Abstract: A toothbrush handling device for handling of toothbrushes during the manufacturing process. The device is a rigid toothbrush holder with fixed dimensions which is easily transported in a conveyor type apparatus. The holder is formed with a generally toothbrush-shaped portion and terminates in at least one cavity suitable to hold at least the head portion of the toothbrush such that the bristles do not contact any interior surface of the cavity. If only one cavity is present, it is large enough to permit a gripping mechanism to grasp a portion of the brush to permit the insertion of the brush into or the removal of the brush from the transport device. Also, if more than one cavity is present, the cavities are separated by a supporting wall. The device enables improved and easier handling of the toothbrushes during manufacturing and processing, and protects the bristles from damage during those processes.

Abstract: An antibacterial, anti-inflammatory compound for use in oral products, of the formulae: ##STR1## Wherein: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are straight chain or branched alkyl substituents or cycloalkyls with one or more alkyl substituents.

Abstract: A toothbrush having two head sections, the sections being normally biased to assume an angle with respect to each other, to thereby define a generally concave bristle tip configuration. The two sections of the head have facing ends joined by a thin bridge section integral with the two heads. In one embodiment, there is one bridge section near the lower surface of the head. In another embodiment, there are two longitudinally spaced bridge sections each near the lower head surface. In a third embodiment, the bridge section is a thin integral connection between facing ends of the two sections. In other embodiments, the two head sections are normally aligned and are also joined by a thin, integral bridge section, with the bristles of the head section most remote from the handle being of uniformly different lengths. The space between the two facing ends is filled with an elastomer, typically SANTOPRENE (brand). The two head sections define an articulated head.

Abstract: This invention relates to soft, end rounded toothbrush bristles having significant surface area containing a plurality of microfilaments surrounded by a sheath, wherein the microfilaments project beyond the sheath.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the antiplaque efficacy of an antibacterial dentifrice, comprising preparing a multicomponent dentifrice composition having a first dentifrice component containing an antibacterial agent and manganese coordination complex compound, and a second dentifrice component containing a peroxide compound; maintaining the first and second dentifrice components separately prior to use; combining the dentifrice components and applying the two components to the teeth and periodontium, whereby the dentifrice provides enhanced inhibition of plaque growth.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a bristle-bearing head divided into at least two sections is disclosed. The free end section, when unstressed, is normally biased to assume an angle of about 15.degree. with respect to the other, to thereby define an articulated head. The two sections of the head have facing ends joined by a thin bridge or hinge section integral with the two head sections, the bridge or hinge forming a groove between adjacent head sections. The upper surface of the bridge section is substantially flush with the upper surface of the head (opposite to the bristle-bearing surface). The space between the two facing ends is filled with a soft elastomer of about 5 to about 30, preferably about 13 to about 30 Shore A hardness. This hinge construction defines an articulated head of limited flex motion, wherein, when utilized by the average adult brusher, who applies an average brushing force of 0.5 pounds, flexes to a substantially flattened position.

Abstract: A tongue cleaner or scraper, of an absorbent, flexible, loop pile which conforms to the surface of the tongue and which improves cleaning effectiveness, while providing a soft, consumer acceptable tongue feel.

Abstract: Oral compositions, such as oral gels and toothpastes, containing a novel high cleaning, low abrasion silica hydrogel abrasive.

Abstract: A two component desensitizing dentifrice composition, having reduced astringency and enhanced taste is disclosed which comprises a first aqueous dentifrice component containing a desensitizing potassium salt, having a water content greater than 44% by weight; and a second anhydrous dentifrice component containing a stannous salt, the first and second dentifrice components being maintained separate from each other until dispensed for application to the teeth.

Abstract: An oral antiplaque composition for treatment of teeth wherein the essential antiplaque agent is a substantially water insoluble noncationic antibacterial phenol containing, relative to the hydroxyl group, an alkyl or cycloalkyl group, preferably tert.-butyl (t-butyl), in the 2-position, and substituents in one or both of the 4- and 5-positions, one or both of which may be alkyl or cycloalkyl, one being preferably t-butyl.

Abstract: Methods and machines are disclosed to attach tufts of individual bristles to a toothbrush with a resiliently flexible head, wherein the flexible head may be segmented with joints connecting adjacent segments or it may be angled or curved or combinations thereof, and to then trim such tufts of individual bristles to a desired length--or lengths in the case of brushes with multi-level tufts--and to then round the free ends of the individual bristles in each such tuft. The disclosed method and apparatus require only the modification of conventional toothbrush tufting machines having tuft insertion tools that travel in a defined direction and the modification of conventional trimming machines and methods.

Abstract: A two component efficacious dentifrice composition, having a first alkali metal bicarbonate containing dentifrice component and a second acid-containing dentifrice component; the first and second components being separated prior to use; wherein, the pH of the two components when combined upon application to the teeth is between about 6.0 and about 7.1; whereby, the dentifrice provides enhanced removal of plaque growth and a tingly mouth feel.

Abstract: A multicomponent anticaries dentifrice composition and method of use therefore, having a first dentifrice component containing a fluoride ion source and a second dentifrice component containing a casein glycomacropeptide compound, wherein the components are physically separated before use and are combined immediately prior to application to the teeth, the dentifrice exhibiting enhanced enamel remineralization.

Abstract: A desensitizing anti-tartar dentifrice of low stringiness upon extrusion from a tube or other container onto a toothbrush is provided which also retains desirable cream or gel consistency without becoming thick and difficult to extrude and retains phase integrity without substantial separation, which contains polyphosphate or phosphono compound anti-tartar agent and potassium salt tooth pain inhibitor and in which the gelling agent is a mixture of alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose, (CMC) and xanthan, wherein the CMC contains about 1.0 to 1.5 carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglycose unit.