An antiplaque oral composition containing a low concentration of a sesquiterpene alcohol flavor compound to inhibit the formation of dental plaque in the presence of an additive selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, a preservative, and a polycarboxylate and mixtures thereof, in an oral vehicle having a low pH of about 3-5.

The present invention relates to novel oral antiplaque products including 
mouthwashes, mouthrinse concentrates, dentifrice, lozenges, chewing gums, 
dental floss and the like, having a low acid pH, comprising a 
sesquiterpene alcohol flavor compound combined with at least one of 
benzoic acid or preservative or a polycarboxylate to inhibit the formation 
of dental plaque. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Dental plaque is a film of bacteria which adheres to teeth. It is 
established that there is a relationship between dental plaque and 
gingivitis. Due to the inadequacy of mechanical removal of plaque via 
toothbrushing, there is much interest in chemical inhibition of plaque 
formation. 
The prior art has disclosed the use of cationic antimicrobials such as 
chlorohexidine, cetyl pyridinium chloride, sanguinarine chloride and the 
like in oral compositions to reduce dental plaque and gingivitis. The 
efficacy of the cationics is believed to be due to their substantivity to 
oral surfaces and their slow release over a long period of time. However, 
an inherent problem in formulating cationics into oral formulations is 
their incompatibility with anionic ingredients such as surfactants, 
fluoride, and sweeteners. Other problems associated with the cationics 
include the staining of oral surfaces, and bitter after-taste. 
The prior art has also disclosed the use of essential oils such as thymol, 
methyl salicylate and eucalyptol in a hydro-alcoholic mouthrinse vehicle, 
to reduce plaque and gingivitis, in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology 
1987; 14:285-288; Clinical Preventive Dentistry, Vol. 5, No. 6, 
November-December 1983; Journal of Clinical Periodontology 
1985:12:697-704; and Journal of Dent. Res. 65:274(Abstract 941), 1986. The 
efficacy of these compounds is thought to be related to their antiseptic 
properties. However, mouthrinses formulated with these compounds are 
characterized by a strong, unpleasant taste. 
Also disclosed in the prior art is the bacteriostatic activity of some 
Australian essential oils such as sandalwood oil containing farnesol and 
santalol, in an article by Beylier in Perfumer and Flavorist, 4 
(April-May), 1979, pp. 23-25. Since the bacteriostatic activity of 
Australian Sandalwood oil exhibits inhibition of growth of the test 
organism Staphylococcus aureus, it was suggested that sandalwood oil could 
be formulated into cosmetics such as creams, lotions, deodorants, 
shampoos, and bath oils, for its antiseptic activity. 
DE Patent Disclosure No. 3,315,058 (June 13, 1985) by Brunke et al 
discloses synthetic farnesol, synthetic farnesol mixtures, and isomers of 
farnesol which can be used as bacteriostatics in cosmetic products for the 
protection and care of the human skin, particularly in a deodorant pump 
spray or deodorant stick. Discernable antibacterial action against the 
tested bacterial species Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus 
and Cornebacterium species exhibited the prevention of body odor. 
An article by Brunke, E. J., Jellinek, J. S. and Koester, F. W., in 
Pollena-TSPK, 5-8/86 XXX, pp. 151-155, discloses that four stereoisomers 
of farnesol have bacteriostatic activity against various bacterial 
cultures in vitro, and stereoisomers of bisabolol possess 
anti-inflammatory activity in rabbits. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,909 discloses sesquiterpene alcohols such as farnesol, 
nerolidol, and organic esters thereof as anti-fouling agents for 
controlling aquatic organisms such as algae, barnacles, seaweed, slime, 
etc. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,534 discloses a miticidal composition against spider 
mites comprising farnesol and/or nerolidol impregnated into a controlled 
release substrate in solid or liquid form. Said solid substrates are 
porous particulates such as silica, talc, clay, gelatin and gels, 
polymers, nylon, cellulose, finely ground corn cobs and the like. Liquid 
forms of said controlled release substrate include vegetable and/or 
mineral oils, preferably containing surfactants, wetting agents, 
emulsifying agents, dispersing agents and the like. The farnesol and/or 
the nerolidol functions as behavior or modifying chemicals for attracting 
spider mites, thereby reducing their population. 
None of the above cited prior art discloses an oral antiplaque product 
containing low concentrations of a sesquiterpene alcohol flavor compound 
as the antiplaque agent in the presence of at least one of benzoic acid, 
preservative, or a polymeric polycarboxylate in an oral vehicle having a 
low pH of about 3 to 5. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It has now been found that oral antiplaque compositions containing very low 
concentrations of sesquiterpene alcohols in the presence of benzoic acid, 
preservative, an anionic linear polymeric polycarboxylate, or an anionic 
crosslinked polycarboxylate, in an oral vehicle having a low pH, can 
provide significant antimicrobial activity against human oral dental 
plaque producing bacteria. 
Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to provide an oral 
antiplaque product containing an antiplaque sesquiterpene alcohol flavor 
compound having antimicrobial activity at low concentrations. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an oral product 
containing a sesquiterpene alcohol flavor component selected from the 
group consisting of farnesol, nerolidol, bisabolol and santalol 
(sandalwood oil) to inhibit the formation of dental plaque in the presence 
of benzoic acid and at a low pH. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an oral 
antiplaque non-staining product containing a sesquiterpene alcohol 
antiplaque agent having a pleasant taste and compatible with anionic 
components in the oral formulation. 
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be 
set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will 
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the 
following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and 
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the 
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the 
appended claims. 
To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the 
present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the novel 
antiplaque oral product of this invention has enhanced antimicrobial 
properties and contains as the essential antiplaque agent a low 
concentration of a sesquiterpene alcohol flavor compound in the presence 
of benzoic acid, a preservative, a polymeric linear or crosslinked 
carboxylate, or a combination thereof, in an oral vehicle having a low pH 
of about 3-5 and preferably 3-4. 
More specifically, the non-staining pleasant tasting antiplaque oral 
composition comprises as the essential antiplaque agent a sesquiterpene 
alcohol selected from the group consisting of farnesol, nerolidol, 
bisabolol and santalol in an amount of about 0.05 to 1.0% by weight, in 
the presence of about 0.1% to 2.0% by weight of at least one additive 
selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, organic preservative, 
and a polymeric carboxylate, in a dental vehicle having a pH of about 3 to 
5.0, preferably 3-4. 
The oral composition may be in the form of a mouthwash or rinse, 
dentifrice, lozenge, chewing gum and dental floss. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
It has been unexpectedly found that sesquiterpene alcohol flavor compounds 
such as farnesol, nerolidol, bisabolol and santalol, formulated into oral 
compositions such as mouthrinses, dentifrices, and the like, provide 
antimicrobial activity at very low concentrations. These flavor compounds 
are different from commonly used phenolics such as thymol, in that they 
show antimicrobial activity at lower concentrations, have lower toxicity 
and less objectionable taste. The sesquiterpene alcohols have the 
advantages of compatibility with anionic components in the formulation, 
better taste and lower toxicity. 
It has also been found that antibacterial activity of the sesquiterpene 
alcohol is increased in the presence of benzoic acid, in the oral 
formulation having a low pH. The addition of components which raise pH, 
such as pyrophosphate and sodium benzoate, result in reduced antibacterial 
activity. 
It has additionally been found that the addition of an organic preservative 
or a polymeric carboxylate to a sesquiterpene alcohol-containing oral 
composition having a low pH of about 3 to 5, exhibits increased 
antimicrobial activity and superior antiplaque activity. Suitable 
preservatives include propyl-paraben, (propyl-parahydroxy benzoate), 
methyl paraben, dehydroacetic acid, sorbic acid, and the like, in amounts 
of about 0.1 to 2.0% by weight. 
The polymeric carboxylates utilized in present invention in amounts of 
about 0.1 to 2% by weight are anionic linear or crosslinked polymeric 
polycarboxylates having a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 
1,000,000, preferably in the form of water soluble alkali metal (potassium 
and sodium) or ammonium salts. The linear polycarboxylates are preferably 
1:4 to 4:1 copolymers of maleic anhydride or acid with another 
polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, preferably methyl vinyl 
ether (methoxyethylene) having a molecular weight (M.W.) of about 30,000 
to about 1,000,000. These copolymers are available for example as Gantrez 
AN 139 (M.W. 500,000), A.N. 119 (M.W. 250,000) and preferably S-97 
Pharmaceutical Grade (M.W. 70,000), of GAF Corporation. Other linear 
polymeric polycarboxylates include 1:1 copolymers of maleic anhydride with 
ethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate or methyl vinyl ether; 1:1 
copolymers of acrylic acid with methyl or hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 
methyl or ethyl acrylate, iso-butyl vinyl ether or N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidore; 
copolymers of maleic anhydride with styrene, isobutylene or ethyl vinyl 
ether, polyacrylic, polyitaconic and polymaleic acids, and sulfoacrylic 
oligomers. The copolymers contain sufficient carboxylic salt groups for 
water-solubility. 
