Abstract: An oral preparation for removing deposits on surfaces in the oral cavity in conjunction with a toothbrush. The preparation includes at least one nonionic surfactant in a concentration range of from about 1.0% to about 40.0% by weight and at least one essential oil in a concentration range of from about 0.2% to about 13.0% by weight.

Abstract: A denture cleansing agent containing a film forming material for preventing plaque formation. The denture cleansing agent may be a denture cleanser tablet, and the film forming material may be a polyoxyethylene oxide/vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: A denture cleanser tablet or other cleaning composition comprises a synergistic combination of a hexametaphosphate, such as sodium hexametaphosphate, and an ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (Versene Acid or EDTA) or a salt thereof. The cleaning composition can be prepared without peracids or peracid salts, which leads to a milder, but highly effective, cleaning composition.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a concentrated solid or semi-solid disinfectant or sterilant composition for use in an aqueous disinfecting or sterilizing solution, comprising an oxidant and a protected glutaraldehyde such as a glutaraldehyde bisulfite addition compound (GBS): ##STR1## or a glutaraldehyde dioxime compound (GDO): ##STR2## The present invention further provides a method for disinfecting or sterilizing a surface or apparatus comprising the steps of mixing a concentrated solid or semi-solid glutaraldehyde sterilant composition comprising an oxidizing compound and a protected sterilant with water to form a solution and bringing the solution into contact with the surface or apparatus.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition is disclosed and comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition. This composition exhibits enhanced adhesive performance and reduces oozing and incidence of food occlusion. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a denture adhesive composition comprising: preparing a mixture which comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition; forming a denture adhesive composition including the mixture; and recovering the denture adhesive composition. A method of making a denture adhesive composition more adhesive and less oozing is disclosed as well. This method comprises adding to the denture adhesive composition a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition.

Abstract: Described is the use of vitamin E in topically applied compositions for the purpose of enhancing the penetration of therapeutically effective (cosmetically or pharmaceutically-active) drug or cosmetic ingredients. The topical compositions containing the penetration-enhancing concentration of vitamin E may be provided in a variety of forms including semi-solid (gel, paste, cream, lotion, ointment, etc.), liquid, suspension, film or laminate.

Abstract: A composition is provided for ingestion by mammals for in vivo conversion of alpha-D-galactoside comprising an amount of alpha-galactosidase effective to hydrolyze alpha-D-galactoside to D-galactose, and non-toxic, ingestible excipient(s) for said alpha-galactosidase. Gastric distress in mammals due to ingestion of foods containing alpha-D-galactoside may be reduced by ingesting the foregoing composition of alpha-galactosidase and non-toxic, ingestible excipient contemporaneously with the ingestion of said food in an amount effective to hydrolyze the alpha-D-galactoside to D-galactose.

Abstract: A method for reducing bone resorption at tooth extraction sites by topically applying a prostaglandin inhibitor, such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to the affected area. The preferred NSAID is ketoprofen. The composition may also include a penetration enhancer such as vitamin E.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition contains a denture adhesive and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier in which the denture adhesive is a salt of a copolymer of maleic acid or anhydride and a 1 to 5 carbon atom alkyl vinyl ether having a specific viscosity of at least 4.0. The denture adhesive composition is used to adhere a denture to the oral mucosa.

Abstract: A toilet cleaning block that releases a halogen containing sanitizing agent in a controlled, substantially constant rate for about 2 to about 4 months of constant contact with water and is then completely dissolved in the water comprises an admixture of about 50% to about 80% by weight of a halogen containing sanitizing agent, about 20% to about 40% by weight of a bulking agent such as aluminum hydroxide, about 0% to about 20% by weight sodium bicarbonate, and about 1 to about 20% by weight of a sacrificial dissolution rate regulating agent such as sodium chloride.

