular weight (M.W.) of from about 30,000 to about 1,000,000, e.g., from about 300,000 to about 800,000, e.g., wherein the anionic polymer is from about 1-5%, e.g., about 2%, by weight of the composition.

1.55. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions further comprising a breath freshener, fragrance or flavoring agent.

1.56. Any preceding toothpaste composition wherein the pH of the composition is from pH 5 to pH 8.5, for example from pH 5 to 7.5, or from 5 to 7, or from 5.5 to 7.5, or from 5.5 to 7, or from 6 to 8, or from 6 to 7.5, or from 6.5 to 8, or from 6.5 to 7.5, or from 6 to 7, or from 6.5 to 7, or from 6 to 6.5, or about 6, or about 6.5 or about 7 or about 7.6 or about 8.2.

1.57. A toothpaste composition comprising

a. Zinc complexed with an amino acid in an amount of about 5.77% by weight of the composition,

b. a humectant system comprising a structured humectant, wherein the structured humectant is PEG in an amount of about 3% by weight of the composition and PG in an amount of about 4% by weight of the composition, and

c. an effective amount of a fluoride ion source, for example about 0.32% by weight of the composition.

1.58. A toothpaste composition comprising

a. Zinc complexed with an amino acid in an amount of about 5.77% by weight of the composition,

b. a humectant system comprising a structured humectant, wherein the structured humectant is PEG 600 in an amount of about 3% by weight of the composition and PG in an amount of about 4% by weight of the composition,

c. an effective amount of a fluoride ion source, e.g., about 0.32% by weight of the composition, and

d. silica in an amount of about 22% by weight of the composition.

1.59. A toothpaste composition comprising

a. Zinc complexed with an amino acid in an amount of about 5.77% by weight of the composition,

b. a humectant system comprising a structured humectant, wherein the structured humectant is PEG 600 in an amount of about 3% by weight of the composition and PG in an amount of about 4% by weight of the composition,

c. an effective amount of a fluoride ion source, e.g., about 0.32% by weight of the composition,

d. silica in an amount of about 22% by weight of the composition, and

e. sodium tripolyphosphate in an amount of about 2% by weight of the composition.

1.60. A toothpaste composition comprising

a. Zinc complexed with an amino acid, in the presence of a zinc,

b. a humectant system comprising a structured humectant, wherein the structured humectant is PEG 600 in an amount of 1% to 10% by weight of the composition and PG in an amount of 1% to 10% by weight of the composition,

c. an effective amount of a fluoride ion source,

d. the amount of silicon dioxide,

e. an additional wetting agent is added to the water-soluble polymer,

f. the amount of the tripolyphosphate to be added is,

g. an anionic surfactant, a surfactant,

h. a zwitterionic surfactant, and

i. flavoring agents and sweetening agents.

1.61. Any of the foregoing toothpaste compositions for reducing and inhibiting acid erosion of enamel, cleaning teeth, reducing bacterially-generated biofilm and plaque, reducing gingivitis, inhibiting formation of cavities and cavities, and/or reducing dentinal hypersensitivity.

The present disclosure also provides methods of reducing and inhibiting acid erosion of enamel, cleaning teeth, reducing bacterially-produced biofilm and plaque, reducing gingivitis, inhibiting formation of cavities and cavities, and reducing dentinal hypersensitivity comprising applying to the teeth an effective amount of a composition of the present invention, e.g., composition 1, and any of the following, and the like, and optionally then rinsing with water or an aqueous solution sufficient to initiate precipitation of zinc oxide from the composition.

The present disclosure also provides methods of reducing and inhibiting acid erosion of enamel, cleaning teeth, reducing bacterially-produced biofilm and plaque, reducing gingivitis, inhibiting formation of cavities and cavities, and reducing dentinal hypersensitivity comprising applying to the teeth an effective amount of a composition of the present invention, e.g., composition 2, and any of the following, and the like, and optionally then rinsing with water or an aqueous solution sufficient to initiate precipitation of zinc oxide from the composition.

