Oral care composition

Abstract

An oral care composition comprising a persulfate whitening agent, a non-aqueous dispersant having a non-aqueous liquid, and a structure builder.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with an application date of November 16, 2016, an application number of "201680090851.7", and an invention title of "Oral Care Composition". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an oral care composition. Background Art

[0003] Oral care products having tooth whitening properties use a variety of active ingredients to remove stains or whiten teeth. The most commonly used whitening active ingredient is peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide. However, at high concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can irritate teeth and gums. In addition, hydrogen peroxide is an unstable molecule that is prone to decomposition, especially in an aqueous environment.

[0004] Alternative oxidants such as persulfuric acid or persulfate have been used as detergents. However, due to their high reactivity and instability in aqueous solutions, the use of these oxidants in oral care compositions is limited. In addition, when the oral care composition further contains a non-aqueous liquid, it is difficult for the oral care composition to produce a uniform structure.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an oral care composition that uses a uniform and stable non-peroxide oxidant such as persulfuric acid or persulfate and a non-aqueous liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section is only intended to introduce a simplified overview of some aspects of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Other applicable fields of the present invention will become apparent from the specific embodiments provided below. The summary of the invention is not an exhaustive overview, nor is it intended to identify the key or important elements of the teachings, nor is it intended to delimit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, its purpose is merely to provide one or more simplified concepts as a prelude to the following specific embodiments.

[0007] The foregoing and / or other aspects and utilities embodied in the present disclosure can be achieved by providing an oral care composition comprising: based on the total weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.01% to about 40% of a persulfate whitening agent; based on the total weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.01% to about 99% of a non-aqueous dispersant, and based on the total weight of the oral care composition, from about 0.1% to about 60% of a polyvinylpyrrolidone structure builder, wherein the non-aqueous dispersant includes a non-aqueous liquid, and based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 1% to about 70% of a non-aqueous liquid.

[0008] The oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone structure builder comprises a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer.

[0009] In another embodiment, the polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer is a polyvinylpyrrolidone vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0010] In another embodiment, the non-aqueous liquid comprises one or more of glyceryl monoacetate, glyceryl triacetate, diethylene glycol diacetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, and propylene glycol diacetate (PGDA).

[0011] In another embodiment, the non-aqueous liquid comprises glyceryl triacetate.

[0012] In another embodiment, the persulfate whitening agent comprises potassium monopersulfate.

[0013] In another embodiment, the non-aqueous dispersant comprises a liquid poloxamer or a paste poloxamer.

[0014] In another embodiment, the liquid poloxamer comprises polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene glycol.

[0015] In another embodiment, the non-aqueous dispersant comprises at least one of polyethylene glycol and a polyethylene glycol / polypropylene glycol copolymer.

[0016] In another embodiment, the oral care composition has a viscosity of from about 50,000 to about 500,000 cPs.

[0017] In another embodiment, the oral care composition further comprises at least one of a surfactant, a thickening agent, an antioxidant, a flavoring agent, a sweetening agent, a pH adjuster, an abrasive, an anti-calculus agent, a fluoride ion source, a stannous ion source, a coloring agent, and a dye or pigment.

[0018] In another embodiment, all ingredients are orally acceptable and the oral care composition comprises from about 0.2% to about 10% of a persulfate whitening agent; from about 5% to about 40% of a structure builder; and from about 5% to about 50% of a non-aqueous or low-moisture dispersant, wherein the structure builder comprises a polyvinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer, wherein the non-aqueous or low-moisture dispersant comprises glyceryl triacetate, and wherein the moisture content of the oral care composition ranges from about 5% or less.

[0019] In another embodiment, the oral care composition does not contain a hydrogen peroxide compound.

[0020] In another embodiment, the oral care composition is a dentifrice.

[0021] The foregoing and / or other aspects and utilities embodied in the present disclosure can also be achieved by providing a method for whitening tooth surfaces, the method comprising applying an oral care composition to the tooth surfaces; and activating the oral care composition by exposing the oral care composition to water or saliva; wherein the oral care composition comprises: about 0.01% to about 40% of a persulfate whitening agent, based on the total weight of the oral care composition; about 0.01% to about 99% of a non-aqueous dispersant, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, and about 0.1% to about 60% of a polyvinylpyrrolidone structuring agent, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, wherein the non-aqueous dispersant comprises a non-aqueous liquid, and the oral care composition comprises about 1% to about 70% of a non-aqueous liquid, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0022] In another embodiment, the non-aqueous liquid comprises triacetin, and the viscosity of the oral care composition is from about 50,000 cPs to about 500,000 cPs.

[0023] The foregoing and / or other aspects and utilities embodied in the present disclosure can be achieved by providing an oral care composition substantially as described above with reference to the examples and excluding the comparative examples if any. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the teachings herein. These and / or other aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated by reference to the following description of the various embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a graph showing the whitening efficacy of an oral care composition according to one embodiment; and

[0026] Figure 2 is a graph showing the whitening efficacy of an oral care composition according to one embodiment.

[0027] These figures / graphs are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Reference will now be made specifically to various embodiments in the present disclosure, examples of which may be illustrated in any of the drawings. The embodiments are described below to provide a more thorough understanding of the components, methods, compositions, and devices disclosed herein. Any examples given are illustrative and not restrictive. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0029] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context otherwise clearly dictates, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein. As used herein, the phrases "in some embodiments" and "in one embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may be the same. Additionally, as used herein, the phrases "in another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" do not necessarily refer to different embodiments, although they may be different. As described below, various embodiments can be readily combined without departing from the scope or essence of the disclosure.

[0030] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly dictates, the term "or" is an inclusive operator and is equivalent to the term "and / or". Unless the context otherwise clearly dictates, the term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for additional factors not described. In the specification, the recitation "at least one of A, B, and C" includes embodiments that contain: A, B, or C; multiple instances of A, B, or C; or combinations such as A / B, A / C, B / C, A / B / B / B / B / C, A / B / C, etc. Additionally, throughout the specification, the meanings of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on".

