Patent Description:
There is a desire, therefore, to develop improved oral care compositions that include zinc compounds with reduced astringency while maintaining the zinc compounds' beneficial effects. <CIT> discloses dentifrice compositions with reduced astringency, but without any direct reference to using alginates to manage or reduce astringency. <CIT> relates to oral care compositions. According to example <NUM>, a composition containing sodium calcium alginate as a binder component, but no zinc compounds, may have less astringent feel in the mouth than the same composition comprising no sodium calcium alginate.

In one embodiment, the present invention concerns the use of an alginate in a dentifrice composition containing zinc compounds to reduce astringency therein, wherein the dentifrice composition comprises:.

In another embodiment, the invention concerns a use of an alginate in a dentifrice composition containing zinc compounds to reduce astringency therein, wherein the dentifrice composition comprises:.

It has been found that alginate can be used to modulate and/or lessen the astringency of dentifrice or toothpaste compositions containing zinc compounds. The alginate can effectively modulate and/or lessen the astringent taste and mouthfeel during and/or after brushing, while still maintaining the efficacy of the at least one zinc compound' antibacterial, antiplaque, antitartar, and deodorant properties. For example, dentifrice compositions containing zinc citrate, zinc oxide and sodium alginate have significantly reduced astringent taste and mouthfeel compared to dentifrice compositions containing zinc citrate and zinc oxide, but no sodium alginate. Moreover, this reduction in astringent taste and mouthfeel for dentifrice composition containing zinc citrate, zinc oxide and sodium alginate can also be formulated using different abrasives, such as silica and calcium carbonate.

Zinc is believed to provide antibacterial efficacy by disrupting glucose metabolism and also interacting with the bacterial cell wall. This inhibits bacterial growth in the mouth. Without wanting to be bound by theory, it is believed that zinc can form a molecular complex with sodium alginate thereby modulating the astringent taste and mouthfeel of the dentifrice composition, yet without significantly affecting the zinc's ability to interact with the bacteria.

The dentifrice composition can include at least one alginate, at least one zinc compound, at least one liquid medium, at least one abrasive, at least one humectant, at least one thickening agent, at least one flavoring agent, at least one surfactant, at least one sweetening agent, at least one anti-caries agent, at least one additive, and mixtures thereof.

The total weight of the dentifrice composition can include the total weight of the at least one alginate salts, at least one zinc compound, at least one liquid medium, at least one abrasive, at least one humectant, at least one thickening agent, at least one flavoring agent, at least one surfactant, at least one sweetening agent, at least one anti-caries agent, and/or at least one additive.

Alginate or alginic acid is a polymer derived from seaweeds and algae. The alginates can include alginates of varying molecular weights. The alginates can also include, but is not limited to, at least one of the salts forms of alginate, such as sodium alginate, potassium alginate, calcium alginate, or any mixture thereof. For example, sodium alginate is the sodium salt of aliginate or alginic acid. Alginic acid and its salt forms are linear block copolymers with homopolymeric blocks of (<NUM>-<NUM>)-linked β-D-mannuronate residues and α-L-guluronate residues covalently bonded together in different blocks. The monomers can appear in homopolymeric blocks of consecutive β-D-mannuronate residues, consecutive α-L-guluronate residues or alternating β-D-mannuronate and α-L-guluronate residues.

The alginate is present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The dentifrice composition includes zinc oxide and zinc citrate trihydrate, wherein the zinc compounds are present in an amount from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the dentifrice composition, for example zinc oxide in an amount of from about <NUM> to <NUM> %, or <NUM> wt%, and for example zinc citrate in an amount of from <NUM> to <NUM>%, about <NUM> to <NUM>%, or <NUM>%. For example, the mixing ratio of the two zinc compounds can be in a weight ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, or about <NUM>:<NUM>. In another example, the mixing ratio of the two zinc compounds can be in a weight ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM>, or about <NUM>:<NUM>. For example, the dentifrice composition can include a mixture of two zinc compounds in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>. For example, the dentifrice composition can include a mixture of zinc citrate and zinc oxide in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>.

