Oral care tablets

Abstract

To provide oral care tablets that offer improved storage stability and enhanced solubility during use. [Solution] The oral care tablet according to the present invention contains a carbonate compound, an acid compound coated with a coating agent, and a sugar alcohol, wherein the average particle size of the sugar alcohol is 300 μm or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to tablets for oral care.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, toothpaste has been used for the prevention of bad breath, dental caries, periodontal disease, etc. Gel toothpaste is generally widely used as the toothpaste.

[0003] A foaming agent may be added to the gel toothpaste to improve the cleaning effect. As such a gel toothpaste, Patent Document 1 below discloses an oral composition containing a base material for a non-aqueous oral composition, sodium bicarbonate (carbonate compound), and an organic acid.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 below discloses a foaming toothpaste containing (A) a first composition containing 15 to 40% by mass of a bicarbonate and / or sesquicarbonate and (B) a second composition containing 1 to 20% by mass of an organic acid. When using the foaming toothpaste, the first composition and the second composition are brought into contact with each other to cause foaming. The first composition and the second composition of the foaming toothpaste are filled in a special container having a partition so that the two do not come into contact with each other during storage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the case of toothpaste pastes like those described in Patent Document 1, if stored for a long period of time, the acid compounds and carbonate compounds may dissolve and react with the trace amounts of water in the raw materials of the toothpaste paste, generating carbon dioxide gas. In other words, if conventional toothpaste pastes like those described in Patent Document 1 are filled into sealed containers such as tubes and stored for a long period of time, the sealed containers may expand (puff) due to the carbon dioxide gas.

[0007] Furthermore, foaming toothpastes like the one described in Patent Document 2 require special tubes, which presents the challenge of high manufacturing costs.

[0008] Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for convenient oral care while out and about, leading to the development of oral care tablets. However, solid toothpaste has the property that the foaming agent in the toothpaste reacts more readily with water than paste toothpaste. Therefore, when conventional paste toothpaste containing a foaming agent is solidified, the foaming agent reacts with water during storage, generating gas, which can cause the package to expand (puff) and burst. Also, when puffing occurs, some of the foaming agent is broken down, resulting in insufficient foaming during use. As a result, sufficient cleaning effect and sensory or visual satisfaction may not be obtained. In addition, conventional oral care tablets are brittle and easily crumble, so they may break and turn into powder during storage, resulting in insufficient foaming during use. As a result, sufficient cleaning effect and sensory or visual satisfaction may not be obtained.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional oral care tablets often have insufficient solubility during use and may not disperse adequately in the oral cavity. As a result, conventional oral care tablets have the problem of tablet particles easily remaining in the oral cavity.

[0010] In other words, it is difficult to improve both the storage stability and the solubility during use with conventional oral care tablets.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide oral care tablets that have improved storage stability and improved solubility during use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This specification discloses the following oral care tablets.

[0013] Item 1. An oral care tablet comprising a carbonate compound, an acid compound coated with a coating agent, and a sugar alcohol, wherein the average particle size of the sugar alcohol is 300 μm or less.

[0014] Item 2. The oral care tablet according to Item 1, wherein the average particle size of the sugar alcohol is 80 μm or less.

[0015] Item 3. The oral care tablet according to item 1 or 2, wherein the sugar alcohol contains erythritol, and the erythritol content is 30% by weight or more per 100% by weight of the oral care tablet.

[0016] Item 4. An oral care tablet according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the carbonate compound comprises sodium bicarbonate.

[0017] Item 5. An oral care tablet according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the acid compound coated with the coating agent comprises citric acid coated with calcium citrate or citric acid coated with triglyceride.

[0018] Item 6. An oral care tablet containing a pharmacoactive ingredient, as described in any one of items 1 to 5.

[0019] Item 7. An oral care tablet according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the oral care tablet comprises an alkylpyridinium salt.

[0020] Item 8. The oral care tablet according to Item 7, wherein the alkylpyridinium salt is cetylpyridinium chloride.

[0021] Item 9. The oral care tablet according to any one of Items 1 to 8, wherein the total content of the carbonate compound, the acid compound coated with the coating agent, and the sugar alcohol in 100% by weight of the oral care tablet is 40% by weight or more.

[0022] Item 10. The oral care tablet according to any one of Items 1 to 9, wherein the content of the acid compound coated with the coating agent in 100% by weight of the total content of the carbonate compound and the acid compound coated with the coating agent is 10% by weight or more and 60% by weight or less.

[0023] Item 11. The oral care tablet according to any one of Items 1 to 10, wherein the oral care tablet contains a binder, and the content of the binder in 100% by weight of the oral care tablet is 0.1% by weight or more and 20% by weight or less.

[0024] Item 12. The oral care tablet according to any one of Items 1 to 11, wherein the oral care tablet contains a cleaning agent.

[0025] Item 13. The oral care tablet according to any one of Items 1 to 12, wherein the oral care tablet contains an abrasive.

[0026] Item 14. The oral care tablet according to any one of Items 1 to 13, wherein the oral care tablet is a dentifrice or a mouthwash.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] The oral care tablet according to the present invention contains a carbonate compound, an acid compound coated with a coating agent, and a sugar alcohol, and the average particle diameter of the sugar alcohol is 300 μm or less. In the oral care tablet according to the present invention, since the above configuration is provided, the storage stability can be enhanced and the solubility during use can be enhanced.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, the details of the present invention will be described.

[0029] (Oral care tablets) The oral care tablet according to the present invention contains a carbonate compound, an acid compound coated with a coating agent, and a sugar alcohol. In the oral care tablet according to the present invention, the average particle size of the sugar alcohol is 300 μm or less. The oral care tablet according to the present invention is a tablet used for oral care. The oral care tablet according to the present invention is a formulation for oral care.

[0030] Generally, tablets made simply by solidifying conventional toothpaste containing a foaming agent can cause the foaming agent to react with moisture during storage, generating gas, which can cause the package to expand (puff) and burst. Furthermore, when puffing occurs, some of the foaming agent is broken down, resulting in insufficient foaming during use. Consequently, adequate cleaning effect and sensory or visual satisfaction may not be achieved. Additionally, if the toothpaste contains hygroscopic or hygroscopic components, there is a risk of tableting problems during the manufacturing process, such as components adhering to the mold.

[0031] Furthermore, with conventional oral care tablets, moisture absorption during storage can cause the crystal size within the tablet to increase, leading to internal disintegration and powder formation, resulting in insufficient foaming during use. Consequently, adequate cleaning effect and sensory or visual satisfaction may not be achieved. In other words, improving storage stability is difficult with conventional oral care tablets.

[0032] Furthermore, conventional oral care tablets often have insufficient solubility during use and may not disperse adequately in the oral cavity. As a result, conventional oral care tablets have the problem of tablet particles easily remaining in the oral cavity.

[0033] As a result of diligent research, the inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by using an acid compound (foaming agent) coated with a coating agent, and by using a sugar alcohol whose average particle size is within a specific range.