[0031] It should also be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first object, component, or step may be referred to as a second object, component, or step, and, similarly, a second object, component, or step may be referred to as a first object, component, or step. The first object, component, or step and the second object, component, or step are each an object, component, or step, but they should not be considered the same object, component, or step. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes / including" and / or "comprises / comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Additionally, as used herein, the term "if" can be understood to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting", depending on the context.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated, all physical properties defined below are measured at 20 °C to 25 °C.

[0033] When any numerical range is mentioned herein, such range is understood to include every number and / or fraction between the minimum and maximum values of the stated range, as well as the endpoints. For example, a range of 0.5 - 6% explicitly includes all intermediate values, such as 0.6%, 0.7%, and 0.9%, up to and including 5.95%, 5.97%, and 5.99%, etc. This applies equally to every other numerical property and / or element range set forth herein, unless the context otherwise clearly dictates.

[0034] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and elsewhere in the specification are to be understood as referring to weight percentages. The given amounts are based on the active weight of the materials.

[0035] Furthermore, all numerical values are "about" or "approximate" indicated values, taking into account experimental errors and deviations that would be anticipated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. It should be understood that all numerical values and ranges disclosed herein are approximate values and ranges, whether or not the term "about" is used in conjunction therewith.

[0036] With respect to the procedures, methods, techniques, and workflows according to certain embodiments, certain operations in the procedures, methods, techniques, and workflows disclosed herein can be combined and / or the order of some operations can be changed.

[0037] The inventors have unexpectedly discovered a stable oral care composition that uses persulfuric acid or persulfate as a tooth whitening agent and one or more non-aqueous liquids and / or dispersants.

[0038] In one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises acids and salts of peroxy-derived compounds selected from Group 6A, 5A, 4A, and 7A main group elements (such as sulfur, phosphorus, carbon, chlorine, bromine, and iodine). For example, in one embodiment, the oral care composition can use persulfates, perphosphates, and percarbonates as tooth whitening agents. In another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises potassium monopersulfate ("MPS") as a tooth whitening agent.

[0039] In one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises a whitening agent and a dispersant or a liquid carrier. In another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises a whitening agent, a dispersant, and a structure builder.

[0040] In some embodiments, the oral care composition may comprise other ingredients commonly used in oral care compositions, such as thickeners, flavoring agents, tartar control agents, surfactants, sweeteners, humectants, colorants, dyes, and pigments.

[0041] All ingredients used in the compositions described herein should be orally acceptable. "Orally acceptable" means that the amounts and forms of the ingredients present in the composition do not render the formulation unsafe, unpalatable, or otherwise unsuitable for use in the oral cavity for other reasons.

[0042] As described above, the oral care composition comprises one or more whitening agents. As used herein, a "whitening agent" is a material that whitens the tooth surface to which it is applied. For example, in some embodiments, the whitening agent is an oxidizing agent. In the broadest sense, an "oxidizing agent" is intended to include those compounds that can accept electrons from another molecule in the oral environment during normal and approved use without causing harmful or unacceptable damaging effects to the oral cavity.

[0043] In one embodiment, the whitening agent can be any suitable salt of persulfuric acid, including monopersulfates and dipersulfates, such as potassium monopersulfate and sodium monopersulfate, or mixtures of such salts. Examples of particularly useful whitening agents are tri-salt mixtures comprising potassium monopersulfate, potassium bisulfate, and potassium sulfate. Optionally, such mixtures may also contain potassium persulfate. Examples of such commercially available mixtures are "OXONE", which is the trade name of a mixture sold by DuPont headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. Another example is CAROAT, obtained from United Initiators headquartered in Pullach, Germany. OXONE consists of 43% potassium monopersulfate, 23% potassium bisulfate, 29% potassium sulfate, 3% potassium persulfate, and 2% magnesium carbonate. Mixtures of these potassium reagents are typically available in powder or solid form and, when dissolved in water, generally form highly acidic solutions that are quite stable upon storage (e.g., pH 1 - 4). For example, a 1 - 3% OXONE solution has a pH of 2.0 - 2.3. However, at a pH above 6, these mixtures are strong oxidizing agents that readily decompose to release reactive oxygen species. Many sources use the terms "potassium monopersulfate" or "potassium monopersulfate" to refer to the above-described tri-salt mixture containing OXONE (2KHSO5 - KHSO4 - K2SO4). However, as used herein, the terms "potassium monopersulfate", "potassium monopersulfate", and "MPS" refer to the individual chemical substance having the formula KHSO5.

[0044] In some embodiments, one or more additional whitening agents may be present to enhance the effectiveness of the persulfate whitening agent. Such additional whitening agents may include peroxides and hydroperoxides, such as hydrogen peroxide, peroxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, organic peroxides, peroxyacids, their salts, and mixtures thereof. Peroxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals include lithium peroxide, potassium peroxide, sodium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, and mixtures thereof. Organic peroxides include urea peroxide, carbamide peroxide (also known as urea hydrogen peroxide), glycerol peroxide, alkyl hydroperoxides, dialkyl peroxides, alkyl peroxyacids, peroxy esters, diacyl peroxides, benzoyl peroxide, and monoperoxyphthalates, and mixtures thereof. Peroxyacids and their salts include organic peroxyacids such as alkyl peroxyacids, monoperoxyphthalates, and mixtures thereof, and inorganic peroxy salts such as percarbonates, perphosphates, perborates, and persilicates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals such as lithium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and barium, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, non-peroxide whitening agents may be provided. Whitening agents useful herein include non-peroxide compounds, such as chlorine dioxide, chlorites, and hypochlorites. Chlorites and hypochlorites include those of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals such as lithium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and barium. Non-peroxide whitening agents also include colorants, such as titanium dioxide and hydroxyapatite.

