Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth-whitening composition comprising (i) a substantially water-insoluble and substantially non-degradable polymer matrix component capable of adhering to the surface of a tooth, provided that if the polymer matrix component is in non-solid form, it is solidifiable by chemical alteration; and (ii) gas- or liquid-filled pores embedded in said polymer matrix component, wherein at least a portion of said gas- or liquid-filled pores have at least one size dimension in the range of about 70 nm to about 5 microns, and wherein the gas- or liquid-filled pores and polymer matrix component possess a difference in refractive index of at least 0.1. The invention is also directed to a tooth-whitening system containing the above composition in combination with an applicator device. The invention is also directed to methods for applying the tooth-whitening composition onto teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to mouth rinses for the prevention and elimination of bad breath as well as for the reduction of oral microorganisms responsible for the development of dental plaque and tooth decay. In particular, the present invention relates to a non-alcohol or reduced alcohol mouth rinses effective at preventing the above-mentioned problems.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for disrupting biofilms. In some embodiments, the compounds and compositions comprise unsaturated long chain alcohols and/or aldehydes, or combinations of such compounds. In further embodiments, the present invention contains therapeutic actives to help reduce and/or eradicate the bacteria in the biofilm once the film is disrupted.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to mouth rinses for the prevention and elimination of bad breath as well as for the reduction of oral microorganisms responsible for the development of dental plaque and tooth decay. In particular, the present invention relates to a non-alcohol or reduced alcohol mouth rinses effective at preventing the above-mentioned problems.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for disrupting biofilms. In some embodiments, the compounds and compositions comprise unsaturated long chain alcohols and/or aldehydes, or combinations of such compounds. In further embodiments, the present invention contains therapeutic actives to help reduce and/or eradicate the bacteria in the biofilm once the film is disrupted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth-whitening composition comprising (i) a substantially water-insoluble and substantially non-degradable polymer matrix component capable of adhering to the surface of a tooth, provided that if the polymer matrix component is in non-solid form, it is solidifable by chemical alteration; and (ii) gas- or liquid-filled pores embedded in said polymer matrix component, wherein at least a portion of said gas- or liquid-filled pores have at least one size dimension in the range of about 70 nm to about 5 microns, and wherein the gas- or liquid-filled pores and polymer matrix component possess a difference in refractive index of at least 0.1. The invention is also directed to a tooth-whitening system containing the above composition in combination with an applicator device. The invention is also directed to methods for applying the tooth-whitening composition onto teeth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral care device configured to contact teeth, where the device includes disposed therein a bioactive glass in an amount effective to mineralize teeth when contacted with the teeth under conditions effective to mineralize the teeth; and a tooth-bleaching agent in an amount effective to whiten teeth when contacted with the teeth under conditions effective to whiten the teeth, and to methods for simultaneously mineralizing and whitening teeth utilizing the devices of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tooth whitening compositions that are capable of being activated by light energy, where the compositions include a safe and effective amount of riboflavin or a derivative of riboflavin, from about 0.1 to about 50 percent by weight of a bleaching agent and a water-soluble liquid phase; to systems for delivering the photoactivatable tooth whitening compositions to the surface of the teeth, and methods of whitening teeth that include the steps of exposing the photoactivatable whitening composition to light energy under conditions effective to photoactivate the tooth whitening composition and maintaining the composition in contact with the teeth under conditions effective to whiten teeth.

Abstract: A method of applying oral compositions to the temporary and permanent surfaces of the oral cavity comprising the step of obtaining a container and applicator combination formed as an assembly that comprises an internal region that contains an oral care composition and an externally projecting pair of spreadable wings, expelling said oral care composition from said internal region and spreading said oral care composition onto the surfaces of the oral cavity with said spreadable wings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tooth surface mineralizing composition including a stabilized tooth mineralizing mineral composition containing calcium and phosphate and a dissociable source of a mineral that provides a mineral ionic species selected from calcium and phosphate upon dissociation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tooth cleaning and mineralizing composition including an abrasive composition in an amount sufficient to provide the tooth cleaning and mineralizing composition with a relative dental abrasion of from 100 to 250; and a stabilized tooth mineralizing mineral composition.

Abstract: A two component desensitizing dentifrice composition is disclosed which comprises a first dentifrice component containing a desensitizing potassium salt such as potassium nitrate and an alkali metal compound such as NaOH and a second dentifrice component containing a desensitizing stannous salt source such as stannous, the first and second dentifrice components being maintained separate from the other until dispensed for application to teeth.

Abstract: A two component dental composition is disclosed which eliminates or substantially reduces the discomfort and pain associated with dentinal hypersensitivity which composition comprises a first dentifrice component having an alkaline pH and contains a potassium ion releasable compound and an alkali metal silicate, a second dentifrice component having an acid pH, the first and second components being maintained separate from each other until dispensed and combined for application to teeth requiring relief from dentine hypersensitivity, whereby heightened desensitization is experienced by the user.

Abstract: A dental fluoride foam composition comprising a foamable fluoride containing composition that is packaged in a foam generating container, the composition being comprised mainly of, an aqueous solution of a water soluble fluoride ion releasable salt, a taurate surfactant whereby the composition when dispensed from the container into the trough of a dental tray forms a low density, rapidly collapsible foam which substantially liquefies in about 1 minute after being dispensed from the foam generating container and placed in contact with a patients teeth.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing fluoride availability using an acidulated two component dentifrice system in which the first component contains sodium fluoride and a silica abrasive in an alkaline environment and the second component contains an acid, a phosphate ion source, and a silica abrasive.

Abstract: Two component whitening dentifrice composition which exhibits rapid whitening of stained or discolored teeth, which composition comprises a first dentifrice component containing a peroxide compound and the second component containing Fe ion implanted silicate clay, the first and second dentifrice components being maintained separate from each other until dispensed for application to teeth requiring the removal of stain and discoloration.

Abstract: A two component dental composition is disclosed which eliminates or substantially reduces the discomfort and pain associated with dentinal hypersensitivity which composition comprises a first dentifrice component having an alkaline pH, a second dentifrice component having an acid pH and at least one of the components containing a potassium ion releasable compound, the first and second components being maintained separate from each other until dispensed and combined for application to teeth requiring relief from dentine hypersensitivity, whereby heightened desensitization is experienced by the user.

Abstract: A two component desensitizing dentifrice composition is disclosed which comprises a first dentifrice component containing a desensitizing potassium salt such as potassium nitrate and a second dentifrice component containing a stannous salt desensitizing agent such as SnF2, the first and second dentifrice components being maintained separate form the other until dispensed for application to teeth requiring relief from dentine hypersensitivity, at least one of the dentifrice components containing the oxyethylated reaction product of hydrogenated castor oil to reduce astringency when the combined product is used by consumers.