The present disclosure also provides a method of making a toothpaste composition comprising a zinc amino acid complex, such as composition 1, and any of the following, and the like, comprising combining a zinc ion source with an amino acid in free or salt form (e.g., combining zinc oxide with lysine hydrochloride), optionally isolating the complex so formed as a solid salt, and combining the complex with a toothpaste base comprising a humectant system comprising a structured humectant in an amount of from 1 wt% to 10 wt% of the toothpaste composition of PEG and in an amount of from 1 wt% to 10 wt% of the toothpaste composition of PG,

the present disclosure also provides a method of making a toothpaste composition comprising a zinc amino acid complex, such as composition 2, and any of the following, and the like, comprising combining a zinc ion source with an amino acid in free or salt form (e.g., combining zinc oxide with lysine hydrochloride), optionally isolating the complex so formed as a solid salt, and combining the complex with a toothpaste base comprising sodium tripolyphosphate, and optionally further comprising an acid, such as phosphoric acid, in an aqueous medium.

For example, in various embodiments, the present disclosure provides (i) reducing the hypersensitivity reaction of teeth, (ii) reducing plaque accumulation, (iii) reducing or inhibiting demineralization and promoting remineralization of teeth, (iv) inhibiting microbial biofilm formation in the oral cavity, (v) reducing or inhibiting gingivitis, (vi) promoting healing of ulcers or cuts in the mouth, (vii) reducing the level of acid-producing bacteria, (viii) increasing the relative levels of non-cariogenic and/or non-plaque-forming bacteria, (ix) reducing or inhibiting formation of caries, (x) reducing, repairing, or inhibiting pre-cariogenic lesions of the enamel, e.g., as detected by quantitative light-induced fluorescence (Q L F) or Electrical Caries Measurement (ECM), (xi) treating, alleviating, or reducing xerostomia, (xii) cleaning teeth and oral cavity, (xiii) reducing erosion, (xiv) whitening teeth, (xv) reducing tartar accumulation, and/or (xvi) promoting systemic health, e.g., by reducing the potential for systemic infection via oral tissue (including the following health), and/or the like, and methods of any of the present invention including the following method for use of any one or more of the present invention in an individual.

Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the formation of zinc amino acid halides occurs by forming zinc halides and then coordinating the amino acid residues around the central zincUsing the reaction of ZnO with lysine hydrochloride in water as an example, zinc can react with lysine and/or lysine-HCl to form a Zn-lysine-chloride complex (Zn L ys)₃Cl₂) In which Zn is present⁺⁺Located in the center of the octahedron, coordinated to two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms in the equatorial plane of the carboxylic acid and amine groups from two lysines, respectively. At the apex position of the metal geometry, the zinc is also coordinated to the third lysine via the nitrogen and carboxyl oxygen of the third lysine.

In another embodiment, the zinc cation is complexed with two amino acid residues and two chloride residues. For example, when the amino acid is lysine, the complex has the formula [ Zn (C)₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺Cl^-. In this complex, the Zn cation is derived from NH in the equatorial plane by two lysine ligands₂The two N atoms of the group coordinate to the O atom from the carboxyl group. It shows a distorted square-pyramidal geometry with the apex positions occupied by Cl atoms. This novel structure produces a positive cationic moiety, Cl^-The anion combines therewith to form an ionic salt.

Other complexes of zinc and amino acid may be present, the exact form depending in part on the molar ratio of the precursor compounds, e.g. if the halide is limited, halide-free complexes may be formed, e.g. ZnO L ys₂It has a pyramidal geometry, the equatorial plane of which is identical to that of the above-mentioned compounds (Zn is bonded to two oxygen atoms and to two nitrogen atoms from different lysines), with the top of the pyramids occupied by O atoms.

For example, mixtures of complexes and/or additional complex structures involving multiple zinc ions based on zinc structures are possible and are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. When the complex is in a solid form, it may form crystals, for example in a hydrated form.

However, regardless of the exact structure of the complex or complexes, the interaction of zinc with the amino acid will convert the insoluble zinc oxide or zinc salt to a complex that is highly soluble at about neutral pH. However, as the dilution in water increases, the complex will dissociate and the zinc ions will be converted to insoluble zinc oxide. This deposit will occlude the tubules of the dentin, reducing hypersensitivity, and will also provide zinc to the enamel, which will reduce acid erosion, biofilm and plaque formation.

It will be appreciated that other amino acids may be used in place of lysine in the preceding schemes. It will also be appreciated that while the zinc, amino acid and optional halide may be primarily in the form of the precursor material or in the form of an ionic complex, there may be some degree of equilibrium, and thus the proportion of material actually in the complex compared to the proportion in the precursor form may vary depending on the exact conditions of formulation, the concentration of the material, the pH, the presence or absence of water, the presence or absence of other charged molecules, etc.