[0034] The oral care tablets according to the present invention offer enhanced storage stability. As a result, even when the oral care tablets are stored for a long period, puffing of the packaging can be suppressed, and powder return of the oral care tablets can be reduced. This allows for superior foaming during use, sufficient cleaning effect, and sensory or visual satisfaction.

[0035] The oral care tablets according to the present invention have improved solubility during use, allowing the tablets to disperse sufficiently in the oral cavity. As a result, it is possible to suppress the retention of oral care tablet particles in the oral cavity.

[0036] Furthermore, because the oral care tablets according to the present invention are in tablet form (solid), they are compact and lightweight, making them highly portable. In addition, because the oral care tablets according to the present invention are in tablet form (solid), they are easy to administer in a consistent amount and are hygienic.

[0037] The oral care tablets according to the present invention are used for oral care. Specifically, the oral care tablets are preferably used for brushing teeth or rinsing. The oral care tablets are suitably used as toothpaste or mouthwash. The oral care tablets are preferably toothpaste or mouthwash. When the oral care tablets are toothpaste, they exhibit effects such as plaque removal, removal of stains attached to teeth, prevention of tartar buildup, oral cavity cleansing, bad breath prevention, cavity prevention, and teeth whitening. When the oral care tablets are mouthwash, they exhibit effects such as oral cavity cleansing and bad breath prevention.

[0038] The above oral care tablets are preferably used by chewing. When the above oral care tablets are used as a toothpaste, they are preferably used by chewing, brushing with a toothbrush, and rinsing the mouth with water. When the above oral care tablets are used as a mouthwash, they are preferably used by chewing, and then rinsing the mouth with water.

[0039] The shape of the oral care tablets described above is not particularly limited. Examples of oral care tablet shapes include tablets, spheres, granules, pellets, discs, rectangular prisms, donuts, and rods. From the viewpoint of improving handling and further enhancing the cleaning action by foaming, the shape of the oral care tablets is preferably tablet-shaped or spherical, and more preferably tablet-shaped.

[0040] The size of the oral care tablets described above is not particularly limited. The surface area of ​​the oral care tablets is preferably 10 mm². 2 More preferably 80 mm 2 More preferably 100 mm 2 The above, preferably 2000 mm 2 More preferably 1000mm 2 The following applies: When the surface area of ​​the oral care tablets is above the lower limit and below the upper limit, the oral care tablets can be packaged well and foamed well. Note that, if the oral care tablets are in tablet form, an example of the diameter of a tablet-shaped oral care tablet is 12 mm.

[0041] The thickness of the oral care tablets described above is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, even more preferably 2.0 mm or more, preferably 10.0 mm or less, more preferably 9.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 8.0 mm or less. When the thickness of the oral care tablets is above the lower limit and below the upper limit, the oral care tablets can be well packaged, well chewed, and well foamed.

[0042] From the viewpoint of improving handling and further enhancing the cleaning effect by foaming, the weight per tablet of the above oral care tablet is preferably 50 mg or more, more preferably 100 mg or more, even more preferably 300 mg or more, preferably 5000 mg or less, more preferably 3000 mg or less, and even more preferably 2000 mg or less.

[0043] The hardness of the oral care tablets described above is preferably 0.8 kgf or more, more preferably 1.0 kgf or more, even more preferably 1.5 kgf or more, preferably 15.0 kgf or less, more preferably 10.0 kgf or less, and even more preferably 7.0 kgf or less. When the hardness of the oral care tablets is above the lower limit and below the upper limit, the storage stability of the oral care tablets can be further enhanced, cracking and chipping can be prevented, and they can be easily chewed.

[0044] The hardness of the above-mentioned oral care tablets can be measured using a hardness tester. Examples of such hardness testers include the "Kiya-type hardness tester" manufactured by Fujiwara Seisakusho.

[0045] The method of storing the oral care tablets described above is not particularly limited. It is preferable that the oral care tablets be stored in a packaging container (package). The oral care tablets may be stored individually in the packaging container, or multiple tablets may be stored together in the packaging container. Examples of materials for the packaging container include paper, resin, and metal. The oral care tablets may be packaged in paper, resin, or metal. Examples of metals include aluminum and stainless steel. From the viewpoint of further improving storage stability, it is preferable that the oral care tablets be stored in a sealed container. The packaging container is preferably a pouch container or a bottle container. A pouch container is preferable because it has excellent airtightness. A bottle container is preferable because it has excellent ease of removal.

[0046] The following describes each ingredient contained in the oral care tablets mentioned above.

[0047] (Carbonate compounds) The oral care tablets described above contain a carbonate compound. In the oral care tablets described above, the carbonate compound acts as a foaming agent. Because the oral care tablets contain a carbonate compound (foaming agent), they foam when mixed with saliva (moisture) in the oral cavity, and the bubbles can clean away dirt (deposits) attached to the oral cavity.

[0048] Examples of the above-mentioned carbonate compounds include carbonates, bicarbonates, and double salts of carbonates and bicarbonates. Examples of the above-mentioned carbonates include sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and calcium carbonate. Examples of the above-mentioned bicarbonates include sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, and calcium bicarbonate. Examples of double salts of carbonates and bicarbonates include sodium sesquicarbonate. The above-mentioned carbonate compounds may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0049] From the viewpoint of improving effervescence, the above carbonate compound preferably contains a carbonate or bicarbonate, more preferably sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate, and even more preferably sodium bicarbonate. From the viewpoint of improving abrasiveness when the oral care tablet is used as a toothpaste, the above carbonate compound preferably contains calcium carbonate. In an oral care tablet containing calcium carbonate, calcium carbonate acts as both a foaming agent and an abrasive.

[0050] The carbonate compound is preferably in particulate form. The average particle size of the carbonate compound is preferably 40 μm or more, more preferably 45 μm or more, even more preferably 50 μm or more, particularly preferably 60 μm or more, preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 450 μm or less, even more preferably 400 μm or less, and particularly preferably 350 μm or less. When the average particle size of the carbonate compound is above the lower limit and below the upper limit, tableting properties can be improved and solubility during use can be further enhanced.

[0051] The average particle size of the above-mentioned carbonate compound can be measured, for example, by determining the volume-average particle size from the volume-based particle size distribution of the carbonate compound using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer. Examples of such laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzers include the "LA-960" manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.

[0052] The above carbonate compound may or may not be coated with a coating agent. The above oral care tablet may contain a carbonate compound coated with a coating agent, or may not contain a carbonate compound coated with a coating agent. The above oral care tablet may contain a carbonate compound that is not coated with a coating agent. In the above oral care tablet, sodium carbonate may be coated with a coating agent, calcium carbonate may be coated with a coating agent, and sodium bicarbonate may be coated with a coating agent. In the above oral care tablet, the carbonate compound and the acid compound may be coated with a coating agent.

[0053] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the cleansing effect, the content of the carbonate compound in 100% by weight of the above oral care tablet is preferably 2% by weight or more, more preferably 4% by weight or more, even more preferably 5% by weight or more, preferably 45% by weight or less, more preferably 40% by weight or less, and even more preferably 35% by weight or less.