The liquid medium can include, but is not limited to: water, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof. The liquid medium can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the liquid medium can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % or less, about <NUM> wt % or less, about <NUM> wt % or less, about <NUM> wt % or less, about <NUM> wt % or less, or about <NUM> wt % or less, based on the total weight of the composition. In another example, the liquid medium can be present in the dentifrice composition of about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The humectant can include, but is not limited to, sorbitol, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, or any mixture thereof. The humectant can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the humectant can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The thickening agent can include, but is not limited to: carboxymethyl cellulose, such as carboxymethyl cellulose-tetramethylsilyl and carboxymethyl cellulose <NUM>; tetrasodium pyrophosphate; xanthan gum; carrageenan gum and/or silica. A thickening agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the thickening agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM>. <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. Commercially available thickening agents can be used in the dentifrice composition disclosed herein.

The flavoring agent or dentifrice flavor can include, but is not limited to: vanillin, sage, marjoram, parsley oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon, wintergreen oil (methylsalicylate), peppermint oil; clove oil; bay oil; anise oil; citrus oils; fruit oils and essences, such as those derived from lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, apricot, banana, grape, apple, strawberry, cherry, pineapple, and the like; bean- and nut-derived flavors, such as coffee, cocoa, cola, peanut, almond, and the like; sassafras; clove; sage; eucalyptus; marjoram; menthol; carvone; anethole; salt white flavor; cyclamates; acesulfane-K; thaumatin; neohisperidin dihydrochalcone; D-tryptophan, ammoniated glycyrrhizin; and mixtures thereof. Also encompassed within flavoring agents herein are ingredients that provide fragrance and/or other sensory effects in the mouth, such as cooling or warming effects. Such agents can include, but is not limited to: menthol; menthyl acetate; menthyl lactate; camphor; eucalyptus oil; eucalyptol; anethole; eugenol; cassia; oxanone; α-irisone; propenyl guaiethol; thymol; linalool; benzaldehyde; cinnamaldehyde; N-ethyl-p-menthan-<NUM>-carboxamine; N,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-<NUM>-isopropylbutanamide, <NUM>-(<NUM>-menthoxy)-propane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diol; cinnamaldehyde glycerol acetal, menthone glycerol acetal (MGA) and the like. Commercially available flavoring agents can be used in the dentifrice composition disclosed herein.

The flavoring agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the flavoring agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The surfactant can be anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, or nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Suitable anionic surfactant include without limitation, water-soluble salts of C<NUM>-<NUM> alkyl sulfates, sulfonated monoglycerides of C<NUM>-<NUM> fatty acids, sarcosinates, taurates and the like. Illustrative examples of these and other classes can include sodium lauryl sulfate ("SLS"), sodium coconut monoglyceride sulfonate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl isoethionate, sodium laureth carboxylate and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate. Suitable nonionic surfactants include without limitation, poloxamers, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary amine oxides, tertiary phosphine oxides, dialkyl sulfoxides and the like. Suitable amphoteric surfactants include without limitation, derivatives of C<NUM>-<NUM> aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines having an anionic group such as carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate or phosphonate.

The surfactant can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the surfactant can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The sweetening agent can include, but is not limited to: saccharin, xylitol, perillartien, sucrose, glucose, sucralose, dextrose, levulose, lactose, thaumatin, neohisperidin dihydrochalcone, mannitol, sorbitol, fructose, maltose, xylitol, thaumatin, aspartame, dihydroehalcones, xylitol, acesulfame, cyclamate salts, and mixtures thereof. The sweetening agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the sweetening agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The anti-caries agent can include, but is not limited to, at least one fluoride compound. The fluoride compound can include, but is not limited to: sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, calcium fluoride, zinc fluoride, zinc ammonium fluoride, lithium fluoride, ammonium fluoride, stannous fluoride, stannous fluorozirconate, sodium monofluorophosphate, potassium monofluorophosphate, laurylamine hydrofluoride, diethylaminoethyloctoylamide hydrofluoride, didecyldimethylammonium fluoride, cetylpyridinium fluoride, dilaurylmorpholinium fluoride, sarcosine stannous fluoride, glycine potassium fluoride, glycine hydrofluoride, amine fluorides, and mixtures thereof.

The anti-caries agent can be present in the dentifrice composition a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the anti-caries agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM>. <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

In another aspect, the fluoride compound can dissociate to provide fluoride ions in a concentration from a low of about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, or about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm to a high of about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, <NUM>,<NUM>, or about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm. For example, the fluoride compound can dissociate to provide fluoride ions in a concentration from about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm to about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm to about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm to about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm to about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm to about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm to about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm, or about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm to about <NUM>,<NUM> ppm. In order to provide such a concentration in the desired ppm range, the exact weight percentage of the at least one fluoride compounds in the dentifrice composition can vary widely, depending upon the stoichiometric ratio of the fluoride within the compound.

