Color-changing dentifrice composition

Abstract

A color changing oral care composition, in particular a dentifrice composition, comprising (i) encapsulated dye particles comprising a dye and a coating layer encapsulating the dye wherein the coating layer comprises hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and (ii) 0.2% to 1.2% by weight of the composition of a flavor ingredient, wherein the flavor ingredient has a clog P value of 2 to 6, and wherein the flavor ingredient has a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) from hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) greater than 7.5 and a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) greater than 3.5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a color-changing dentifrice composition and a method of using the same. Background Art

[0002] Because brushing teeth is generally considered to be a common routine of daily life, consumers expect more pleasant visual stimulation during the brushing experience. For example, visible color changes during brushing after a period of time will provide clear signals to indicate that the user has brushed the appropriate amount of time. Therefore, color-changing dentifrice will not only provide visual cues for the user to ensure long enough brushing time, but also provide sensory entertainment. This is especially the need of parents who want to ensure that children brush long enough. Encapsulated dye or pigment can be used to provide color change, wherein dye or pigment is released from encapsulation after brushing a specific time. However, for the dentifrice composition containing this encapsulated dye or pigment, the leakage of dye and unexpected appearance changes during storage are a great challenge. Therefore, it is always necessary to have color-changing characteristics, while providing a dentifrice of satisfactory or improved stability (particularly after relatively long transportation or storage time). Summary of the invention

[0003] Surprisingly, the applicant has found a dentifrice composition that maintains a desired appearance without pigment leakage even after long storage or transportation times, and also provides a discoloration benefit during brushing teeth. In particular, when in a tube, the dentifrice composition also exhibits a color in appearance even during long storage times. Once used, it exhibits a discoloration (e.g., from white to blue, or from pink to purple, etc.) after brushing a specific period of time. The dentifrice composition of the present invention comprises encapsulated dye particles and a flavoring agent system, characterized by a specific ClogP value and a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra).

[0004] One advantage of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice composition that introduces a color change after a specified period of use to provide a signal to the user that they have brushed long enough.

[0005] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a dentifrice that has a stable, attractive appearance prior to use and a unique sensory experience of color change during use.

[0006] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a phase stable formulation.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a color-changing dentifrice composition, the color-changing dentifrice composition comprising:

[0008] i) 0.1% to 4% by weight of the composition of an encapsulated dye particle, the encapsulated dye particle comprising a dye and a coating layer encapsulating the dye, wherein the coating layer comprises at least hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and

[0009] ii) 0.2% to 1.2% by weight of the composition of a flavor ingredient, wherein the flavor ingredient has a clog P value of 2 to 6, and wherein the flavor ingredient has a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) to Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) of greater than 7.5 and a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) to Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) of greater than 3.5. Preferably, the flavor ingredient is selected from those flavor ingredients having a molecular weight of 120 to 400, preferably 150 to 400.

[0010] Preferably, the dentifrice composition of the present invention exhibits a color change after a period of 30 seconds to 90 seconds when used.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of use, which comprises the step of brushing teeth with the composition of the present invention.

[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] definition

[0014] As used herein, articles including "a" and "an" when used in a claim should be understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

[0015] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that steps and ingredients other than those specifically mentioned may be added. The term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of." The compositions of the present invention may comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the present invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.

[0016] As used herein, the words "preferred", "preferred" and their variations refer to embodiments of the present invention that provide particular benefits under particular circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. In addition, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present invention.

[0017] As used herein, the term "substantially free" means that no intentional amount of the material is added to the composition, or the amount of the material is less than 0.05%, 0.01% or 0.001% of the composition. As used herein, the term "substantially free" means that the indicated material is not intentionally added to the composition, or preferably is not present at an analytically detectable level. This refers to compositions including compositions in which the indicated material is present only as an impurity in one of the other intentionally added materials. As used herein, the term "free" means that no reasonably detectable amount of the material is present in the composition.