[0054] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the cleaning effect, the content of the carbonate compound is preferably 30% by weight or more, more preferably 40% by weight or more, preferably 90% by weight or less, and more preferably 80% by weight or less, out of 100% by weight of the total content of the carbonate compound and the acid compound coated by the coating agent.

[0055] (acid compound) The oral care tablets described above contain an acid compound. The oral care tablets contain an acid compound coated with a coating agent. In the oral care tablets described above, the acid compound coated with the coating agent acts as a foaming agent. That is, the oral care tablets contain a carbonate compound and an acid compound coated with a coating agent as foaming agents.

[0056] The oral care tablets described above contain an acid compound (foaming agent) coated with a coating agent, so when mixed with saliva (moisture) in the oral cavity, they foam, and the bubbles can clean away dirt (deposits) adhering to the oral cavity. Furthermore, because the oral care tablets contain an acid compound (foaming agent) coated with a coating agent, their solubility during use is enhanced, and the tablets can be sufficiently dispersed in the oral cavity. As a result, the residue of oral care tablet particles remaining in the oral cavity can be suppressed. In addition, because the oral care tablets contain an acid compound coated with a coating agent, their storage stability can be enhanced. As a result, even when the oral care tablets are stored for a long period of time, puffing of the package can be suppressed, and powder return of the oral care tablets can be suppressed, resulting in excellent foaming during use, sufficient cleaning effect, and sensory or visual satisfaction.

[0057] In the acid compound coated with the above-mentioned coating agent, the acid compound is coated with the coating agent. The acid compound coated with the above-mentioned coating agent may be one type only, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0058] The oral care tablets described above may or may not contain an acid compound that is not coated with a coating agent. The oral care tablets described above may contain both an acid compound that is coated with a coating agent and an acid compound that is not coated with a coating agent.

[0059] Examples of the above acid compounds include organic acids and inorganic acids. The above acid compounds may be organic acids or inorganic acids. Examples of the above organic acids include citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid, ascorbic acid, malonic acid, and salicylic acid. Examples of the above inorganic acids include phosphoric acid, boric acid, and sulfamic acid. The above acid compounds may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0060] From the viewpoint of improving effervescence, the above acid compound preferably contains an organic acid, more preferably contains citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, or succinic acid, and even more preferably contains citric acid. From the viewpoint of improving effervescence, the above oral care tablets preferably contain an organic acid coated with a coating agent, more preferably contains citric acid coated with a coating agent, tartaric acid coated with a coating agent, fumaric acid coated with a coating agent, malic acid coated with a coating agent, or succinic acid coated with a coating agent, and even more preferably contains citric acid coated with a coating agent.

[0061] Examples of the above coating agents include calcium citrate, triglycerides, lactose, shellac, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and pullulan. One or more of these coating agents may be used. Examples of the above triglycerides include hydrogenated rapeseed oil. From the viewpoint of improving formulation properties, the above coating agent preferably contains calcium citrate or a triglyceride, and more preferably calcium citrate.

[0062] Preferably, the oral care tablets described above contain a carbonate compound that is not coated with a coating agent and an acid compound that is coated with a coating agent. In this case, the tableting properties can be improved, the solubility during use can be further enhanced, and the oral care tablets can be quickly foamed when chewed, so oral care can be performed simply by spitting out the foam in the mouth or rinsing the mouth with a small amount of water.

[0063] The oral care tablets described above are more preferably characterized in that the carbonate compound contains sodium bicarbonate that is not coated with a coating agent, and the acid compound coated with a coating agent contains citric acid that is coated with a coating agent. The oral care tablets are more preferably characterized in that they contain a mixture of sodium bicarbonate that is not coated with a coating agent and citric acid that is coated with a coating agent. In these cases, tableting properties can be improved, solubility during use can be further enhanced, and the oral care tablets can be quickly foamed when chewed, so oral care can be performed simply by spitting out the foam in the mouth or rinsing the mouth with a small amount of water.

[0064] From the viewpoint of improving effervescence, the acid compound coated with the above coating agent preferably contains citric acid coated with calcium citrate or citric acid coated with triglycerides, and more preferably contains citric acid coated with calcium citrate. From the viewpoint of improving effervescence, the above oral care tablets preferably contain citric acid coated with calcium citrate or citric acid coated with triglycerides, and more preferably contains citric acid coated with calcium citrate. From the viewpoint of improving effervescence, the citric acid is preferably coated with calcium citrate or triglycerides, and more preferably coated with calcium citrate.

[0065] The acid compound coated with the above coating agent is preferably in particulate form. The average particle size of the acid compound coated with the above coating agent is preferably 100 μm or more, more preferably 200 μm or more, even more preferably 250 μm or more, particularly preferably 300 μm or more, preferably 900 μm or less, more preferably 800 μm or less, even more preferably 700 μm or less, and particularly preferably 600 μm or less. When the average particle size of the acid compound coated with the above coating agent is above the lower limit and below the upper limit, tableting properties can be improved and solubility during use can be further enhanced.

[0066] The average particle size of the acid compound coated with the above coating agent can be measured, for example, by determining the volume-average particle size from the volume-based particle size distribution of the acid compound coated with the above coating agent using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer. Examples of such laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzers include the "LA-960" manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.

[0067] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the total content of the above carbonate compound and the acid compound coated with the above coating agent is preferably 3% by weight or more, more preferably 5% by weight or more, even more preferably 10% by weight or more, preferably 50% by weight or less, and more preferably 40% by weight or less. If the total content of the above carbonate compound and the acid compound coated with the above coating agent is above the lower limit, the cleaning effect can be further enhanced. If the total content of the above carbonate compound and the acid compound coated with the above coating agent is below the upper limit, puffing of the package can be prevented and storage stability can be further enhanced. The above carbonate compound may be a carbonate compound coated with a coating agent, or it may be a carbonate compound that is not coated with a coating agent. If the above carbonate compound includes a carbonate compound coated with a coating agent and a carbonate compound that is not coated with a coating agent, the content of the above carbonate compound refers to the total content of the carbonate compound coated with a coating agent and the carbonate compound that is not coated with a coating agent (the same applies hereinafter).

[0068] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the acid compound coated by the above coating agent is preferably 1% by weight or more, more preferably 3% by weight or more, even more preferably 4% by weight or more, preferably 30% by weight or less, more preferably 25% by weight or less, and even more preferably 20% by weight or less. If the content of the acid compound coated by the above coating agent is above the lower limit, puffing of the package can be prevented, storage stability can be further enhanced, and the cleaning action can be further enhanced. If the content of the acid compound coated by the above coating agent is below the upper limit, the cleaning action can be further enhanced.

