Dentifrice composition

Abstract

To provide a dentifrice composition which has a low water content and contains menthol and sorbitol at a specific mass ratio, while exhibiting excellent discharge properties from a container and offering a favorable flavor sensation.SOLUTION: A dentifrice composition comprises the following components (A) to (D): (A) menthol, (B) a fragrance component including a monoterpene compound (b1) other than component (A), (C) sorbitol, and (D) water in an amount of 10 mass% or more and 20 mass% or less, wherein the mass ratio of content of component (C) to content of component (A) ((C) / (A)) is 20 or more and 50 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothpaste composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Menthol, known for its cooling sensation and pleasant flavor, as well as sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, known as humectants, are often used in compositions to be applied to the oral cavity to exert their desired effects.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an oral composition that contains a nonionic surfactant, phenoxyethanol, ethanol, etc., and may also contain menthol, menthyl acetate, etc., and aims to improve the stain removing effect. Patent Document 2 discloses an oral composition that contains a specific polymer, silica, water, and monoterpenes such as l-menthol and thymol, and attempts to maintain the formulation stability by improving dispersibility.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a dentifrice composition containing specific amounts of silicic anhydride, a betaine-type amphoteric surfactant, 1-menthol, and a specific menthyl ester, which provides a cleaning sensation and a good usability. It is also indicated that the compositions described in any of these documents may contain sorbitol. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-47157 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-6754 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2011-105647 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Here, the present inventors have newly noticed that, in realizing a toothpaste composition with a low water content, when menthol and sorbitol coexist in a specific mass ratio, the viscosity increases excessively after storage at low temperature, resulting in a new problem of reduced dischargeability from a container. That is, the present inventor has not paid any attention to the occurrence of such a problem in any of the above-mentioned documents, and has newly focused on the fact that further investigation is required to ensure a good flavor and aroma of menthol.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a toothpaste composition which has a low water content and contains menthol and sorbitol in a specific mass ratio, yet has excellent dischargeability from a container and provides a good flavor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, the present inventors conducted various studies and found that, in a toothpaste composition having a low water content and containing menthol and sorbitol in a specific mass ratio, by further containing a flavoring component containing a specific monoterpene compound, it is possible to suppress an increase in viscosity after storage at low temperatures, effectively prevent a decrease in the ability to be discharged from a container, and at the same time, to express a good flavor derived from menthol.

[0009] That is, the present invention provides the following components (A) to (D): (A) Menthol (B) A fragrance ingredient containing a monoterpene compound (b1) other than the ingredient (A). (C) Sorbitol (D) Water: 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less and a mass ratio ((C) / (A)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (A) is 20 or more and 50 or less. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a toothpaste composition having a low water content (D) of 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less and containing sorbitol (C) and menthol (A) in a mass ratio ((C) / (A)) of 20 to 50 is provided, which effectively prevents an excessive increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage, ensures excellent dischargeability from a container, and also exhibits a good flavor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below. The term "good flavor and taste" means that the toothpaste composition after application spreads smoothly in the oral cavity without being unnecessarily unevenly distributed, and a pleasant sensation is obtained in which the cool feeling that brings about a refreshing feeling derived from menthol spreads well in the oral cavity.

[0012] The toothpaste composition of the present invention contains menthol as component (A). Component (A) is a component that provides a good flavor accompanied by a refreshing feeling and a comfortable feel when used. The toothpaste composition of the present invention can smoothly and quickly diffuse in the oral cavity while suppressing an excessive increase in viscosity even after low-temperature storage, and can provide a good flavor derived from component (A) and exhibit excellent flavor development.

[0013] From the viewpoint of suppressing the increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage and ensuring excellent flavor, the content of component (A) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.35% by mass or more, preferably 0.9% by mass or less, more preferably 0.85% by mass or less, still more preferably 0.8% by mass or less, and still more preferably 0.6% by mass or less. The content of component (A) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 0.9% by mass or less, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more and 0.85% by mass or less, still more preferably 0.3 to 0.8% by mass, and still more preferably 0.35 to 0.6% by mass.

