Oral care composition

Abstract

The present invention provides a non-abrasive oral care composition comprising a fragrance and natural additives to provide additional properties, wherein the oral care composition further comprises a plant-derived anionic surfactant and a plant-derived nonionic surfactant to form a protective coating on the structure of the teeth. Optionally, the oral care composition also comprises a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant to stabilize the composition and enhance coating and foaming. The composition may further comprise an essential oil to provide flavor, menthol to provide a cooling sensation, a sweetener to give the composition a pleasant taste, and a preservative to prevent microbial growth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to non-abrasive oral care compositions. In particular, the present invention describes a non-abrasive, plant-derived, environmentally sustainable oral care composition capable of forming a protective coating on the tooth structure to which the oral care composition is applied.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional toothpastes have many disadvantages that are inconvenient for people. One of those disadvantages is abrasiveness. Most toothpastes available in the art contain hydrated silica or microbeads, so brushing with this type of toothpaste over a long period of time causes wear or thinning on the tooth surface, as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c. Tooth wear refers to the progressive and physical loss of dentin starting from enamel and progressing to dentin and pulp. Wear causes exposure of the pulp, the innermost layer of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves, and ultimately deactivates the tooth by penetrating the pulp. If cavities (holes) due to wear are not treated, tooth decay will occur. Furthermore, since hydrated silica microbeads are harder than enamel and dentin, they cause damage during brushing with toothpaste and increase the surface roughness of the tooth surface.

[0003] In addition, most toothpastes in the art contain sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and harsh conditions can occur in the oral cavity. SLES is derived from sulfuric acid and strips the protective natural oil from the mucosal surface, so it is highly irritating to the delicate lip mucosa. As a result, an undesirable condition such as dry lip symptoms as shown in FIGS. 1d, 1e, and 1f can occur. SLES and poloxamer 407 found in conventional toothpastes also require even longer time for biodegradation and can be harmful to the marine ecosystem. In addition, the chemical surfactants in conventional toothpastes pose a risk of interfering with the normal oral microbiota.

[0004] Furthermore, most toothpastes contain fluoride, which can cause enamel fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and nerve damage. Moreover, warnings suggesting that fluoride intake can cause enamel fluorosis and invisible skeletal fluorosis are not printed on the toothpaste. Fluorid enamel weakens the tooth structure, increases its porosity, and makes teeth more susceptible to cavities due to warping and wear.

[0005] Finally, conventional toothpaste (i) contributes to environmental degradation such as microplastic pollution. Non-biodegradable microplastics or microbeads are widely used in toothpaste, and (ii) contribute to chemical pollution. Triclosan, an antibacterial agent found in toothpaste, accumulates in water, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a new product that can overcome these shortcomings while still providing the essential features of toothpaste. For this reason, the present invention proposes an oral care composition having features that can effectively prevent the drawbacks of conventional toothpastes.

[0007] The prior art document WO2023044471A1 discloses a jam oil-in-water emulsion toothpaste composition. This prior art oil-in-water emulsion toothpaste composition has foaming properties. In addition, the toothpaste composition also uses natural surfactants, including anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, this toothpaste composition may be abrasive-free, basically abrasive-free, and / or substantially abrasive-free. This oil-in-water emulsion toothpaste composition can provide abrasive-free cleaning because a) it can rapidly release any detergent or bleaching agent that may be present in the aqueous phase, and b) it may have a hydrophobic phase that can remove or bleach stains, plaque, calculus, biofilm, and / or bacteria through an oil-pulling or bleaching mechanism. In addition, in response to consumer awareness that these surfactants can cause harsh conditions in the oral cavity, the conventional oil-in-water emulsion toothpaste composition prevents dry lips by being free, essentially free, and / or substantially free of sulfates, alkyl sulfates, and / or sodium lauryl sulfate. However, the conventional oil-in-water emulsion toothpaste composition does not form a protective coating on enamel, cervical dentin, and the surface of ceramic or zirconia crowns. It also uses poloxamer as a nonionic surfactant and a thickener that takes a long time to biodegrade. Furthermore, it contains fluoride, which can cause enamel fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and neuropathy.

[0008] Korean prior art document KR20180071348A discloses a mouthwash containing partially hydrolyzed plant proteins that, for example, restore or prevent tooth erosion, promote tooth remineralization, and / or enhance the anti-cariogenic effect of fluoride. This invention produces foam. However, it does not form a protective coating on enamel, cervical dentin, and ceramic or zirconia crown surfaces. Abrasives such as hydrated silica are also used as polishing agents. The anionic surfactants used in this invention include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate ether, which are harsh on the delicate mucous membranes of the lips. In addition, poloxamers such as poloxamer 407, poloxamer 188, and poloxamer 338 are also used as nonionic surfactants, and fluoride is also contained.