The additive can include, but is not limited to: at least one coloring agent, at least one preservative, at least one tartar control agent, at least one base; at least one acid, at least one antimicrobial agent, at least one teeth whitener, at least one saliva stimulating agent, at least one anti-sensitivity agent, at least one antioxidant, and mixtures thereof.

The coloring agent can include, but is not limited to: pigments, dyes, lakes and agents imparting a particular luster or reflectivity, such as pearling agents. The coloring agent can include, but is not limited to: talc; mica; magnesium carbonate; calcium carbonate; magnesium silicate; magnesium aluminum silicate; silica; Timiron MP-<NUM>, titanium dioxide; iron oxides; ferric ammonium ferrocyanide, manganese violet; ultramarine; titaniated mica; bismuth oxychloride; and mixtures thereof. Commercially available coloring agents can be used in the dentifrice composition disclosed herein.

The coloring agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the coloring agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The tartar control agent can include: phosphates and polyphosphates (for example pyrophosphates); polyaminopropanesulfonic acid (AMPS); polyolefin sulfonates; polyolefin phosphates; diphosphonates, such as azacycloalkane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphosphonates (e.g., azacycloheptane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphosphonic acid); N-methyl azacyclopentane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphosphonic acid; ethane-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphosphonic acid (EHDP), and ethane-<NUM>-amino-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphosphonate, phosphonoalkane carboxylic acids, and the like. Useful inorganic phosphate and polyphosphate salts include monobasic, dibasic and tribasic sodium phosphates, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrapolyphosphate, mono-, di-, tri- and tetrasodium pyrophosphates, sodium trimetaphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and mixtures thereof.

The tartar control agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the tartar control agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The preservative can include, but is not limited to: betaine; benzoates, such as sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, methyl paraben, and ethyl paraben; dichlorinated phenols; and mixtures thereof. The preservative can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the preservative can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The anti-microbial agent can include, but is not limited: benzoic acid, potassium benzoate, boric acid, betanaphthol, chlorothymol, thymol, anethole, eucalyptol, carvacrol, menthol, phenol, amylphenol, hexylphenol, heptylphenol, octylphenol, hexylresorcinol, laurylpyridinium chloride, myristylpyridinium chloride, cetlpyridinium fluoride, cetylpyridinium chloride, cetylpyridinium bromide, triclosan, chlorhexidine; triclosan; quaternary ammonium compounds, such as benzalkonium chloride; parabens, such as methylparaben or propylparaben; and mixtures thereof.

The anti-microbial agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the anti-microbial agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The anti-sensitivity agent can include, but is not limited: potassium salts, such as potassium nitrate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, potassium citrate, and potassium oxalate; capsaicin; eugenol; strontium salts; zinc salts; chloride salts; and mixtures thereof. The dentifrice composition may treat hyper-sensitivity by blocking dentin tubules.

The anti-sensitivity agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the anti-sensitivity agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM>. <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The tooth whitening agent can include, but is not limited to: peroxides, such as hydroperoxides, hydrogen peroxide, lithium peroxide, potassium peroxide, sodium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, peroxy acids; metal chlorites, such as calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, and potassium chlorite; persulfates; sodium perborate; and mixtures thereof.

The tooth whitening agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the tooth whitening agent can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The bicarbonate salt can impart a "clean feel" to teeth and gums due to effervescence and release of carbon dioxide. The bicarbonate salt can include, but is not limited to: alkali metal bicarbonates, such as sodium and potassium bicarbonates, ammonium bicarbonate and the like. The bicarbonate salt can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the bicarbonate salt can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The antioxidant can include, but is not limited to: butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, herbal antioxidants, chlorophyll, melatonin, and mixtures thereof. The antioxidant can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the antioxidant can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM>. <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

Acids and/or bases can be used to adjust the pH and/or buffer the dentifrice composition. The acids can include, but is not limited to: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, citric acid, sodium citrate, and mixtures thereof. The bases can include, but is not limited to: sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof. The dentifrice composition can have a pH from a low of <NUM> to a high of about pH <NUM>. For example, the dentifrice composition can have pH from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The acids and/or bases can be present in the dentifrice composition from a low of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, to a high of about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. For example, the acids and/or bases can be present in the dentifrice composition from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

The dentifrice composition can be a solid, liquid, dispersion, emulsion, suspension, slurry, gel or any mixture thereof. The viscosity of the dentifrice compositions can vary widely. For example, the viscosity of the dentifrice composition can be from a low of about <NUM> centipoise ("cP"), about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, or about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to a high of about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, or about <NUM>,<NUM> cP at a temperature of about <NUM>° C. For example, dentifrice composition can have a viscosity from about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, or about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP at a temperature of about <NUM>° C. In another example, the dentifrice composition can have a viscosity from about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP, or about <NUM>,<NUM> cP to about <NUM>,<NUM> cP at a temperature of about <NUM>° C. The viscosity can be measured using a viscometer.

