Composition for oral cavity

Abstract

To provide a composition for oral cavity, the composition having markedly enhanced dental plaque formation inhibitory effect.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a composition for oral cavity, the composition containing the following components (A), (B) and (C), while having a mass ratio ((C) / (B)) of the content of the component (C) to the content of the component (B) of 0.1 or more and 100 or less. (A): Erythritol. (B): An amphoteric surfactant of 0.01 mass% or more to 1 mass% or less. (C): A menthol.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Dental plaque adheres firmly to tooth surfaces and can cause dental caries, tartar, periodontal disease, etc., and can also cause stickiness in the oral cavity and bad breath. In order to realize oral compositions that inhibit the formation of such plaque, various ingredients have been investigated.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an oral composition containing a sugar alcohol such as erythritol as an ingredient that inhibits or dissociates bacterial aggregation reactions in the oral cavity, and exerts the effect of inhibiting the formation of mature biofilms such as dental plaque in gaps between teeth, periodontal pockets, etc. Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 1 reports that erythritol is a useful ingredient that inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus, thereby bringing about the effect of inhibiting biofilm formation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-29484 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] E. Hashino, et al., “Erythritol alters microstructure and metabolomic profiles of biofilm composed of Streptococcus gordonii and Porphyromonas gingivalis”, Molecular Oral Microbiology, July 2013 Volume 28, Issue 6, p.435-451 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, there is a demand for oral compositions that exhibit even better plaque formation inhibitory effects than those of the techniques described in the above patent documents, and further improvements are required.

[0007] That is, the present invention relates to an oral composition that has a significantly enhanced effect of inhibiting plaque formation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, the present inventors conducted various studies and discovered an oral composition that contains erythritol and a specific amount of an amphoteric surfactant, and also contains menthols in a specific mass ratio, which can significantly enhance the effect of inhibiting plaque formation, and can also effectively suppress the lingering bitterness derived from the amphoteric surfactant, resulting in an oral composition that has an excellent feel when used.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a composition comprising the following components (A), (B), and (C): (A) Erythritol (B) Amphoteric surfactant: 0.01% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less (C) Menthols and wherein the mass ratio ((C) / (B)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (B) is 0.1 or more and 100 or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the oral composition of the present invention, the plaque formation inhibitory effect brought about by erythritol is significantly enhanced, while the lingering bitterness is suppressed, and a pleasant feeling can be experienced when using the composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below. In the present invention, "good feeling when used" or "comfortable feeling when used" means that when the oral composition is applied, the feeling is such that the lingering bitterness in the oral cavity is suppressed while a good refreshing feeling is continuously provided.

[0012] The oral composition of the present invention contains erythritol as component (A). Component (A) is known to have an inhibitory effect on dental plaque formation, but the oral composition of the present invention can further enhance its inhibitory effect on dental plaque formation, particularly by the coexistence of a specific amount of component (B), an amphoteric surfactant, as described below.

[0013] The content of component (A) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the lingering bitterness derived from the amphoteric surfactant of component (B) while exhibiting an excellent plaque formation inhibitory effect. Furthermore, the content of component (A) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 48% by mass or less, more preferably 42% by mass or less, and even more preferably 38% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of exhibiting a high plaque formation inhibitory effect while maintaining good solubility or dispersibility. The content of component (A) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 2% by mass or more and 48% by mass or less, more preferably 3 to 42% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 38% by mass.

[0014] The oral composition of the present invention contains 0.01% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less of an amphoteric surfactant as component (B), which unexpectedly synergistically and significantly enhances the plaque formation inhibitory effect of component (A) while maintaining the good solubility or dispersibility of component (A).

[0015] The amphoteric surfactant of component (B) may be one or more selected from amidobetaine amphoteric surfactants, imidazoline amphoteric surfactants, acetate betaine amphoteric surfactants, alkylsulfobetaines, and amino acid amphoteric surfactants.