[0018] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "dentifrice" means a paste, gel, powder, tablet, or liquid formulation for cleaning oral surfaces. Preferably, the dentifrice composition of the present invention is a single-phase composition. An example of a dentifrice is toothpaste (for brushing teeth). As used herein, the term "tooth" refers to natural teeth as well as artificial teeth or dentures.

[0019] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages, parts and ratios are based on the total weight of the compositions of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all such weights relating to listed ingredients are based on the active level, and therefore do not include solvents or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials.

[0020] Unless otherwise specified, all measurements referred to herein were performed at 25° C. (ie, room temperature).

[0021] Dentifrice composition

[0022] The dentifrice composition of the present invention is a color changing dentifrice composition.The color changing dentifrice composition comprises encapsulated dye particles, wherein the encapsulated dye particles break apart and provide a color signal or color change as brushing continues.

[0023] A color changing dentifrice composition comprises: i) 0.1% to 4% by weight of the composition of encapsulated dye particles comprising a dye and a coating layer encapsulating the dye, wherein the coating layer comprises at least hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and ii) 0.2% to 1.2% by weight of the composition of a flavor component, wherein the flavor component has a clog P value of 2 to 6, and wherein the flavor component has a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) to hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) greater than 7.5 and a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) greater than 3.5.

[0024] In particular, the color-changing dentifrice composition comprises encapsulated dye particles. The encapsulated dye particles are present at a level of 0.1% to 4%, more preferably 0.15% to 3.75%, alternatively at a level of 0.2% to 3.5%, or 0.3% to 3.2%, by weight of the composition. The encapsulated dye particles comprise a dye and a coating layer encapsulating the dye. The weight ratio of the dye to the coating layer may be 1:99 to 99:1. For example, the encapsulated dye particles comprise 0.01% to 40%, preferably 0.1% to 35% dye by weight of the particle, alternatively 0.5% to 30%, or 1% to 25%, or 5% to 20% dye by weight of the particle.

[0025] Preferably, suitable dyes for the encapsulated dye particles include dyes, dye lakes, dye-clay conjugates and optional organic and inorganic pigments. Suitable dyes include small molecule dyes and polymeric dyes. Suitable small molecule dyes include dyes selected from direct dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes or hydrolysis reactive dyes, solvent dyes or disperse dyes, which are classified according to the Color Index (CI) and provide desired hues, such as blue, purple, red, green or black, individually or in combination. On the other hand, suitable small molecule dyes include dyes selected from the Society of Dyers and Colourists, Bradford, UK) of the following numbered small molecule dyes: direct violet dyes such as 9, 35, 48, 51, 66 and 99, direct blue dyes such as 1, 71, 80 and 279, acid red dyes such as 17, 73, 52, 88 and 150, acid violet dyes such as 15, 17, 24, 43, 49, and 50, acid blue dyes such as 15, 17, 25, 29, 40, 45, 75, 80, 83, 90 and 113, acid black dyes such as 1, basic violet dyes such as 1, 3, 4, 10 and 35, basic blue dyes such as 3, 16, 22, 47, 66, 75 and 159, disperse dyes or solvent dyes such as described in EP1794275 or EP1794276, or dyes disclosed in US7208459B2, and mixtures thereof. On the other hand, suitable small molecule dyes include those selected from the following color index numbers: acid violet 17, direct blue 71, direct violet 51, direct blue 1, acid red 88, acid red 150, acid blue 29, acid blue 113, or mixtures thereof. In alternative examples, suitable dyes include, but are not limited to, those dyes approved by corresponding regulatory agencies such as the FDA and those listed in the European Food and Drug Directive, and include pigments such as FD&C and D&C dyes. Specific examples of dyes include: FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Blue #2, D&C Blue #4, D&C Blue #9, FD&C Green #3, D&C Green #5, D&C Green #6, D&C Green #8, D&C Orange #4, D&C Orange #5, D&C Orange #10, D&C Orange #11, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Red #4, D&C Red #6, D&C Red #7, D&C Red #17, D&C Red #21, D&C Red #22, D&C Red #27, D&C Red #28, D&C Red #30, D&C Red #31, D&C Red #33, D&C Red #34, D&C Red #36, D&C Red #39, FD&C Red #40, D&C Violet #2, FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Yellow #6, D&C Yellow #7, Ext. D&C Yellow #7, D&C Yellow #8, D&C Yellow #10, D&C Yellow #11, and combinations thereof.

