Abstract: An oral composition such as a dentifrice or mouthwash, containing an aqueous phase of water and as solubilizing agent propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, olive oil, castor oil, amyl acetate, ethyl acetate, glyceryl tristearate or benzyl benzoate mixed with at least one of glycerine and sorbitol, a substantially water-insoluble noncationic antibacterial antiplaque agent, such as 2,4,4'-trichloro-2.sup.1 -hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), and a synthetic anionic linear polymeric polycarboxylate having a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 1,000,000.