Abstract: A dentifrice which inhibits plaque formation and reduces gingivitis and caries comprising water-insoluble alkaline earth metal polishing agent such as dicalcium or dimagnesium phosphate or pyrophosphate, xylitol and a substantially water insoluble noncationic antibacterial agent, such as triclosan.

Abstract: An antibacterial oral composition effective to promote oral hygiene containing an antibacterial antiplaque agent and an additive which reduces staining of dental surfaces caused by the antibacterial antiplaque agent without substantially diminishing the antibacterial and antiplaque activity of the agent. Bis-biguanido hexanes, such as chlorhexidine and alexidine, and quaternary ammonium salts, such as benzethonium chloride and cetyl pyridinium chloride, are typical examples of antibacterial agents. The stain reduction additive is a polyamine polyphosphonic compound, such as ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) and salts thereof.

Abstract: A toothbrush head has two inner longitudinal rows of relatively soft bristle tufts, two outer longitudinal rows of shorter relatively hard bristle tufts, and a transverse end row of hard bristle tufts that are longer than any of the other tufts, and the end surfaces of the bristle tufts of the inner and outer rows are tapered laterally outwardly from an apex of the softer bristles that extends longitudinally medially of the head.