[0026] Preferably, the encapsulated dye particles comprise a coating layer of 1% to 99%, preferably 5% to 95%, more preferably 10% to 90%, by weight of the encapsulated dye particles. Preferably, the coating layer comprises a binder, a filler and an optional disintegrant. Preferably, the coating layer comprises a binder selected from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or preferably both HPMC and PVA.

[0027] Optionally, the coating layer may also include other binders selected from polymeric materials, such as carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium alginate, xanthan gum and agar. Suitable fillers included in the coating layer of the encapsulated dye particles may include edible soluble materials comprising glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, fructose, or lactose, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In one example, the encapsulated dye particles in the color changing dentifrice composition comprise 0.1% to 30% dye, 0.1% to 15% binder, 1% to 80% filler, 0.1% to 5% disintegrant.

[0029] The color changing dentifrice composition of the present invention also comprises 0.2% to 1.2% of a flavor component by weight of the composition. The flavor component is characterized by having a Clog P value of 2-6, and having a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) of greater than 7.5 to hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) of greater than 3.5 to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

[0030] The Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) can be calculated from the HSP parameters of the flavor ingredient and the polymer using the following formula:

[0031] Ra 2 =4(δD1-δD2) 2 +(δP1-δP2) 2 +(δH1-δH2) 2

[0032] in,

[0033] δD1 is the dispersing factor of the flavor ingredient and δD2 is the dispersing factor of the polymer (eg, HPMC or PVA).

[0034] δP1 is the polarity factor of the flavor ingredient and δP2 is the polarity factor of the polymer (eg, HPMC or PVA).

[0035] δH1 is the hydrogen bonding factor of the flavor ingredient and δH2 is the hydrogen bonding factor of the polymer (eg, HPMC or PVA).

[0036] Preferably, the flavor component present in the color changing dentifrice composition has a molecular weight of 120 to 400, preferably 150 to 400. For example, the flavor component may be selected from thymol, menthol, caprylic / capric triglyceride, carvone, menthone, g-undecanoic acid lactone or a combination thereof.

[0037] Table 1 below lists some exemplary HSP Ra values ​​for flavor ingredients suitable for use in the present invention.

[0038] Table 1

[0039] Flavor ingredients Clog P δD δH δP Ra with HPMC Ra with PVA Thymol 3.08 16.5 6.9 3.5 8.9 3.9 Menthol 2.91 16.5 6.9 3.5 8.9 3.9 Caprylic triglyceride 3.97 16.3 7.4 4.1 8.5 4.7 Carvone 2.80 17.5 3.7 5.8 9.2 3.6 Menthone 3.16 16.9 2.4 5 11.1 3.5 g-Undecanoic acid lactone 3.18 16.4 4.2 9.2 9.0 7.4

[0040] Without being limited by any theory, the above-described properties of the flavor ingredient surprisingly provide a compatible and stable system with the encapsulated dye particles in the dentifrice composition.

[0041] Preferably, the color-changing dentifrice composition comprises encapsulated dye particles, wherein the encapsulated dye particles have an average particle size of 100 microns to 2000 microns, preferably 150 microns to 1500 microns. For example, the encapsulated dye particles have an average particle size of 200 microns to 1800 microns, or 250 microns to 1600 microns.

[0042] The encapsulated dye particles may be produced by any suitable method for preparing particles including, but not limited to, fluid bed granulation, agglomeration, extrusion, and the like.

[0043] The color-changing dentifrice composition of the present invention further comprises an active ingredient selected from a fluoride ion source, a metal ion source such as a stannous ion source, a zinc ion source, and further comprises one or more ingredients selected from an orally acceptable carrier, an abrasive, a binder, a humectant, a surfactant, and a combination thereof.