[0016] Specific examples of amidobetaine type amphoteric surfactants include coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, coconut oil fatty acid amidobetaine, and the like. Specific examples of imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactants include 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine, N-alkyl-1-hydroxyethyl imidazoline betaine sodium, N-lauroyl-N'-carboxymethyl-N'-hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine sodium, and N-cocoyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine sodium. Specific examples of the betaine acetate amphoteric surfactant include lauryl dimethylamino acetate betaine, coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamino acetate betaine, and the like. Specific examples of alkyl sulfobetaines include lauryl sulfobetaine and lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine. Specific examples of the amino acid type amphoteric surfactant include N-lauryldiaminoethylglycine and N-myristyldiaminoethylglycine.

[0017] Among these, from the viewpoint of synergistically and significantly enhancing the plaque formation inhibitory effect of component (A), one or more selected from amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactants, and acetic acid betaine-type amphoteric surfactants are preferred, and one or more selected from amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants and imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactants are more preferred.

[0018] The content of component (B) in the oral composition of the present invention is 0.01% by mass or more, preferably 0.015% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of synergistically and significantly enhancing the plaque formation inhibitory effect of component (A) while maintaining good solubility or dispersibility of component (A). Furthermore, the content of component (B) in the oral composition of the present invention is 1% by mass or less, preferably 0.8% by mass or less, more preferably 0.6% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.4% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of avoiding the onset or enhancement of lingering bitterness while ensuring good solubility or dispersibility of component (A). The content of component (A) in the oral composition of the present invention is 0.01% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less, preferably 0.015 to 0.8% by mass, more preferably 0.02 to 0.6% by mass, and more preferably 0.02 to 0.4% by mass.

[0019] From the viewpoint of synergistically and significantly enhancing the plaque formation inhibitory effect of component (A), the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) ((A) / (B)) is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, even more preferably 3 or more, still more preferably 20 or more, still more preferably 200 or more, and preferably 4500 or less, more preferably 4300 or less, even more preferably 4000 or less, still more preferably 1400 or less, and even more preferably 1200 or less. The mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) ((A) / (B)) is preferably 1 or more and 4500 or less, more preferably 2 to 4300, even more preferably 3 to 4000, still more preferably 20 to 1400, and even more preferably 200 to 1200.

[0020] The oral composition of the present invention contains menthols as component (C). This effectively prevents the bitter taste of component (B) from remaining or increasing, while also providing an excellent effect in inhibiting plaque formation. Furthermore, component (C) itself provides a pleasant cooling sensation. The menthols of component (C) may be any compounds having a monoterpene skeleton and pharmaceutically acceptable for oral application. Specific examples include one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of l-menthol, dl-menthol, d-camphor, dl-camphor, d-borneol, dl-borneol, and geraniol. Of these, l-menthol is preferred.

[0021] From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the onset or enhancement of lingering bitterness derived from component (B) and from the viewpoint of maintaining a good cooling sensation, the content of component (C) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.008% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.015% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, preferably 2.5% by mass or less, more preferably 2% by mass or less, even more preferably 1.7% by mass or less, and still more preferably 1.5% by mass or less. The content of component (C) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.008% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 2% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.015 to 1.7% by mass, and still more preferably 0.02 to 1.5% by mass.

[0022] The mass ratio ((C) / (B)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (B) is 0.1 or more, preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.2 or more, even more preferably 0.3 or more, still more preferably 0.5 or more, still more preferably 1.5 or more, and 100 or less, preferably 90 or less, more preferably 80 or less, even more preferably 70 or less, still more preferably 60 or less, and even more preferably 50 or less, from the viewpoint of synergistically and significantly enhancing the plaque formation inhibitory effect of component (A) while effectively suppressing the onset or enhancement of lingering bitterness derived from component (B), and from the viewpoint of maintaining a good cooling sensation. The mass ratio ((C) / (B)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (B) is 0.1 or more and 100 or less, preferably 0.15 to 90, more preferably 0.2 to 80, even more preferably 0.3 to 70, still more preferably 0.5 to 60, and even more preferably 1.5 to 50.