[0009] None of the above-mentioned prior arts form a protective coating on the surfaces to which these prior inventions are applied, particularly on oral cavity parts such as enamel, cervical dentin, and the surfaces of ceramic or zirconia crowns.

[0010] Protective coatings are effective because they increase the thickness of the surface layer, prevent abrasion, protect against stains, and reduce hypersensitivity of cervical dentin, thus protecting against acidic foods. This invention is innovative in the oral care sector because it effectively provides these features. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention relates to a non-abrasive oral care composition comprising a fragrance and a natural additive that provides additional properties, wherein the oral care composition further comprises a plant-derived anionic surfactant and a plant-derived nonionic surfactant to form a protective coating on the structure of the tooth to which the oral care composition is applied. The aforementioned plant-derived anionic surfactant is sodium cocoyl apple amino acid. It is a non-abrasive oral care composition.

[0012] The oral care composition preferably further contains a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant to stabilize the composition and enhance coating and foaming.

[0013] The plant-derived amphoteric surfactant is preferably cocamidopropyl betaine.

[0014] The compositional range of the plant-derived amphoteric surfactant is preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight.

[0015] The compositional range of the plant-derived anionic surfactant is preferably 0.3 to 6% by weight.

[0016] The plant-derived nonionic surfactant is preferably lauryl glucoside or vegetable glycerin.

[0017] The compositional range of the plant-derived nonionic surfactant is preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight.

[0018] The composition is preferably a liquid that can be dispensed as a foam.

[0019] The composition preferably further comprises essential oils that provide flavor, menthol that provides a cooling sensation, and a sweetener that gives the composition a pleasant taste.

[0020] The composition preferably contains a preservative that prevents the growth of microorganisms.

[0021] The present invention consists of features and combinations of parts fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications can be made in detail without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the effects of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These drawings only show typical embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope. The present invention will be further described and explained in more specific and detailed manner through the following accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figures 1a to 1c show clinical photographs of wear on the tooth surface after using abrasive toothpaste.

[0024] Figures 1d to 1f show clinical photographs of lip dryness symptoms caused by SLES and SLS during abrasive toothpaste use.

[0025] Figure 2a shows in vitro scanning electron microscope (SEM) images at magnifications of 100 times, 500 times, and 1000 times of the differences in the smoothness of enamel bodies on the tooth surface in each case of brushing with the toothpaste form according to the present invention before brushing or at baseline, brushing with abrasive toothpaste, The composition consists of 3% by weight of a plant-derived anionic surfactant, 0.8% by weight of a plant-derived nonionic surfactant, and 0.7% by weight of a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant. and brushing with the toothpaste form according to the present invention. When brushing with the toothpaste form according to the present invention, a remarkable coating can be seen on the tooth surface.

[0026] Figure 2b shows in vitro scanning electron microscope (SEM) images at magnifications of 100 times, 500 times, and 1000 times, The composition consists of 3% by weight of a plant-derived anionic surfactant, 0.8% by weight of a plant-derived nonionic surfactant, and 0.7% by weight of a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant. showing that there are fewer scratches on the enamel surface after applying the toothpaste form.

[0027] Figure 2c shows in vitro scanning electron microscope (SEM) images at magnifications of 100 times, 500 times, and 1000 times of the enamel surface of the tooth after brushing before brushing or at baseline, after brushing with abrasive toothpaste, The composition consists of 3% by weight of a plant-derived anionic surfactant, 0.8% by weight of a plant-derived nonionic surfactant, and 0.7% by weight of a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant. and after brushing with the toothpaste form according to the present invention. After brushing with the toothpaste form according to the present invention, the minute scratches and enamel bodies are filled with a protective coating, and the scratches are significantly reduced.

[0028] Figures 3a to 3d show images of in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) tests on enamel, indicating that the thickness of the toothpaste foam coating increased with each successive application of the toothpaste foam. The composition consists of 3% by weight of a plant-derived anionic surfactant, 0.8% by weight of a plant-derived nonionic surfactant, and 0.7% by weight of a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant. This shows that the thickness of the toothpaste foam coating increased with each successive application of the toothpaste foam.

[0029] Figures 3e and 3f show images of in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) tests on enamel, indicating that plaque was present at the baseline in the initial stage. The composition consists of 3% by weight of a plant-derived anionic surfactant, 0.8% by weight of a plant-derived nonionic surfactant, and 0.7% by weight of a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant. This shows that a thick coating of toothpaste foam was observed on the tooth surface as the toothpaste foam was applied, indicating that the thickness of the toothpaste foam coating increased with each successive application of the toothpaste foam.