[0044] Fluoride ion source

[0045] Optionally but preferably, the dentifrice composition may include an effective amount of a fluoride ion source. The fluoride ion may be present in an amount sufficient to provide a fluoride ion concentration in the composition at 25°C, and / or in one embodiment may be used at a level of from about 0.0025% to about 5%, preferably 0.01% to 0.5%, more preferably 0.02% to 0.15% by weight of the composition. Examples of fluoride ion sources include stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, amine fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, and zinc fluoride.

[0046] In accordance with Chinese National Standard Method GB8372-2008, a method for assessing soluble fluoride is described. Briefly, soluble fluoride in dentifrice is determined using an ion selective electrode (ISE). An example of a fluoride meter is the SARTORIUS PP-50, but equivalents may be used.

[0047] Surfactants

[0048] Dentifrice compositions may include one or more surfactants. Surfactants may be used to make the composition cosmetically and / or more acceptable to consumers. Surfactants may be detersive materials that impart detergency and foaming properties to the composition. Suitable surfactants include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and / or betaine surfactants. Other suitable surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, alkali metal or ammonium salts of lauroyl sarcosine, myristoyl sarcosine, palmitoyl sarcosine, stearoyl sarcosine and oleoyl sarcosine, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, isostearate and laurate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, N-lauroyl sarcosine, sodium, potassium and ethanolamine salts of N-lauroyl, N-myristoyl or N-palmitoyl sarcosine, polyethylene oxide condensates of alkylphenols, cocoamidopropyl betaine, lauroylamidopropyl betaine, palmityl betaine, sodium cocoyl glutamate, etc. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a preferred surfactant. The dentifrice composition may include one or more surfactants, each present at a level of from about 0.01% to about 15%, from about 0.3% to about 10%, or from about 0.3% to about 2.5%, by weight of the dentifrice composition.

[0049] Thickener

[0050] The dentifrice composition may include one or more thickeners. Thickeners can be used in dentifrice compositions to provide a gel-like structure to stabilize toothpaste to prevent phase separation. Suitable thickeners include polysaccharides, polymers and / or silica thickeners. Some non-limiting examples of polysaccharides include starch; starch glycerol; gums such as karaya gum (gum karaya), tragacanth, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum arabic, xanthan gum, guar gum and cellulose gum; magnesium aluminum silicate (colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate); carrageenan; sodium alginate; agar; pectin; gelatin; cellulosic compounds such as cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl carboxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and sulfated cellulose; natural and synthetic clays, such as hectorite clay; and mixtures thereof.

[0051] Thickeners may include polysaccharides. Suitable polysaccharides for use herein include carrageenan, gellan gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, carbomer, poloxamer, modified cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Carrageenan is a polysaccharide derived from seaweed. There are several types of carrageenan, which can be distinguished by their seaweed sources and / or by their degree of sulfation and position. Thickeners may include kappa-carrageenan, modified kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, modified iota-carrageenan, lambda-carrageenan, and mixtures thereof. Suitable carrageenans for use herein include those commercially available from FMC Company under the serial name "Viscarin", including but not limited to Viscarin TP 329, Viscarin TP388, and Viscarin TP 389.

[0052] The thickening agent may comprise one or more polymers. The polymer may be polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyacrylic acid, a polymer derived from at least one acrylic acid monomer, a copolymer of maleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether, a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer, having various weight percentages of the dentifrice composition and various ranges of average molecular weight ranges. The polymer may include a polyacrylate cross-linked polymer, such as polyacrylate cross-linked polymer-6. Suitable sources of polyacrylate cross-linked polymer-6 may include Sepimax Zen, commercially available from Seppic TM .

[0053] The thickener may include an inorganic thickener. Some non-limiting examples of suitable inorganic thickeners include colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, silica thickeners. Non-limiting examples of useful silica thickeners include, for example, amorphous precipitated silica, such as 165 silica. Other non-limiting silica thickeners include 153, 163 and 167 and 177 and 265 silica products (both available from Evonik Corporation), and Fumed silica.

[0054] The dentifrice composition may comprise from 0.01% to about 15%, from 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.2% to about 5%, or from about 0.5% to about 2% of one or more thickening agents.