[0023] The oral composition of the present invention may further contain a monohydric or dihydric alcohol (D), which effectively promotes the solubility or dispersibility of component (C) and effectively enhances the effect of suppressing the onset or enhancement of lingering bitterness derived from component (B).

[0024] Component (D) may be one or more selected from polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and ethanol. From the viewpoint of favorably promoting the solubility or dispersibility of component (C) and enhancing the effect of suppressing the onset or enhancement of lingering bitterness derived from component (B), the average molecular weight of polyethylene glycol is preferably 200 to 1,000, more preferably 200 to 700. Here, the average molecular weight of polyethylene glycol means the mass average molecular weight measured by GPC (gel permeation chromatography). Among these components (D), propylene glycol and ethanol are preferred from the viewpoint of effectively enhancing the effect of suppressing the onset or enhancement of lingering bitterness derived from component (B) while maintaining the good refreshing feeling derived from component (C).

[0025] From the viewpoint of favorably promoting the solubility or dispersibility of component (C) and enhancing the effect of suppressing the onset or enhancement of lingering bitterness derived from component (B), the content of component (D) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, still more preferably 3.5% by mass or more, preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, still more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less. The content of component (D) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.5 to 70% by mass, more preferably 1 to 60% by mass, even more preferably 1.5 to 50% by mass, still more preferably 3.5 to 50% by mass, even more preferably 3.5 to 40% by mass, even more preferably 3.5 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 3.5 to 20% by mass, and even more preferably 3.5 to 10% by mass.

[0026] The oral composition of the present invention preferably contains water, which satisfactorily dissolves or disperses the above-mentioned components, enhances the spread of the oral composition after application to the oral cavity, and effectively suppresses the onset or enhancement of the lingering bitterness derived from component (B) while exhibiting the excellent plaque formation-inhibiting effect of component (A).

[0027] The water content in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, even more preferably 3% by mass or more, and preferably 99.5% by mass or less, more preferably 99% by mass or less, even more preferably 98% by mass or less.

[0028] Furthermore, when the oral composition of the present invention is in the form of a dentifrice composition such as a paste-like toothpaste, the water content in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 1 to 65% by mass, more preferably 3 to 60% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 55% by mass. Furthermore, when the oral composition of the present invention is in the form of a liquid oral composition such as a mouthwash, mouth spray, or liquid toothpaste, the water content in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 55 to 99.5% by mass, more preferably 60 to 99% by mass, and even more preferably 65 to 98% by mass.

[0029] In the present invention, water refers to the total amount of water contained in the oral composition, including not only purified water directly blended into the oral composition, but also the water contained in each of the blended ingredients.

[0030] The water content can be measured by calculation from the amount of water added and the amount of water in the added components, but can also be measured using, for example, a Karl Fischer moisture meter.

[0031] In addition to the above components, the oral composition of the present invention may contain, for example, pH adjusters such as sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, flavorings other than component (C), sweeteners, colorants, etc., within the scope of not impairing the effects of the present invention.

[0032] The pH of the oral composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 4.0 or higher, more preferably 4.5 or higher, even more preferably 5.0 or higher, still more preferably 5.5 or higher, and preferably 12 or lower, more preferably 11.5 or lower, even more preferably 11 or lower, and still more preferably 10.5 or lower, from the viewpoint of effectively enhancing the plaque formation inhibitory effect while providing a good usability.

[0033] The oral composition of the present invention may be in the form of a liquid oral composition such as a mouthwash, mouth spray, or liquid dentifrice, or may be a dentifrice composition such as a powder dentifrice or toothpaste. The oral composition of the present invention effectively and efficiently inhibits the re-formation of plaque on the tooth surface after application and brushing as needed, while suppressing any lingering bitterness, allowing for a pleasant feel when used.

[0034] In relation to the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention further discloses the following oral compositions. [1] The following ingredients (A), (B), and (C): (A) Erythritol (B) Amphoteric surfactant: 0.01% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less (C) Menthols and wherein the mass ratio ((C) / (B)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (B) is 0.1 or more and 100 or less. [2] The oral composition of [1] above, wherein the content of component (A) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 48% by mass or less, more preferably 42% by mass or less, even more preferably 38% by mass or less.