The crosslinked polycarboxylates are preferably carboxyvinyl polymers made 
by B. F. Goodrich and designated by the trademarks Carbopol 934, Carbopol 
940 and Carbopol 941. Each of these products consist essentially of a 
colloidally water soluble polymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with about 
0.75 to 2.0% of a crosslinking agent selected from the class consisting of 
pollyalkyl sucrose and polyyalkyl pentaerythritol. 
Combinations of preservatives and Gantrez can also be used as additives for 
the sesquiterpene alcohol flavor compounds. Likewise, benzoic acid can be 
combined with preservatives such as parabens or dehydroacetic acid. 
In one study using the SIKT test, farnesol rinses without benzoic acid were 
formulated and adjusted to pH 3, 4, 5 and 6 with dilute HCl. The results 
in Table I demonstrate no antibacterial activity at these pHs. 
The SIKT test is a basic microbiological test which incorporates a fixed 
contact time. 1 ml of dentifrice or rinse solution is mixed with a 
pre-determined inoculum of Actinomyces viscosus T14V (between 
1.times.10.sup.6 to 1.times.10.sup.7 cfu/ml) for a 60 second contact time. 
The system is then neutralized to inhibit further antimicrobial activity. 
The surviving bacteria are enumerated using plate count methodology. The 
reduction in counts compared to a water control is the basis for 
expressing activity. A three log reduction is usually considered 
significant. 
TABLE 1 
______________________________________ 
SIKT.sup.1 Investigation of Farnesol/pH Range* 
Bacterial Count 
Sample (CFU/ml) Log 10.sup.2 
% Reduction 
______________________________________ 
1. 0.05% Farnesol/pH 6.23 
6.86 0 
2. 0.05% Farnesol/pH 5.30 
6.91 0 
3. 0.05% Farnesol/pH 4.19 
6.92 0 
4. 0.05% Farnesol/pH 3.11 
6.20 0 
______________________________________ 
*Rinses formulated without benzoic acid. 
.sup.1 Short interval killing time. 
.sup.2 Colony forming units of viable bacteria/ml. 
Farnesol rinses without benzoic acid at various pHs showed a lack of 
antibacterial activity with farnesol alone even at low pH. However, 
further analysis of these samples revealed that they were not sufficiently 
buffered to keep the pH stable after dilution with phosphate buffer. It 
has been found that incorporating acids such as citric, ascorbic or 
phosphoric have sufficient buffer capacity to keep the pH after dilution 
between 3 and 4. 
Accordingly, sufficiently buffered farnesol rinses, to keep the low pH 
stable after dilution with a phosphate buffer, exhibit antimicrobial 
activity in vitro as disclosed in Table II. 
TABLE II 
______________________________________ 
SIKT Testing of pH vs Farnesol Activity 
pH pH Bacterial 
Sample as is (tested)* Count** 
% Reduction 
______________________________________ 
1. 0.05% Farnesol 
2.12 2.41 2.00 &gt;99.99 
2. 0.05% Farnesol 
3.18 3.40 2.65 &gt;99.99 
3. 0.05% Farnesol 
3.34 3.79 3.18 &gt;99.90 
4. 0.05% Farnesol 
3.06 4.47 4.38 &gt;99.00 
5. 0.05% Farnesol 
4.07 6.76 5.90 0 
______________________________________ 
*After 1:1 dilution with phosphate buffer containing bacterial cells 
(pH7). 
**Bacterial count log 10. 
In a second study, farnesol rinses containing benzoic acid were formulated 
at three different pHs, 3, 5 and 6. The results in Table III confirm the 
antibacterial activity of farnesol in the presence of benzoic acid and at 
a low pH (Sample 3). 
TABLE III 
______________________________________ 
SIKT Investigation of Farnesol/pH Range with Benzoic Acid 
Bacterial Count 
Sample (CFU/ml) Log 10.sup.2 
% Reduction 
______________________________________ 
1. 0.05% Farnesol/pH 6.10 
7.08 0 
2. 0.05% Farnesol/pH 5.05 
7.04 0 
3. 0.05% Farnesol/pH 3.15 
2.88 &gt;99.99 
4. Placebo (0.1% benzoic 
6.95 0 
acid/pH 3.20) 
______________________________________ 
These results suggest a synergistic relationship between farnesol and 
benzoic acid, at an acid pH of 3.15 (Sample 3). 
The sesquiterpene alcohol compound constitutes about 0.05 to 1.0% by weight 
of the oral composition. The benzoic acid ingredient constitutes about 0.1 
to 2.0% by weight of the oral composition. 