[0069] Of the total content of the above carbonate compound and the acid compound coated with the above coating agent, the content of the acid compound coated with the above coating agent is preferably 10% by weight or more, more preferably 15% by weight or more, even more preferably 20% by weight or more, preferably 60% by weight or less, more preferably 55% by weight or less, and even more preferably 50% by weight or less. If the content of the acid compound coated with the above coating agent is above the lower limit, puffing of the package can be prevented and storage stability can be further enhanced. If the content of the acid compound coated with the above coating agent is below the upper limit, the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

[0070] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the cleaning effect, the content of the acid compound coated by the coating agent is preferably 10 parts by weight or more, more preferably 15 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 20 parts by weight or more, preferably 100 parts by weight or less, more preferably 95 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 90 parts by weight or less, per 100 parts by weight of the carbonate compound.

[0071] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of citric acid coated with calcium citrate is preferably 1% by weight or more, more preferably 2% by weight or more, even more preferably 3% by weight or more, preferably 30% by weight or less, more preferably 25% by weight or less, and even more preferably 20% by weight or less. If the content of citric acid coated with calcium citrate is above the lower limit, puffing of the package can be prevented and storage stability can be further enhanced. If the content of citric acid coated with calcium citrate is below the upper limit, the cleaning action can be further enhanced.

[0072] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of citric acid coated with the above triglyceride is preferably 1% by weight or more, more preferably 2% by weight or more, even more preferably 3% by weight or more, preferably 30% by weight or less, more preferably 25% by weight or less, and even more preferably 20% by weight or less. If the content of citric acid coated with the above triglyceride is above the lower limit, puffing of the package can be prevented and storage stability can be further enhanced. If the content of citric acid coated with the above triglyceride is below the upper limit, the cleaning action can be further enhanced.

[0073] The oral care tablets described above may contain foaming agents other than the carbonate compound and the acid compound coated by the coating agent (other foaming agents). When the oral care tablets contain the other foaming agents, the amount of the foaming agent per 100% by weight of the oral care tablets is preferably 3% by weight or more, more preferably 5% by weight or more, even more preferably 10% by weight or more, preferably 50% by weight or less, and more preferably 40% by weight or less. If the amount of the foaming agent is above the lower limit, the cleaning action can be further enhanced. If the amount of the foaming agent is below the upper limit, puffing of the package can be prevented and storage stability can be further enhanced. Note that the amount of the foaming agent represents the total amount of the carbonate compound, the acid compound coated by the coating agent, and the other foaming agents (the same applies hereinafter).

[0074] (Sugar alcohol) The oral care tablets described above contain a sugar alcohol. In the oral care tablets described above, the sugar alcohol acts as a sweetener and a humectant.

[0075] Examples of the above sugar alcohols include erythritol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, and reduced starch syrup. Only one of these sugar alcohols may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0076] In the oral care tablets described above, the average particle size of the sugar alcohol is 300 μm or less. Because the oral care tablets have the above-described composition, storage stability can be enhanced, and even when the oral care tablets are stored for a long period, powder return of the oral care tablets can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the oral care tablets have the above-described composition, solubility during use can be enhanced, allowing the oral care tablets to disperse sufficiently in the oral cavity. As a result, the retention of oral care tablet particles in the oral cavity can be suppressed.

[0077] The sugar alcohol described above is in particulate form. The average particle size of the sugar alcohol is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, even more preferably 80 μm or less, still more preferably 75 μm or less, still more preferably 70 μm or less, particularly preferably 65 μm or less, and most preferably 60 μm or less. When the average particle size of the sugar alcohol is below the above upper limit, the storage stability of the oral care tablets can be further improved, and the solubility during use can be further improved. The lower limit of the average particle size of the sugar alcohol is not particularly limited. The average particle size of the sugar alcohol may be 3 μm or more, 5 μm or more, or 10 μm or more.

[0078] The average particle size of the sugar alcohol can be measured, for example, by determining the volume-average particle size from the volume-based particle size distribution of the sugar alcohol using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer. Examples of such laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzers include the "LA-960" manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.

[0079] From the viewpoint of further improving solubility during use, it is preferable that the sugar alcohol contains erythritol.

[0080] The average particle size of erythritol is preferably 300 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less, even more preferably 100 μm or less, still more preferably 70 μm or less, still more preferably 60 μm or less, still more preferably 50 μm or less, particularly preferably less than 50 μm, and most preferably 45 μm or less. If the average particle size of erythritol is below or less than the above upper limit, the storage stability of the oral care tablets can be further enhanced, and the solubility during use can be further enhanced. The lower limit of the average particle size of erythritol is not particularly limited. The average particle size of erythritol may be 3 μm or more, 5 μm or more, or 10 μm or more. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the storage stability of the oral care tablets and further enhancing the solubility during use, it is particularly preferable that the sugar alcohol contains erythritol and that the average particle size of the erythritol is less than 50 μm. From the viewpoint of further improving the storage stability of oral care tablets and further improving their solubility during use, it is particularly preferable that the sugar alcohol contains erythritol with an average particle size of less than 50 μm.

[0081] The average particle size of the erythritol can be measured, for example, by determining the volume-average particle size from the volume-based particle size distribution of erythritol using a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer. Examples of such laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzers include the "LA-960" manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.

[0082] The sugar alcohol described above may contain sugar alcohols other than erythritol. From the viewpoint of further improving solubility during use and improving tableting performance, it is preferable that the sugar alcohol other than erythritol contains sorbitol. From the viewpoint of further improving solubility during use and improving tableting performance, it is preferable that the sugar alcohol contains both erythritol and sorbitol.

[0083] When the sugar alcohol contains sorbitol, the average particle size of the sorbitol is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 350 μm or less, even more preferably 300 μm or less, and particularly preferably 250 μm or less. When the average particle size of the sorbitol is below the above upper limit, the solubility during use can be further improved and tableting performance can be improved. The lower limit of the average particle size of the sorbitol is not particularly limited. The average particle size of the sorbitol may be 5 μm or more, 10 μm or more, or 100 μm or more.

[0084] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the total content of the above carbonate compound, the acid compound coated with the above coating agent, and the above sugar alcohol is preferably 40% by weight or more, more preferably 50% by weight or more, even more preferably 60% by weight or more, preferably 100% by weight or less, more preferably 95% by weight or less, and even more preferably 90% by weight or less. When the total content of the above carbonate compound, the acid compound coated with the above coating agent, and the above sugar alcohol is above the lower limit and below the upper limit, the storage stability of the oral care tablets can be further enhanced, and the solubility during use can be further enhanced.

[0085] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the above sugar alcohol is preferably 30% by weight or more, more preferably 40% by weight or more, even more preferably 45% by weight or more, preferably 50% by weight or more, preferably 90% by weight or less, more preferably 85% by weight or less, and even more preferably 80% by weight or less. When the content of the above sugar alcohol is above the lower limit and below the upper limit, the solubility during use can be further improved and the tableting properties can be improved.