[0055] Abrasive

[0056] The dentifrice composition of the present invention may include an abrasive. Abrasives may be added to dentifrice formulations to aid in removing surface stains on teeth. Abrasives may include calcium abrasives and / or silica abrasives.

[0057] The calcium abrasive can be any suitable abrasive compound that can provide calcium ions in the dentifrice composition and / or deliver calcium ions to the oral cavity when the dentifrice composition is applied to the oral cavity. The dentifrice composition can include about 5% to about 70%, about 10% to about 60%, about 20% to about 50%, about 25% to about 40%, or about 1% to about 50% of the calcium abrasive. The calcium abrasive can include one or more calcium abrasive compounds, such as calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), ground calcium carbonate (GCC), chalk, dicalcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate and / or mixtures thereof.

[0058] The dentifrice composition may also include a silica abrasive, such as colloidal silica (either by itself or in any structure), precipitated silica, amorphous precipitated silica (either by itself or in any structure), hydrated silica, and / or combinations thereof. The dentifrice composition may include from about 5% to about 70%, from about 10% to about 60%, from about 10% to about 50%, from about 20% to about 50%, from about 25% to about 40%, or from about 1% to about 50% of a silica abrasive.

[0059] Abrasives may also include bentonite, perlite, titanium dioxide, alumina, hydrated alumina, calcined alumina, aluminum silicate, insoluble sodium metaphosphate, insoluble potassium metaphosphate, insoluble magnesium carbonate, zirconium silicate, particulate thermosetting resins, and other suitable abrasive materials. The dentifrice composition may contain about 5% to about 70%, about 10% to about 60%, about 10% to about 50%, about 20% to about 50%, about 25% to about 40%, or about 1% to about 50% of another abrasive.

[0060] Other active agents

[0061] The dentifrice composition of the present invention may also optionally contain other antibacterial agents, which are preferably present in an amount of 0.035% or more, 0.05% to 2%, 0.1% to 1% by weight of the composition. Examples of these other antibacterial agents may include non-cationic antibacterial agents such as, for example, halogenated diphenyl ethers, phenolic compounds (including phenol and its homologues), monoalkyl halogenated phenols and polyalkyl halogenated phenols and aromatic halogenated phenols, resorcinol and its derivatives, xylitol, bisphenol compounds and halogenated salicylanilides, benzoates and halogenated carbanilides. Other useful antibacterial agents are enzymes, including endoglycosidases, papains, glucanases, mutant enzymes, and combinations thereof.

[0062] pH

[0063] The pH of the dentifrice composition as described herein can be from about 4 to about 10, from about 6 to about 8, alternatively 4.5 to 7.5. As described herein, the pH of the dentifrice composition can also be at least about 6, at least about 6.5, or at least about 7. The pH of the mouthwash solution can be determined as the pH of the pure solution. The pH of the dentifrice composition can be determined as the slurry pH, which is the pH of a mixture of the dentifrice composition and water (such as a 1:4, 1:3, or 1:2 mixture of the dentifrice composition and water). The pH of the dentifrice composition as described herein has a preferred pH of about 4 to about 10, about 5 to about 9, about 6 to 8, or about 7.

[0064] water

[0065] In a low-water dentifrice formulation, the dentifrice composition comprises from about 10% to about 45% water by weight of the composition. The low-water dentifrice composition may comprise from about 10% to about 35%, from about 15% to about 25%, or from about 20% to about 25% water by weight of the composition. Water may be added to the low-water dentifrice formulation and / or water may enter the composition as a result of the inclusion of other ingredients.

[0066] In an anhydrous dentifrice formulation, the dentifrice composition comprises less than about 10% water by weight of the composition. An anhydrous dentifrice composition comprises less than about 5%, less than about 1%, or 0% water by weight of the composition. Water may be added to the anhydrous formulation and / or may enter the dentifrice composition as a result of the inclusion of other ingredients.

