Oral care composition with cross-linked polymer peroxide

Abstract

Oral care compositions comprising: (a) a peroxide complex comprising a peroxide component and an N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer (e.g., poly-N-vinyl polylactam, or poly-N-vinyl-polyimide); (b) a whitening agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide); and (c) an orally acceptable carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier comprises a film forming material. Methods are also provided for making an oral care composition comprising: (a) mixing a whitening agent, silicone adhesive and carrier fluid to form a homogenous mixture; (b) adding a peroxide complex to said homogenous mixture, wherein said complex comprises hydrogen peroxide and an N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer; and (c) mixing under vacuum.

Description

INTRODUCTION [0001] The present invention relates to oral care compositions and methods. In particular, the present invention includes compositions and methods for whitening of teeth. [0002] Many individuals desire a “bright” smile and white teeth and consider dull and stained teeth cosmetically unattractive. Unfortunately, without preventive or remedial measures, stained teeth are almost inevitable due to the absorbent nature of dental material. Everyday activities such as smoking or other oral use of tobacco products, and eating, chewing or drinking certain foods and beverages (in particular coffee, tea and red wine), cause undesirable staining of surfaces of teeth. Staining can also result from microbial activity, including that associated with dental plaque. The chromogens or color causing substances in these materials become part of the pellicle layer and can permeate the enamel layer. Even with regular brushing and flossing, years of chromogen accumulation can impart noticeabl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Alternatively, at home bleaching systems can be used. These systems have gained significant popularity in the past decade because of reduced cost, and increased convenience. Instead of time consuming and frequent trips to the dentist, the tooth whitener is purchased at a consumer retail store and may be used while performing other personal tasks or errands, relaxing or sleeping.

[0016] It has been discovered that compositions and methods of this invention afford advantages over oral care compositions among known in the art, including one or more of enhanced whitening efficacy, providing a higher available concentration of bleaching agent, tooth adherence in the presence of saliva without the use of a dental tray, and release of the bleaching agent over a period of time. Further uses, benefits and embodiments of the present invention are apparent from the description set forth herein.

Problems solved by technology

Many individuals desire a “bright” smile and white teeth and consider dull and stained teeth cosmetically unattractive.

Unfortunately, without preventive or remedial measures, stained teeth are almost inevitable due to the absorbent nature of dental material.

Everyday activities such as smoking or other oral use of tobacco products, and eating, chewing or drinking certain foods and beverages (in particular coffee, tea and red wine), cause undesirable staining of surfaces of teeth.

Even with regular brushing and flossing, years of chromogen accumulation can impart noticeable tooth discoloration.

When these peroxides are in appropriate contact with teeth they will usually oxidize stains, rendering the teeth whiter.

These procedures provide rapid results, but are expensive, and often require several trips to the dentist.

In many cases, the patient's lips are uncomfortably retracted during the entire treatment and the patient is confined to sitting in the dental chair.

However, the effectiveness of many of these treatments is adversely affected because of deficiencies in one or more factors relating to the composition and consumer compliance.