[0086] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the erythritol content is preferably 30% by weight or more, more preferably 40% by weight or more, even more preferably 50% by weight or more, preferably 90% by weight or less, more preferably 85% by weight or less, and even more preferably 80% by weight or less. If the erythritol content is above the lower limit, the storage stability of the oral care tablets can be further improved, and the solubility during use can be further improved. If the erythritol content is below the upper limit, the tableting properties can be improved.

[0087] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of erythritol with an average particle size of less than 50 μm is preferably 30% by weight or more, more preferably 40% by weight or more, even more preferably 50% by weight or more, preferably 90% by weight or less, more preferably 85% by weight or less, and even more preferably 80% by weight or less. If the content of erythritol with an average particle size of less than 50 μm is above the lower limit, the storage stability of the oral care tablets can be further improved, and the solubility during use can be further improved. If the content of erythritol with an average particle size of less than 50 μm is below the upper limit, the tableting properties can be improved.

[0088] When the above sugar alcohol includes sugar alcohols other than erythritol, the content of sugar alcohols other than erythritol in 100% by weight of the oral care tablets is preferably 0.5% by weight or more, more preferably 1% by weight or more, even more preferably 3% by weight or more, preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 13% by weight or less, and even more preferably 10% by weight or less. If the content of sugar alcohols other than erythritol is above the lower limit, tableting properties can be improved. If the content of sugar alcohols other than erythritol is below the upper limit, the storage stability of the oral care tablets can be further improved, and the solubility during use can be further improved.

[0089] When the sugar alcohol contains sorbitol, the sorbitol content in 100% by weight of the oral care tablets is preferably 0.5% by weight or more, more preferably 1% by weight or more, even more preferably 3% by weight or more, preferably 15% by weight or less, more preferably 13% by weight or less, and even more preferably 10% by weight or less. If the sorbitol content is above the lower limit, the tableting properties can be improved. If the sorbitol content is below the upper limit, the storage stability of the oral care tablets can be further improved, and the solubility during use can be further improved.

[0090] When the sugar alcohol contains erythritol and sorbitol, the ratio of the erythritol content to the sorbitol content (erythritol content / sorbitol content) is preferably 3.0 or higher, more preferably 4.0 or higher, even more preferably 5.0 or higher, preferably 35.0 or lower, more preferably 30.0 or lower, and even more preferably 25.0 or lower. When the above ratio (erythritol content / sorbitol content) is above the lower limit, the storage stability of the oral care tablets can be further improved, and the solubility during use can be further improved. When the above ratio (erythritol content / sorbitol content) is below the upper limit, the tableting properties can be improved.

[0091] (Medicinal ingredients) The oral care tablets described above may contain medicinal ingredients. From the viewpoint of effectively preventing bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, it is preferable that the oral care tablets contain medicinal ingredients.

[0092] Examples of the above-mentioned active ingredients include disinfectants, antibacterial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and tooth enamel strengthening agents. These active ingredients may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0093] The oral care tablets described above may contain an antibacterial agent or a disinfectant. The oral care tablets may contain an antibacterial agent, or a disinfectant, or both. From the viewpoint of effectively preventing bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, it is preferable that the oral care tablets contain an antibacterial agent or a disinfectant, and more preferably that they contain a disinfectant.

[0094] Examples of the above antibacterial agents include sorbic acid, hinokitiol, isopropylmethylphenol, triclosan, and potassium iodide. One of these antibacterial agents may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0095] Examples of the above-mentioned fungicides include cationic fungicides, nonionic fungicides, and anionic fungicides. One type of fungicide may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0096] Examples of the above cationic disinfectants include quaternary ammonium salts and biguanide disinfectants. Examples of the above quaternary ammonium salts include alkylpyridinium salts, benzyl long-chain alkyl short-chain dialkylammonium salts, and long-chain alkyl short-chain trialkylammonium salts. Examples of the above biguanide disinfectants include chlorhexidine salts. Specific examples of the above cationic disinfectants include benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, depotassium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, myristyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, and chlorhexidine acetate. The above cationic disinfectants may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0097] Examples of the nonionic fungicides mentioned above include isopropylmethylphenol, hinokitiol, triclosan, thymol, thyme oil, 1,8-cineole, and eucalyptus oil. The nonionic fungicides may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0098] Examples of the above-mentioned anionic fungicides include acyl sarcosine salts. Examples of the above-mentioned acyl sarcosine salts include sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. The above-mentioned anionic fungicides may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0099] Examples of the above anti-inflammatory agents include dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and glycyrrhetinic acid. These anti-inflammatory agents may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0100] Examples of the tooth strengthening agents mentioned above include sodium fluoride and sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. These tooth strengthening agents may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0101] From the viewpoint of more effectively preventing bad breath and gingivitis, the oral care tablets preferably contain a cationic disinfectant, more preferably benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, or cetylpyridinium chloride, and particularly preferably cetylpyridinium chloride. From the viewpoint of more effectively preventing bad breath and gingivitis, the oral care tablets preferably contain an alkylpyridinium salt. From the viewpoint of more effectively preventing bad breath and gingivitis, the alkylpyridinium salt is particularly preferably cetylpyridinium chloride.

[0102] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the above-mentioned active ingredient is preferably 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably 0.005% by weight or more, even more preferably 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 1.0% by weight or less, more preferably 0.50% by weight or less, and even more preferably 0.20% by weight or less. When the content of the above-mentioned active ingredient is above the lower limit, bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease can be effectively prevented. When the content of the above-mentioned active ingredient is below the upper limit, the strong bitterness derived from the active ingredient can be suppressed.

[0103] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the alkylpyridinium salt is preferably 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably 0.005% by weight or more, even more preferably 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 1.0% by weight or less, more preferably 0.50% by weight or less, and even more preferably 0.20% by weight or less. When the content of the alkylpyridinium salt is above the lower limit, bad breath and gingivitis can be prevented more effectively. When the content of the alkylpyridinium salt is below the upper limit, the strong expression of bitterness derived from the alkylpyridinium salt can be suppressed.

[0104] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of cetylpyridinium chloride is preferably 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably 0.005% by weight or more, even more preferably 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 1.0% by weight or less, more preferably 0.50% by weight or less, and even more preferably 0.20% by weight or less. When the content of cetylpyridinium chloride is above the lower limit, bad breath and gingivitis can be prevented more effectively. When the content of cetylpyridinium chloride is below the upper limit, the strong bitterness derived from cetylpyridinium chloride can be suppressed.

[0105] (Binder) The oral care tablets described above preferably contain a binder. When the oral care tablets contain a binder, the compressibility of the tablets can be improved, and oral care tablets with the desired hardness and thickness can be easily manufactured.

[0106] Examples of the above-mentioned binders include polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyoxyethylene, glycerin fatty acid ester, polyethylene glycol, carbowax, nonionic surfactant, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, cellulose, gelatin, clay, lactose, sorbitol, glucose, and xylitol. The above-mentioned binders may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0107] From the viewpoint of improving the tableting properties of oral care tablets, the above binder preferably contains glycerin fatty acid ester, polyethylene glycol, cellulose, or hydroxypropylcellulose, and more preferably contains polyethylene glycol or cellulose.