[0045] In some embodiments, the whitening agent is a non-hydrogen peroxide whitening agent. In some embodiments, the oral care composition does not contain hydrogen peroxide.

[0046] In one embodiment, the whitening agent has a stronger whitening efficacy than hydrogen peroxide. In another embodiment, the whitening agent has a stronger whitening efficacy than hydrogen peroxide even at the same level of active oxygen.

[0047] In one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises one or more whitening agents. For example, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition may comprise from about 0.01% to about 40% persulfate whitening agent. In another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 20% persulfate whitening agent. In yet another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.2% to about 10% persulfate whitening agent. For example, in one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 40% MPS, from about 0.1% to about 20% MPS or from about 0.2% to about 10% MPS. In one embodiment, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises 0.5% MPS. In other instances, the oral care composition may comprise a mixture of persulfates. For example, the oral care composition may comprise an OXONE or CAROAT mixture. In some embodiments, the mixture of persulfates is configured to provide from about 0.01% to about 40% MPS, from about 0.1% to about 20% MPS or from about 0.2% to about 10% MPS to the oral care composition.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the oral care composition comprises one or more dispersants or liquid carriers.

[0049] In one embodiment, the whitening agent is initially in powder or solid form and is dispersed by a dispersant to form the oral care composition.

[0050] Although, as disclosed in the present disclosure, MPS is somewhat unstable in an aqueous solution at acidic pH, MPS is more stable in the solid state or in non-aqueous formulations and is most active when used as an oxidizing agent (and tooth whitening agent) in an aqueous solution having a pH of 5 - 8. Thus, in some embodiments, the dispersant is non-aqueous and is used to stabilize the whitening agent in the oral care composition.

[0051] In one embodiment, the dispersant is non-aqueous, but the dispersant has sufficient hydrophilicity to react in an aqueous environment (such as the oral cavity) to release the whitening agent. The released whitening agent, such as MPS, will dissolve and activate in the aqueous environment. In other embodiments, the oral care composition is activated upon exposure to water outside the oral cavity.

[0052] In one embodiment, the oral care composition is non-aqueous such that the moisture content of the oral care composition is about 5% or less.

[0053] In one embodiment, the dispersant is poloxamer. In some embodiments, the dispersant is a liquid or pasty poloxamer having an average molecular weight of less than 7000 daltons. For example, the dispersant may include L35, L43, L64, L10, L44, L62, 10R5, 17R4, L25R4, P84, P65, P104 and one or more of P105. The brand dispersant is commercially available from BASF, Florham Park, NJ.

[0054] In one embodiment, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 99% of a non-aqueous dispersant. In another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 1% to about 70% of a non-aqueous dispersant. In yet another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 5% to about 50% of a non-aqueous dispersant. For example, in one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 99% of L35, from about 1% to about 70% of L35 or from about 5% to about 50% of L35.

[0055] In some embodiments, the oral care composition comprises one or more non-aqueous liquids as non-aqueous dispersants or liquid carriers. In some embodiments, the non-aqueous liquid is a hydrophobic non-aqueous liquid. As used herein, the term "non-aqueous liquid" refers to a substance or mixture of substances having a water content of 5 wt% or less.

[0056] For example, the oral care composition may comprise one or more of glyceryl monoacetate, glyceryl triacetate, diethylene glycol diacetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, and propylene glycol diacetate (PGDA) as non-aqueous liquid carriers. Glyceryl triacetate is commercially available from Spectrum Chemical MFG Corp as Glyceryl triacetate. Propylene glycol diacetate (PGDA) is commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich Corp.

[0057] Glyceryl triacetate

[0058]

[0059] Propylene glycol diacetate (PGDA)

[0060]

[0061] In one embodiment, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 99% of a non-aqueous liquid. In another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 1% to about 70% of a non-aqueous liquid. In yet another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 5% to about 50% of a non-aqueous liquid. For example, in one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 99% of triacetin, from about 1% to about 70% of triacetin, or from about 5% to about 50% of triacetin. In one example, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises 26% of triacetin. In other embodiments, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 99% of PGDA, from about 1% to about 70% of PGDA, or from about 5% to about 50% of PGDA.

[0062] In other embodiments, in addition to poloxamer and / or a hydrophobic non-aqueous liquid, the oral care composition further comprises a combination of a non-aqueous dispersant or a suitable low water content dispersant. For example, in some embodiments, the oral care composition may comprise one or more of polyethylene glycols such as PEG 400 and PEG 600, or polyethylene glycol / polypropylene glycol copolymers such as PEG / PPG 38 / 8 and PEG / PPG-116 / 66.

[0063] For example, in one embodiment, the oral care composition may comprise from about 1% to about 99% of poloxamer; from about 0.1% to about 50% of polyethylene glycol; and from about 0.01% to about 99% of a hydrophobic non-aqueous liquid. In another embodiment, the oral care composition may comprise from about 10% to about 80% of poloxamer; from about 1% to about 40% of polyethylene glycol; and from about 1% to about 70% of a hydrophobic non-aqueous liquid. In yet another embodiment, the oral care composition may comprise from about 20% to about 60% of poloxamer; from about 5% to about 30% of polyethylene glycol; and from about 5% to about 50% of a hydrophobic non-aqueous liquid. For example, the oral care composition may comprise from about 20% to about 60% of L35, from about 5% to about 30% of PEG 600, and from about 5% to about 50% of triacetin.

[0064] In another embodiment, the oral care composition may comprise other components to improve performance. For example, the oral care composition may comprise a component such as PEG 8000 to improve the water absorption characteristics of the oral care composition and improve the release of the whitening agent.

