Dentifrice tablet composition

Abstract

The present application discloses an excellent dentifrice tablet composition having excellent organoleptic properties and suitable long-term stability.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved composition for toothpaste tablets, which have superior mouthfeel and sensory properties for tablets, comparable to those of pastes, and which have an excellent stability profile. [Background technology]

[0002] Dentifrice tablets have been on the market for many years and are known in the art. Dentifrice tablets offer the convenience of a consistent unit dose and a much more environmentally friendly packaging option than toothpaste, which is typically housed in tubes that are difficult to recycle.

[0003] Despite being known and available for many years, toothpaste tablets have not become a widely used product. This is primarily due to the behavior of the product in the user's mouth. The compositions required to make good, stable tablets have typically been associated with undesirable characteristics of an unpleasant mouthfeel (often gritty and chalky) and low foaming compared to traditional tube-based toothpaste products. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It would be desirable to produce dentifrice tablets with paste performance so that more consumers could enjoy the benefits of the tablets and so that more environmentally friendly packaging could be used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Description of the invention In its broadest aspect, the present invention comprises a dentifrice tablet having excellent organoleptic properties, the dentifrice tablet comprising sorbitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and either guar gum or cellulose gum or a mixture of the two.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet comprises 50-80% by weight of sorbitol powder, 10-30% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose, and 0.1-10% by weight of guar gum and / or cellulose gum.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the tablet further comprises at least one abrasive.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the at least one abrasive comprises 1-10% by weight of the composition.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the tablet further comprises at least one surfactant.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the at least one surfactant comprises one or more surfactants from the group comprising alkyl sulfates, betaines, taurates, and mixtures thereof.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the at least one surfactant comprises 1 to 10% by weight of the tablet.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet comprises 60-75% by weight of sorbitol powder, 15-25% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose, 0.1-3% by weight of guar gum and / or cellulose gum, 2-8% by weight of at least one abrasive, and 1-5% by weight of at least one surfactant.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the tablet comprises 1-8% by weight of minor ingredients including flavorings, colorings, preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters, binders, glidants, additional disintegrants, and mixtures thereof.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet further comprises a fluoride source.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet further comprises a zinc salt.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet further comprises bioglass.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet further comprises a potassium salt.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet further comprises an enzyme.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet further comprises a probiotic.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet further comprises a prebiotic.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet further comprises a vitamin or mineral.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet comprises a combination of two or more potentially incompatible active agents.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet comprises a combination of two or more of zinc salts, potassium salts, bioglass, and stannous fluoride.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet does not contain guar gum.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the dentifrice tablet does not contain cellulose gum.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present invention comprises the use of a dentifrice tablet of the first aspect of the invention in combination with a toothbrush for cleaning teeth.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the toothbrush is a manual or battery-operated toothbrush.

[0028] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a dentifrice tablet of the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of: a. adding the ingredients together in solid form; b. mixing the ingredients together until homogeneous; c. compressing the mixture into tablets The method includes:

[0029] In a further embodiment, compaction into a tablet is carried out using a compression force of 5 kN. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Applicant has devised a new formulation of dentifrice tablets that overcomes previous sensory issues associated with currently available dentifrice tablets. The dentifrice tablets of the present invention have the same mouthfeel and performance as high quality toothpaste.

[0031] The term "dentifrice tablet," as used herein, is meant to include stable tablet products that are not intended to be swallowed or ingested. Dentifrice tablets are not intended to administer a systemic therapeutic agent, but rather are retained in the oral cavity for a time sufficient to disintegrate upon contact with saliva and to contact substantially all of the tooth surfaces and / or mucosal tissue.

[0032] The dentifrice tablets of the present invention are intended for use in combination with a manual or power toothbrush to clean the teeth.

[0033] The core of the dentifrice tablet of the present invention comprises an optimized blend of just three main ingredients: sorbitol, microcrystalline cellulose and guar gum and / or cellulose gum.

[0034] These ingredients were selected for their multifunctionality. Sorbitol is a tablet filler but also provides a natural sweetness in the mouth. Guar gum and cellulose gum function as tablet binders but also provide an excellent mouthfeel during use. Microcrystalline cellulose is a refined form of natural cellulose found in most plant materials. It is used in dehydrated form as both a disintegrant and a binder in pharmaceutical products.