[0108] From the viewpoint of improving the tableting properties of oral care tablets, the content of the binder in 100% by weight of the oral care tablets is preferably 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, even more preferably 1% by weight or more, preferably 20% by weight or less, more preferably 15% by weight or less, and even more preferably 10% by weight or less.

[0109] From the viewpoint of improving the tableting properties of oral care tablets, the weight ratio of the acid compound content coated by the coating agent to the binder content (content of acid compound coated by the coating agent / content of binder) is preferably 0.2 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, preferably 6.0 or less, more preferably 5.5 or less, and even more preferably 5.0 or less.

[0110] (Cleaning agent) The oral care tablets described above preferably contain a cleansing agent. When the oral care tablets contain a cleansing agent, the cleansing effect can be further enhanced.

[0111] Examples of the above-mentioned cleaning agents include surfactants, soapnut extract powder, and saponins. One of these cleaning agents may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0112] Examples of the above-mentioned surfactants include cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. Only one of these surfactants may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0113] Examples of the cationic surfactants mentioned above include alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, dialkyl quaternary ammonium salts, trialkyl quaternary ammonium salts, monoalkyl ether quaternary ammonium salts, alkylamine salts, and fatty acid amidoamine salts.

[0114] The above anionic surfactants include higher fatty acid salts (higher fatty acid soaps) such as potassium stearate, triethanolamine stearate, and sodium stearoyl lactate; alkyl sulfate ester salts such as sodium lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, sodium myristyl sulfate, sodium stearyl sulfate, sodium oleyl sulfate, and sodium cetyl sulfate; polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates such as sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate and sodium polyoxyethylene myristyl ether sulfate; α-olefin (C14-16) sulfonates such as sodium tetradecenesulfonate; N-acyl methyl taurate salts such as sodium myristoyl methyl taurate, sodium palmitoyl methyl taurate, sodium stearoyl methyl taurate, sodium oleoyl methyl taurate, and sodium coconut oil fatty acid methyl taurate; alkyl sulfosuccinates such as sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate and disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate; and polysulfosuccinate Polyoxyethylene alkyl sulfosuccinates such as disodium polyoxyethylene lauryl; monoalkyl phosphate salts such as sodium lauryl phosphate, sodium cetyl phosphate, and diethanolamine cetyl phosphate; polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate salts such as sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether phosphate, sodium polyoxyethylene cetyl ether phosphate, sodium polyoxyethylene oleyl ether phosphate, sodium polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether phosphate, and triethanolamine polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether phosphate; acyl sarcosinate salts such as potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, triethanolamine lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, and sodium coconut oil fatty acid sarcosinate; N-acyl-N-methyl-β-alanine salts such as sodium lauroyl methylalanine, triethanolamine lauroyl methylalanine, sodium myristoyl methylalanine, and sodium coconut oil fatty acid methylalanine;Examples include acyl glutamates such as sodium lauroyl glutamate, triethanolamine lauroyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, potassium stearoyl glutamate, disodium stearoyl glutamate, sodium coconut oil fatty acid acyl glutamate, and triethanolamine coconut oil fatty acid acyl glutamate; acyl aspartates; acyl taurine salts; potassium coconut oil fatty acid acylglycine and sodium coconut oil fatty acid acylglycine; and alkyl ether glycol acetates such as sodium lauryl glycol acetate (sodium dodecane-1,2-diol acetate), potassium lauryl glycol acetate, sodium myristyl glycol acetate, potassium myristyl glycol acetate, sodium palmityl glycol acetate, potassium palmityl glycol acetate, sodium stearyl glycol acetate, potassium stearyl glycol acetate, sodium behenyl glycol acetate, and potassium behenyl glycol acetate.

[0115] Examples of the above-mentioned nonionic surfactants include sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters and their alkylene oxide adducts, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene alkylphenols, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl formaldehyde condensates, polyoxyethylene sterols and their derivatives, polyoxyethylene lanolin and its derivatives, polyoxyethylene beeswax derivatives, sugar esters, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and polyoxyethylene castor oil.

[0116] Examples of the above-mentioned sorbitan fatty acid esters include sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monoisostearate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, and sorbitan coconut oil fatty acid.

[0117] Examples of alkylene oxide adducts of the above-mentioned sorbitan fatty acid esters include polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoisostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monococonut oil fatty acid, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate.

[0118] The glycerol fatty acid ester described above may be a monoglycerol fatty acid ester or a polyglycerol fatty acid ester.

[0119] Examples of the above-mentioned monoglycerin fatty acid esters include glyceryl monocaprylate, glyceryl monocaprate, glyceryl monolaurate, glyceryl monomyristate, glyceryl monopalmitate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monoisostearate, glyceryl monobehenate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monoerucate, glyceryl sesquioleate, glyceryl distearate, glyceryl diisostearate, and glyceryl diarachinate.

[0120] Examples of the above-mentioned polyglycerin fatty acid esters include polyglycerin fatty acid esters with a degree of polymerization of 2 to 10, such as diglyceryl monocaprylate, decaglyceryl monocaprylate, hexaglyceryl monocaprate, tetraglyceryl monolaurate, hexaglyceryl monolaurate, decaglyceryl monolaurate, polyglyceryl monolaurate, decaglyceryl monomyristate, decaglyceryl monostearate, decaglyceryl monoisostearate, polyglyceryl monostearate, diglyceryl monooleate, hexaglyceryl monooleate, diglyceryl sesquioleate, polyglyceryl diisostearate, polyglyceryl distearate, diglyceryl triisostearate, and polyglyceryl tristearate.

[0121] Examples of alkylene oxide adducts of the above-mentioned glycerin fatty acid esters include polyoxyethylene glyceryl monostearate and polyoxyethylene glyceryl monooleate.

[0122] Examples of the above-mentioned polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers include polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene lauryl ether, polyoxypropylene cetyl ether, polyoxypropylene isocetyl ether, polyoxypropylene stearyl ether, and polyoxypropylene oleyl ether.

[0123] Examples of the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters mentioned above include polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters such as polyethylene glycol monooleate, polyethylene glycol monostearate, polyethylene glycol distearate, and polyethylene glycol monolaurate; and propylene glycol fatty acid esters such as propylene glycol monostearate, propylene glycol monolaurate, and propylene glycol monooleate.

[0124] The above amphoteric surfactants include alkylamide betaine type amphoteric surfactants such as lauric acid amidopropyl betaine and coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine; glycine type amphoteric surfactants such as alkylglycine salts, carboxymethylglycine salts, and N-acylaminoethyl-N-2-hydroxyethylglycine salt; aminopropionic acid type amphoteric surfactants such as alkylaminopropionate salts and alkyliminodipropionate salts; alkyldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, alkylamidopropyldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, and alkyldihydroxyethyl Examples include aminoacetic acid betaine-type amphoteric surfactants such as 0.aminoacetic acid betaine; sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants such as alkylhydroxysulfobetaine; imidazolinium-type amphoteric surfactants such as alkylcarboxymethylhydroxyethylimidazolinium betaine; N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylammonium-N-propyl sulfonate; N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylammonium-N-(2-hydroxypropyl) sulfonate; and N-fatty acid amidopropyl-N,N-dimethylammonium-N-(2-hydroxypropyl) sulfonate.

