JP2015227358A - Aqueous oral care composition - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a longer lasting compositions that can be used to moisten the oral cavity and reduce dry mouth, for diseases of the oral cavity such as xerostomia.SOLUTION: An aqueous oral care composition comprises: about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.% of xanthan gum; about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.% of cellulose gum; about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.% of carbomer; and an orally acceptable aqueous carrier. The aqueous oral care composition has a Flow Rate Index of less than 0.85. The aqueous oral care composition also comprises: an antibacterial agent containing cetylpyridinium chloride; a humectant selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol and a combination of two or more thereof; and one or more components selected from a fluoride ion source, a buffering agent, a tartar control agent, an abrasive and a combination of two or more thereof.

Description

Background thirst can be caused by several factors, including but not limited to heredity, systemic illness, response to drugs and aging. The degree of thirst experienced by an individual can vary greatly. Stimulation of saliva production and the use of oral moisturizers and substitute saliva has been used to reduce dry mouth. Saliva production can be stimulated by various modalities such as mechanical, chemical, electrical and pharmacological. With commercial products, the degree and duration of the effect varies. Therefore, there is a need for a more effective, long lasting composition that can be used to moisturize the oral cavity and reduce dry mouth in an individual.

Summary One aspect of the present invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of polymers in proportions to form a viscoelastic polymer network having certain desired rheological characteristics. In certain embodiments, the composition provides a coating that carries the polymer network to the oral surface, which acts as a mucoadhesive polymer film in the oral cavity and restores moisture and lubricity similar to that provided by natural saliva. . In some embodiments, the polymer film binds to water and provides a reduction in dry sensation.

  Certain embodiments provide an aqueous oral care composition comprising a gum-type colloidal polymer; a cellulose polymer; an acrylate polymer; and an oral acceptable aqueous carrier. In some embodiments, the gum type colloidal polymer is xanthan gum. In some embodiments, the cellulose polymer is cellulose gum. In some embodiments, the acrylate polymer is a carbomer. Certain embodiments provide an aqueous oral care composition comprising xanthan gum; cellulose gum; carbomer; and an oral acceptable aqueous carrier. Yet another aspect provides a method of treating or preventing an oral disease or condition comprising contacting any one of the compositions described herein with the oral surface of a subject in need of treatment.

Throughout the detailed description , ranges are used as shorthand for each and every value within the range. All values within the range may be selected as the end of the range.

  All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  In the event of a definition conflict between the present disclosure and a cited document, the present disclosure shall control.

  As used herein, the term “viscoelastic fluid” means a complex fluid that exhibits both mechanical properties, both elastic (solid-like, eg gum) and viscous (liquid-like, fluidity eg water). Viscoelastic fluid compositions deform and flow under the influence of shear stress (eg, shaking or swishing in the oral cavity), but when the load is removed, the composition recovers from deformation. The elastic part of the viscoelastic material can be quantified by the elastic modulus (G ′), and the viscous part can be quantified by the viscosity coefficient (G ″).

  As used herein, the term “shear thinning” refers to the property of decreasing viscosity with increasing rate of shear stress. A material that exhibits shear thinning properties is called pseudoplasticity.

  As used herein, “structured fluid” and “structured composition” can be used interchangeably and have a G ′ value (ie, G ′) that is greater than the G ”value within the linear viscoelastic region of the strain sweep measurement. A fluid with a ratio of G ″ to> 1). The G 'to G "ratio is identified as a structural parameter.

  Certain embodiments provide an aqueous oral care composition comprising a gum-type colloidal polymer; a cellulose polymer; an acrylate polymer; and an oral acceptable aqueous carrier. In some embodiments, the gum type colloidal polymer is xanthan gum. In some embodiments, the cellulose polymer is cellulose gum. In some embodiments, the acrylate polymer is a carbomer.

  One aspect of the present invention provides an aqueous oral care composition comprising xanthan gum; cellulose gum; carbomer; and an aqueous carrier acceptable in the mouth. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 0.01 to about 0.5% by weight xanthan gum; from about 0.01 to about 0.5% by weight cellulose gum; and from about 0.01 to about 0.5% by weight carbomer. including.

  The term “aqueous” as used herein means a free water content of at least about 40% by weight.

  In certain embodiments, the composition comprises about 40 to about 97% by weight free water. In some embodiments, the composition comprises greater than about 50% by weight free water. In some embodiments, the composition is about 50 to about 90% by weight free water. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises about 60 to about 80% by weight free water. In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 70% by weight free water. Some embodiments comprise about 70%, about 71%, about 72%, about 73%, about 74% or about 75% by weight free water.