[0035] The dentifrice tablets of the present invention are preferably non-aqueous. As used herein, the term "non-aqueous" means anhydrous or substantially free of water. Individual components of a non-aqueous composition may contain limited amounts of water, as long as the overall composition remains substantially free of water.

[0036] The ingredients are preferably supplied in dry powder form and are thoroughly mixed prior to the tabletting process.

[0037] The amount of sorbitol in the tablet of the present invention is preferably 40 to 85% by weight, preferably 50 to 80% by weight, more preferably 65 to 75% by weight of the dentifrice tablet.

[0038] A particularly preferred amount of sorbitol for tablets of the present invention is about 70% by weight.

[0039] Sorbitol for the present invention can be sourced from a variety of different sources.

[0040] A particularly preferred sorbitol for the present invention is sorbitol powder sold by Cargill under the C*PharmSorbidex P brand.

[0041] The amount of crystalline cellulose in the tablet of the present invention is preferably 5% to 40% by weight, more preferably 10 to 30% by weight, and most preferably 15% to 25% by weight.

[0042] A particularly preferred amount of microcrystalline cellulose is about 20% by weight.

[0043] A particularly preferred microcrystalline cellulose for tablets of the present invention is sold under the Vivapur® 102 brand by JRS.

[0044] Guar gum is an exopolysaccharide composed of the sugars galactose and mannose. Cellulose gum (or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)) is a cellulose derivative in which carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-CO2H) are attached to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone.

[0045] The dentifrice tablets of the present invention utilize either guar gum or cellulose gum, or a mixture of the two, and the two gums may be interchangeable in some cases.

[0046] A preferred embodiment contains only guar gum.

[0047] A further preferred embodiment contains only cellulose gum.

[0048] The amount of guar gum or cellulose gum (or a mixture of the two) for use in the dentifrice tablets of the present invention is preferably 0.1% to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.2% to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.3% to 3% by weight, and most preferably 0.4% to 2% by weight.

[0049] A particularly preferred amount of guar gum or cellulose gum for purposes of the present invention is about 0.5% by weight.

[0050] A particularly preferred source of guar gum for purposes of the present invention is Avicel® CE-15, sold by DuPont, which is a combination of 15% guar gum and 85% microcrystalline cellulose, making it easy to handle.

[0051] A particularly preferred source of cellulose gum for purposes of the present invention is Avicel® PC611, which is a combination of 15% cellulose gum and 85% microcrystalline cellulose and is also easy to handle.

[0052] Optional Ingredients Although the three core components provide the base for the dentifrice tablets of the present invention, they can incorporate many other optional ingredients.

[0053] The three core ingredients produce tablets with excellent properties such as stability, mouthfeel during use, and flexibility that allows for the inclusion of other beneficial oral hygiene ingredients without affecting overall performance.

[0054] The dentifrice tablets of the present invention may further comprise a wide variety of additional ingredients. For example, in some embodiments, the dentifrice tablets may optionally comprise a glidant, a disintegrant, an additional binder, an abrasive, a surfactant, a fluoride source, a flavor, a whitening agent, a colorant, a preservative, a fragrance, a pH adjuster, or any combination thereof.

[0055] Non-limiting examples of additional ingredients are listed below.

[0056] The dentifrice tablets of the present invention may contain a glidant. A glidant is a substance added to a powder to improve its flowability. In tablet production, glidants are usually added just before compression.

[0057] However, in some embodiments, the dentifrice tablets of the present invention do not require a glidant: effective tableting performance, stability, and in-use performance are achieved using just three core ingredients.

[0058] In certain preferred embodiments, the tablets of the present invention may be glidant-free.

[0059] Examples of glidants include ascorbyl palmitate, calcium palmitate, magnesium stearate, fumed silica (colloidal silicon dioxide), starch, and talc.

[0060] Tablets often require the presence of a disintegrant for proper performance during use. Disintegrants are excipients incorporated into a tablet to facilitate its disintegration upon contact with a liquid or fluid.

[0061] In the case of dentifrice tablets, the fluid or liquid is water and saliva or a combination.

[0062] The tablets of the present invention contain microcrystalline cellulose and do not require an additional disintegrant, however, in some embodiments, if more rapid disintegration is desired, additional disintegrant may be added.