In some embodiments, the active zinc-amino acid complex is provided in a toothpaste. During brushing, the active substance will be diluted by saliva and water, resulting in the formation of precipitates and deposits and blocking particles.

The composition may comprise a zinc amino acid halide and/or a precursor thereof. Precursors that can react in situ with water to form a zinc amino acid halide include (i) zinc and an amino acid hydrohalide, or (ii) zinc chloride and an amino acid, or (iii) a zinc ion source, an amino acid, and a halogen acid, or (iv) a combination of (i) (ii) and/or (iii). In one embodiment, the zinc amino acid halide can be prepared at room temperature by mixing the precursors in a solution, such as water. In situ formation provides ease of formulation. The precursor may be used without first having to form the zinc amino acid halide. In another embodiment, the water from which the zinc amino acid halide is allowed to form from precursors comes from saliva and/or rinse water that comes into contact with the composition after administration.

The zinc amino acid halide complex is a water-soluble complex formed from a zinc halide acid addition salt (e.g., zinc chloride) and an amino acid, or from an amino acid halide acid addition salt (e.g., lysine hydrochloride) and a zinc ion source and/or from a combination of all three of a hydrohalic acid, an amino acid, and a zinc ion source.

Examples of amino acids include, but are not limited to, common natural amino acids such as: lysine, arginine, glycine, serine, threonine, asparagine, glutamine, cysteine, selenocysteine, proline, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. In some embodiments, the amino acid is a neutral or acidic amino acid, such as glycine.

When the complex is formed from a basic amino acid, precipitation of zinc from the complex upon dilution with water is most pronounced. Therefore, when precipitation after dilution is required, basic amino acids may be preferred. Thus, in some embodiments, the amino acid is a basic amino acid. "basic amino acid" refers to naturally occurring basic amino acids, such as arginine and lysine, as well as any basic amino acid having a carboxyl group and an amino group in the molecule, which are water soluble and provide an aqueous solution having a pH of about 7 or higher. Thus, basic amino acids include, but are not limited to, arginine, lysine, citrulline, ornithine, creatine, histidine, diaminobutyric acid, diaminopropionic acid, salts thereof, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the amino acid is lysine or a salt thereof. In other embodiments, the amino acid is arginine or a salt thereof.

In various embodiments, in the case of dentifrices, the amino acid is present in an amount of 0.5% to 20% by weight of the total composition, 0.5% to 10% by weight of the total composition, e.g., 1-5%, about 1.5%, about 4.72%, about 5% by weight of the total composition.

The halide may be chlorine, bromine or iodine, most typically chlorine. Acid addition salts of amino acids and hydrohalic acids (e.g., HCl, HBr, or HI) are sometimes referred to herein as amino acid hydrohalic salts. Thus, one example of an amino acid hydrohalide is lysine hydrochloride. Another example is glycine hydrochloride.

The source of zinc ions for use in combination with the amino acid halide or the amino acid optionally in addition to the halogen acid in this case may be, for example, zinc oxide or zinc chloride.

In certain embodiments, the amount of zinc amino acid halide complex in the composition is 0.05 to 10% by weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the precursors, such as zinc and amino acid hydrohalides, are present in an amount such that the zinc amino acid halide will be present in an amount of 0.05 to 10% by weight of the composition when the zinc amino acid halide is synthesized. In any of these embodiments, the amount of zinc amino acid halide can be varied for a desired purpose, such as a dentifrice or mouthwash. In other embodiments, the amount of zinc amino acid halide is at least 0.1%, at least 0.2%, at least 0.3%, at least 0.4%, at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, or at least 4% up to 10% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the amount of zinc amino acid halide is less than 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.5% to 0.05% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the amount is 0.05 to 5 weight percent, 0.05 to 4 weight percent, 0.05 to 3 weight percent, 0.05 to 2 weight percent, 0.1 to 5 weight percent, 0.1 to 4 weight percent, 0.1 to 3 weight percent, 0.1 to 2 weight percent, 0.5 to 5 weight percent, 0.5 to 4 weight percent, 0.5 to 3 weight percent, or 0.5 to 2 weight percent of the composition.

