Abstract: An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush, comprising a flexible head formed of a plurality of flexibly connected segments. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising a handle and a head. The head can be formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments constructed of a rigid material and separated by a channel containing an elastomeric material. An elastomeric cleaning element comprising, a base portion and an upper portion extends form a front surface of the head. The elastomeric cleaning element extends from and is connected to the elastomeric material of the channel so that the base portion overlies a portion of each of the front surfaces of the segments on opposing sides of the channel. In another embodiment, the invention can be the elastomeric cleaning element itself, irrespective of the type of head in which it is incorporated. In yet another embodiment, the base portion can be tapered.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an oral composition containing an anti-adhesion agent, preferably a cysteine protease and most preferably ficin. In another aspect, the cysteine protease is in combination with one or more ingredients, such as antibacterial agent and surfactant. The anti-adhesion agent mitigates interaction between a subject oral cavity and plaque-forming materials.

Abstract: A kit for decorating a toothbrush includes the toothbrush having a base portion, and at least one decorative band sized to fit around the outer perimeter of the base portion of the toothbrush. A second embodiment of the kit includes the toothbrush, a writing instrument and an area designated on the base portion for marking with the writing instrument. A third embodiment of the kit includes the toothbrush, a writing instrument, an area designated on the base portion for marking with the writing implement and at least one decorative band sized to fit around the outer perimeter of the base portion of the toothbrush. Any of the kits may include at least one sticker sized to fit on the base portion of the toothbrush. Any of the kits may also include a panel including one or more stickers and/or one or more decorative bands.

Abstract: The invention includes a dentifrice composition that comprises a zinc ion source, a polyphosphate ion source, an anethole and a silica. The silica has a mean particle size of about 5 to about 12 microns, an Einlehner hardness of about 1 to about 20, and an oil absorption of about 40 to less than about 100 cc/100 g. The composition contains zinc ions and polyphosphate ions in a weight ratio of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 and has a RDA value of about 100 to about 200 and a PCR value of about 75 to about 110. Related methods are also included.

Abstract: Provided is an aqueous cleaning composition comprising at least one surfactant, xanthan gum, and a carbonate salt, wherein the composition has a turbidity of less than 16 NTU. Also provided is a method of cleaning a substrate by applying the cleaning composition to the substrate.

Abstract: Oral compositions are provided that comprise a propolis extract; a halogenated diphenyl ether non-ionic antibacterial agent; an anionic polymeric copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride; and a source of fluoride ions. The oral composition can be in a form of a mouth rinse, a dentifrice, a confectionary, a medicament, or a film. Methods of making and using the oral compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A cleansing composition comprising a cleansing effective amount of surfactant and polyurethane-34. The polyurethane-34 can deposit on skin during cleansing and form a barrier that reduces bacterial attachment to skin.

Abstract: Described herein are high yield methods for making magnolol (5,5?-diallyl-biphenyl-2,2?-diol) and tetrahydro-magnolol (5,5?-dipropyl-biphenyl-2,2?-diol).

Abstract: An oral care implement that emits a scent. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a toothbrush comprising: a base component having a gripping region and an oral engaging region, wherein said base component comprises a first scenting agent; and a second component covering at least a portion of said base component in said gripping region, to control a rate of release of said first scenting agent from said base component in said gripping region.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a body that appears to float within an aperture of the handle. The body can perform both a decorative and/or utilitarian function depending on its design and/or location on the handle. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle; an aperture in the handle; and a grip body disposed within the aperture and enveloping a body, the grip body constructed of a first material and the body constructed of a second material, the second material being harder than the first material.

Abstract: A toothbrush that enhances cleaning and user comfort while brushing. In one embodiment, the toothbrush comprises a cleaning element support member, or base member, that permits a head of the toothbrush to be comfortably received and manipulated within the user's mouth. In an embodiment, the support member comprises a head support having an overhanging portion and a portion free of an overhang.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, and a light source incorporated into or adjacent the head. The light source is incorporated prior to the attachment of the cleaning elements for ease of manufacturing and a cost-effective assembly. The cleaning elements are preferably pre-formed and attached to the head after the incorporation of the light source so that the provision of the light source does not require any post-processing that might impair the integrity of the head or cleaning elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to compositions useful for the removal of grease, lime scale, soap scum, feces, rust or other soils from surfaces such as those found in bathrooms, toilets and kitchens. Methods of removing soils and preventing soil adhesion are also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention encompasses compositions and methods for treating and modifying surfaces of teeth, which compositions include calcium and magnesium containing silicates or silica, cationic polymer modified silica or combinations thereof. The composition when applied to the teeth or a tooth surface deposit on such surfaces to repair acid damaged enamel and prevent further erosion of a tooth surface.

Abstract: An oral care composition having a first phase of clinically efficacious 2,4,4?-trichloro 2?-hydroxydiphenyl ether admixed in a first orally acceptable aqueous vehicle, and a second phase having a stannous salt (such as stannous fluoride) admixed in a second orally acceptable aqueous vehicle. The second phase has no less than 10 molar percent of soluble stannous ion respective to a mathematical sum of moles of the soluble stannous ion and moles of the stannous salt in the second phase. In one embodiment, the two phases are provided in a dual-tube toothpaste oral care kit.

Abstract: Described herein are dental floss compositions comprising an elastomeric matrix containing one or more particles, and methods of making and using the same.