[0065] Typically, viscosity is an important parameter for oral care compositions such as toothpaste or whitening gels. For example, when the viscosity of an oral care composition is too low, it may become too fluid and physical phase separation may occur. In some cases, this can not only affect the aesthetics of the oral care composition, but also the uniformity of the ingredients in the oral care composition. On the other hand, if the viscosity of the oral care composition is too high, the oral care composition will be difficult to manufacture and package. Additionally, an oral care composition with a high viscosity is very difficult for the user to dispense from a conventional package (e.g., a tube or syringe). Therefore, it is important to select the ingredients of an oral care composition with a desired viscosity range to ensure the manufacturability, stability, and quality of the product as well as consumer acceptance.

[0066] In some embodiments, the viscosity of the oral care composition is from about 50,000 centipoise (cPs) to about 500,000 cPs at 25 °C. In other embodiments, the viscosity of the oral care composition is from about 75,000 cPs to about 400,000 cPs at 25 °C. In one embodiment, the viscosity of the oral care composition is from about 125,000 cPs to about 300,000 cPs at 25 °C.

[0067] In some embodiments, the oral care composition comprises one or more structure builders. As used herein, the term structure builder refers to a material that can not only thicken the oral care composition, but also maintain the oral care composition in a homogeneous state. That is, a material in which phase separation is minimized over time. Without being bound by theory, structure builders typically interact with dispersants via hydrogen bonding and / or van der Waals interactions.

[0068] In some embodiments, the structure builder may comprise a polymer. In other embodiments, the structure builder is a crosslinked polymer, such as crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (“PVP”). In one embodiment, the structure builder is a crosslinked polymer capable of interacting with a dispersant. For example, in some embodiments, crosslinked PVP swells in the presence of L35 by absorbing L35 into its crosslinked polymer network. This interaction helps prevent phase separation between the solid (crosslinked PVP) and the liquid (L35) in the oral care composition.

[0069] According to some embodiments, suitable structurant polymers and copolymers include N-vinyl lactam-based polymers and copolymers. Monomers for preparing the vinyl lactam-based polymers or copolymers of the present patent application include any monomer having 3 to 8 atoms in the heterocycle, and the monomer contains a carbonyl carbon atom and a heteroatom (such as N, S, O) in its vinyl moiety. Suitable monomers include but are not limited to N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-2-piperidone, N-vinyl-3-methyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-3-methyl-piperidone, N-vinyl-3-methyl-caprolactam, N-vinyl-4-methyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-4-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-4-methyl-piperidone, N-vinyl-4-methyl-caprolactam, N-vinyl-5-methyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-5-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-4-methyl-piperidone, N-vinyl-3-ethyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-4,5-dimethyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-5,5-dimethyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-3,3,5-trimethyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-5-methyl-5-ethyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-3,4,5-trimethyl-3-ethyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-6-methyl-2-piperidone, N-vinyl-6-ethyl-2-piperidone, N-vinyl-3,5-dimethyl-2-piperidone, N-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-piperidone, N-vinyl-2-caprolactam, N-vinyl-7-methyl-caprolactam, N-vinyl-7-ethyl-caprolactam, N-vinyl-3,5-dimethyl-caprolactam, N-vinyl-4,6-dimethyl-caprolactam, N-vinyl-3,5,7-trimethyl-caprolactam, N-vinyl-2-valerolactam, N-vinyl-hexahydro-2-azepinone, N-vinyl-octahydro-2-azocine, N-vinyl-octahydro-2-azecinone, and N-vinyl-decahydro-2-azecinone.

[0070] The polymer can be crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, also known as poly-N-vinyl-poly-2-pyrrolidone, and is commonly abbreviated as crosslinked "PVP". PVP generally refers to a polymer containing vinylpyrrolidone (also known as N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidione, and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone) as monomer units. The monomer units may contain one polar imide group, four non-polar methylene groups, and one non-polar methane group. Crosslinked PVP includes those sold by BASF, Mount Olive, N.J., USA, as and Those that are commercially available; and those sold by Ashland, Covington, Kentucky, USA INF-10.

[0071] However, in some embodiments, when the oral care composition contains a large amount of non-aqueous liquid, structurants such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Carbopol, plastic gels, etc. cannot provide a completely uniform structure for the oral care composition. Therefore, in some embodiments, the oral care composition may further comprise one or more amphiphilic copolymer structurants capable of forming a stable and uniform gel with non-aqueous liquid in the oral care composition.

[0072] As used herein, "amphiphilic copolymer" refers to a copolymer of two or more monomers, wherein at least one is hydrophilic, such as vinylpyrrolidone, and at least one is hydrophobic, such as vinyl acetate. In one embodiment, the amphiphilic copolymer is capable of interacting with hydrophilic and hydrophobic liquids to assist in constructing a structure with these liquids or mixtures thereof.

[0073] For example, the structurant may include polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (PVP-VA) (e.g., commercially available from Ashland Inc as Plasdone S-630). The molecular structure of PVP-VA can be represented as follows:

[0074] PVP-VA

[0075]

[0076] In other embodiments, the structurant may further include polyvinylpyrrolidone-co-polyvinyl butyrate copolymer (PVP-VB), polyvinylpyrrolidone-co-polyvinyl propionate copolymer, or mixtures thereof.

[0077] In one embodiment, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 99% non-aqueous liquid and from about 0.01% to about 60% structurant. In another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 1% to about 70% non-aqueous liquid and from about 1% to about 50% structurant. In yet another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 5% to about 50% non-aqueous liquid and from about 5% to about 40% structurant. For example, in one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 10% to about 95% triacetin and from about 0.1% to about 40% PVP-VA, or from about 20% to about 80% triacetin and from about 1% to about 30% PVP-VA.

[0078] In other embodiments, the structurant may comprise one or more types of structurants. For example, the oral care composition may comprise a PVP type structurant and a PVP-co-vinyl ester copolymer structurant, such as PVP-VA, PVP-VB, and PVP-VP. In one embodiment, the oral care composition may comprise from about 0.01% to about 99% non-aqueous liquid, from about 0.01% to about 60% PVP, and from about 0.01% to about 60% PVP-VA. In other embodiments, the oral care composition may comprise from about 1% to about 70% non-aqueous liquid, and from about 1% to about 50% PVP and from about 1% to about 50% PVP-VA, or from about 5% to about 40% PVP and from about 5% to about 40% PVP-VA. In one example, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 20% to about 80% non-aqueous liquid, about 16% PVP, and about 16% PVP-VA.

