Abstract: Incorporation of talc in dentifrice preparations based on calcined kaolins enhances the rheological properties of such dentifrices. In addition, new and more effective dentifrice preparations may be obtained by employing therein a cleaning and polishing constituent comprising a mixture of calcined kaolin, talc and titanium dioxide. Additionally, anticariogenic adjuvants, such as sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride, especially a 1:2 molar mixture thereof, may be incorporated in such dentifrice preparations.

Abstract: The application discloses new dental prophylactic cleaning and polishing agents predominantly comprising magnesium metasilicate particles obtained by thermally treating selected minerals.

Abstract: An improved chewing gum capable of cleaning and imparting a high degree of polish to the teeth comprises a chewing gum base, at least one non-toxic source of acid, and calcined kaolin particles, the median diameter of which is about 2 micrometers or less, substantially all of the particles being less than about 20 micrometers in diameter. Such a chewing gum cleans and imparts a high degree of polish to the teeth without unduly abrading or scratching them. When regularly chewed, such a gum, in addition to cleaning and polishing the dental enamel, also inhibits the reformation of dental plaque.

Abstract: Anticariogenic comestibles (i.e., food products that reduce the incidence and severity of dental caries) may be obtained by incorporating therein a cariostatic additive comprising a soluble aluminum ion containing salt and a member selected from the group consisting of adipic acid, ascorbic acid, and mixtures thereof. Dental health benefits of such products may be further enhanced by employing as a nutritive sweetening system therein a mixture of at least one first sweetening agent consisting of sorbitol and/or xylitol and at least one second sweetening agent consisting of dextrose and/or fructose, with the mixture containing at least about 75% of the first agent by weight of the mixture where dextrose is the second agent and at least about 60% of the first agent where fructose is the second agent.

Abstract: Noncariogenic comestibles (i.e., food products that do not cause dental caries) may be obtained by employing as a nutritive sweetening system therein a homogenous mixture of at least one first sweetening agent consisting of sorbitol and/or xylitol and at least one second sweetening agent consisting of dextrose and/or fructose, with the mixture containing at least about 75% of the first agent by weight of the mixture where dextrose is the second agent and at least about 60% of the first agent where fructose is the second agent. Advantageously and optionally, such a sweetening system is provided in candies in association with adipic and/or ascorbic acid as a flavoring agent.

Abstract: New and more effective dentifrice preparations may be obtained by employing therein a cleaning and polishing constitutent comprising purified, calcined kaolin particles. Additionally, anticariogenic adjuvants such as sodium fluoride, NaF, may be incorporated in such dentifrice preparations.

Abstract: Improved therapeutic dentifrice preparations comprise a nontoxic and anticariogenically effective amount of one or more water-soluble aluminum salts and a compatible dental abrasive selected from the group consisting of purified, calcined kaolin, calcined aluminum silicate, zirconium silicate, silica, alumina, calcined and uncalcined talcs, barium sulfate, resin abrasives, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Improved anticariogenic oral compositions comprise a non-toxic and anticariogenically effective amount of one or more water-soluble alumium salts, a non-toxic stable complexing carboxylic acid or water-soluble salt thereof, and a carrier suitable for use in the oral cavity at a pH of about 7.0-9.0.

Abstract: Aqueous anionic maloaluminate complexes of the structure: ##STR1## at mildly alkaline pH are effective in reducing the incidence and severity of dental caries. These complexes may be advantageously incorporated in aqueous oral compositions, especially dentifrices, having pH values lying in the range of about 7.0 - 9.0.

Abstract: A system and machine, or orbital brushing simulator, especially designed for testing the effect of cleaning and polishing agents and of brushes on tooth or similar specimens, with particular respect to enamel, dentin, or cementum abrasion, enamel or dentin polishing, enamel scratching, and cleaning. The machine accommodates several individually-mounted specimens, each acted upon by a brush moving over it in either of two directions, or in combinations of the two, thereby avoiding grooving of the specimen surfaces as well as providing more flexible and useful patterns for study. The system has a gravity-operated mechanism to set the pressure between each specimen and its brush, which thereby avoids variation in the pressure in a test involving a substantial number of cycles. This means is adjustable to provide very light pressures that are nevertheless steady. Means are provided to maintain a uniform suspension of the cleaning and polishing agent during the testing operation.