[0125] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the cleaning action, the above surfactant preferably includes an anionic surfactant, more preferably includes alkyl sulfate, α-olefin (C14-16) sulfonate, or acyl amino acid salt, even more preferably includes alkyl sulfate, particularly preferably includes alkyl sulfate ester, and most preferably includes sodium lauryl sulfate. The above α-olefin (C14-16) sulfonate particularly preferably includes sodium tetradecenesulfonate (C14). The number of carbon atoms in the acyl group of the above acyl amino acid salt is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 12 or more, preferably 18 or less, and more preferably 16 or less. The above acyl amino acid salt preferably includes acyl glutamate, acyl aspartate, acyl sarcosine, or acyl taurine. The above acyl amino acid salt preferably includes acidic acyl amino acid salt, more preferably includes acyl glutamate or acyl aspartate, and particularly preferably includes acyl glutamate. The above acyl glutamate salt preferably contains lauroyl glutamate, myristoyl glutamate, lauroyl glutamate, lauroyl aspartate, lauroyl sarcosine salt, or lauroyl methyl taurate salt, more preferably contains lauroyl glutamate, and even more preferably contains sodium lauroyl glutamate. The above α-olefin (C14-16) sulfonate and the above acyl amino acid salt preferably contain alkali metal salts, and more preferably contain sodium salts. The above preferred forms can further enhance the cleaning action.

[0126] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the above-mentioned cleansing agent is preferably 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably 0.3% by weight or more, even more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or less, more preferably 7% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or less. If the content of the above-mentioned cleansing agent is above the lower limit, the cleansing effect can be further enhanced. If the content of the above-mentioned cleansing agent is below the upper limit, the solubility of the above-mentioned oral care tablets in water can be enhanced. If the above-mentioned oral care tablets contain two or more types of cleansing agents, the content of the above-mentioned cleansing agent represents the total content of the cleansing agents.

[0127] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the above anionic surfactant is preferably 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably 0.3% by weight or more, even more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or less, more preferably 7% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or less. If the content of the above anionic surfactant is above the lower limit, the cleaning effect can be further enhanced. If the content of the above anionic surfactant is below the upper limit, the solubility of the above oral care tablets in water can be enhanced.

[0128] The content of the cleaning agent is preferably 3 parts by weight or more, more preferably 4 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 5 parts by weight or more, preferably 35 parts by weight or less, more preferably 30 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 25 parts by weight or less, per 100 parts by weight of the acid compound coated with the above coating agent. If the content of the cleaning agent is above the lower limit, the cleaning effect can be further enhanced. If the content of the cleaning agent is below the upper limit, the solubility of the oral care tablets in water can be enhanced.

[0129] (Abrasive) The oral care tablets described above preferably contain an abrasive. When the oral care tablets contain an abrasive, the abrasive properties can be enhanced, further improving the cleaning action.

[0130] Examples of the above-mentioned abrasives include calcium-containing abrasives, silica abrasives, carbonate abrasives, phosphate abrasives, alumina abrasives, and other abrasives. Only one type of abrasive may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0131] Examples of the calcium-containing abrasives mentioned above include calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium orthophosphate, calcium metaphosphate, calcium polyphosphate, and calcium hydroxyapatite.

[0132] Examples of the carbonate abrasives mentioned above include calcium carbonate and strontium carbonate.

[0133] Examples of the phosphate abrasives mentioned above include calcium phosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium orthophosphate, calcium metaphosphate, calcium polyphosphate, polyphosphate, and pyrophosphate.

[0134] Examples of the above-mentioned silica abrasives include fused silica, fumed silica, precipitated silica, and hydrated silica.

[0135] Examples of the above-mentioned alumina abrasives include polycrystalline alumina, calcined alumina, fused alumina, wet-milled alumina, and hydrated alumina.

[0136] Other abrasives mentioned above include diatomaceous earth, barium sulfate, wollastonite, perlite, polymethyl methacrylate particles, and Tospar.

[0137] If the above oral care tablets contain an abrasive, the above oral care tablets contain calcium carbonate or an abrasive other than calcium carbonate as the abrasive. From the viewpoint of enhancing abrasiveness, the above abrasive preferably contains calcium carbonate or silica, and more preferably contains calcium carbonate. The above oral care tablets optionally contain calcium carbonate. The above oral care tablets may or may not contain calcium carbonate.

[0138] From the viewpoint of enhancing abrasiveness, the content of the abrasive in 100% by weight of the oral care tablet is preferably 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, even more preferably 1% by weight or more, preferably 40% by weight or less, and more preferably 30% by weight or less. If the oral care tablet contains calcium carbonate, the content of the calcium carbonate is included in both the content of the carbonate compound and the content of the abrasive.

[0139] From the viewpoint of enhancing abrasive properties, the content of abrasives other than calcium carbonate in 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets is preferably 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, even more preferably 1% by weight or more, preferably 37% by weight or less, more preferably 35% by weight or less, and even more preferably 30% by weight or less.

[0140] (Other ingredients) The above oral care tablets may contain, as necessary, additives such as lubricants, flow improvers, anti-re-adhesion agents, deodorants, sweeteners other than the sugar alcohols mentioned above, flavorings, colorants, chelating agents, pH adjusters, enzymes, foam stabilizers, preservatives, antiseptics, bulking agents, excipients, disintegrants (disintegration accelerators), thickeners, anti-caking agents, and specific gravity adjusters.

[0141] Examples of the above-mentioned lubricants include sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, talc, hydrogenated oil, sucrose fatty acid ester, glycerin fatty acid ester, kaolin, calcium stearate, sucrose stearate, and magnesium stearate. One of these lubricants may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0142] Examples of the flow improving agents mentioned above include fumed silica, hydrated silica, calcium silicate, and silica. Only one of these flow improving agents may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0143] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the cleaning effect and preventing dirt from reattaching to the oral cavity, it is preferable that the above-mentioned oral care tablets contain a reattachment inhibitor.

[0144] Examples of the above-mentioned anti-re-adhesion agents include sodium polyphosphate and sodium metaphosphate. One type of anti-re-adhesion agent may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0145] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the cleaning effect and preventing dirt from reattaching to the oral cavity, it is preferable that the above-mentioned anti-reattachment agent contains sodium polyphosphate or sodium metaphosphate.