[0035] [3] The oral composition of [1] or [2] above, wherein component (B) is one or more selected from amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactants, acetic acid betaine-type amphoteric surfactants, alkylsulfobetaines, and amino acid-type amphoteric surfactants, preferably one or more selected from amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants, imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactants, and acetic acid betaine-type amphoteric surfactants, and more preferably one or more selected from amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants and imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactants. [4] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the content of component (B) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.015% by mass or more, more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, and preferably 0.8% by mass or less, more preferably 0.6% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.4% by mass or less. [5] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) ((A) / (B)) is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, even more preferably 3 or more, still more preferably 20 or more, still more preferably 200 or more, preferably 4500 or less, more preferably 4300 or less, still more preferably 4000 or less, still more preferably 1400 or less, and still more preferably 1200 or less.

[0036] [6] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the content of component (C) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.008% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.015% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, and preferably 2.5% by mass or less, more preferably 2% by mass or less, even more preferably 1.7% by mass or less, and still more preferably 1.5% by mass or less. [7] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the mass ratio of the content of component (C) to the content of component (B) ((C) / (B)) is preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.2 or more, even more preferably 0.3 or more, still more preferably 0.5 or more, still more preferably 1.5 or more, and preferably 90 or less, more preferably 80 or less, still more preferably 70 or less, still more preferably 60 or less, and still more preferably 50 or less.

[0037] [8] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [7] above, further comprising a monohydric or dihydric alcohol (D), wherein the component (D) is preferably one or more selected from polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and ethanol, more preferably propylene glycol or ethanol. [9] The oral composition of [8] above, wherein the content of component (D) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, still more preferably 3.5% by mass or more, preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, still more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0038]

[10] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [9] above, wherein the water content in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, even more preferably 3% by mass or more, and preferably 99.5% by mass or less, more preferably 99% by mass or less, and even more preferably 98% by mass or less; when the oral composition of the present invention is a dentifrice composition, the water content in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 1 to 65% by mass, more preferably 3 to 60% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 55% by mass; when the oral composition of the present invention is a liquid oral composition, the water content in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 55 to 99.5% by mass, more preferably 60 to 99% by mass, and even more preferably 65 to 98% by mass.

[11] The oral composition of any one of [1] to

[10] above, wherein the pH of the oral composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 4.0 or higher, more preferably 4.5 or higher, even more preferably 5.0 or higher, still more preferably 5.5 or higher, and preferably 12 or lower, more preferably 11.5 or lower, even more preferably 11 or lower, and still more preferably 10.5 or lower. [Example]

[0039] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the following examples. Unless otherwise specified in the tables, the content of each component is expressed in mass %.

[0040] [Examples 1 to 12, Comparative Examples 1 to 7] Each oral composition was prepared according to the formulation shown in Tables 1 to 3. Then, each evaluation was carried out according to the following methods. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0041] <Evaluation of the effect of inhibiting dental plaque formation> 1) Treatment of 24-well plates with each oral composition Resting saliva collected from healthy individuals in their 20s to 40s was passed through a 0.2 μm filter to obtain sterile saliva. 500 μL of sterile saliva was added to a 24-well plate and allowed to stand at 37°C for 8 hours to form a pellicle on the bottom of the plate. After pellicle formation, the sterile saliva was sucked up using a vacuum pump, and 1 mL of each oral composition was added and shaken for 5 minutes. Shaking was performed using a shaker (BioShake iQ (manufactured by Wakembie Tech Co., Ltd.)) at room temperature (25°C) and 400 rpm. After shaking, excess water was sucked off from each plate to prepare a treatment plate.

[0042] 2) Evaluation of plaque formation inhibition rate Supplement BHI medium with 0.2% sucrose to obtain a final OD 600 Streptococcus mutans JCM5707 was adjusted to a concentration of 0.1 to prepare a dental plaque formation model bacterial solution. 1 mL of this dental plaque formation model bacterial solution was added to the treated plates obtained in 1) above, and cultured at 37°C for 20 hours under anaerobic conditions.