  Certain embodiments provide a composition comprising about 0.05 to about 0.1% by weight of xanthan gum. A further aspect provides a composition comprising about 0.05 to about 0.1 wt% cellulose gum. Another embodiment provides a composition comprising about 0.03 to about 0.1% by weight carbomer.

  Certain embodiments comprise a composition comprising about 0.05 to about 0.1% by weight xanthan gum; about 0.05 to about 0.1% by weight cellulose gum; and about 0.03 to about 0.1% by weight carbomer. Offer things.

  Certain embodiments provide a composition comprising from about 0.07 to about 0.09% by weight of xanthan gum. A further aspect provides a composition comprising about 0.07 to about 0.09% by weight cellulose gum. Another embodiment provides a composition comprising about 0.04 to about 0.06% by weight carbomer.

  In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 0.07 to about 0.09% by weight xanthan gum; from about 0.07 to about 0.09% by weight cellulose gum; and from about 0.04 to about 0.06% by weight. Including carbomers.

  Certain embodiments provide a composition comprising about 0.08% by weight of xanthan gum. A further aspect provides a composition comprising about 0.08% by weight cellulose gum. Another embodiment provides a composition comprising about 0.05% by weight carbomer.

  Yet another embodiment provides a composition comprising about 0.08 wt% xanthan gum; about 0.08 wt% cellulose gum; and about 0.05 wt% carbomer. Yet another embodiment provides a composition comprising 0.083 wt% xanthan gum; 0.083 wt% cellulose gum; 0.05 wt% carbomer.

  In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises an antimicrobial agent. In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is cetylpyridinium chloride.

  Certain embodiments provide a composition further comprising a wetting agent. Another aspect provides a composition comprising a humectant selected from glycerin; sorbitol; ethanol; propylene glycol; and combinations of two or more thereof.

  In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises one or more ingredients selected from a fluoride ion source; a tartar inhibitor; a buffer; an abrasive; and combinations of two or more thereof. In certain embodiments, at least one of the one or more components is stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium hexafluorosilicate, ammonium fluorosilicate, amine fluoride, fluoride. A fluoride ion source selected from ammonium fluoride and combinations of two or more thereof.

  In certain embodiments, the composition is a mouthwash or mouthwash.

  In certain embodiments, the composition has a flow rate index of less than 1. In other embodiments, the composition has a flow rate index of about 0.1 to about 0.8. Yet another embodiment provides a composition having a flow rate index of about 0.3 to about 0.6. Yet another embodiment provides a composition having a flow rate index of about 0.5.

  Certain embodiments of the present invention provide compositions having a consistency index greater than 10. Another aspect provides a composition having a tenacity index greater than 100. A further aspect of the invention provides a composition having a tenacity index greater than 150. Yet another aspect provides a composition having a tenacity index greater than 160. Yet another aspect provides a composition having a tenacity index greater than about 163.

  Certain aspects provide a method of treating or preventing an oral disease or condition comprising contacting any oral surface of a subject in need of treatment with any one of the compositions described herein. In certain embodiments, the oral disease or condition is xerostomia.

  In certain embodiments, the composition is a mouthwash or mouth rinse. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a mixture of polymers that form a polymer network that is inherently viscoelastic. In other embodiments, the polymer network has viscous and elastic characteristics, which makes it particularly useful when used in aqueous compositions. In certain embodiments, the composition exhibits shear thinning properties when used. Under pressure applied to the liquid in normal use of the composition, the viscosity of the composition decreases, resulting in a free flowing solution that provides a broad coverage of the entire oral cavity when used. In certain embodiments, the viscosity of the composition is relatively high.

  In certain embodiments, the use of the composition results in the delivery of a film that coats both the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity, thereby promoting lubrication, restoring moisture, and providing a pleasant mouthfeel. The shear thinning properties of the composition are similar to saliva.

  Cellulose gum is a cellulose derivative. Cellulose derivative polymers such as cellulose gum may be of any length or any combination of lengths.

  Synthetic high molecular weight polymers of acrylic acid, known as carbomers, are homopolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ether pentaerythritol, allyl ether of sucrose or allyl ether of propylene. Carbomers are “carbomer homopolymer type A” in the USP classification. Carbomers have the ability to absorb and retain water and expand to several times its original volume. The carbomer code (910, 934, 940, 941, 971, 974 and 934P) is an indicator of its molecular weight and specific components of the polymer.