[0014] The toothpaste composition of the present invention contains, as component (B), a flavoring component containing a monoterpene compound (b1) other than menthol of component (A). That is, component (B) is a flavoring component other than component (A) and component (b1), and specific examples thereof include flavoring components described in, for example, "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals" edited by Steffen Arctander, Montclair, NJ (USA) (1969), "Synthetic Fragrances - Chemistry and Product Knowledge" edited by the Synthetic Fragrances Editorial Committee (The Chemical Daily, December 20, 2016, new expanded edition), and "Basic Knowledge of Fragrances and Fragrances" edited by Nakajima Mototaka, Sangyo Tosho (first edition, 1995). By using such a flavoring component containing component (b1) as component (B), it is possible to effectively suppress the increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage, ensure excellent dischargeability from the container, and effectively express good flavor development.

[0015] Component (b1), which is a monoterpene compound other than component (A), specifically includes one or more selected from monoterpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene alcohols, and monoterpene aldehydes. These components (b1) may be used as single fragrance components or blended fragrance components, or various essential oils containing these components (b1).

[0016] Specific examples of the monoterpene hydrocarbon of component (b1) include terpinene, p-cymene, limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, camphene, etc. Among these, p-cymene and terpinene are preferred, and terpinene is more preferred. Specific examples of the monoterpene alcohol of component (b1) include citronellol, linalool, geraniol, nerol, myrcenol, rhodinol, borneol, isopulegol, bisabolol, tetrahydrogeraniol, etc. Among these, citronellol, linalool, geraniol, and nerol are preferred, and citronellol, linalool, and geraniol are more preferred. Specific examples of the monoterpene aldehyde of component (b1) include citral, citronellal, hydroxycitronellal, perillaldehyde, etc. Of these, citral is preferred.

[0017] From the viewpoint of ensuring good solubility or dispersibility of the contained components while maintaining the effect of suppressing viscosity increase after low-temperature storage, component (b1) preferably contains one or more selected from terpinene, citronellol, citral, linalool, and geraniol, and more preferably contains citronellol, citral, linalool, and geraniol.

[0018] The total content of terpinene, citronellol, citral, linalool, and geraniol in 100% by mass of component (b1) is, from the same viewpoints as above, preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 4% by mass or more, even more preferably 6% by mass or more, and even more preferably 10% by mass or more. There is no particular upper limit, but it is preferably 100% by mass, and may be 95% by mass or less, or may be 90% by mass or less.

[0019] The content of component (b1) in 100 mass% of component (B) is, from the same viewpoint as above, preferably 0.5 mass% or more, more preferably 0.6 mass% or more, even more preferably 0.7 mass% or more, and even more preferably 0.8 mass% or more. There is no particular upper limit, but it is preferably 50 mass% or less, and may be 40 mass% or less, or may be 30 mass% or less.

[0020] In addition, from the viewpoint of ensuring good solubility or dispersibility of the components contained while maintaining the effect of suppressing an increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage, the content of component (b1) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.002% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.003% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.007% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.009% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.012% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.015% by mass or more, preferably 0.7% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, still more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, and still more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. The content of component (b1) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001 to 0.7 mass%, more preferably 0.002 to 0.5 mass%, even more preferably 0.003 to 0.3 mass%, still more preferably 0.005 to 0.1 mass%, still more preferably 0.007 to 0.1 mass%, still more preferably 0.009 to 0.1 mass%, still more preferably 0.012 to 0.1 mass%, and still more preferably 0.015 to 0.1 mass%.

[0021] The mass ratio of the content of component (b1) to the content of component (A) ((b1) / (A)) is, from the viewpoints of effectively suppressing an increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage, exhibiting excellent dischargeability from a container, and also exhibiting a good flavor, preferably 0.002 or more, more preferably 0.005 or more, even more preferably 0.013 or more, even more preferably 0.015 or more, even more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.03 or more, preferably 0.1 or less, more preferably 0.08 or less, and even more preferably 0.06 or less. The mass ratio of the content of component (b1) to the content of component (A) ((b1) / (A)) is preferably 0.002 or more and 0.1 or less, more preferably 0.005 to 0.08, even more preferably 0.013 to 0.06, even more preferably 0.015 to 0.06, even more preferably 0.02 to 0.06, and even more preferably 0.03 to 0.06.