[0043] 3) CV staining of dental plaque The plaque-forming model bacteria solution in the treatment plate was sucked up using a vacuum pump, 1 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was added, and the plate was shaken for 5 minutes. Next, the PBS was sucked up using a pump, and 500 μL of 0.1% by mass crystal violet (CV) solution was added, and the plate was left to stand for 20 minutes. The CV solution was then removed by pumping, 1 mL of PBS was added, and the mixture was shaken for 5 minutes. This process was repeated twice. Next, the PBS was removed by pumping, and 1 mL of 30% acetic acid solution was added and the mixture was shaken for 5 minutes to extract the dye.

[0044] 4) Evaluation of the effect of inhibiting dental plaque formation The absorbance OD of the obtained extract was measured using a microplate recorder (TECAN wavelength variable absorbance microplate reader Sunrise Rainbow Thermo). 595nm As a control example, the absorbance OD of a plate treated with purified water (100% by mass) alone instead of using each of the oral compositions was measured. 595nm was measured. Next, the absorbance OD of the treated plate treated with purified water only was measured. 595nm is used as the standard 1, and the absorbance OD 595nm was expressed as an index and used as an evaluation index. The smaller the index value obtained, the greater the effect of inhibiting plaque formation. In particular, a value of less than 0.5 can be judged to indicate an excellent effect of inhibiting plaque formation.

[0045] <Evaluation of residual bitterness> A panel of experts gargled each of the oral compositions for 30 seconds, then spat them out, and then gargled with water for 10 seconds. The bitterness after gargling was evaluated according to the following criteria. A higher evaluation score indicated that the bitterness was less likely to remain. In addition, an oral composition was separately prepared that did not contain component (C) but contained purified water instead, and this was used as a control for the sensory evaluation of each oral composition. 5: The time spent feeling bitterness was significantly reduced. 4: The time spent feeling bitterness was reduced. 3: The time during which bitterness is felt is slightly shortened. 2: The time it took to feel the bitterness remained unchanged. 1: The time you feel the bitterness is extended.

[0046] <Evaluation of sustained cooling sensation> A panel of experts gargled each of the oral compositions for 30 seconds, then spat it out, and then gargled with water for 10 seconds. The refreshing sensation after gargling was evaluated according to the following criteria. A higher evaluation score indicates a better refreshing sensation. 5: A pleasant cooling sensation was felt, and the sensation lasted for a long time. 4: A refreshing feeling was felt and the feeling lasted. 3: A slight cooling sensation was felt, and the sensation lasted. 2: Almost no cooling sensation was felt. 1: No cooling sensation was felt at all.

[0047] [Table 1]

[0048] [Table 2]

[0049] [Table 3]

[0050] Tables 4 and 5 show formulation examples of the oral cavity composition of the present invention.

[0051] [Table 4]

[0052] [Table 5]

Claims

**Claim 1** The following components (A), (B), and (C): (A) Erythritol (B) Amphoteric surfactant: 0.01% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less (C) Menthol derivatives An oral composition containing the above components and having a mass ratio ((C) / (B)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (B) of 0.1 or more and 100 or less. **Claim 2** The oral composition according to Claim 1, wherein the mass ratio ((A) / (B)) of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) is 1 or more and 4500 or less. **Claim 3** The oral composition according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of component (A) is 2% by mass or more and 48% by mass or less. **Claim 4** The oral composition according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of component (C) is 0.008% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less. **Claim 5** The oral composition according to Claim 1 or 2, further containing a monohydric or dihydric alcohol (D). **Claim 6** The oral composition according to Claim 5, wherein component (D) is one or more selected from polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and ethanol. **Claim 7** The oral composition according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein component (B) is one or more selected from amide betaine type amphoteric surfactants, imidazoline type amphoteric surfactants, betaine acetate type amphoteric surfactants, and amino acid type amphoteric surfactants.