  In certain embodiments, the combination of polymers in the composition imparts the desired viscoelastic properties to the product. The shear thinning properties of the composition can be quantified in terms of flow rate index ("n"). The water flow index is 1. For this standard, the flow index of the shear thinning liquid is less than 1.

  The overall viscosity index, expressed as the tenacity index ("k") of the composition is typically higher than water, for example about two orders of magnitude higher. Thus, the flow rate index is typically low, eg, less than 1, and the tenacity index is typically high, eg, greater than 10. The combination of a flow rate index less than 1 and a tenacity index greater than 10 is responsible, in part, for the desired characteristics provided by the compositions described herein.

  In some embodiments, the composition is substantially liquid in nature, i.e., a mouthwash or a mouthwash. In certain embodiments, the carrier consists primarily of free water, i.e., an aqueous solution. In certain embodiments, one or more of water, sorbitol, glycerin and propylene glycol constitutes at least about 80% by weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, one or more of water, sorbitol, glycerin and propylene glycol constitutes at least about 90% by weight of the composition.

  Wetting agents useful herein are polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol or low molecular weight PEG, alkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol or propylene glycol. In various embodiments, the wetting agent functions to prevent the effects of exposure of the paste or gel composition to air. In various embodiments, the wetting agent also functions as a sweetening agent.

  In some embodiments, the wetting agent is present in an amount of about 1 to about 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the wetting agent is sorbitol. In some embodiments, sorbitol is present at a concentration of about 5 to about 25% by weight. In some embodiments, sorbitol is present at a concentration of about 5 to about 15% by weight. In some embodiments, sorbitol is present at a concentration of about 10% by weight. The description of sorbitol here means a substance that is typically marketed as a 70% aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the total wetting agent concentration is about 1 to about 60% by weight.

  In some embodiments, the wetting agent is glycerin. In some embodiments, glycerin is present at a concentration of about 5 to about 15% by weight. In some embodiments, glycerin is present at a concentration of about 7.5% by weight.

  In some embodiments, the wetting agent is propylene glycol. In some embodiments, propylene glycol is present at a concentration of about 5 to about 15% by weight. In some embodiments, propylene glycol is present at a concentration of about 7% by weight.

  Other examples of wetting agents are ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, vegetable oils and waxes containing at least about 12 carbons in a straight chain, such as olive oil, castor oil and petrolatum and esters, For example, amyl acetate, ethyl acetate and benzyl benzoate.

  One or more wetting agents may be present in a total amount of about 1% to about 50%, such as about 2% to about 45% or about 5% to about 35%, or about 10% to about 25% by weight.

  Other optional additives may be included. Such optional additives include those that replace the apparent or aesthetic appeal and / or preserve the final product and / or for taste / cosmetic appeal and / or oral health, oral hard and soft tissue And those provided as therapeutic and prophylactic ingredients for the prevention or treatment of other conditions or disorders, or the prevention or treatment of physiological disorders or conditions.

  Certain embodiments provide compositions in which a preservative is present. In some embodiments, the preservative is selected from parabens, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, polyaminopropyl biguanide, caprylic acid, sodium benzoate and cetylpyridinium chloride. In certain embodiments, the preservative is present in a concentration from about 0.0001 to about 1% by weight. In certain embodiments, the preservative is present in a concentration from about 0.01 to about 1% by weight. In certain embodiments, the preservative is present in a concentration of about 0.5% by weight.

  Colorants such as dyes include dyes such as FD & C Red No. 3 (tetraiodofluorescein sodium salt), Food Red 17 (6-hydroxy-5-{(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfo). Phenyl) azo} -2-naphthalenesulfonic acid disodium salt), Food Yellow 13 (sodium salt of a mixture of quinophthalone or 2- (2-quinolyl) indandione mono- and disulfonic acid), FD & C yellow No. 5 ( 4-p-sulfophenylazo-1-p-sulfophenyl-5-hydroxypyrazole-3-carboxylic acid sodium salt), FD & C yellow No. 6 (p-sulfophenylazo-B-naphthol-6-monosulfonate) Sodium salt), FD & C Green No. 3 (4-{[4- (N-ethyl-p-sulfobenzylamino) -phenyl]-(4-hydroxy-2-sulfoniumphenyl) -methylene}-[1- (N -Ethyl Disodium salt of Np-sulfobenzyl) -δ-3,5-cyclohexadienimine], FD & C Blue No. 1 (disodium salt of dibenzyldiethyl-diamino-triphenylcarbonol trisulfonic anhydride) , FD & C Blue No. 2 (sodium salt of indigotine disulfonic acid) and mixtures thereof in various proportions are currently approved under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act Food colorants. Typically, the colorant is present in very small amounts, if included.