[0063] A non-limiting list of possible additional disintegrants includes starch, glycolate, alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and carmellose sodium.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dentifrice tablet may be free of all added glidants and additional disintegrants.

[0065] The dentifrice tablets of the present invention may, in some cases, further comprise an additional binder. Binders are excipients that bind (hold together) the components of the tablet formulation. Binders ensure that tablets, powders, granules, and the like can be molded to have the required mechanical strength. Additionally, they can provide bulk to low-active-dose tablets.

[0066] In some embodiments, the dentifrice tablets of the present invention do not require additional binders; they are stable without the addition of additional dedicated binders. However, additional binders may be incorporated if desired.

[0067] Non-limiting examples of binders suitable for dentifrice tablets include gelatin, glucose, lactose, cellulose derivatives-methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone).

[0068] The tablet may contain at least one abrasive to aid in cleaning the tooth surface.Any abrasive suitable for use in oral care products may be included.Those skilled in the art will recognize many of these various compounds.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to any particular abrasive.

[0070] Examples of suitable dental abrasives include silica abrasives such as those sold under the tradenames Zeodent®, Sident®, Sorbosil®, or Tixosil® by Evonik, Degussa, Ineos, and Rhodia, respectively. When used, the silica abrasive should be present in an amount sufficient to ensure adequate cleaning of the teeth by the dentifrice without promoting abrasion of the tooth surfaces.

[0071] The abrasive may be a single component or a mixture of two or more abrasives. The use of different abrasives allows the skilled artisan to optimize the cleaning power of the tablet.

[0072] The total abrasive is generally present in an amount of up to 10% by weight of the total tablet composition, e.g., 1% to 10% by weight, preferably at least 2% to 8% by weight, e.g., 3% to 7% by weight, particularly 4% to 6% by weight of the total composition. Ultimately, the level of abrasive in the tablet will depend on the particular abrasive used and the level of abrasiveness desired in the final product. Those skilled in the art will be able to adjust the level as needed.

[0073] Particularly preferred abrasives include hydrated silica. A particularly preferred grade is Zeodent® 124 by Evonik.

[0074] Another preferred abrasive is alumina, which may be used in whitening formulations. When used, alumina may comprise 0.2% to 2.5% by weight of the dentifrice tablet, preferably about 1%.

[0075] The dentifrice tablets of the present invention may, in some cases, contain surfactants to provide additional foaming, cleansing, and mouthfeel properties. The tablets of the present invention may contain at least one surfactant. The tablets of the present invention may also contain a combination of two or more surfactants.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will recognize the types of surfactants that can be used in oral care compositions. The compositions are not limited to any particular surfactant.

[0077] Surfactants suitable for use in dentifrice tablets according to the present invention belong to the class of compounds known as betaines. Structurally, betaine compounds contain an anionic functional group, such as a carboxylate functional group, and a cationic functional group, such as a quaternary nitrogen functional group, separated by a methylene moiety. They include n-alkyl betaines, such as cetyl betaine and behenyl betaine, and n-alkylamido betaines, such as cocoamidopropyl betaine.

[0078] In one embodiment, the betaine is cocoamidopropyl betaine, commercially available under the trade name Tego Betain®.

[0079] Suitably, betaine is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the dentifrice tablet composition, such as from about 0.2% to about 3.0% by weight of the dentifrice tablet composition, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 2.0% by weight.

[0080] Another surfactant for use in the dentifrice tablet composition according to the present invention is selected from taurate-based surfactants. The taurate surfactants useful in the present invention are salts of fatty acid amides of N-methyltaurine. They generally conform to the following structural formula: RC(O)N(CH3)CH2CH2SO3M where RC(O)- represents a fatty acid radical and M represents sodium, potassium, ammonium, or triethanolamine. Fatty acids having a carbon chain length of 10 to 20 are used, including those derived from coconut, palm, and tall oil. In one embodiment, the fatty acid is derived from coconut. In one embodiment, the sodium salt is used.

[0081] In one embodiment, the taurate is sodium methyl cocyl taurate, a taurate surfactant sold by Croda under the trademark Adinol CT®.

[0082] The taurate surfactant may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the dentifrice tablet composition. In one embodiment, the taurate surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the dentifrice tablet composition. In one embodiment, the taurate surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight of the dentifrice tablet composition.