[0079] As described above, in some embodiments, the oral care composition may comprise other ingredients commonly used in oral care compositions, such as thickeners, flavoring agents, tartar control agents, surfactants, sweeteners, humectants, colorants, dyes, and pigments. In some embodiments, the oral care composition may comprise most of the other orally acceptable ingredients commonly used in oral care compositions. However, in some embodiments, given the requirements for maintaining a non-aqueous or substantially non-aqueous oral care composition, the additional orally acceptable ingredients must be selected. For example, in some embodiments, the additional ingredients do not affect the non-aqueous nature of the oral care composition.

[0080] In one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises one or more surfactants. In some embodiments, the surfactant enhances the stability of the composition, aids in cleaning oral surfaces through a detergency action, and provides foam upon agitation (e.g., during brushing with the oral care composition of the present disclosure). The surfactant generally achieves increased whitening by adequately dispersing the whitening agent throughout the oral cavity. In various embodiments, suitable surfactants can be used as surfactants, emulsifiers, and / or foam regulators.

[0081] Any orally acceptable surfactant can be used, most of which are anionic, non-ionic, cationic, or zwitterionic. Combinations of surfactants can also be used. Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, C 8-20 alkyl sulfates, sulfonated C 8-20Water-soluble salts, sarcosinates, taurates, etc. of monoglycerides of fatty acids. These and other exemplary instances include sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium cocomonoglyceride sulfonate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl isoethionate, sodium laurethcarboxylate, and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate. Suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, poloxamers, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary amine oxides, tertiary phosphine oxides, dialkyl sulfoxides, etc. Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines. A suitable example is cocamidopropyl betaine. 8-20 Derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines. A suitable example is cocamidopropyl betaine.

[0082] In some embodiments, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 20.0% surfactant, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. In other embodiments, the oral care composition comprises from about 1.0% to about 10.0% surfactant. In one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises 2% surfactant, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the oral care composition can comprise about 2% sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0083] In some embodiments, the oral care composition comprises a thickening agent. Any orally acceptable thickening agent can be used, including but not limited to carbomer (also known as carboxyvinyl polymer), carrageenan (also known as Irish moss and more specifically iota-carrageenan), high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (e.g., CARBOWAX TM , available from The Dow Chemical Company), cellulose polymers (e.g., hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and its salts such as sodium CMC), natural gums (e.g., karaya gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, and tragacanth gum), magnesium aluminum silicate colloid, colloidal or pyrogenic silica, and mixtures thereof. The thickening agent can be a combination of one or more orally acceptable thickening agents.

[0084] In some embodiments, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 90% thickening agent, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. In other embodiments, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.2% to about 50% thickening agent. In yet another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.5% to about 35% thickening agent, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the oral care composition can comprise about 2.3% calcined silica.

[0085] In some embodiments, the oral care composition comprises an antioxidant. Acceptable antioxidants include BHA, BHT, vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, herbal antioxidants, chlorophyll, melatonin, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 1% antioxidant. In one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises about 0.03% by weight of antioxidant.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the oral care composition comprises one or more flavoring agents. Usable flavoring agents include any material or mixture of materials operable to enhance the flavor of the oral care composition. Any orally acceptable natural or synthetic flavoring agent may be used, such as flavor oils, flavor aldehydes, esters, alcohols, like materials, and combinations thereof. Flavoring agents include vanillin, sage, marjoram, parsley oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon oil, wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate), peppermint oil, clove oil, laurel oil, anise oil, eucalyptus oil, citrus oils, fruit oils and fruit essences (including those derived from lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, apricot, banana, grape, apple, strawberry, cherry, pineapple, etc.), flavoring agents derived from legumes and nuts (e.g., coffee, cocoa, kola nut, peanut, almond), etc., adsorbed and encapsulated flavoring agents, and mixtures thereof. Also encompassed within the flavoring agents herein are ingredients that provide aroma and / or other sensory effects (including cooling or warming effects) in the mouth. Such ingredients include menthol, menthyl acetate, menthyl lactate, camphor, eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, anethole, eugenol, cinnamon, raspberry ketone (oxanone), x-ionone, propenyl guaiethol, thymol, linalool, benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropylbutyramide, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol, cinnamaldehyde glycerol acetal (CGA), menthone glycerol acetal (MGA), and mixtures thereof.

[0087] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 5% flavoring agent. In another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.05% to about 2% flavoring agent. In yet another embodiment, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 3%, from about 0.2% to about 2.5%, or about 1.5% flavoring agent. For example, the oral care composition may comprise about 1.5% toothpaste flavoring agent.

[0088] In some embodiments, the oral care composition may further comprise one or more sweetening agents. Sweetening agents useful herein include orally acceptable natural or artificial, nutritive or non-nutritive sweetening agents. Such sweetening agents include dextrose, polydextrose, sucrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, mannose, xylose, ribose, fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup (including high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup solids), partially hydrolyzed starch, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, isomaltitol, aspartame, neotame, saccharin and its salts, sucralose, dipeptide-based intense sweeteners, cyclamate, dihydrochalcone, and mixtures thereof. Some embodiments may comprise one or more sweetening agents. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.005% to about 5% of a sweetening agent. In other embodiments, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 1% of a sweetening agent. For example, the oral care composition may comprise about 0.5% of sodium saccharin and about 0.04% of sucralose.