  Flavoring agents such as natural and artificial flavoring agents are known. These flavoring agents may be selected from synthetic flavor oils and flavor aromatics, and / or oils, oleo resins and extracts from plants, leaves, flowers, fruits, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Representative flavor oils include spearmint oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, bay oil, thyme oil, scented oil, nutmeg oil, sage oil, and bitter tonsil oil. These flavors can be used individually or in admixture. Commonly used flavors include mint, such as peppermint, artificial vanilla, cinnamon derivatives, and various fruit flavors, if used individually, if mixed. In general, any flavoring agent or food additive as described in Chemicals Used in Food Processing, publication 1274 by the National Academy of Sciences, pages 63-258 may be used. Typically, the flavoring agent, if included, is present at 0.01-1% by weight. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent is present at about 0.2% by weight.

  Sweeteners include both natural and artificial sweeteners. Suitable sweeteners are water-soluble sweeteners such as monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides such as xylose, ribose, glucose (dextrose), mannose, galactose, fructose (left-handed sugar), sucrose (sugar), maltose, water-soluble artificial Sweeteners such as soluble saccharin salts, i.e. saccharin sodium or calcium salts, cyclamates dipeptide-based sweeteners such as L-aspartic acid-derived sweeteners such as L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (aspartame). In general, an effective amount of sweetener is used to provide the desired sweetness level for a particular composition, depending on the sweetener selected. This amount is usually from about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the sweetening agent is sodium saccharin and is present at about 0.01% by weight of the composition.

  Any breath freshening agents may be provided. Any orally acceptable oral malodor preventive agent can be used, including but not limited to zinc salts such as zinc gluconate, zinc citrate and zinc chlorite, alpha-ionone and mixtures thereof. One or more halitosis prevention agents are optionally present in a total amount effective for halitosis prevention.

Optionally, the composition may include a tartar control (anticalculus) agent. In particular, calculus inhibitors useful for use herein include phosphoric acids and polyphosphoric acids (eg pyrophosphoric acids), polyaminopropane sulfonic acids (AMPS), polyolefin sulfonic acids, polyolefin phosphoric acids, diphosphonic acids such as azacycloalkane-2 , 2-diphosphonic acids (eg azacycloheptane-2,2-diphosphonic acid), N-methylazacyclopentane-2,3-diphosphonic acid, ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid (EHDP) and It includes ethane-1-amino-1,1-diphosphonate, phosphonoalkanecarboxylic acids and salts of any of these agents, such as its alkali metal and ammonium salts. Useful inorganic phosphates and polyphosphates include monobasic, dibasic and tribasic sodium phosphates, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium tetrapolyphosphate, mono-, di- and tetrasodium pyrophosphate salts, trimetaphosphoric acid Sodium, sodium hexametaphosphate and mixtures thereof, where sodium may optionally be replaced by potassium or ammonium. Other useful anticalculus agents include polycarboxylic acid polymers and polyvinyl methyl ether / maleic anhydride (PVME / MA) copolymers such as those available under the Gantrez ^™ brand from ISP, Wayne, NJ.

  In some embodiments, the calculus inhibitor is present in an amount of about 0.01 to 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the calculus inhibitor is present at a concentration of about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the monobasic sodium phosphate is present at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the monobasic sodium phosphate is present at a concentration of about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, disodium phosphate is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, disodium phosphate is present at a concentration of about 0.15% by weight.

  Another optional additive is an antimicrobial (eg, antimicrobial) agent. Includes triclosan (5-chloro-2- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol); zinc and tin ion sources; quaternary ammonium compounds such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC); bisguanides such as chlorhexidine; and benzalkonium chloride Any orally acceptable antimicrobial agent can be used. A further descriptive list of useful antimicrobial agents is provided in Gaffar, et al. US Pat. No. 5,776,435.

  In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount from about 0.001 to about 1% by weight. In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is cetylpyridinium chloride. In some embodiments, cetylpyridinium chloride is present at a concentration of about 0.05% by weight.

  Antioxidants are another group of optional additives. Including butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, plant antioxidants, chlorophyll, melatonin, and mixtures thereof, Any mouth acceptable antioxidant can be used.