The synergistic mixture of farnesol and benzoic acid in an acid medium 
having a pH of about 3 to about 5 in an oral composition exhibits superior 
antiplaque activity in vivo as disclosed in Table IV. A procedure for 
measuring the amount of plaque growth on human teeth after 24 hours was 
used as a screening test to examine the antiplaque mouthrinses. Human 
panelists clean their teeth with thorough toothbrushing with an inert 
dentifrice. The remaining plaque is disclosed and photographed for scoring 
(obtaining a 0 hr. score). The test rinse is used for 30 seconds, after 
which no oral hygiene is permitted for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the 
plaque growth is disclosed, photographed and scored (obtaining a 24 hr. 
score). Subtraction of the 0 hr. score from the 24 hr. score results in 
the 24 hr. plaque growth score. This procedure is repeated four days 
consecutively (Monday through Friday) to get four 24 hr. plaque growth 
scores per panelist for each test product. A three day wash-out period 
over the weekend prevents carry-over effects on the next test product. 
Results of this screening test have been shown to correlate to longer-term 
clinical plaque studies. 
The farnesol mouthrinse was tested against a placebo rinse and commercially 
available products containing 0.26% essential oils such as thymol, 
menthol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, 0.03% sanguinaria extract, and 
0.05% cetyl pyridinium chloride. 
TABLE IV 
______________________________________ 
24 Hour Plaque Scores of Antimicrobial Mouthrinses 
% Reduction 
Dentifrice 24 Hour Plaque Score 
vs Placebo 
______________________________________ 
Placebo (hydroalcoholic 
44.68 .+-. 5.18* 
-- 
vehicle) 
Essential oils 
18.67 .+-. 3.57 
58.2 
mouthrinse 
Sanguinaria extract 
22.90 .+-. 5.61 
48.7 
mouthrinse 
0.05% Cetyl pyridinium 
34.54 .+-. 5.11 
22.7 
chloride mouthrinse 
0.08% Farnesol 
17.60 .+-. 3.13 
60.6 
mouthrinse (Example 1) 
______________________________________ 
*Standard error of the mean 
The results show that the 0.08% farnesol mouthrinse (Example 1) has 
excellent antiplaque activity compared to commercially available products, 
i.e. sanguinaria extract mouthrinse and the essential oils mouthrinse, 
significantly higher antiplaque activity than the placebo, and the cetyl 
pyridinium chloride mouthrinse. It is also noted that the amount of 0.26% 
essential oils in the said mouthrinse is over three times greater than the 
0.08% farnesol mouthrinse. 
The synergistic mixture of farnesol and preservatives or Gantrez in an acid 
medium having a low pH of 3 to 5 also exhibits greater antimicrobial 
activity in vitro than farnesol at a low pH alone as disclosed in Table V 
and FIG. 1. 
TABLE V 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
SIKT Antimicrobial Activity of Farnesol + Preservatives/Gantrez vs pH 
Sample pH as is 
pH (tested)* 
Bacterial Count** 
% Reduction 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
A. 
0.05% Farnesol/ 
3.19 4.97 2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.10% Propyl- 
6.05 6.89 4.63 99.00 
paraben 
B. 
0.05% Farnesol/ 
3.65 4.46 &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.10% Dehydroacetic 
6.21 7.02 5.51 90.00 
acid 
C. 
0.05% Farnesol/ 
3.22 3.85 2.18 &gt;99.99 
0.13% Gantrez S-97 
D. 
0.05% Farnesol/ 
3.42 3.80 2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.10% Benzoic 
6.10 6.98 7.08 0 
acid 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
*After 1:1 dilution with phosphate buffer containing bacterial cells 
(pH7). 
**Bacterial count log 10. 
The synergistic mixture of farnesol and Carbopol in an acid medium also 
exhibits greater antimicrobial activity in vitro than farnesol alone, at a 
low pH, as disclosed in Table VI. 
TABLE VI 
______________________________________ 
In Vitro SIKT Testing of Farnesol Rinses 
Containing Carbopol Polymers 
Sample Bacterial Count (log 10) 
% Reduction 
______________________________________ 
0.05% Farnesol 
4.95 99.00 
0.05% Farnesol/ 
4.08 99.90 
0.20% Carbopol 940 
0.5% Farnesol/ 
4.11 99.90 
0.20% Carbopol 934P 
Chlorhexidine 
4.52 &gt;99.00 
______________________________________ 
In vitro testing of farnesol and other sesquiterpene alcohols demonstrates 
their antimicrobial activity against a dominant strain of human dental 
plaque producing bacteria, Actinomyces viscosus, in Table VII, using the 
SIKT test which has been previously described in Table I. 