A method for making zinc compounds and sodium alginate dentifrice compositions that use natural calcium carbonate as the abrasive can include, but is not limited to: combining at least one humectant, at least one alginate, at least one additive, at least one sweetening agent, at least one anti-caries agent, at least one thickening agent, and at least one liquid medium to make a first mixture; mixing the first mixture for at least <NUM> minutes at a temperature of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The first mixture can be transferred from the reaction vessel into a mixer, such as a Li-yuan mixer. Applying a vacuum of at least -<NUM> MPa and mixing the first mixture for at least <NUM> minutes in the vacuum; combining at least one abrasive to the first mixture to make a second mixture; mixing the second mixture for at least <NUM> minutes; applying a vacuum of at least -<NUM> MPa to the second mixture; combining at least one surfactant to the second mixture to make a third mixture; mixing the third mixture for at least <NUM> minutes at a temperature of at least <NUM>; releasing the vacuum over third mixture; stopping the mixing of third mixture; combining at least one zinc compound, at least one flavoring agent, and at least one additive into the third mixture to make a fourth mixture; mixing the fourth mixture for at least <NUM> minutes; applying vacuum of at least -<NUM> MPa to the fourth mixture; and mixing the fourth mixture for at least <NUM> minutes before releasing the vacuum to make a dentifrice composition.

A method for making zinc compounds and sodium alginate dentifrice compositions that use silica as the abrasive can include, but is not limited to: combining at least one humectant, at least one alginate, at least one thickening agent, at least one anti-caries agent, at least one abrasive, at least one sweetening agent, at least one liquid medium to a reaction vessel to make a first mixture; increasing the temperature of the first mixture to at least <NUM> and mixing for at least <NUM> minutes. The first mixture can be transferred from the reaction vessel into a mixer, such as a Li-yuan mixer. Applying a vacuum over the first mixture of at least - <NUM> MPa and mixing for at least <NUM> minutes; increasing the vacuum over the first mixture to at least -<NUM> MPa and mixing for at least <NUM> minutes; reducing the temperature of the first mixture to less than <NUM> and releasing the vacuum; combining at least one flavoring agent, at least one additive, at least one abrasive, at least one surfactant, and at least one zinc compound to make a second mixture; mixing the second mixture for at least <NUM> minutes; applying a vacuum of at least -<NUM> MPa over the second mixture and mixing for at least <NUM> minutes to make a dentifrice composition.

Further disclosed herein are methods of using the dentifrice composition. The dentifrice composition can be applied to the surface of a tooth to clean and/or inhibit dental caries. The dentifrice composition can be applied to a tooth by any means. An applicator, such as a brush or a dental tray, can be used to apply the composition. For example, the dentifrice composition can be applied by contacting a brush with the composition and then using the brush to contact the composition to the surface of a tooth. Or in other words, the dentifrice composition can be applied by a user brushing his or her teeth using a toothbrush.

In order to provide a better understanding of the foregoing discussion, the following non-limiting examples are offered. Although the examples can be directed to specific embodiments, they are not to be viewed as limiting the invention in any specific respect. Examples <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are not in accordance with the specific limitations of the claims.

Table <NUM> shows example dentifrice compositions containing sodium alginate, the zinc compounds, zinc citrate trihydrate and zinc oxide, and natural calcium carbonate as the abrasive.