[0089] In some embodiments, the oral care composition may further comprise one or more pH regulators. pH regulators useful herein include acidifying agents that lower the pH, alkalizing agents that raise the pH, and buffering agents that control the pH within a desired range. For example, one or more compounds selected from acidifying agents, alkalizing agents, and buffering agents may be included to provide a pH of 2 to 10, or in various embodiments from about 2 to about 8, from about 3 to about 9, from about 4 to about 8, from about 5 to about 7, from about 6 to about 10, and from about 7 to about 9. Any orally acceptable pH regulator may be used, including but not limited to carboxylic acids, phosphoric acids, and sulfonic acids, acid salts (such as monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, monosodium malate, etc.), alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, carbonates such as sodium carbonate, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates, borates, silicates, phosphates (such as monosodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, pyrophosphates, etc.), imidazole, and mixtures thereof. One or more pH regulators are optionally present in an amount effective to maintain the composition within an orally acceptable pH range. In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 10% of a pH regulator. For example, the oral care composition may comprise about 0.9% of sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) and about 2% of tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) as pH regulators.

[0090] In some embodiments, the oral care composition may comprise a colorant. Colorants such as dyes or pigments can be food color additives currently certified for use in foods and ingestible drugs under the Food Drug & Cosmetic Act, including dyes such as FD&C Red No. 3 (sodium tetraiodofluorescein), Food Red 17, sodium salt of 6-hydroxy-5-{(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo}-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, Food Yellow 13, a mixture of the monosulfonic and disulfonic acids of quinophthalone or 2-(2-quinolyl)indandione, FD&C Yellow No. 5 (sodium 4-sulfophenylazo-1-sulfophenyl-5-hydroxypyrazole-3-carboxylate), FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sodium sulfophenylazo-β-naphthol-6-monosulfonate), FD&C Green No. 3 (4-{[4-(N-ethyl-p-sulfobenzylamino)-phenyl]-(4-hydroxy-2-sulfoniumphenyl)-methylene}-[1-(N-ethyl-N-p-sulfobenzyl)-δ-3,5-cyclohexadienediimine disodium salt]), FD&C Blue No. 1 (disodium salt of dibenzyldiethyl-diamino-triphenylmethanol trisulfonic anhydride), FD&C Blue No. 2 (sodium salt of indigo disulfonic acid), and mixtures of various proportions thereof. Generally, if present, the colorant is present in a minimal amount.

[0091] The compositions of the present disclosure may also comprise one or more other active ingredients that are capable of operating to prevent or treat conditions or disorders of the hard or soft oral tissues, prevent or treat physiological conditions or disorders, or provide cosmetic benefits.

[0092] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include combinations of dentifrice abrasives or dentifrice abrading agents. As used herein, the terms "abrasive" or "abrading agent" also include materials often referred to as "polishing agents". Any orally acceptable abrasive can be used, but generally the type, fineness (particle size), and amount of the abrasive should be selected such that tooth enamel is not overly worn during normal use of the composition. Suitable abrasives include, but are not limited to, silica (in the form of silica gel, hydrated silica, or precipitated silica), alumina, insoluble phosphates, calcium carbonate, resinous abrasives such as urea-formaldehyde condensation products, and the like.

[0093] Insoluble phosphates that can be used as abrasives include orthophosphates, metaphosphates, and pyrophosphates. Illustrative examples are dicalcium orthophosphate dihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, n-calcium pyrophosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium metaphosphate, and insoluble sodium polymetaphosphate.

[0094] If present, the average particle size of the abrasive is typically from about 0.1 to about 100 μm. For example, in one embodiment, the particle size is from about 1 to about 80 μm or from about 5 to about 60 μm. In some embodiments, one or more abrasives are present in an amount of from about 0.01 wt% to about 70 wt% based on the total weight of the oral care composition. In other embodiments, the oral care composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 60% abrasive. In some embodiments, the abrasive is calcium pyrophosphate. In some embodiments, the oral care composition comprises from 0.01% to about 70% calcium pyrophosphate based on the total weight of the oral care composition. In another embodiment, the oral care composition comprises about 20% calcium pyrophosphate.

[0095] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the oral care composition comprises an anti-calculus agent. Suitable anti-calculus agents include, but are not limited to, phosphates and polyphosphates (such as pyrophosphates), polyaminopropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), hexametaphosphates, zinc citrate trihydrate, polypeptides, polyolefin sulfonates, polyolefin phosphates, diphosphonates. In some embodiments, the anti-calculus agent is present in an amount of from about 0.01 wt% to about 30 wt% based on the total weight of the oral care composition. In some embodiments, the oral care composition comprises a mixture of anti-calculus agents. In some embodiments, tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) are used as anti-calculus agents. In some embodiments, the anti-calculus agent comprises from 0.1% to 10% TSPP, or about 2% TSPP.

[0096] Another component of the composition of the present invention may be a synthetic anionic polymer polycarboxylate, which acts as a stabilizer for polyphosphate anti-tartar agents and may help block the access of pain-causing or pain-inducing materials such as sugars to the dental nerves.

[0097] In some embodiments, the oral care composition optionally comprises a fluoride ion source. In some embodiments, the fluoride ion source is selected from: fluorides, monofluorophosphate (MFP), and fluorosilicates. In some embodiments, one or more fluoride ion-releasing compounds are optionally present in an amount to provide a total of 100 to 20,000 ppm, 200 to 5,000 ppm, or 500 to 2,500 ppm of fluoride ions. If present, in some embodiments, the amount of the fluoride source in the oral care composition is in the range of from about 0.01 wt% to about 10 wt% based on the total weight of the oral care composition, typically about 1.1%. For example, in one embodiment, the oral care composition may comprise about 0.76% MFP.