TABLE VII 
______________________________________ 
Short Interval Killing Test (SIKT) against A. viscosus T14V 
Mouthrinse Bacterial Count (log 10) 
% Reduction 
______________________________________ 
Water 6.81 -- 
Placebo (hydroalcoholic 
6.74 -- 
vehicle) 
0.12% chlorhexidine 
&lt;2.00 &gt;99.9-9 
digluconate 
0.05% cetyl pyridinium 
&lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
chloride 
0.26% essential oils 
&lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.08% farnesol 
&lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.08% sandalwood oil 
&lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.08% nerolidol 
&lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.08% bisabolol 
&lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.09% eucalyptol 
6.85 -- 
0.06% methyl salicylate 
6.76 -- 
0.07% thymol &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
______________________________________ 
Table VIII compares the in vitro activity of farnesol vs. thymol at 
different concentrations. The results show that farnesol significantly 
killed plaque bacteria at one-tenth the effective concentration of thymol. 
TABLE VIII 
______________________________________ 
In Vitro Comparison of Farnesol vs Thymol 
Antimicrobial Activity 
Concen- 
Bact. Count Bact. Count 
tration 
(Log 10) % Red. (Log 10) % Red. 
______________________________________ 
0.08 &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.07 &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 
0.06 &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 3.93 99.99 
0.04 &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 6.23 0 
0.02 &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 6.71 0 
0.01 &lt;2.00 &gt;99.99 6.67 0 
0.0075 2.50 &gt;99.99 ND* ND 
0.005 3.66 99.9 ND ND 
______________________________________ 
*ND = not determined. 
The use of farnesol or other sesquiterpene alcohol in antiplaque oral 
compositions, in lieu of prior art cationic antimicrobial agents, affords 
multiple advantages. Farnesol is compatible with anionic surfactants, 
fluoride and sweeteners. There is no bitter aftertaste nor tooth staining 
associated with cationic antimicrobials. 
In addition, farnesol has advantages over other antimicrobial essential 
oils such as thymol and eucalyptol in that the sesquiterpene alcohols have 
a more pleasant taste, and have a lower toxicity as shown in Table IX. The 
toxicity values are reported in the literature. LD50 is the amount of 
agent necessary to kill 50% of the test animals. 
TABLE IX 
______________________________________ 
Relative Toxicity of Sesquiterpene Alcohols 
vs. Other Antiseptic Essential Oils 
Compound LD 50 (Oral, Rat) 
______________________________________ 
Farnesol 6000 mg/kg 
Sandalwood oil 3800 mg/kg 
Nerolidol &gt;5000 mg/kg 
Bisabolol 5000 mg/kg 
Eucalyptol 2480 mg/kg 
Thymol 980 mg/kg 
Methyl salicylate 
887 mg/kg 
______________________________________ 
The antiplaque sesquiterpene alcohol flavor compound may be incorporated 
into oral compositions generally, such as mouthrinses, mouthrinse 
concentrates, dentifrices, lozenges, chewing gum or dental floss 
containing a dental vehicle. 
The vehicle, often referred to as a dental vehicle contains liquids and 
solids in a dentifrice. In general, the liquid comprises water and/or a 
humectant such as glycerine, sorbitol, propylene glycol or polyethylene 
glycol including suitable mixtures thereof. It is usually advantageous to 
use a mixture of both water and one or two humectants. The total liquid 
content is generally about 20-90 percent by weight of the vehicle. In 
transparent and translucent vehicles, the liquid content of the toothpaste 
may be about 20-90 percent by weight, while in opaque vehicles the total 
liquid content is usually about 20-50 percent by weight. The preferred 
humectants are glycerine, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol. 
The solid portion of the vehicle is a gelling agent. In the instant 
invention the gelling agent includes alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose, 
hydroxy ethyl cellulose, and hydroxymethyl cellulose in an amount of at 
least about 0.5 percent by weight of the vehicle. Additional gelling 
agents may also be present. Gelling agents which may be additionally 
present include xanthan gum, viscarin, gelatin, starch, glucose, sucrose, 
polyvinyl pyrollidone, polyvinyl alcohol, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, 
hydroxy propyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose and 
sodium alginate, Laponite CP or SP, which are each synthetic inorganic 
complex silicate clays sold under trademark by Laporte Industries, Ltd., 
and magnesium aluminum silicate gel. The solid portion or gelling agent of 
the vehicle is typically present in an amount of about 0.5-5 percent by 
weight of the toothpaste and preferably about 0.5-2 percent by weight. 
Any suitable substantially water-insoluble polishing agent may be added to 
the gel vehicle of the dentifrice. There is a relatively large number of 
such materials known in the art. Representative materials include, for 
example, dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, aluminum hydroxide, 
magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium pyrophosphate, calcium 
sulfate, bentonite, alumina, hydrated alumina, aluminum silicate, 
zirconium silicates, silica, including suitable mixtures thereof. In 
general, these polishing agents will comprise a major proportion by weight 
of the solid ingredients. The polishing agent content is variable, but 
will generally be up to about 75 percent by weight of the total 
composition, generally about 20-75 percent; although, even lower amounts 
of polishing agent can be employed. 
