Oral compositions containing oxidized camellia

Abstract

Oral composition comprising a Camellia extract of semi-oxidized tissue from a member of the genus Camellia and an enhancing agent.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 639,169 filed Dec. 23, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Dental plaque is a biofilm that adheres to tooth and other oral surfaces, particularly at the gingival margin. Dental plaque is cohesive and highly resistant to removal from teeth and / or oral surfaces. Dental plaque comprises glucans, which are insoluble polysaccharides that provide plaque with its cohesive properties. The bacterial enzyme glucosyltransferase converts dietary sugar into glucans. Plaque mineralizes to form a hard deposit called calculus, which becomes a local irritant for the gums, causing gingivitis. [0003] Current treatments for removing and preventing plaque build-up include brushing the teeth with an abrasive and / or antibacterial toothpaste, flossing, and various other treatments. The effectiveness of such treatments de...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The present invention provides oral care compositions. Embodiments include oral compositions comprising: a Camellia extract of semi-oxidized tissue from a member of the genus Camellia and an enhancing agent.

[0005] The present invention still further provides for a method of using an oral composition for removing dental plaque and / or inhibiting deposition of dental plaque within an oral cavity. The oral composition comprises a Camellia extract of semi-oxidized tissue from a member of the genus Camellia and an enhancing agent.

[0006] The present invention still further provides for a method for removing dental plaque and / or inhibiting deposition of dental plaque within an oral cavity of a human or other animal subject comprising topically contacting teeth of said subject with an oral composition containing a Camellia extract of semi-oxidized tissue from a member of the genus Camellia and an enhancing agent.

[0007] The present invention also provides for an oral composition for at least one of inhibiting and removing dental plaque comprising a Camellia extract of semi-oxidized tissue from a member of the genus Camellia, an antibacterial agent, and an agent selected from the group consisting of synthetic polymeric polycarboxylate or a synthetic anionic polymeric phosphonate polymer having an average molecular weight of about from about 100 to about 1,000,000; orally acceptable surfactant, flavor oil, non-toxic alcohol, and solubilizing humectant; and mixtures thereof.

[0008] It has been discovered that compositions and methods of this invention afford advantages over oral care compositions known in the art, including one or more of enhancing the inhibition of bacterial film attachment to the teeth; and enhancing the removal of bacterial film from the teeth. Further uses, benefits and embodiments of the present invention are apparent from the description set forth herein.

Problems solved by technology

Plaque mineralizes to form a hard deposit called calculus, which becomes a local irritant for the gums, causing gingivitis.