[0083] Another class of surfactants suitable for the present invention are the alkyl sulfate surfactants of the following structural formula: R 1 OSO3M R 1 represents a fatty alcohol moiety, and M represents sodium, potassium, ammonium, or triethanolamine. Fatty alcohols having a carbon chain length of about 10 to about 20, including those derived from coconut, palm oil, and tall oil. In one embodiment, the fatty alcohol is lauryl alcohol. In one embodiment, the sodium salt is used.

[0084] In one embodiment, the alkyl sulfate is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

[0085] The alkyl sulfate surfactant may be present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 10% of the non-aqueous composition. In one embodiment, the alkyl sulfate surfactant may be present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the dentifrice tablet composition.

[0086] In one embodiment, the alkyl sulfate surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight of the dentifrice tablet composition.

[0087] The total amount of surfactant in the dentifrice tablet is preferably less than about 10% by weight of the tablet, more preferably less than 5% by weight, and most preferably less than 3% by weight.

[0088] The tablets of the present invention may, in some embodiments, have a source of fluoride ions.

[0089] The fluoride source may be selected from sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, potassium fluoride, ammonium fluoride, bis-(hydroxyethyl)amino-propyl-N-hydroxyethyloctadecylamine-dihydrofluoride and mixtures thereof.

[0090] Particularly preferred sources of fluoride ions for the present invention are sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, or mixtures thereof.

[0091] The dentifrices of the present invention can have any level of fluoride from 0.1 ppm to 10,000 ppm.

[0092] In most jurisdictions, the level of fluoride in oral care compositions is strictly regulated by state regulations. Fluoride levels of 450 ppm, 1150 ppm, and 1426 ppm are typical levels found in commercially available toothpastes. The present invention is fully compatible with these levels, but is not limited to these amounts of fluoride.

[0093] One skilled in the art can readily determine the proper amount of fluoride source to add to obtain the proper level.

[0094] The use of toothpaste tablets allows for controlled use of the correct amount of active material per brushing.

[0095] In some embodiments, the dentifrice tablets of the present invention may contain a number of other minor ingredients.

[0096] The minor ingredients may be selected from the list of flavors, whitening agents, colorants, preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters and mixtures thereof.

[0097] The dentifrice tablet of the present invention may contain trace ingredients in a total amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight.

[0098] Those skilled in the art will recognize all examples of these ingredients that are suitable for oral care applications.

[0099] Dentifrice tablets can be made in any size or shape required. A non-limiting example of a tablet of the present invention is a flat round tablet having a diameter of about 0.8 cm to 1.8 cm, more preferably 1.0 cm to 1.5 cm, and most preferably about 1.2 cm to 1.4 cm.

[0100] The weight of the dentifrice tablets can be adjusted to any weight required for the desired dosage. Non-limiting examples of suitable weight ranges for the dentifrice tablets of the present invention are 0.4 g to 2.0 g per tablet, more preferably 0.6 g to 1.5 g, and more preferably 0.8 g to 1.2 g.

[0101] The dentifrice tablets of the present invention may be of any desired shape. Preferably, however, the dentifrice tablets are rounded for stability. The dentifrice tablets of the present invention may also be formed to be stackable so that they can be dispensed from the smallest possible package, for example, from a tube.

[0102] The dentifrice tablets of the present invention may be coated. The coating may be purely decorative or may be used to provide stability benefits.

[0103] Preparation of dentifrice tablets The dentifrice tablets of the present invention may be prepared by any standard tableting technique.

[0104] The dry ingredients required for the final tablet, including all minor ingredients, are added together and mixed until homogeneous. The mixture is then placed in a tablet press. The tablet press may be any press known to those skilled in the art for compressing tablets from dry powders.

[0105] The compression force may also be adjusted to provide harder or softer tablets as deemed suitable by one skilled in the art. Tablets of the present invention are particularly effective at a compression force of about 5 kN.

[0106] Two or more active substances There are many different active substances that can be used in oral care products. Unfortunately, these are often incompatible in pastes. They react with each other or are unstable in the paste environment, whether aqueous or non-aqueous.

[0107] One advantage of the tablet format is that the product is completely solid, which allows for the combination of actives (potentially highly unstable with each other) in a single product.