Any suitable surface-active or detersive material may be incorporated in 
the gel vehicle. Such compatible materials are desirable to provide 
detersive and foaming properties depending upon the specific type of 
surface-active material selected. These detergents are water-soluble 
organic compounds usually, and may be anionic, non-ionic, or cationic in 
structure. It is preferred to use the water-soluble non-soap or synthetic 
organic detergents. Suitable detersive materials are known and include, 
for example, the water-soluble anionic salts of higher fatty acid 
monoglyceride monosulfate detergent (e.g., sodium coconut fatty acid 
monoglyceride monosulfate), higher alkyl sulfates (e.g., sodium lauryl 
sulfate), alkyl aryl sulfonate (e.g., sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate), 
higher fatty acid esters of 1,2-dihydroxypropane sulfonate) and the like. 
Other suitable surface active materials include nonionic surface active 
materials such as condensates of ethylene oxide with propylene oxide 
condensates of propylene glycol ("Pluronics"). 
The various surface-active materials may be used in any suitable amount, 
generally from about 0.05 to about 10 percent by weight, and preferably 
from about 0.5 to 5 percent by weight of the dentifrice composition. 
The oral products of the present invention may also contain antiplaque 
activity boosters in minimal amounts up to 5% by weight, such as polyvinyl 
phosphonic acid which deposits on tooth surfaces and inhibits plaque 
adhesion onto the surface. Farnesol works by a different mechanism: as an 
antimicrobial it inhibits bacterial reproduction and hence plaque growth. 
Therefore, the two different mechanisms for fighting plaque could be 
complementary, showing an additive or even synergistic effect. 
The oral products of this invention may also contain conventional 
ingredients such as coloring or whitening agents such as titanium dioxide, 
flavoring and/or sweetening materials, fluorides such as sodium fluoride, 
stannous fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate. These additional 
ingredients may each be added to the dentifrice in minimal amounts of up 
to 5% by weight, and preferably up to 1%, provided they do not interfere 
with the antiplaque properties of the finished product. 
The oral preparation may also be a liquid such as mouth rinse which 
typically contains 20-99% by weight of an aqueous lower aliphatic alcohol, 
preferably having about 10-30% by weight alcohol such as ethanol, 
n-propyl, or isopropyl alcohol, water and, often, about 5-35% humectant. 
Such oral preparations are typically applied by brushing the teeth with a 
dentifrice or toothpaste, or rinsing the oral cavity for 30-90 seconds or 
in the case of a lozenge, candy or gum, by sucking or chewing in the oral 
cavity, or in the case of a mouthspray by spraying into contact with oral 
surfaces at least once daily. Typical oral preparations of the invention 
which can be applied in this manner are set forth below.

EXAMPLES 1 AND 2 
______________________________________ 
Mouthrinse Compositions 
Weight Percent 
Example 1 Example 2 
Ingredient (Mouthrinse) 
(Concentrate)* 
______________________________________ 
Deionized Water 74.330 8.580 
Ethanol (95%) 15.000 60.000 
Glycerine 10.000 30.000 
Sodium lauryl sulfate 
0.300 0.200 
Flavor 0.160 0.400 
Benzoic acid 0.100 0.400 
Farnesol 0.080 0.320 
Sodium saccharin 0.020 0.080 
FD & C Blue #1 (1% sol'n) 
0.010 0.020 
______________________________________ 
pH = 3.2 
*Dilute 1:4 before use; becomes cloudy at proper dilution. 
The mouthrinse is prepared by forming two separate solutions, an ethanol 
solution containing farnesol, benzoic acid and flavor and an aqueous 
solution containing sodium lauryl sulfate, glycerin, sodium saccharin and 
color, combining the two solutions with mixing to complete the mouthrinse. 
More specifically, the benzoic acid, farnesol and flavor is dissolved in 
ethanol and mixed for five minutes. In a separate vessel, the sodium 
lauryl sulfate and the water is mixed slowly for five minutes. Glycerin, 
saccharin and color are added to the water solution and mixed about 10 
minutes. While mixing the aqueous solution, the alcohol solution is slowly 
added thereto, and mixed for ten minutes. 
The resultant mouthrinse composition is a clear liquid product. 
The 0.08% farnesol-containing mouthrinse in the presence of 0.1% benzoic 
acid and at an acid pH of 3.2 exhibits excellent antiplaque activity 
compared to prior art antiplaque mouthrinses as shown in Table IV, above. 