[0067] Wetting agent

[0068] Dentifrice composition can comprise one or more wetting agents, have low level of wetting agent, do not contain wetting agent, do not contain wetting agent substantially, and / or do not contain wetting agent in fact.Wetting agent is used to increase the consistency or " mouthfeel " of oral care composition or dentifrice and prevent dentifrice from drying out.Suitable wetting agent comprises polyethylene glycol (having multiple different molecular weight), propylene glycol, glycerine (glycerin, glycerol), erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, butylene glycol, lactitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate and / or their mixture.Dentifrices composition can comprise one or more wetting agents, and the content of each kind of wetting agent is by the weight of this dentifrice composition 0% to about 70%, about 5% to about 50%, about 10% to about 60% or about 20% to about 80%.

[0069] Colorants

[0070] The dentifrice composition may include a colorant selected from the group consisting of pigments, pearlescent agents, filler powders, talc, mica, titanium dioxide, dye lakes, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, bismuth oxychloride, zinc oxide, and combinations thereof. A preferred example is titanium dioxide (TiO2). Titanium dioxide is a white powder that provides opacity to the composition (and thus may provide color comparison in a transparent / translucent paste). The colorant present in the particles may be a mixture of at least two ingredients selected from the group consisting of pigments, pearlescent agents, filler powders, talc, mica, titanium dioxide, dye lakes, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, bismuth oxychloride, zinc oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0071] How to use

[0072] The present invention also relates to a method for treating the oral cavity, the method comprising applying a dentifrice composition according to the present invention to the oral care oral cavity. In one embodiment, the term "treatment" refers to cleaning and polishing teeth. Methods of use herein include contacting the enamel surface and oral mucosa of a subject with an oral care composition according to the present invention. The treatment method may be brushing with a dentifrice, or rinsing with a dentifrice slurry or mouthwash. Other methods include contacting a topical oral gel, mouth spray, toothpaste, dentifrice, tooth gel, tooth powder, tablet, subgingival gel, foam, pendant, chewing gum, lipstick, sponge, dental floss, vaseline gel or denture product or other form with the teeth and oral mucosa of the subject. According to the embodiment, the oral care composition may be used frequently like toothpaste, or may be used less frequently, such as once a week, or may be used by a professional in the form of a polishing paste or other reinforcing treatment agent.

[0073] The present invention also provides a method of cleaning teeth, the method comprising brushing with a dentifrice composition according to the present invention, wherein brushing continues until the encapsulated dye particles break and the dye provides a color signal to the user for sufficiently long brushing, for example, wherein the brushing time before the dye particles dissolve is between 30 seconds and 180 seconds, for example, about 45 seconds-60 seconds for toothpaste for children and about 90 seconds-120 seconds for toothpaste for adults.

[0074] Example

[0075] The following examples and descriptions further illustrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. These examples are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limitations of the present invention, as many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0076] Example Preparation

[0077] A toothpaste base formulation was prepared by mixing the components in Table 2 below with the amounts of the components in weight % in the proportions shown.

[0078] Table 2: Toothpaste base formulation example (without flavoring agent)

[0079]

[0080] * Encapsulated dye particles are commercially available from Chongqing Pellets Biotech Co., Ltd. under the trade name AC-AZR50-305, which contains 1%-5% CI73360, 1%-5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, 1%-5% PVA, 20%-30% titanium dioxide and 40%-50% mannitol.

[0081] Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention and Comparative Examples A to Comparative Examples C are all prepared based on a toothpaste base formulation (Table 2), with the difference being the flavoring components shown in Table 3 below, where the amounts of the components are in weight %. These samples can be appropriately prepared by conventional methods selected by the formulator. The levels of the flavoring ingredients are weight percentages in the final toothpaste sample. Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention are formulations of the present invention according to the present invention, and Comparative Examples A to Comparative Examples C are prepared for comparison purposes. The comparative examples contain flavoring agents (levels or physical properties such as clogP) outside the scope of the present invention.