[0108] Non-limiting examples of desirable actives that may be inappropriate to combine together in a toothpaste include:

[0109] Zinc salts—frequently used in dental care products due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, positive effect on breath freshness, and ability to reduce or inhibit plaque and tartar formation—are ionic in nature and can be difficult to stabilize in pastes, especially in anhydrous formulations.

[0110] Potassium salts, especially potassium nitrate, are frequently used in oral care compositions due to their desensitizing properties. This compound is also ionic and can be difficult to incorporate into pastes.

[0111] Stannous Fluoride - Frequently used in oral care products. Multiple benefits including fluoride delivery, plaque inhibition, reduced gingivitis and desensitization. Stannous fluoride is extremely sensitive to moisture, which makes aqueous formulations difficult.

[0112] Bioglass—also used in oral care compositions for its desensitizing properties. In one embodiment, a bioactive glass for use in the present invention has a composition consisting of about 45% silicon dioxide, about 24.5% sodium oxide, about 6% phosphorus oxide, and about 24.5% calcium oxide by weight. One such bioactive glass is commercially available under the trade name NovaMin®, also known as 45S5 Bioglass®.

[0113] The tablet of the present invention is a very stable platform for all of the mentioned active substances, either alone or in combination.

[0114] In particular, the tablets of the present invention have been shown to be stable to: - Fluorides alone (single or multiple sources) including NaF and SnF2 - Potassium nitrate and SnF2 (and NaF) - Bioglass and fluorides (especially NaF) - and zinc salts and SnF2

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the above examples. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with oral active substances that have compatibility or stability problems in conventional pastes. The tablets of the present invention can stabilize a wide range of incompatible active substances.

[0116] Other active substances that may be included in the dentifrice tablets of the present invention are amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, probiotics and prebiotics, which may be included individually or in combination.

[0117] The amount by weight of additional actives included in the dentifrice tablets of the present invention is not limited to any particular level. Typically, the amount added will be determined by the known efficacy level of each active. Those skilled in the art will recognize the level required for efficacy.

[0118] Typically, the amount of active agent contained in the tablet will range from 0.1 to 15% by weight of the active agent, and the tablets of the present invention have been shown to be stable with a variety of these levels of active agent. [Example]

[0119] result All of the following compositions are non-limiting examples of dentifrice tablets according to the present invention.

[0120] [Example 1] Typical core formulation of the dentifrice tablets of the present invention:

[0121] [Table 1]

[0122] This is the core tablet composition of the present invention. This blend provides tablets with excellent stability and organoleptic properties. This tablet core can be enhanced by the addition of additional orally suitable ingredients.

[0123] There is virtually no limit to the additional ingredients that can be added to the core formulation to optimize the dentifrice tablet. All known ingredients of toothpaste can be included.

[0124] The following additional examples do not limit the scope of the invention and are included to demonstrate how a generic tablet of the invention can be further optimized for various oral care purposes.

[0125] [Example 2] More preferred general dentifrice tablet formulations of the present invention.

[0126] [Table 2]

[0127] This formulation details a more preferred generic tablet of the present invention, which further comprises an abrasive for cleaning performance and a surfactant for foaming and mouthfeel. The abrasive and surfactant may be a single component or a mixture of two or more abrasives and two or more surfactants.

[0128] The preferred abrasive for Example 2 is hydrous silica, and the preferred surfactant is an alkyl sulfate-based surfactant.

[0129] [Example 3] Examples of specific guar gums for use in tablets of the present invention:

[0130] [Table 3]

[0131] This particular tablet example contains the surfactant SLS and the abrasive is hydrous silica.

[0132] [Example 4] Anti-cavity tablets.

[0133] [Table 4]

[0134] This composition details an anti-caries tablet of the present invention, which is equivalent to Example 3, but additionally containing a fluoride source, in this case sodium fluoride.

[0135] [Example 5] Stannous fluoride tablets

[0136] [Table 5]

[0137] Stannous fluoride is a well-known active material with several useful oral care properties and very well-known stability considerations.

[0138] Stannous fluoride is completely stable in the tablets of the present invention.

[0139] [Example 6] Bioglass and fluoride combination.

[0140] [Table 6]

[0141] [Example 7] A combination of potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride

[0142] [Table 7]

[0143] [Example 8] Dentifrice tablets containing potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride.