______________________________________ 
Anti-Plaque Mouthrinse 
Ingredient Weight Percent 
______________________________________ 
Water 46.280 
70% Sorbitol 20.000 
95% Ethanol 15.000 
Glycerin 15.000 
Polyvinyl phosphonic acid 
3.000 
Sodium lauryl sulfate 
0.250 
Farnesol 0.160 
Pluronic F127.sup.1 
0.100 
Flavor 0.100 
Benzoic acid 0.100 
Sodium saccharin 0.010 
______________________________________ 
pH = 3.8 
.sup.1 Condensate of ethylene oxide with propylene oxide condensates of 
propylene glycol. 
This mouthrinse is prepared according to the procedure of Example 1 except 
that the polyvinyl phosphonic acid and the sorbitol is dissolved in the 
aqueous solution. The Pluronic is dissolved in the ethanol solution. 
This antiplaque mouthrinse also exhibits superior antiplaque activity. 
EXAMPLE 4 
______________________________________ 
Anti-Plaque Mouthrinse 
Ingredient Weight Percent 
______________________________________ 
Water 49.270 
70% Sorbitol 20.000 
95% Ethanol 15.000 
Glycerin 15.000 
Sodium lauryl sulfate 
0.250 
Farnesol 0.160 
pluronic F127 0.100 
Flavor 0.100 
Benzoic acid 0.100 
Sodium saccharin 0.010 
Caramel color 0.010 
______________________________________ 
pH = 3.2 
This mouthrinse is prepared according to the procedure of Example 3. 
This antiplaque mouthrinse also inhibits plaque formation in the oral 
cavity. 
EXAMPLE 5 
______________________________________ 
Antiplaque Dentifrice Formulation 
Ingredient Weight % 
______________________________________ 
70% Sorbitol 30.000 
Glycerine 20.000 
Water 18.307 
Zeodent 113.sup.1 18.000 
Sylox 15.sup.2 5.500 
Sodium lauryl sulfate 
2.500 
Farnesol 1.000 
Benzoic acid 1.000 
H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 1.000 
Flavor 0.900 
Xanthan gum 0.850 
TiO.sub.2 0.500 
NaF 0.243 
Sodium saccharin 0.200 
______________________________________ 
pH = 4.02 
pH (3:1 slurry) = 3.62 
.sup.1 abrasive silica supplied by J. W. Huber Co. 
.sup.2 thickening silica from W. R. Grace Co. 
The dentifrice is prepared by first forming a gel phase by dispersing the 
xanthan gum in glycerin and mixing for five minutes. The salts (NaF, Na 
saccharin, benzoic acid and TiO.sub.2) are added to the glycerin/xanthan 
mixture and mixed another five minutes. Sorbitol is slowly added to the 
mixture and mixed another ten minutes. Water is slowly added, followed by 
H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and mixed ten additional minutes. The resultant gel phase 
is placed in a mixer to which is added the polishing agent (Zeodent) and 
the Sylox, and mixed under a vacuum for fifteen minutes at high speed. 
Sodium lauryl sulfate, flavor and farnesol are added to the mixer and 
mixed under vacuum for five minutes at a low speed, and recovering the 
antiplaque dentifrice which is packaged in any suitable container, i.e. 
tubes, spray cans, etc. 
The 1% farnesol-containing dentifrice in the presence of 1.0% benzoic acid 
at an acid pH of 4.02 exhibits excellent antibacterial activity compared 
to the dentifrice without farnesol as shown in Table X. 
TABLE X 
______________________________________ 
Data on Dentrifice by MIC (Minimum Inhibitory 
Concentration) Test Actinomyces viscosus 
Sample MIC (ppm) 
______________________________________ 
Dentifrice with 1.0% farnesol 
15.62 
Dentifrice without farnesol 
&gt;500 
______________________________________ 
An effective amount, e.g., about 0.05-0.2% by weight of a sesquiterpene 
alcohol and about 0.1-2.0% by weight of benzoic acid or other additives 
such as preservatives, e.g. propylparaben, dehydroacetic acid, etc., and 
Gantrez is also incorporated in an inert carrier or dissolved in a 
suitable vehicle in the formulation of chewing gums and lozenges. Gantrez 
may be replaced by other polycarboxylates. Similarly, the sesquiterpene 
alcohol and benzoic acid or the other additives are also incorporated into 
a mouth spray. 