In certain embodiments, the zinc is present in an amount of 0.05 to 10% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the amount of zinc is at least 0.1 wt.%, at least 0.2 wt.%, at least 0.3 wt.%, at least 0.4 wt.%, at least 0.5 wt.%, at least 1 wt.%, at least 2 wt.%, at least 3 wt.%, or at least 4 wt.% up to 10 wt.% of the composition. In other embodiments, the amount of zinc is less than 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.5% to 0.05% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the amount is 0.05 to 5 weight percent, 0.05 to 4 weight percent, 0.05 to 3 weight percent, 0.05 to 2 weight percent, 0.1 to 5 weight percent, 0.1 to 4 weight percent, 0.1 to 3 weight percent, 0.1 to 2 weight percent, 0.5 to 5 weight percent, 0.5 to 4 weight percent, 0.5 to 3 weight percent, or 0.5 to 2 weight percent of the composition.

In certain embodiments, the amino acid hydrohalide is present in an amount of 0.05 to 30 weight percent. In other embodiments, the amount is at least 0.1 wt.%, at least 0.2 wt.%, at least 0.3 wt.%, at least 0.4 wt.%, at least 0.5 wt.%, at least 1 wt.%, at least 2 wt.%, at least 3 wt.%, at least 4 wt.%, at least 5 wt.%, at least 10 wt.%, at least 15 wt.%, at least 20 wt.%, up to 30 wt.%. In other embodiments, the amount is less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, or less than 1% by weight of the composition down to 0.05% by weight.

Where precursor materials are present, they are preferably present in a molar ratio that approximates the molar ratio required to produce the desired zinc amino acid halide, but in some formulations it may be desirable to overdose one material or another to, for example, balance the pH against other formulation ingredients, provide additional antimicrobial zinc, or provide an amino acid buffer. Preferably, however, the amount of halide is limited, as limiting the level of halide will promote the interaction between zinc and amino acid to some extent.

In some embodiments, the total amount of zinc in the composition is from 0.05 to 8% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the total amount of zinc is at least 0.1 wt.%, at least 0.2 wt.%, at least 0.3 wt.%, at least 0.4 wt.%, at least 0.5 wt.%, or at least 1 wt.% up to 8 wt.% of the composition. In other embodiments, the total amount of zinc in the composition is less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, or less than 1% to 0.05%, for example about 0.84% by weight of the composition.

In certain embodiments, the molar ratio of zinc to amino acid is at least 2: 1. In other embodiments, the molar ratio is at least 1: 1, at least 1: 2, at least 1: 3, at least 1: 4, 2: 1 to 1: 4, 1: 2 to 1: 4, 1: 3 to 1: 4, 2: 1 to 1: 3, 2: 1 to 1: 2, 2: 1 to 1: 1, or 1: 3. Above 1: 4, complete dissolution of the zinc is expected.

The carrier represents all other materials in the composition except the zinc amino acid halide complex or precursor thereof. The amount of carrier is thus such that 100% by weight is reached after addition of the zinc amino acid halide (including any precursor).

Active agent: the compositions disclosed herein may also comprise, including or in addition to the zinc-amino acid-halide complex, various active agents that can protect and enhance the strength and integrity of tooth enamel and tooth structure and/or reduce bacterial and related caries and/or gum disease. The effective concentration of the active ingredient used herein will depend on the particular agent and delivery system used. It will be appreciated that for example toothpastes will generally be diluted with water at the time of use, whereas mouthwashes will generally not be diluted with water. The concentration will also depend on the exact salt or polymer selected. For example, where the active agent is provided in the form of a salt, the counter ion will affect the weight of the salt, such that if the counter ion is heavier, more salt by weight will be required to provide the same concentration of active ion in the final product. When present, arginine may be present at a level of, for example, from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight (expressed as the weight of the free base), e.g., from about 1% to about 10% by weight for a consumer toothpaste, or from about 7% to about 20% by weight for a professional or prescription treatment product. When present, fluoride may be present in an amount of, for example, from about 25 to about 25,000ppm, e.g., from about 750 to about 2,000ppm for a consumer toothpaste, or from about 2,000 to about 25,000ppm for a professional or prescription treatment product. The level of antibacterial agent will similarly vary, with amounts used in toothpastes that are higher than those used in mouthwashes, e.g., about 5 to about 15 times higher. For example, a triclosan toothpaste may contain about 0.3% by weight triclosan.