[0144] [Table 8]

[0145] Stannous fluoride and potassium nitrate are difficult to formulate together into pastes. The two active substances have very different stability requirements. Stannous fluoride is very water-sensitive, while potassium nitrate is more easily formulated into water-based compositions.

[0146] The two active substances can be used together in the tablets of the present invention, provided that both active substances are stable in the composition.

[0147] [Example 9] A gentle whitening formula containing alumina and STP.

[0148] [Table 9]

[0149] The addition of a combination of alumina and STP to common formulations can create effective whitening formulations. Alumina is a well-known abrasive in oral care. Pentasodium tripolyphosphate (STP) is a chelating agent that helps remove stains. It helps chemically whiten teeth, gently lifting surface stains and preventing new stains from forming.

[0150] The following Examples (10-15) are dentifrice tablets of the present invention containing cellulose gum instead of guar gum. The surfactant in these Examples is sodium methyl cocoyl taurate. The surfactant used in Guar Gum Examples 3-9 is sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0151] These combinations are not intended to be limiting, and each surfactant may be used with any gum (or combination of gums) without any problems. Other surfactants may also be used.

[0152] [Example 10] Examples of specific cellulose gums for use in tablets of the present invention:

[0153] [Table 10]

[0154] [Example 11] Examples of cellulose gum containing sodium fluoride

[0155] [Table 11]

[0156] [Example 12] Examples of tin fluoride

[0157] [Table 12]

[0158] [Example 13] Bioglass and Fluoride Combination

[0159] [Table 13]

[0160] [Example 14] Potassium nitrate example

[0161] [Table 14]

[0162] [Example 15] A gentle whitening formula containing potassium nitrate and STP.

[0163] [Table 15]

[0164] The formulations (formulations) are embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize other alternative compositions to those described above that fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0165] All tablets of the present invention are stable under the conditions for testing long-term stability (3 months at 40°C and 75% relative humidity) without any visible signs of deterioration in the appearance of the tablets or any loss of activity of any active substances contained therein.

Claims

1. 50-80% by weight of sorbitol powder, 10-30% by weight of crystalline cellulose, 0.1 to 10% by weight of guar gum or cellulose gum or a mixture thereof Toothpaste tablets containing [this ingredient].

2. A toothpaste tablet according to claim 1, further comprising at least one abrasive.

3. The toothpaste tablet according to claim 2, wherein at least one abrasive agent accounts for 1 to 10% by weight of the composition.

4. A toothpaste tablet according to claim 1, further comprising at least one surfactant.

5. The toothpaste tablet according to claim 4, wherein at least one surfactant comprises one or more surfactants from the group comprising alkyl sulfates, betaines, taurates, and mixtures thereof.

6. The toothpaste tablet according to claim 4, wherein at least one surfactant accounts for 1 to 10% by weight of the tablet.

7. A toothpaste tablet according to claim 1, comprising 60% to 75% by weight of sorbitol powder, 15% to 25% by weight of crystalline cellulose, 0.2% to 5% by weight of guar gum and / or cellulose gum, 2% to 8% by weight of at least one abrasive, and 1% to 5% by weight of at least one surfactant.

8. A toothpaste tablet according to claim 1, comprising 0.1% to 8% by weight of trace components, including fragrances, whitening agents, colorants, preservatives, fragrances, pH adjusters, binders, flow enhancers, further disintegrants, and mixtures thereof.

9. The toothpaste tablet according to claim 1, further comprising a fluoride source.

10. The toothpaste tablet according to claim 9, wherein the fluoride source comprises one or more of sodium fluoride, tin fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, and mixtures thereof.

11. The toothpaste tablet according to claim 1, further comprising a combination of two or more potentially incompatible active substances.

12. The toothpaste tablet according to claim 11, wherein a combination of two or more potentially incompatible active substances is selected from zinc salts, potassium salts, bioglass, and tin fluoride.

13. Use of a toothpaste tablet according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in combination with a toothbrush for cleaning teeth.

14. A method for preparing a toothpaste tablet according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a. A step of adding the components together in solid form. b. A step in which the ingredients are mixed together until homogeneous. c. Step of compacting the mixture into tablets. A method that includes this.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the toothpaste tablet is compacted with a pressure of approximately 5 kN.