[0022] The toothpaste composition of the present invention contains sorbitol as component (C). As described below, the present inventors have found that toothpaste compositions containing component (C), which have a low content of water (D) and have a specific mass ratio ((C) / (A)) of component (C) to component (A), experience an increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage, and have found the toothpaste composition of the present invention which can effectively suppress such an increase in viscosity.

[0023] From the viewpoint of ensuring good solubility or dispersibility of the components contained while maintaining the effect of suppressing the increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage, the content of component (C) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 12% by mass or more, even more preferably 13% by mass or more, even more preferably 14% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 16% by mass or more, preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 28% by mass or less, even more preferably 25% by mass or less, even more preferably 24% by mass or less, and even more preferably 21% by mass or less. The content of component (B) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 10-30% by mass, more preferably 12-28% by mass, even more preferably 13-25% by mass, even more preferably 14-25% by mass, even more preferably 15-24% by mass, and even more preferably 16-21% by mass.

[0024] In the toothpaste composition of the present invention, the mass ratio ((C) / (A)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (A) is 20 or more and 50 or less. If the value of the mass ratio ((C) / (A)) is within this range, the viscosity may increase after low-temperature storage due to the low content of water (component (D)) as described below, and the dischargeability from the container may decrease. However, the toothpaste composition of the present invention can effectively suppress this while ensuring a good flavor derived from component (A), so that the mass ratio ((C) / (A)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (A) is 20 or more, and may be 21 or more, 23 or more, 25 or more, 28 or more, 50 or less, 48 ​​or less, 44 or less, 40 or less, or 37 or less. The mass ratio ((C) / (A)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (A) is 20 or more and 50 or less, and may be 21 to 48, 23 to 44, 25 to 40, or 28 to 37.

[0025] The toothpaste composition of the present invention has a water content of component (D) of 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. Despite such a low water content, the toothpaste composition of the present invention can effectively achieve both excellent dischargeability from a container and good flavor development, even when the mass ratio ((C) / (A)) of component (C) to component (A) is within the above range.

[0026] The content of component (D) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is 10% by mass or more, optionally 12% by mass or more, optionally 13% by mass or more, optionally 15% by mass or more, and is 20% by mass or less, optionally 19% by mass or less, optionally 18% by mass or less, or optionally 16% by mass or less.

[0027] In the present invention, the water of component (D) means the total water contained in the toothpaste composition, including not only the purified water etc. contained in the toothpaste composition but also the water contained in each of the components contained therein. By including such water, the above-mentioned components can be dissolved or dispersed well, and the desired effects can be fully exhibited. The moisture content can be calculated from the amount of moisture contained in the mixture and the amount of moisture contained in the mixture, but can also be measured, for example, with a Karl Fischer moisture meter. As a Karl Fischer moisture meter, for example, a trace moisture measuring device (manufactured by Hiranuma Sangyo Co., Ltd.) can be used. With this device, 5 g of the toothpaste composition is taken and suspended in 25 g of anhydrous methanol, and 0.02 g of this suspension is taken to measure the moisture content.

[0028] The toothpaste composition of the present invention may contain a binder (E) within a range that does not impair the effect of suppressing an increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage. Examples of such component (E) include one or more selected from polymer-based binders such as carboxyvinyl polymers, acrylic acid / alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, etc.; hydroxycellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, etc.; carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, carrageenan, xanthan gum, sodium polyacrylate, pectin, agar, tragacanth gum, gum arabic, guar gum, karaya gum, locust bean gum, gella gum, tamalid gum, psyllium seed gum, etc.

[0029] However, among the components (E), it is preferable to contain carboxymethylcellulose in an appropriate amount from the viewpoint of achieving both the effect of suppressing the increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage and the expression of a good flavor. Specifically, the content of carboxymethylcellulose is preferably 85% by mass or less, more preferably 83% by mass or less, even more preferably 80% by mass or less, preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and even more preferably 40% by mass or more in 100% by mass of the component (E).