A fluoride ion source:the oral care composition may also comprise one or more fluoride ion sources, such as soluble fluoride salts. A variety of fluoride ion-generating materials can be employed as sources of soluble fluoride in the present compositions. Representative fluoride ion sources include, but are not limited to, stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, fluorosiliconeSodium acid, ammonium fluorosilicate, amine fluoride, ammonium fluoride, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the fluoride ion source comprises stannous fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present invention may also contain a fluoride ion source or fluorine-providing ingredient in an amount sufficient to provide from about 25ppm to about 25,000ppm fluoride ion, typically at least about 500ppm, for example from about 500 to about 2000ppm, for example from about 1000 to about 1600ppm, for example about 1450 ppm. The appropriate amount of fluoride will depend on the particular application. Toothpastes for general consumer use will typically have from about 1000 to about 1500ppm, with children's toothpastes being somewhat lower. Dentifrices or coating agents for professional use may have as much as 5,000ppm or even about 25,000ppm fluoride. The fluoride ion source may be added to the compositions of the present invention at a level of from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight in one embodiment, or from about 0.03% to about 5% by weight in another embodiment, or from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the composition. The weight of fluoride salt used to provide the appropriate level of fluoride ion will vary significantly based on the weight of counter ion in the salt. In one embodiment, the composition contains sodium fluoride as the fluoride source in an amount of 0.03% to 5%, or 0.1% to 1%, or about 0.32% by weight of the composition.

Abrasive material: the compositions disclosed herein may comprise a silica abrasive and may comprise an additional abrasive, such as a calcium phosphate abrasive, for example tricalcium phosphate (Ca)₃(PO₄)₂) Hydroxyapatite (Ca)₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) Or dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO)₄·2H₂O, also sometimes referred to herein as DiCal) or calcium pyrophosphate; a calcium carbonate abrasive; or abrasives such as sodium metaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, aluminum silicate, calcined alumina, bentonite or other siliceous materials, or combinations thereof.

Other silica abrasive polishing materials and other abrasives useful herein typically have an average particle size in a range between about 0.1 microns and about 30 microns, between about 5 microns and about 15 microns. Silica abrasiveMay be derived from precipitated silica or silica gels, such as silica xerogels. Specific silica xerogels are made from w.r.grace&Davison Chemical Division under the trade nameAnd (5) selling. Precipitated silica materials include those sold by j.m. huber corpThose sold include silicas known under the names Zeodent 114 and 165. In certain embodiments, abrasive materials suitable for use in the practice of oral care compositions according to the present invention include silica gels and precipitated amorphous silicas having an oil absorption value of less than about 100cc/100g silica and in the range of from about 45cc/100g silica to about 70cc/100g silica. The oil absorption value was measured using the ASTA Rub-Out Method D281. In certain embodiments, the silica is colloidal particles having an average particle size of from about 3 microns to about 12 microns and from about 5 microns to about 10 microns. Low oil absorption silica abrasives particularly useful in the practice of the present invention are sold under the tradename SylodentFrom W.R.Grace&Commercially available from Davison Chemical Division of Co., Baltimore, Md.21203. Sylodent 650Is an example of a low oil absorption silica abrasive suitable for use in the practice of the present invention, which is a silica hydrogel comprised of particles of colloidal silica having a water content of 29% by weight, averaging from about 7 microns to about 10 microns in diameter, and an oil absorption of less than about 70cc/100g of silica. In one embodiment, the composition comprises

Foaming agent:the oral care compositions disclosed herein can also comprise an agent that will increase the amount of foam generated when brushing the oral cavity. Illustrative examples of agents that increase the amount of foam include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylene and certain polymersIncluding but not limited to alginate polymers. The polyoxyethylene may increase the amount of foam and the thickening of the foam produced by the oral care carrier component of the present invention. Polyoxyethylene is also commonly referred to as polyethylene glycol ("PEG") or polyethylene oxide. The polyoxyethylene suitable for the present invention will have a molecular weight of from about 200,000 to about 7,000,000. In one embodiment, the molecular weight will be from about 600,000 to about 2,000,000, and in another embodiment from about 800,000 to about 1,000,000.Is the trade name for high molecular weight polyoxyethylene produced by Union Carbide. The polyoxyethylene may be present in an amount of from about 1% to about 90%, in one embodiment from about 5% to about 50%, and in another embodiment from about 10% to about 20%, by weight of the oral care carrier component of the oral care compositions of the present invention. When present, the amount of foaming agent in the oral care composition (i.e., a single dose) is from about 0.01 to about 0.9 weight%, from about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight%, and in another embodiment from about 0.1 to about 0.2 weight%.