[0098] The composition may also contain stannous ions or a stannous ion source to reduce calcium loss. Suitable stannous ion sources include, but are not limited to, stannous fluoride, other stannous halides (such as stannous chloride dihydrate), stannous pyrophosphate, organic stannous carboxylates, such as stannous formate, stannous acetate, stannous gluconate, stannous lactate, stannous tartrate, stannous oxalate, stannous malonate, and stannous citrate, stannous glyoxide, and the like. In some embodiments, the oral care composition contains one or more stannous ion sources. For example, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, the oral care composition may contain from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of a stannous ion source. In one embodiment, the oral care composition contains from about 0.1% to about 7% or from about 0.2% to about 5% of a stannous ion source.

[0099] Examples

[0100] Aspects of the present disclosure can be further understood by reference to the following examples. These examples are illustrative and are not intended to limit its embodiments. Table 1 shows an oral care composition according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Example 1 shows an embodiment of a method for preparing the oral care composition of Table 1.

[0101] Table 1 Oral Care Composition #1

[0102] Component Weight % CAROAT 2% (1% MPS) Triacetin 26％ Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) 16％ Polyvinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer (PVP-VA) 16％ Calcined silica 3％ Sodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) 3％ Polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene glycol (L35) 21％ Polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG 600) 10％ Carbomer 974P NF 1％ Polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG 8000) 2％ Total components 100％

[0103] Example 1

[0104] The oral care composition containing the ingredients listed in Table 1 was prepared as follows: The formulated amounts of triacetin and PVP-VA were added to a Ross mixer and mixed at high speed for 5 minutes without vacuum. Then the formulated amounts of L35 and PEG600 were added to the Ross mixer and mixed at high speed for 2 minutes without vacuum. Next, the formulated amount of PVP was added to the Ross mixer. The powder was wetted and the resulting mixture was mixed at maximum speed under full vacuum for 2 minutes. Then the formulated amounts of TSPP, Carbomer 947P, and PEG 8000 were added to the Ross mixer. The powder was wetted and the resulting mixture was mixed at maximum speed under full vacuum for 10 minutes.

[0105] As described above, in some embodiments, the oral care composition is non-aqueous. Additionally, in some other embodiments, the oral care composition should be substantially free of liquid components having a high density of hydroxyl groups, such as polyol-based humectants, including glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol, or compounds having similar structural features. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that components having a high density of hydroxyl groups have a strong tendency to absorb moisture. Since persulfates such as MPS are sensitive to humidity, excessive moisture accumulation in the oral care composition will activate MPS during storage and result in a greater loss of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the hydroxyl groups in these components can also react directly with the whitening agent, thereby further reducing the stability of the oral care composition.

[0106] In some embodiments, the whitening efficiency of the oral care compositions disclosed herein is greater than that of a comparative whitening gel using hydrogen peroxide as the whitening agent. As shown in Tables 3 and 4, a composition using a 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (0.1% HP) whitening gel was used as a comparison for the whitening efficacy of the oral care compositions of Table 1. Specifically, for a 0.1% HP content, based on the total weight of the commercially available whitening gel, the comparative whitening gel uses a 0.55% crosslinked PVP / hydrogen peroxide complex as the whitening agent.

[0107] As used herein, the phrase "whitening efficacy" is intended to refer to the amount of change in tooth color. The color change can be measured according to the L*a*b* color scale. Assuming a* and b* are zero, the lightness or luminance (L*) value measures brightness and varies within a range of values from 100 for pure white to 0 for black. The a* value is a measure of red when positive, a measure of gray when zero, and a measure of green when negative. The b* value is a measure of yellow when positive, a measure of gray when zero, and a measure of blue when negative. Generally, teeth appear whiter when: the L* value increases meaning they become brighter, the a* value increases or decreases depending on whether the stained teeth had a green or red hue before whitening, and the b* value decreases meaning they become less yellow. While this is the general relationship for perceived whitening, if the increase in the L* value is large enough, then the b* value can also increase slightly. Similarly, if the decrease in the b* value is large enough to mask a less significant change in L*, then the L* value can also decrease.

[0108] In some embodiments, a whiteness index (W*) is used to evaluate tooth whiteness. The whiteness index is based on the distance of the color values from a nominal white point, is represented in the CIELAB color space as L* = 100, a* = 0, and b* = 0, and is defined according to Equation 3 below:

[0109] Formula 3

[0110] W* = [(a*) 2 +(b*) 2 +(L* - 100) 2 1 / 2 。

[0111] The change in W* can be used to evaluate the whitening efficacy of the composition before and after treatment. Equation 4 below can be used to calculate ΔW*:

[0112] Formula 4

[0113] ΔW* = W*(treatment) - W*(baseline).

[0114] Other values that can be used to evaluate tooth whiteness are described in Joiner et al., "A Review of Tooth Colour and Whiteness", Journal of Dentistry, 2008, 36S: S2 - S7, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0115] As described below, two in vitro brushing studies were used to test the whitening efficacy of the oral care compositions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0116] The whitening efficacy of oral care composition #1 and 0.1% HP comparative whitening gel was compared as follows: Artificially stained bovine maxillary central incisors mounted in resin were purchased from Dental Product Testing Therametric Technologies, Inc. Four teeth were used for each sample, and the average L* value of the teeth in each unit was approximately 62. 50 mg of oral care composition #1 or 0.1% HP comparative whitening gel was applied to the surfaces of all teeth in each unit. The teeth were then soaked in pH 7 phosphate buffer in a circulating system with a flow rate of 2 ml / min for 10 minutes. Then the buffer and gel were removed, and the teeth were dried thoroughly. The L, a, b values were measured using a SPECTROSHADE Micro instrument manufactured by Medical High Technology (MHT). After drying the teeth and measuring the L, a, b values, the teeth were treated again in the same manner. The teeth were treated a total of 14 times. The results of the study are shown in Table 3 and Figure 1 . The lower the ΔW value, the whiter the teeth.

[0117] Table 3

[0118]

[0119] As shown in Table 3 and Figure 1 ​As shown, the teeth treated with Oral Care Composition #1 have a lower ΔW value compared to the teeth brushed with a comparative whitening gel.

