Abstract: The invention relates to an oral care composition with antiplaque agents. The antiplaque agents are complexes of divalent copper, zinc, iron or tin, or trivalent iron with a specific class of cyclic &agr;-hydroxyketones. A typical example is the copper (II)-ethylmaltol complex. These complexes are more active antiplaque agents that e.g. copper-hinokitiol complexes.

Abstract: A unitarily constructed toothbrush is provided including a head with bristles unitarily molded therewith, a handle and a neck, all being formed of an identical plastic material. Dispersed throughout the plastic material is at least one anti-microbial active compound such as a halogenated hydrocarbon, a quaternary ammonium salt or combinations thereof. Preferably the plastic material is a low density polyethylene. Toothbrushes of the present invention inhibit the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms thereby avoiding the possibility of infecting oral gums.

Abstract: A swab is described formed of a paper stick having opposite ends of less paper density than the rest of the stick. An absorbent covering such as cotton is placed around the ends. The stick is obtained by rolling a paper having left and right edges harmonically cut with at least two amplitude maxima and at least one amplitude minima. Softer stick ends are achieved through this structural arrangement. A cut paper used for forming the swab stick and a manufacturing process are also described.