[0030] On the other hand, among the components (E), from the viewpoint of ensuring the effect of suppressing the increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage, it is preferable to limit the content of sodium alginate and xanthan gum. Specifically, the content of sodium alginate in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.08% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.008% by mass or less, or it is preferable that the toothpaste composition of the present invention does not contain sodium alginate. The content of xanthan gum in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.08% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.04% by mass or less, or it is preferable that the toothpaste composition of the present invention does not contain xanthan gum.

[0031] The total content of component (E) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.4% by mass or more, preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.8% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.7% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of not unnecessarily inhibiting the effect of suppressing the increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage. The total content of component (E) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.2 to 0.8% by mass, and even more preferably 0.4 to 0.7% by mass.

[0032] The toothpaste composition of the present invention may further contain erythritol (F) from the viewpoint of ensuring the effect of suppressing an increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage. The content of component (F) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 25% by mass or more, more preferably 28% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, preferably 45% by mass or less, more preferably 43% by mass or less, even more preferably 42% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less. The content of component (F) in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 25% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, more preferably 28-43% by mass, even more preferably 30-42% by mass, and even more preferably 30-40% by mass.

[0033] The toothpaste composition of the present invention may further contain one or more surfactants selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants, within the range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. Specific examples of anionic surfactants include one or more selected from fatty acid salts such as oleate and laurate; alkyl sulfates or salts thereof such as lauryl sulfate, myristyl sulfate, palmityl sulfate, stearyl sulfate, octyl sulfate, and capryl sulfate; alkyl sulfonates such as alkylbenzenesulfonates, α-olefinsulfonates, and hydroxyalkanesulfonates; alkyl phosphates such as alkyl phosphates; higher fatty acid sulfonated monoglyceride salts and fatty acid ester salts of isethionic acid; polyoxyethylene monoalkyl phosphates; N-acylamino acids, N-acyltaurine, and salts thereof. Among these, from the viewpoint of effectively achieving both excellent ejection properties from the container and the development of a good flavor and aroma, alkyl sulfate or a salt thereof is preferred.

[0034] The alkyl group of the alkyl sulfate or salt thereof is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms. More specifically, for example, one or more groups selected from a lauryl group, a myristyl group, a palmityl group, a stearyl group, an octyl group, and a decyl group can be mentioned. Among them, from the viewpoint of ensuring the effect of suppressing the increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage, one or more groups selected from a lauryl group and a myristyl group are preferred.

[0035] Examples of nonionic surfactants that may be contained in the toothpaste composition of the present invention include one or more selected from polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil; sucrose fatty acid esters; sorbitan fatty acid esters; glycerol fatty acid esters such as monostearate glyceride; alkyl glucosides; polyglycerol fatty acid esters such as monostearate decaglyceride and monomyristate decaglyceride; polyoxyethylene monoalkyl (or alkenyl) ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene copolymers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether; fatty acid alkanolamides such as coconut oil fatty acid diethanolamide; and polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters.

[0036] Examples of amphoteric surfactants which may be contained in the toothpaste composition of the present invention include one or more selected from amidobetaine type amphoteric surfactants such as coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine and coconut oil fatty acid amido betaine; imidazoline type amphoteric surfactants such as 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; acetate betaine type amphoteric surfactants such as lauryl dimethylamino acetate betaine and coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamino acetate betaine; alkyl sulfobetaines such as lauryl sulfobetaine and lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine; and amino acid type amphoteric surfactants such as N-lauryl diaminoethyl glycine and N-myristyl diaminoethyl glycine.

[0037] The content of one or more surfactants selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 0.3% by mass or more in total, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.8% by mass or more, preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 4% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less. The content of the surfactants in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 0.3-5% by mass, more preferably 0.5-4% by mass, and even more preferably 0.8-3% by mass in total.

[0038] The toothpaste composition of the present invention preferably contains glycerin from the viewpoint of effectively achieving both excellent dischargeability from a container and the development of a good flavor and taste. The content of such glycerin in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 3% by mass or more, more preferably 3.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 4% by mass or more, still more preferably 6% by mass or more, preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 19% by mass or less, still more preferably 17% by mass or less, and still more preferably 15% by mass or less. The content of glycerin in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 3% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 3.5 to 19% by mass, still more preferably 4 to 17% by mass, and still more preferably 6 to 15% by mass.