[0120] To test the whitening efficacy of the oral care composition when used as a soaking gel in a tray, Oral Care Composition #1 and a 0.1% HP comparative whitening gel were compared as follows: Artificially stained bovine central incisors mounted in resin were purchased from Dental Product Testing Therametric Technologies, Inc. Four teeth were used per sample, and the average L* value of the teeth in each unit was approximately 62. 250 mg of Oral Care Composition #1 or 0.1% HP comparative whitening gel was applied to the surfaces of all the teeth in each unit. A plastic tray was placed on top of the teeth to simulate the oral tray gel whitening treatment of the teeth. The teeth were then soaked in pH 7 phosphate buffer in a circulating system with a flow rate of 2 ml / min for 30 minutes. Subsequently, the plastic tray, buffer, and gel were removed, and the teeth were thoroughly dried. The L, a, b values were measured using a SPECTROSHADE Micro instrument manufactured by Medical High Technology (MHT). After drying the teeth and measuring the L, a, b values, the teeth were treated again in the same manner. The teeth were treated a total of 10 times. The results of the study are shown in Table 4 and Figure 2 . The lower the ΔW value, the whiter the teeth. In one unit, Oral Composition #1 was applied to the surface after wetting the tooth surface (shown as pre-wetted in Table 4).

[0121] Table 4

[0122]

[0123] As shown in Table 4 and Figure 2 , the teeth soaked with Oral Care Composition #1 have a lower ΔW value compared to the teeth soaked with the comparative whitening gel. Additionally, the pre-wetted teeth soaked with Oral Care Composition #1 have the lowest ΔW value.

[0124] Tables 3 to 4 and Figures 1 to 2 confirm the excellent whitening efficacy of the oral care composition according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0125] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for whitening the oral surfaces of human or animal subjects. The method may include contacting the tooth surface with an oral care composition according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. As used herein, "animal subject" includes non-human mammals such as dogs, cats, and horses. In one embodiment, the oral care composition is contacted with the oral surface of a mammalian subject so as to whiten the teeth in a highly effective manner.

[0126] In various embodiments, the oral care compositions prepared according to the present disclosure can be periodically applied to oral surfaces, such as daily, at least once a day for multiple days, or every two or three days. In some embodiments, the oral care composition is applied to the oral surface 1 to 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks to 8 weeks, four months to three years, or longer up to a lifetime.

[0127] In some embodiments, the oral care composition can be embodied as a gel and can be directly applied to the teeth using a delivery device in an amount sufficient to produce a whitening effect upon activation, the delivery device such as a pen, a liquid stick with an applicator, the applicator such as a felt tip, a brush, a roller ball, or a non-woven pad. In some embodiments, the oral care composition is activated once exposed to the aqueous environment of the oral cavity or when directly exposed to water or saliva. In some embodiments, the oral care composition of the present disclosure remains on the surface of the teeth for multiple minutes.

[0128] In some embodiments, the oral care composition is activated and remains on the surface of the teeth for about 1 minute to about 8 hours. In some embodiments, the composition is activated and remains on the surface of the teeth for about 5 minutes to about 4 hours. In some embodiments, the composition is activated and remains on the surface of the teeth for about 10 minutes to about 120 minutes. In some embodiments, the composition is activated and remains on the surface of the teeth for about 15 minutes to about 60 minutes. In some embodiments, the composition is activated and remains on the surface of the teeth for about 20 minutes to about 45 minutes.

[0129] The present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Although a limited number of embodiments have been shown and described, those skilled in the art should recognize that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the foregoing detailed description. The present disclosure is intended to be construed to include all such modifications and changes as long as they are within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. An oral care composition comprising: 0.2% to 10% potassium peroxymonosulfate, based on the total weight of the oral care composition; 5% to 70% non-aqueous dispersant, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, and 5% to 40% polyvinylpyrrolidone structurant, based on the total weight of the oral care composition, wherein the non-aqueous dispersant comprises 20% to 60% poloxamer, 5% to 30% polyethylene glycol, and 5% to 50% non-aqueous liquid, each measured based on the weight of the composition, wherein the non-aqueous liquid comprises one or more selected from glyceryl monoacetate, glyceryl triacetate, diethylene glycol diacetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, and propylene glycol diacetate, wherein the composition has a moisture content of 5% or less of the weight of the composition, and the composition does not contain glycerol, sorbitol, or propylene glycol; and wherein the viscosity of the oral care composition is 50,000 to 500,000 cPs at 25°C.

2. The oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone structurant is a polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer.

3. The oral care composition according to claim 2, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymer is a polyvinylpyrrolidone vinyl acetate copolymer.

4. The oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous liquid comprises one or more selected from glyceryl triacetate, diethylene glycol diacetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, and propylene glycol diacetate.

5. The oral care composition according to claim 4, wherein the non-aqueous liquid comprises glyceryl triacetate.

6. The oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous dispersant further comprises a polyethylene glycol / polypropylene glycol copolymer.

7. The oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 20% to 60% poloxamer L35, 5% to 30% PEG-600, and 5% to 50% glyceryl triacetate, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

8. The oral care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the viscosity of the oral care composition is 75,000 to 400,000 cPs at 25°C.

9. The oral care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one of a surfactant, a thickener, an antioxidant, a flavoring agent, a pH regulator, an abrasive, an anti-calculus agent, a fluoride ion source, a stannous ion source, and a coloring agent.

10. The oral care composition according to claim 9, wherein all ingredients are orally acceptable, and wherein the structurant comprises a polyvinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer, and wherein the non-aqueous liquid comprises glyceryl triacetate.

11. The oral care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the oral care composition does not contain a hydrogen peroxide compound.

12. The oral care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the oral care composition is a dentifrice.

13. A non-therapeutic method for whitening tooth surfaces, comprising: applying the oral care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to the tooth surfaces; and activating the oral care composition by exposing the oral care composition to water or saliva.

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