Surface active agent: the compositions disclosed herein may contain anionic surfactants, such as:

i. water-soluble salts of higher fatty acid monoglyceride monosulfates, such as the sodium salt of the monosulfated monoglyceride of hydrogenated coconut oil fatty acids, such as sodium N-methyl N-cocoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl monoglyceride sulfate,

ii higher alkyl sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate,

higher alkyl ether sulfates, e.g. of the formula CH₃(CH₂)_mCH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_nOSO₃X, wherein m is 6-16, e.g. 10, n is 1-6, e.g. 2, 3 or 4, and X is Na or K, e.g. sodium laureth sulfate (CH)₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)₂OSO₃Na)。

Higher alkyl aryl sulfonates, such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate)

Higher alkyl sulfoacetates such as sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (sodium dodecyl sulfoacetate), higher fatty acid esters of 1, 2 dihydroxypropanesulfonic acid, sulfolaurate (sulfolaurate) (potassium N-2-ethyllaurate sulfoacetamide), and sodium lauryl sarcosinate.

"higher alkyl" refers to, for example, C_6-30An alkyl group. In particular embodiments, the anionic surfactant is selected from sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl ether sulfate. The anionic surfactant may be present in an amount (e.g., less than 10%) that is effective (e.g., greater than 0.01% by weight of the formulation) but not at a concentration that will stimulate oral tissue, and the optimal concentration depends on the particular formulation and the particular surfactant. For example, the concentration used in mouthwash is typically about one-tenth the concentration used in toothpaste. In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is present in the toothpaste at about 0.3% to about 4.5% by weight (e.g., about 1.5% by weight). The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain a mixture of surfactants, for example, comprising anionic surfactants and other surfactants which may be anionic, cationic, zwitterionic or nonionic. In general, surfactants are those surfactants that are reasonably stable over a wide pH range. In certain embodiments, anionic surfactants suitable for use herein include water soluble salts of alkyl sulfates having from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and water soluble salts of sulfonated monoglycerides of fatty acids having from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms. Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and sodium cocoyl monoglyceride sulfonates are examples of anionic surfactants of this type. In particular embodiments, the compositions of the present invention (e.g., composition 1, etc.) comprise sodium lauryl sulfate.

The surfactant or mixture of compatible surfactants may be present in the compositions of the present invention at from about 0.1% to about 5.0%, in another embodiment from about 0.3% to about 3.0%, and in another embodiment from about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight of the total composition.

Tartar control agent:in various embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein can comprise an anticalculus (tartar control) agent. Suitable anticalculus agents include, but are not limited to, phosphates and polyphosphates (e.g. pyrophosphates), polyaminopropanesulfonic Acid (AMPS), hexametaphosphates, zinc citrate trihydrate, polypeptides, polyolefin sulfonates, polyolefin phosphates, bisphosphonates. The present invention may therefore comprise phosphate. In particular embodiments, these salts are alkali metal phosphates, i.e. salts of alkali metal hydroxides or alkaline earth metal hydroxides, such as sodium, potassium or calcium salts. As used herein, "phosphate" includes orally acceptable mono-and polyphosphates, e.g., P_1-6Phosphates, for example monomeric phosphates such as mono-, di-or tribasic phosphates; dimeric phosphates such as pyrophosphate; and polyphosphates, such as sodium hexametaphosphate. In particular examples, the selected phosphate is selected from alkali metal diphosphates and alkali metal pyrophosphates, for example from disodium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and mixtures of any two or more of these. In a particular embodiment, for example, the composition comprises tetrasodium pyrophosphate (Na)₄P₂O₇) Calcium pyrophosphate (Ca)₂P₂O₇) And disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na)₂HPO₄) For example, disodium hydrogen phosphate in an amount of about 3-4% and each pyrophosphate in an amount of about 0.2-1%. In another embodiment, the composition comprises tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) (Na)₅P₃O₁₀) E.g., a ratio of TSPP of about 1-2% and STPP of about 7% to about 10%. Such phosphates are provided in an amount effective to reduce erosion of the enamel, to aid in cleaning the teeth, and/or to reduce the accumulation of tartar on the teeth, for example in an amount of from 2 to 20%, for example from about 5 to 15% by weight of the composition.