[0039] From the viewpoint of effectively achieving both excellent dischargeability from a container and good flavor development, the toothpaste composition of the present invention preferably contains a polyhydric alcohol other than glycerin, such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol. The content of such polyhydric alcohol other than glycerin in the toothpaste 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 10% by mass or less, more preferably 8% by mass or less, even more preferably 6% by mass or less.

[0040] The toothpaste composition of the present invention may contain silicic anhydride to the extent that the effect of suppressing the increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage is not impaired.Specific examples of silicic anhydride include hydrated silica, anhydrous silica, silica gel, aluminosilicate, zirconosilicate, thickening silica having an oil absorption of 200 to 400 mL / 100 g, and abrasive silica having an oil absorption of 50 to 150 mL / 100 g. In the present invention, the term "oil absorption" refers to the amount of oil that can be supported by silica, and is measured according to JIS K5101-13-2 (established in 2004), and means a value determined by the amount of boiled linseed oil absorbed. As the silicic anhydride, thickening silica and / or abrasive silica are preferred, and it is more preferred to use thickening silica and abrasive silica in combination.

[0041] The content of anhydrous silicic acid in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 3% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 8% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or less.

[0042] In order to ensure the effect of suppressing the increase in viscosity after low-temperature storage, the toothpaste composition of the present invention preferably contains a limited amount of water-insoluble powder other than silicic anhydride.Specific examples of the water-insoluble powder other than silicic anhydride include one or more selected from calcium carbonate such as light calcium carbonate and heavy calcium carbonate, zeolite, calcium phosphate such as dibasic calcium phosphate and tribasic calcium phosphate, insoluble sodium metaphosphate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, sodium polyphosphate, and magnesium carbonate. In the present invention, "water-insoluble" means that the amount of the substance that dissolves in 100 g of water (at 20° C.) is 1 g or less.

[0043] The content of water-insoluble powders other than silicic anhydride in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 48% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less, or it is preferable that the toothpaste composition of the present invention does not contain any water-insoluble powders other than silicic anhydride.

[0044] It is preferable that the toothpaste composition of the present invention contains a limited amount of ethanol. Although a small amount of ethanol may be contained as an ingredient of the toothpaste composition of the present invention, the toothpaste composition of the present invention contains a limited amount of ethanol, so that the toothpaste composition of the present invention can provide a good fragrance. The content of ethanol in the toothpaste composition of the present invention is preferably 3% by mass or less, more preferably 2% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or less, or it is preferable that the toothpaste composition of the present invention does not contain ethanol.

[0045] The toothpaste composition of the present invention may further contain, as ingredients other than those mentioned above, sugar alcohols other than the ingredients (C) and (F), such as mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, etc.; fluorides such as sodium fluoride and potassium fluoride; medicinal ingredients such as tocopherol acetate, glycyrrhetinic acid, cetylpyridinium chloride, etc., other active ingredients; sweeteners; colorants, etc., within the scope of not impairing the effects of the present invention.

[0046] From the viewpoint of suppressing the viscosity fluctuation due to storage temperature and maintaining good dischargeability, the viscosity of the toothpaste composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 1000 dPa·s or more, more preferably 1500 dPa·s or more, even more preferably 2000 dPa·s or more, and preferably 10000 dPa·s or less, more preferably 8000 dPa·s or less, and even more preferably 7000 dPa·s or less. The viscosity of the toothpaste composition at 25°C is preferably 1000 to 10000 dPa·s, more preferably 1500 to 8000 dPa·s, and even more preferably 2000 to 7000 dPa·s. The viscosity of the toothpaste composition refers to the value measured using a digital viscometer (TVB-10 viscometer, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) and a T-bar stage (TS-20, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with a rotor TC, a rotation speed of 2.5 rpm, and a time of 1 minute.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the usefulness of the method for inhibiting an increase in the viscosity of a toothpaste composition can be improved. That is, the method for inhibiting an increase in viscosity of a toothpaste composition includes the steps of: The following components (A) to (D): (A) Menthol (B) A fragrance ingredient containing a monoterpene compound (b1) other than the ingredient (A). (C) Sorbitol (D) Water: 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less and the mass ratio of the content of component (C) to the content of component (A) ((C) / (A)) is 20 or more and 50 or less. This method makes it possible to ensure excellent dischargeability from a container while also allowing a good flavor to be released in the toothpaste composition, and effectively prevents an excessive increase in viscosity after storage at low temperature. EXAMPLES

[0048] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following examples. In the tables, the content of each component is expressed as mass % unless otherwise specified.