The dentifrice compositions were made by combining a formula amount of humectant, monosodium fluorophosphate, sweetener, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, thickening agent, and sodium alginate into a reaction vessel and stirring for <NUM> minutes at room temperature to fully incorporate the ingredients. A formula weight of water was added to the reaction vessel to make a first mixture. The first mixture was stirred for <NUM> minutes at a temperature of between <NUM> and <NUM>. The first mixture was transferred from the reaction vessel into a Li-yuan mixer. The first mixture was put under a vacuum of -<NUM> MPa. The homogenizer and mixer on the Li-yuan mixer was set to <NUM>/<NUM> rotations per minute (rpm). The first mixture was stirred for <NUM> minutes. The viscosity of the first mixture was periodically measured by a viscometer. A vacuum of -<NUM> MPa was applied to the first mixture. A formula amount of abrasive (natural calcium carbonate and silica) was added to the first mixture to make a second mixture. The second mixture was mixed for <NUM> minutes. A vacuum of -<NUM> MPa was applied to the second mixture. A formula amount of <NUM> wt% liquid sodium lauryl sulfate was combined with the second mixture to make a third mixture. The third mixture was mixed for <NUM> minutes at a temperature of <NUM>. The vacuum over the third mixture was released and mixing stopped. A formula weight of dentifrice flavor, benzoic acid, zinc citrate trihydrate, and zinc oxide was added to the third mixture to make a fourth mixture. The fourth mixture was mixed for <NUM> minutes without vacuum. A vacuum of -<NUM> MPa was applied to the fourth mixture and it was mixed for <NUM> minutes to make the dentifrice compositions.

Table <NUM> shows example dentifrice compositions containing sodium alginate, the zinc compounds, zinc citrate trihydrate and zinc oxide, and abrasive.

The dentifrice compositions were made by combining a formula amount of sorbitol, glycerin, thickening agents, sodium alginate, sodium fluoride, sweetener and colorants into a reaction vessel and stirring to incorporate the ingredients. A formula amount of water was added to the reaction vessel to make a first mixture. The temperature of the first mixture was increased to <NUM> and it was mixed for <NUM> minutes. The first mixture was transferred from the reaction vessel into a Li-yuan mixer. The first mixture was placed under vacuum of -<NUM> MPa. The homogenizer and mixer on the Li-yuan mixer was set to <NUM>/<NUM> rotations per minute (rpm). The first mixture was mixed for <NUM> minutes. The vacuum over the first mixture was increased to -<NUM> MPa. The first mixture was mixed for <NUM> minutes. The temperature of the first mixture was reduced to less than <NUM>, and the vacuum released. A formula amount of dentifrice flavor, benzyl acid, additional colorant, <NUM> wt% liquid sodium lauryl sulfate, zinc citrate trihydrate, and zinc oxide were combined with the first mixture to make a second mixture. The second mixture was mixed for <NUM> minutes. The second mixture was placed under vacuum of greater than -<NUM> MPa, and mixed for <NUM> minutes to make the dentifrice composition.

An astringency comparison test was used to compare the astringency of a natural calcium carbonate-based dentifrice composition containing sodium alginate and a dentifrice composition without sodium alginate. Table <NUM> shows the inventive dentifrice composition (Ex. <NUM>) containing sodium alginate, the zinc compounds zinc citrate trihydrate and zinc oxide, and natural calcium carbonate as the abrasive, and the control dentifrice composition (C1) containing the zinc compounds zinc citrate trihydrate and zinc oxide, and natural calcium carbonate as the abrasive.

Table <NUM> shows the results of the astringency comparison test.

Twenty panelists participated in the astringency comparison test. The test showed that <NUM>% of the panelists rated C1 more astringent than Ex. <NUM>, while only <NUM>% panelists rated Ex. <NUM> as more stringent than C1. In other words, the composition with sodium alginate was significantly less astringent than that without sodium alginate.

An astringency comparison test was used to compare the astringency of a silica-based dentifrice composition containing sodium alginate and a dentifrice composition without sodium alginate. Table <NUM> shows the inventive dentifrice composition (Ex. <NUM>) containing sodium alginate, the zinc compounds zinc citrate trihydrate and zinc oxide, and silica as the abrasive, and the control dentifrice composition (C1) containing the zinc compounds, zinc citrate trihydrate and zinc oxide, and silica as the abrasive.

Claim 1:
A use of an alginate in a dentifrice composition containing zinc compounds to reduce astringency therein, wherein the dentifrice composition comprises:
the alginate, wherein the alginate is present in an amount from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the dentifrice composition;
the zinc compounds, wherein the zinc compounds comprise zinc oxide and zinc citrate trihydrate, wherein the zinc compounds are present in an amount from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the dentifrice composition; and
an abrasive, wherein the abrasive comprise calcium carbonate, wherein the abrasive is present in an amount from about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, based on the total weight of the dentifrice composition.