[0082] Table 3: Toothpaste composition example (containing flavoring agent)

[0083]

[0084] 1 Flavor X is menthol with a Clog P value of 2.91

[0085] 2 Flavor Y is caprylic triglyceride (CT) with a Clog P value of 3.97

[0086] 3 Flavor agent Z is isopropyl myristate (IPM) with a Clog P value of 7.17

[0087] Bead integrity grading method

[0088] The toothpaste samples of the examples in Table 3 were all kept at 40°C for at least 50 days and then tested by the Bead Integrity Grading Method. This method provides a visual assessment of the stability of the pigment beads in the toothpaste formulation.

[0089] Each toothpaste sample was squeezed by hand from the tube onto a piece of white unlined paper to form a straight toothpaste ribbon with a minimum length of 10 mm and no bubbles. The diameter of the toothpaste ribbon should be approximately the same as the diameter of the tube hole and should not be stretched. The dentifrice samples were visually inspected at a distance of approximately 40 cm.

[0090] A panel of three (3) people visually inspected the toothpaste band for broken red beads and whether red tailing was observed. They observed each sample twice and gave a rating. Only samples that were "passed" twice were recorded as "passed". Photos were also taken for record keeping. The criteria were set as follows:

[0091] “Pass”: No more than 10 broken beads in 10 mm paste and no more than 5 red tails caused by the broken beads.

[0092] "Failure": more than 10 broken beads in 10 mm paste and more than 5 red tails caused by the broken beads.

[0093] The classification tests of Inventive Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples A to C were measured according to the above-mentioned bead integrity classification method. The results are shown in Table 4 below.

[0094] Table 4: Classification results

[0095] Example Grading results Comparative Example A Unqualified (3^) Comparative Example B Unqualified (3) Comparative Example C Unqualified (3) Embodiment 1 of the present invention Qualified(3) Embodiment 2 of the present invention Qualified(3) Embodiment 3 of the present invention Qualified(3)

[0096] ^Here "3" means 3 votes from 3 user groups.

[0097] As can be seen from Table 4, Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention exhibit minimal pigment bead breakage and tailing, thus providing desirable appearance and stability. In contrast, Comparative Examples A to C, which contain flavor ingredients outside the scope of the present invention, exhibit undesirable appearance results.

[0098] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0099] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present invention disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more of the references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0100] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A color-changing dentifrice composition, comprising: i) 0.1% to 4% by weight of the composition of an encapsulated dye particle comprising a dye and a coating layer encapsulating the dye, wherein the coating layer comprises at least hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and ii) 0.2% to 1.2% by weight of the composition of a flavor ingredient, wherein the flavor ingredient has a clog P value of 2 to 6, and wherein the flavor ingredient has a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) greater than 7.5 and a Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) distance (Ra) to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) greater than 3.

5.

2. A color changing dentifrice composition according to claim 1, wherein the flavor ingredient has a molecular weight of 120 to 400, preferably 150 to 400.

3. A color changing dentifrice composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavor ingredient is selected from thymol, menthol, caprylic triglyceride, carvone, menthone, g-undecanolactone, or combinations thereof.

4. A colour changing dentifrice composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the encapsulated dye particles have an average particle size of from 100 microns to 2000 microns, preferably from 150 microns to 1500 microns.

5. A color changing dentifrice composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating layer of the encapsulated dye particles further comprises an additional binder and / or a filler material, the additional binder being selected from carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium alginate, xanthan gum and agar or a combination thereof, and the filler material being selected from an edible soluble material comprising glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, fructose, lactose or a combination thereof.

6. A color changing dentifrice composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an active ingredient selected from a fluoride ion source, a metal ion source such as a stannous ion source, a zinc ion source, and combinations thereof.

7. The color changing dentifrice composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of an orally acceptable carrier, an abrasive, a binder, a humectant, a surfactant, and combinations thereof.

8. A color changing dentifrice composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dentifrice composition exhibits a color change after use for a period of time of from 30 seconds to 90 seconds.

9. A method of using a color changing dentifrice composition according to any one of the preceding claims to provide a user with a visible color changing experience, the method comprising the step of brushing teeth with the dentifrice composition for more than 1 minute.

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