[0049] [Examples 1 to 11, Comparative Examples 1 to 2] Each toothpaste composition was prepared according to the formulation shown in Tables 1 and 2. Then, using the obtained toothpaste compositions, each measurement and evaluation was carried out according to the following methods. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0050] <Measurement of initial viscosity (after 1 day of storage) and viscosity after low-temperature storage, and calculation of viscosity increase rate due to low-temperature storage> The produced toothpaste composition was filled into a container for viscosity measurement and stored in an incubator at 25°C for one day. Then, the viscosity of the toothpaste composition in the container was measured using a digital viscometer (TVB-10 type viscometer, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) and a T-bar stage (TS-20, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) under conditions of a rotor TC, a rotation speed of 2.5 rpm, and a time of 1 minute, and this was taken as the initial viscosity (X). Next, after measuring the initial viscosity (X), the container was stored in an incubator at -5°C for one month, and then the viscosity of the toothpaste composition in the container was measured under the same conditions as above using the digital viscometer and T-bar stage, and this was recorded as the viscosity after low-temperature storage (Y). Based on the obtained values ​​of the initial viscosity (X) and the viscosity after low-temperature storage (Y), the viscosity increase rate (Z) due to low-temperature storage was calculated using the following formula (1). Viscosity increase rate due to low-temperature storage (Z) = ((YX) / X) × 100(%) (1)

[0051] <Evaluation of ejection from container> The toothpaste compositions after manufacture were placed in tube containers and stored in an incubator at -5°C for one month. Then, the toothpaste compositions were pushed out 1 cm from the nozzle of the tube container at 25°C and evaluated for ease of ejection according to the following criteria by three expert panelists, and the average value was calculated as an index of evaluation. The tube container used was a Φ40 tube container capable of holding 115 g (manufactured by Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd.). 5: Very easy to dispense 4: Somewhat easy to dispense 3: Not particularly hard, but not particularly easy to dispense. 2: Feels a little hard and is a little difficult to excrete 1: Hard and difficult to excrete

[0052] Evaluation of flavor development The subjects were then asked to place 1 g of the toothpaste composition on a toothbrush and brush their teeth for 2 minutes. The flavors and aromas in the oral cavity from the start to the end of toothbrushing were evaluated by three expert panelists according to the following criteria, and the average was calculated. 5: You can really feel the aroma spreading. 4: Feel the spread of aroma and flavor 3: I feel a slight spread of aroma and flavor. 2: I don't feel much of a flavor spread. 1: No sense of flavor spreading at all

[0053] [Table 1]

[0054] [Table 2]

Claims

1. The following components (A) to (D): (A) Menthol (B) A fragrance component containing a monoterpene compound (b1) other than the component (A). (C) Sorbitol (D) Water 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less wherein the mass ratio ((C) / (A)) of the content of component (C) to the content of component (A) is 20 or more and 50 or less.

2. 2. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio of the content of component (b1) to the content of component (A), ((b1) / (A)), is 0.002 or more and 0.1 or less.

3. 3. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1, further comprising erythritol (F) in an amount of from 25% by mass to 45% by mass.

4. 4. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (b1) is one or more members selected from the group consisting of terpinene, citronellol, citral, linalool, and geraniol.

5. 5. The toothpaste composition according to claim 4, wherein the content of component (A) is from 0.1% by mass to 0.9% by mass.

6. 6. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1, further comprising 0.1% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less of a binder (E).

7. 7. The toothpaste composition according to claim 6, wherein the content of carboxymethylcellulose is 85% by mass or less based on 100% by mass of component (E).

8. 8. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of sodium alginate is 0.1% by mass or less.

9. 9. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of the water-insoluble powder other than silicic anhydride is 48% by mass or less.

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