  Optionally, a saliva stimulant useful for improving thirst, for example, may be included. Stimulates all oral acceptable saliva stimulants including, but not limited to, food acids such as citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, ascorbic acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, and tartaric acid, and mixtures thereof it can. The one or more saliva stimulants are optionally present in a total amount effective for saliva stimulation.

  Optionally, an anti-plaque (eg, plaque destroying) agent may be included. Including tin, copper, magnesium and strontium salts, dimethicone copolyols such as cetyl dimethicone copolyol, papain, glucoamylase, glucose oxidase, urea, calcium lactate, calcium glycerophosphate, strontium polyacrylate and mixtures thereof. Any mouth-tolerable anti-plaque agent can be used.

  Sensory palsy agents that can optionally be used include potassium citrate, potassium chloride, potassium tartrate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium oxalate, potassium nitrate, strontium salts, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, local or systemic analgesics such as aspirin, codeine, acetaminophen, sodium salicylate or triethanolamine salicylate can be used.

  In certain embodiments, the method includes rinsing the oral cavity with a composition described herein. In certain embodiments, the shear thinning properties of the composition enhance flow when agitated in the oral cavity, thus covering the area. In certain embodiments, a polymer film is formed on the oral surface after releasing the composition, which provides relief from dry mouth symptoms. In some embodiments, it is included in a composition of 5 ml or more. In some embodiments, 10 ml or more is used. In some embodiments, 10-50 ml is used. In some embodiments, 15-25 ml or more is used. In some embodiments, 15 ml or more is used. In some embodiments, an individual is impregnated with the composition several times per day. In some embodiments, the individual is moistened with the composition for several days. In certain embodiments, an individual is included with the composition at a maximum of 6 times a day, every 4-6 hours.

  Aspects of the invention are further described in the following examples. The examples are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention described and claimed in any way.

Example 1
Table 1 (below) describes the formulation of exemplary compositions of the invention; it also describes the concentration range of each component.

  The compositions described in Table 1 (above) can be prepared by conventional methods known to those skilled in the art; however, an example of a manufacturing method is described below.

  About 1/3 of the water is placed in the first container (container 1) and Carbopol 971P is slowly added while mixing the whole vigorously. Put the remaining water in the second container (container 2), add Poloxomer 407 to it and mix until dissolved. Add sorbitol and glycerin to container 2. Monobasic sodium phosphate, sodium benzoate, anhydrous dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium saccharin and Betafin BP20 are added to vessel 2 and are mixed separately before adding the next in sequence. Add cetylpyridinium chloride and dye to vessel 2 and mix for about 10 minutes to ensure that everything is dissolved. Xanthan gum and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) are slurried with propylene glycol. Add container 1 mixture (Carbopol 971P and water) to container 2. Add xanthan gum and CMC slurry to vessel 2 and mix for about 15 minutes. Add flavor and mix for about 5 minutes.

Example 2
This example describes the ingredients listed in Comparative Example 1. Comparative Example 1 includes the following components: water, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolyzate, propylene glycol, hydroxycellulose, Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice, flavor, Poloxamer 407, calcium lactate, zinc gluconate, benzoic acid Sodium, benzoic acid, potassium thiocyanate, and enzymes (lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, glucose oxidase).

Example 3
This example describes the ingredients listed in Comparative Example 2. Comparative Example 2 contains the following components: water, glycerin, sorbitol, poloxamer 338, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, carboxymethylcellulose, cetylpyridinium chloride, copovidone, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium phosphate, sodium saccharin, xanthan gum , And FD & C blue no.

Example 4
This example describes the ingredients listed in Comparative Example 3. Comparative Example 3 includes the following components: water, glycerin, alcohol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, polysorbate 20, flavor, sodium benzoate, cetylpyridinium chloride, sodium saccharin, D & C Yellow no. 10, and FD & C blue no.

Example 5
This example describes the ingredients listed in Comparative Example 4. Comparative Example 4 contains the following ingredients: water, glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol, Poloxamer 407, monosodium phosphate, sodium benzoate, disodium phosphate, flavor, cetylpyridinium chloride, sodium fluoride, sodium saccharin, FD & C green no. 3, and FD & C yellow no. 5.

Example 6
This example describes the ingredients listed in Comparative Example 5. Comparative Example 5 contains the following ingredients: water, sorbitol solution, monosodium phosphate, poloxamer 338, flavoring agent, potassium sorbate, phosphoric acid, sodium fluoride, polysorbate 20, FD & C blue no.

Example 7
This example describes the ingredients listed in Comparative Example 6. Comparative Example 6 includes the following components: water, alcohol, benzoic acid, Poloxamer 407, sodium benzoate, caramel pigment, eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol.

