Abstract: A method for minimizing damage to gingival and periodontal tissue is provided through steps that include delivering a first composition containing a zinc salt to a receptacle, delivering a second composition containing a bicarbonate salt to the same receptacle, and transferring within five minutes of delivery to the receptacle the combination into the mouth onto the gingival and periodontal tissues. Where the compositions are semi-solid such as in a toothpaste and/or gel, the receptacle is ordinarily a toothbrush. Liquid compositions such as mouthrinses may employ an expectorant cup as a receptacle.

Abstract: A method for minimizing damage to gingival and periodontal tissue is provided through steps that include delivering a first composition containing a zinc salt to a receptacle, delivering a second composition containing a bicarbonate salt to the same receptacle, and transferring within five minutes of delivery to the receptacle the combination into the mouth onto the gingival and periodontal tissues. Where the compositions are semi-solid such as in a toothpaste and/or gel, the receptacle is ordinarily a toothbrush. Liquid compositions such as mouthrinses may employ an expectorant cup as a receptacle.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided which includes at least one keratolytic agent and a combination of water-soluble and water-insoluble anti-irritancy agents in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Most effective is a combination of a C.sub.7 -C.sub.30 .beta.-hydroxy carboxylic acids such as salicylic acid with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 .alpha.-hydroxy carboxylic acid such as glycolic or lactic acids. The water-soluble anti-irritancy agent is preferably a salt of glycyrrhizinic acid. The water-insoluble anti-irritancy agent is preferably a-bisabolol, azulene or combinations thereof. Other performance components may include a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl lactate and an antimicrobial agent such as a zinc or aluminum salt.

Abstract: A dental product is provided in a dual-compartment dispenser that includes a first and second composition in respective compartments thereof. The first composition includes a zinc salt while the second composition includes a bicarbonate salt. Preferably the first composition also contains a peroxygen compound or a C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acid. The zinc salt in combination with the bicarbonate salt achieves an enhanced antitartar effect.

Abstract: A hydroalcoholic microemulsion composition is provided which includes water, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkanol and an oil material selected from vitamin oils, C.sub.10 -C.sub.60 terpenes and mixtures thereof. The composition is formed into a clear, storage stable microemulsion through a combination of surfactants including an ethoxylated castor oil and a propoxylated alkyl ether. Especially useful is a combination of PEG-40 hydrogentated castor oil with either PPG-10 cetyl ether, PPG-10 butanediol or PPG-14 butyl ether.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided which includes at least one keratolytic agent and a combination of water-soluble and water-insoluble anti-irritancy agents in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Most effective is a combination of a C.sub.7 -C.sub.30 .beta.-hydroxy carboxylic acids such as salicylic acid with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.25 .alpha.-hydroxy carboxylic acid such as glycolic or lactic acids. The water-soluble anti-irritancy agent is preferably a salt of glycyrrhizinic acid. The water-insoluble anti-irritancy agent is preferably .alpha.-bisabolol, azulene or combinations thereof. Other performance components may include a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl lactate and an antimicrobial agent such as a zinc or aluminum salt.

Abstract: A dental product is provided in a dual-compartment dispenser that includes a first and second composition in respective compartments thereof. The first composition includes a zinc salt while the second composition includes a bicarbonate salt. Preferably the first composition also contains a peroxygen compound or a C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acid. The zinc salt in combination with the bicarbonate salt achieves an enhanced antitartar effect.

Abstract: A dental product is provided in a dual-compartment dispenser that includes a first and second composition in respective compartments thereof. The first composition includes a zinc salt while the second composition includes a bicarbonate salt. Preferably the first composition also contains a peroxygen compound or a C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acid. The zinc salt in combination with the bicarbonate salt achieves an enhanced antitartar effect.

Abstract: An oral composition and method is provided that includes a peroxygen compound such as hydrogen peroxide, a fluoride-containing anticaries agent and a zinc compound such as zinc citrate. The presence of the zinc compound inhibits decomposition that ordinarily would be induced by the presence of fluoride.