EXAMPLES 6 AND 7 
______________________________________ 
Rinse Formulations with Preservatives & Gantrez 
Example 6 Example 7 
Ingredient Weight % Weight % 
______________________________________ 
Water 47.780 47.780 
70% Sorbitol 20.000 20.000 
Ethanol 95% 12.500 12.500 
Glycerine 10.000 10.000 
Propylene glycol 7.000 7.000 
Gantrez S97 (liq. .sup..about. 13%) 
1.920 1.920 
Sodium lauryl sulfate 
0.250 0.250 
Dodecylbenzene sulfonate 
0.200 0.200 
Flavor 0.120 0.120 
Propyl paraben 0.100 -- 
Dehydroacetic acid 
-- 0.100 
Farnesol 0.080 0.080 
Pluronic F127 0.050 0.050 
______________________________________ 
pH = adjust to between 3 and 5. 
These rinse formulations exhibit superior antiplaque activity. 
A typical lozenge formula contains the following ingredients, in percent by 
weight, based on the weight of the total formulation: 
______________________________________ 
75% to 98% Sugar 
1% to 20% Corn Syrup 
.1% to 1% Flavor oil 
0% to .03% Colorant(s) 
.1% to 5% Tableting Lubricant 
.2% to 2% Water 
.05% to 0.2% Sesquiterpene Alcohol 
0.1% to 2.0% Benzoic Acid 
______________________________________ 
Sugarless pressed candy may also be formulated to include the synergistic 
combination of sesquiterpene alcohol and benzoic acid antiplaque agent of 
this invention. For products of this type, which usually contain powdered 
sorbitol instead of sugar, synthetic sweeteners are mixed with the 
powdered sorbitol and flavor(s), colorant(s) and a tablet lubricant are 
then added. The formula is introduced into a tablet machine to shape the 
final product. A typical sugarless pressed candy contains the following 
ingredients, in percent by weight, based on the weight of the total 
formulation: 
______________________________________ 
98% to 99.5% Sorbitol 
.1% to .9% Flavor(s) 
0% to .02% Synthetic Sweeteners 
0% to .03% Colorant(s) 
.05% to 1% Tableting Lubricant 
.05% to 0.27% Sesquiterpene Alcohol 
.01% to 2.0% Benzoic Acid 
______________________________________ 
Obviously many variations of the above described procedures may be used to 
prepare pressed candies. 
A typical chewing gum may contain the following ingredients, in percent by 
weight based on the weight of the total gum formulation: 
______________________________________ 
Ingredients Weight Percent 
______________________________________ 
Gum Base From about 10% to about 40% 
Sucrose From about 50% to about 75% 
Corn Syrup or Glucose 
From about 10% to about 20% 
Flavor Material From about 0.4% to about 5% 
Sesquiterpene Alcohol 
From about .05% to about .2% 
Benzoic Acid From about 0.1% to about 2.0% 
______________________________________ 
An alternate chewing gum formulation is as follows: 
______________________________________ 
Ingredients Weight Percent 
______________________________________ 
Gum Base From about 10% to about 50% 
Binder From about 3% to about 10% 
Filler (Sorbitol, Mannitol 
From about 5% to about 80% 
or combination thereof) 
Artificial Sweetener & 
From about 0.1% to about 5% 
Flavor 
Sesquiterpene Alcohol 
From about 0.5% to about .2% 
Benzoic Acid From about 0.1% to about 2.0% 
______________________________________ 
In certain sugarless gums, there is used as the binder ingredient a 
solution of sorbitol in water containing from about 10% to about 80%, 
preferably from about 50% to about 75% by weight of sorbitol in H.sub.2 O. 
In others, there is used a gum acacia-in-water system containing from 
about 30% to about 60%, preferably from about 45% to about 50% by weight 
of gum acacia powder. 
The above chewing gum formulations are exemplary only. Many additional 
formulations are described in the prior art, and in carrying out this 
invention, such formulations can be employed. It is also possible to 
prepare an acceptable chewing gum product containing a gum base, flavoring 
material and a sesquiterpene alcohol-benzoic acid combination according to 
the teaching of this invention. 
The ingredient referred to heretofore in the formulations simply as "gum 
base" is susceptible to many variations. In general, a gum base is 
prepared by heating and blending various ingredients, such as natural 
gums, synthetic resins, waxes, plasticizers, etc. in a manner well known 
in the art. Typical examples of the ingredients found in a chewing gum 
base are masticatory substances of vegetable origin, such as chicle, crown 
gum, nispero, rosidinha, jelutong, pendare, perillo, niger gutta, tunu, 
etc.; masticatory substances of synthetic origin such as butadiene-styrene 
polymer, isobutyleneisoprene copolymer, paraffin, petroleum wax, 
polyethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinylacetate, etc.; plasticizers such 
as lanolin, stearic acid, sodium stearate, potassium stearate, etc. 
Although this invention has been described with reference to specific 
examples, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various 
modifications may be made thereto which fall within its scope.