Abstract: A package for containing two automatic toilet bowl cleaners, one containing a bleaching cleaner and the other containing a detergent cleaner and a fragrance or dye susceptible to degradation by the bleaching agent, has separate pouches to separate the solids. The pouches open in concert to allow simultaneous dispensing of the solids. In operation, the water in the toilet cistern and bowl is cleaned both by the detergent and the bleaching agent, and the fragrance or dye is not affected by the bleaching agent.

Abstract: An improved process for the compression and tabletting of solid sustained release toilet bowl cleaners comprises the addition of a small amount of an anionic surfactant which produces a suitably compressed tablet with controlled rates of dissolution for long term cleaning efficacy. The surfactant allows for the formation of more tightly compressed tablets which require less compression energy expenditures reducing the wear and tear on commercial large scale tabletting machines.

Abstract: A denture adhesive with significantly improved hold performance is comprised of the mixed partial salts of polymethyl vinyl ether maleic acid. At least one of said salts comprises zirconium while a second salt is selected from the group consisting of calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, strontium and mixtures thereof. Optionally, a tripartite salt formulation may be prepared utilizing sodium, lithium or potassium. The adhesives are formulated in a standard pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle comprised of waxes, oils, colorants, viscosity modifiers and the like as is known in the art. The denture adhesive may be formulated as a paste, powder or liquid which has rapid absorption characteristics for faster swelling softening and superior coalescence.

Abstract: A composition for the cleaning and protection of partial dentures and the associated natural teeth of the wearer consisting essentially of a peroxy bleach cleanser in an amount of from about 5.0 wt % to about 70.0 wt % of the total weight of the composition; a fluoride source incorporated in a polymer matrix in a polymer/fluoride weight ratio of from about 3:1 to 1:3; at least one surfactant in an amount of from about 3.0 wt % to about 18.0 wt %; an organic peroxy acid bleach in an amount of from about 10.0 wt % to about 40.0 wt %; an active bicarbonate-based effervescent agent in an amount of from about 5.0 wt % to about 65.0 wt %. The composition is formulated as a two-layer compressed tablet wherein one layer contains the peroxyacid bleach cleanser and surfactant while the other layer contains the fluoride and a surfactant.

Abstract: An improved denture adhesive composition is comprised of a highly cross-linked lower alkyl ether/maleic acid or maleic anhydride copolymer in which up to about 85% of the initial free carboxyl groups are reacted with one or more cross-linking agents. The cross-linking agents are mixtures of inorganic divalent cations such as calcium, magnesium and zinc together with organic bifunctional compounds comprised of polyhydroxyl compounds such as propylene glycol, glycerin and the like. The copolymer has a specific viscosity of no less than 1.5. A hydrophilic polymer such as sodium alginate or carboxymethyl cellulose may also be added to the lower alkyl vinyl ether/maleic acid or maleic anhydride copolymer which is then formulated with other excipients in a paste, powder, liquid, gel or cream composition.

Abstract: A composition containing a water soluble or water swellable polyelectrolyte mixed salt in a dentifrice base or other oral compositions which can be used for relieving pain and discomfort caused by hypersensitive teeth.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a drain by opening a container within a dispenser and dispensing drain cleaner from the container, through an outlet of the dispenser, and into the drain. The dispenser may have an upwardly extending pin for opening the container. Alternatively, the dispenser may have a cutter for opening an angled end of the container. In another alternative, the container may include a plug and a cooperating stem for opening the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A composition containing a water soluble or water swellable polyelectrolyte mixed salt in a dentifrice base or other oral compositions which can be used for relieving pain and discomfort caused by hypersensitive teeth.

Abstract: A method for treating hypersensitive teeth by treating the teeth with an oral composition comprising hectorite clay, especially Laponite clay.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition contains a denture adhesive and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier in which the denture adhesive is a salt of a copolymer of maleic acid or anhydride and a 1 to 5 carbon atom alkyl vinyl ether having a specific viscosity of at least 4.0. The denture adhesive composition is used to adhere a denture to the oral mucosa.