Example 8
This example describes the ingredients listed in Comparative Example 7. Comparative Example 7 contains the following ingredients: calcium disodium EDTA, cetylpyridinium chloride, disodium phosphate, flavor, green 3, menthol, methyl salicylate, Poloxamer 407, polysorbate 20, potassium sorbate, propylene glycol, benzoic acid Sodium, sodium phosphate, sodium saccharin, sorbitol, water, yellow 5, and sodium fluoride.

Example 9
The viscoelastic, shear thinning properties of exemplary compositions of the present invention were characterized using rheology in a conventional stress controlled rheometer using conical and flat plate shapes. Typically, one of the rheological methods commonly used to characterize solutions as viscoelastic and shear thinning is the flow curve, which is an indicator of viscosity as a function of shear rate . For the various products analyzed here, flow measurements are made in the shear rate range of 0.1 to 100 sec- ¹ .

  Shear thinning properties can be quantified by fitting a flow curve to a power law function and examining the flow velocity index (“n”). A Newtonian fluid such as water has a flow index of 1 and a shear thinning fluid has n <1. Natural saliva has a flow index of about 0.4.

  The composition of the present invention has a flow rate index of 0.1 to 0.8, preferably 0.3 to 0.6. In addition, the overall viscosity index, also referred to as the firmness index (“k”), is two orders of magnitude higher for Comparative Examples 1 and 2 or the composition of the present invention than water. With a combination of a flow rate index of less than 1 (preferably less than 0.85) and a tenacity index of greater than 10, the composition of the present invention has a unique mouth sensation-partly due to polymer film deposition on the oral surface-and Provides excellent dry mouth reduction.

Table 2 (below) provides the flow rate index and firmness index for the compositions of the present invention and commercial mouthwash / mouthwash (Comparative Examples 1-7). These variables are commonly used to quantify the flow behavior of Newton as well as viscoelastic fluids. The data listed in Table 2 illustrates that the polymer system of the present invention provides a shear thinning effect like saliva, while the comparative example acts as a Newtonian fluid that closely resembles water. In essence, none of the comparative examples are shear thinning.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

From about 0.01 to about 0.5% by weight of xanthan gum;
From about 0.01 to about 0.5 weight percent cellulose gum;
From about 0.01 to about 0.5% by weight of carbomer; and an orally acceptable aqueous carrier;
And an aqueous oral care composition having a flow rate index of less than 0.85. From about 0.05 to about 0.1% by weight of xanthan gum;
The composition of claim 1, comprising from about 0.05 to about 0.1 wt% cellulose gum; and from about 0.03 to about 0.1 wt% carbomer. From about 0.07 to about 0.09% by weight of xanthan gum;
3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising from about 0.07 to about 0.09% by weight cellulose gum; and from about 0.04 to about 0.06% by weight carbomer. About 0.08% by weight of xanthan gum;
4. A composition according to any preceding claim, comprising about 0.08% by weight cellulose gum; and about 0.05% by weight carbomer. 0.083 wt% xanthan gum;
0.083 wt% cellulose gum;
5. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising 0.05% by weight carbomer.   Furthermore, the composition in any one of Claims 1-5 containing an antibacterial agent.   The composition according to claim 6, wherein the antibacterial agent is cetylpyridinium chloride.   The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a wetting agent.   9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the wetting agent is selected from glycerin; sorbitol; propylene glycol; and combinations of two or more thereof.   The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising one or more components selected from a fluoride ion source; a tartar inhibitor; a buffer; an abrasive; and a combination of two or more thereof.   At least one of the one or more components is stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium hexafluorosilicate, ammonium fluorosilicate, amine fluoride, ammonium fluoride, and these The composition according to claim 10, which is a fluorine ion source selected from a combination of two or more of the following.   The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is a mouthwash or a mouthwash.   13. A composition according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the mouth-acceptable aqueous carrier comprises 40% by weight free water.   14. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims having a flow rate index of from about 0.1 to about 0.8.   15. A composition according to any preceding claim having a flow rate index of from about 0.3 to about 0.6.   16. A composition according to any of claims 1 to 15, having a flow rate index of about 0.5.   The composition according to claim 1, having a tenacity index greater than 10.   18. A composition according to any preceding claim having a G '/ G "ratio of 1 or more.   A method for treating or preventing an oral disease or condition comprising contacting the oral cavity surface of a subject in need of treatment with the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18.   20. The method of claim 19, wherein the oral disease or condition is xerostomia.