Flavoring agent: the oral care compositions disclosed herein may further comprise a flavoring agent. Flavoring agents useful in the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, essential oils and various flavoringsOdoral, ester, alcohol and the like. Examples of the essential oils include oils of spearmint, peppermint, wintergreen, sassafras, clove, sage, eucalyptus, marjoram, cinnamon, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange. Chemicals such as menthol, carvone and anethole are also suitable. Certain examples employ peppermint oil and spearmint oil. The flavoring agent may be introduced into the oral composition at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent, such as about 0.5 to about 1.5 weight percent.

Polymer and method of making same: the oral care compositions disclosed herein may also contain additional polymers to adjust the viscosity of the formulation or enhance the solubility of other ingredients. Such additional polymers include polysaccharides (e.g., cellulose derivatives, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, or polysaccharide gums, such as xanthan gum or carrageenan gum) and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The acidic polymer (e.g., polyacrylate gel) may be provided in the form of its free acid or partially or fully neutralized water soluble alkali metal (e.g., potassium and sodium) or ammonium salt.

A silica thickener may be present that will form a polymer structure or gel in an aqueous medium. It should be noted that these silica thickeners are physically and functionally distinct from the particulate silica abrasives also present in the composition, as the silica thickeners are very finely dispersed and provide little or no abrasive action. Other thickeners are carboxyvinyl polymers, carrageenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose and water soluble salts of cellulose ethers, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. Natural gums such as karaya, gum arabic and gum tragacanth can also be incorporated. Colloidal magnesium aluminium silicate may also be used as a component of the thickening composition in order to further improve the texture of the composition. In certain embodiments, the thickening agent is used in an amount of 0.5% to 5.0% by weight of the total composition.

The compositions disclosed herein may contain anionic polymers, such as in amounts of about 0.05 to about 5% such agents are generally known for use in dentifrices, although not for this particular application, such agents useful in the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,188,821 and 5,192,531, and include synthetic anionic polymeric polycarboxylates, such as 1: 4 to 4: 1 copolymers of maleic anhydride or maleic acid with another polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, preferably methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride having a molecular weight (M.W.) of about 30,000 to about 1,000,000, most preferably about 300,000 to about 800,000, these copolymers are available, for example, as Gantrez, e.g., as copolymers available from ISP Technologies, Inc., Bound Brook, N.J.08805, AN 139(M.W.500,000), AN 119(M.W.250,000), and preferred S-97 pharmaceutical grade (M.W.700.000), such copolymers containing ethylene vinyl chloride-acrylic acid, ethylene-ethyl acrylate, maleic anhydride, maleic.

Term average molecular weight of a polymer divided by the total weight of the sample divided by the number of molecules in the sample, ∑ N_iM_i/∑N_iAnd one skilled in the art can readily calculate this value using molecular weight values determined by size exclusion chromatography or MA L DI mass spectrometry.

Water (W): the oral composition may comprise a significant level of water. The water used in the preparation of commercial oral compositions should be deionized and free of organic impurities. The amount of water in the composition includes the free water added plus the amount of water introduced with the other materials.

Wetting agent: within certain embodiments of the oral composition, it is also desirable to incorporate a humectant to prevent the composition from hardening after exposure to air. Certain humectants can also impart desirable sweetness or flavor to the composition. Suitable humectants include edible polyhydric alcohols such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., PEG 600), glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, propylene glycol, and other polyols and mixtures of these humectants. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the oral composition contains a structuring humectant, wherein the structuring humectant is PEG and PG, both present in an amount of 1-10% by weight of the composition. Preferably, PEG is present in an amount of 2-4% by weight of the composition and PG is present in an amount of 3-5% by weight of the composition. More preferably, PEG is present in an amount of about 3% by weight of the composition and PG is present in an amount of about 4% by weight of the composition.

Other optional ingredients: in addition to the above components, embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein may also contain a variety of optional dentifrice ingredients, some of which are described below. Optional ingredients include, for example, but are not limited to, binders, foaming agents, flavoring agents, sweetening agents, other antiplaque agents, abrasives, and coloring agents.

Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages of composition components given in this specification are weight percentages based on 100% total composition or formulation weight.

The compositions and formulations provided herein are described and claimed in combination with the ingredients thereof, as is conventional in the art. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, these ingredients may in some cases react with each other such that the actual composition of the final formulation may not exactly correspond to the listed ingredients. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention extends to the products of the combinations of ingredients listed.

Ranges are used throughout as a shorthand way of describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that a definition in this disclosure conflicts with a definition in a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and elsewhere in this specification are to be understood as referring to weight percentages. The amounts given are based on the effective weight of the material.