[0146] Examples of the above-mentioned deodorants include zinc chloride, sodium copper chlorophyllin, green coffee bean extract, burdock powder, tea leaf extract, bay leaf extract, persimmon tannin, perilla seed extract, and mastic resin oil. These deodorants may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0147] Other sweeteners besides the sugar alcohols mentioned above include sodium saccharin, aspartame, trehalose, stevioside, stevia extract, paramethoxycinnamic aldehyde, neohesperidyl dihydrochalcone, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and perillartin. Only one of these other sweeteners may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0148] Examples of the above-mentioned fragrances include menthol, anethole, menthone, cineole, limonene, carvone, salicylic acid, spearmint, peppermint, essential oils, and peppermint oil. Only one of these fragrances may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0149] The oral care tablets described above may or may not contain a preservative. Because the oral care tablets according to the present invention have the above configuration, even when the oral care tablets do not contain a preservative, their storage stability can be sufficiently enhanced.

[0150] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the above preservative is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 4% by weight or less, and even more preferably 3% by weight or less. When the content of the above preservative is below the above upper limit, the solubility during use can be further improved. The lower limit of the content of the above preservative is not particularly limited. In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the above preservative may be 0.5% by weight or more, or 1% by weight or more.

[0151] The oral care tablets described above may or may not contain a disintegrant (disintegration accelerator). Because the oral care tablets according to the present invention have the above configuration, even when the oral care tablets do not contain a disintegrant, their solubility during use can be sufficiently enhanced.

[0152] In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the disintegrant is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 4% by weight or less, and even more preferably 3% by weight or less. If the content of the disintegrant is below the above upper limit, the storage stability can be further enhanced. The lower limit of the content of the disintegrant is not particularly limited. In 100% by weight of the above oral care tablets, the content of the disintegrant may be 0.5% by weight or more, or 1% by weight or more.

[0153] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples and comparative examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0154] The following materials were prepared for the preparation of oral care tablets.

[0155] Carbonate compounds: Sodium bicarbonate (Tokuyama Corporation's "Sodium Bicarbonate," average particle size 200 μm)

[0156] Acid compounds: (Acid compounds coated with a coating agent) Citric acid coated with calcium citrate (Iwata Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.'s "Citrate CI", average particle size 500 μm) Citric acid coated with triglycerides (hydrogenated rapeseed oil) (Nippon Oil & Fats Co., Ltd. "Citric Acid MC-80R", average particle size 320 μm) (Acid compounds not coated by a coating agent) Citric acid (Fuso Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. "Fuso Citric Acid (anhydrous)", average particle size 450 μm)

[0157] Sugar alcohols: Erythritol A (Erythritol 50M manufactured by Bussan Food Science Co., Ltd., average particle size 42.8 μm) Erythritol B (Erythritol 16952, manufactured by Cargill Japan LLC, average particle size 400 μm) Sorbitol A (Sorbitol FP50M, manufactured by Bussan Food Science Co., Ltd., average particle size 250 μm) Sorbitol B (Sorbitol SG, manufactured by Bussan Food Science Co., Ltd., average particle size 1000 μm)

[0158] Binder: Polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000P, manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.)

[0159] Cleaning agent: Sodium lauroyl glutamate (Ajinomoto Co., Ltd.'s "Amisoft LS-11")

[0160] lubricant: Sucrose fatty acid ester (Ryoto Sugar Ester B-370F, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods Co., Ltd.)

[0161] Flow improver: Silica (Evonik Japan's "Carplex CS-500")

[0162] Fungicide: Cetylpyridinium chloride (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)

[0163] Fragrance: Menthol (from Nagaoka Jitsugyo Co., Ltd.'s "Peppermint White Oil")

[0164] (Examples 1-9 and Comparative Examples 1-5) The ingredients shown in Tables 1-3 below were mixed in the amounts shown in Tables 1-3 below, and the tablets were compressed at 30kN using a 12mm diameter mold to obtain 0.5g tablets for oral care.

[0165] (evaluation) (1) Storage stability (1-1)Hardness The hardness of five oral care tablets obtained was measured using a "Kiya-type hardness tester" manufactured by Fujiwara Seisakusho, and the average value was calculated.

[0166] (1-2) Presence or absence of puffing The 10 oral care tablets obtained were placed in a volume of 40 cm³. 3 Three test specimens were prepared, each sealed in an aluminum pouch. Each specimen was stored for one month at 25°C, 40°C, and 50°C, respectively. The presence or absence of puffing was determined for each specimen after storage according to the following criteria. Puffing was defined as the volume of the aluminum pouch after storage being 1.5 times or more the volume of the aluminum pouch before storage.

[0167] [Criteria for determining whether puffing is present or not] ○: No puffing was performed on any of the test specimens at 25℃, 40℃, and 50℃. ×: Puffing is performed on a test specimen at one of the following temperatures: 25°C, 40°C, or 50°C.

[0168] (2) Solubility during use Six oral care tablets were obtained and subjected to a disintegration test using a disintegration tester (Toyama Sangyo Co., Ltd. "Disintegration Tester NT-200") in accordance with the disintegration test method of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, under the following conditions. The average disintegration time of the oral care tablets was measured. The solubility during use was determined according to the following criteria.

[0169] Test solution: 1000 mL of water Temperature: 37℃±2℃

[0170] [Criteria for determining solubility during use] ○○: Collapse time is less than 5 minutes ○: Collapse time is 5 minutes or more but less than 10 minutes. ×: Collapse time is 10 minutes or more

[0171] The composition and results of the oral care tablets are shown in Tables 1-3 below.

[0172] [Table 1]

[0173] [Table 2]

[0174] [Table 3]

[0175] In addition, in Example 9, the average disintegration time of the oral care tablets was longer and the solubility during use was inferior compared to Examples 1-8.

Claims

1. It contains a carbonate compound, an acid compound coated with a coating agent, and a sugar alcohol. An oral care tablet wherein the average particle size of the sugar alcohol is 300 μm or less.

2. The oral care tablet according to claim 1, wherein the average particle size of the sugar alcohol is 80 μm or less.

3. The sugar alcohol includes erythritol, The oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the erythritol content is 30% by weight or more in 100% by weight of the oral care tablet.

4. The oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carbonate compound comprises sodium bicarbonate.

5. The oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acid compound coated with the coating agent comprises citric acid coated with calcium citrate or citric acid coated with triglyceride.

6. The oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oral care tablet contains a pharmacoactive ingredient.

7. The oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oral care tablet contains an alkylpyridinium salt.

8. The oral care tablet according to claim 7, wherein the alkylpyridinium salt is cetylpyridinium chloride.

9. The oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total content of the carbonate compound, the acid compound coated with the coating agent, and the sugar alcohol is 40% by weight or more in 100% by weight of the oral care tablet.

10. The oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, of the total content of the carbonate compound and the acid compound coated by the coating agent, the content of the acid compound coated by the coating agent is 10% by weight or more and 60% by weight or less.

11. Oral care tablets contain a binder, The oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of the binder is 0.1% by weight or more and 20% by weight or less in 100% by weight of the oral care tablet.

12. An oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a cleaning agent.

13. An oral care tablet according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an abrasive.

14. A tablet for oral care according to claim 1 or 2, which is a toothpaste or mouthwash.

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