[0030] Figures 3g to 3i show images of in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) tests on ceramic crowns, indicating that plaque was present at the baseline in the initial stage. The composition consists of 3% by weight of a plant-derived anionic surfactant, 0.8% by weight of a plant-derived nonionic surfactant, and 0.7% by weight of a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant. This shows that a thick coating of toothpaste foam was observed on the tooth surface as the toothpaste foam was applied, and further indicates that the coating thickness increased when the toothpaste foam was applied after brushing with toothpaste paste, indicating that the thickness of the toothpaste foam coating increased with each successive application of the toothpaste foam.

[0031] Figures 4a to 4d show in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) test images of the dentin surface after brushing with the toothpaste foam according to the present invention, after applying citric acid for 30 seconds, and after applying citric acid for 60 seconds, at the cervical wear baseline. The composition consists of 3% by weight of a plant-derived anionic surfactant, 0.8% by weight of a plant-derived nonionic surfactant, and 0.7% by weight of a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant. This shows in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) test images of the dentin surface after brushing with the toothpaste foam according to the present invention, after applying citric acid for 30 seconds, and after applying citric acid for 60 seconds, at the cervical wear baseline.

[0032] Figure 4e shows an in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) test image of the dentin surface treated with citric acid for cervical wear after reapplying the toothpaste foam of the present invention. The thickness of the surface coating increased significantly again after reapplying the toothpaste foam. The composition consists of 3% by weight of a plant-derived anionic surfactant, 0.8% by weight of a plant-derived nonionic surfactant, and 0.7% by weight of a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant. This shows an in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) test image of the dentin surface treated with citric acid for cervical wear after reapplying the toothpaste foam of the present invention. The thickness of the surface coating increased significantly again after reapplying the toothpaste foam.

[0033] Figures 5a to 5e show in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) images indicating the presence of toothpaste foam on enamel, ceramic crowns, and dentin after specific time intervals, demonstrating the persistence of the toothpaste foam. The composition consists of 3% by weight of a plant-derived anionic surfactant, 0.8% by weight of a plant-derived nonionic surfactant, and 0.7% by weight of a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant. This shows in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) images indicating the presence of toothpaste foam on enamel, ceramic crowns, and dentin after specific time intervals, demonstrating the persistence of the toothpaste foam. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] This invention relates to non-abrasive oral care compositions in general. In particular, this invention describes non-abrasive, plant-derived, and environmentally friendly oral care compositions that can form a protective coating on the structure of teeth to which the composition is applied.

[0035] Hereafter, the non-abrasive oral care composition according to the present invention will be described in detail according to preferred embodiments. The use of preferred embodiments to describe the present invention is solely for the purpose of facilitating the discussion of the invention and should be understood as being conceived without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the non-abrasive oral care composition is preferably a liquid dispensed as a foam. This foam form is particularly advantageous when the composition is used for oral care. Toothbrushing is typically divided into four quadrants: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. When toothpaste is used, it can run out before the last quadrant is brushed, affecting cleaning efficiency. On the other hand, the foam according to the present invention is contained in a toothpaste foam bottle and requires two full pumps for those 12 years of age and older, and one full pump for those under 12 years of age. The recommended method is to put the foam into the mouth and then rinse with the foam for 5-10 seconds to spread the foam to all four quadrants simultaneously. This prevents the toothpaste from running out prematurely before all four quadrants are brushed, as is often the case with toothpaste. The present invention is environmentally friendly by using refillable packaging and encouraging the use of reusable foam bottles.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the non-abrasive oral care composition includes a fragrance. Examples of fragrances include green tea oil, vanilla extract, buttermilk, coffee extract, fruit, tea, lime, anise, chamomile, litsea, cucumber mint, grapefruit, and mandarin. The fragrance is preferably derived from natural resources, as natural fragrances do not contain chemicals or toxins that are harmful when ingested or come into contact with the skin. In addition, the non-abrasive oral care composition also includes natural additives to provide additional properties. Examples of natural additives include sodium chloride (for adjusting the sweetness balance), white vinegar (to obtain a finer foam), allantoin (for irritation prevention), carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum, agar, ascorbic acid, gelatin, carnauba wax, and lecithin. The non-abrasive oral care composition further includes essential oils to provide flavor. Examples of essential oils include spearmint oil, jasmine oil, chamomile oil, lavender oil, patchouli, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, frankincense oil, orange oil, lemongrass oil, and bergamot oil. In addition, the non-abrasive oral care composition also includes menthol to provide a refreshing sensation. Menthol is preferably obtained from menthol crystals, corn mint oil, peppermint oil, or other natural resources to provide a minty flavor. The non-abrasive oral care composition also preferably includes preservatives to prevent microbial growth. Examples of preservatives include 99% ethanol, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, ethylparaben, and methylparaben. In addition, the non-abrasive oral care composition also includes sweeteners to give the composition a pleasant taste. Examples of sweeteners include sodium saccharin, brown rice syrup, agave nectar, honey, date sugar, molasses, maple syrup, molasses, stevia, and sorghum syrup.

[0038] This non-abrasive oral care composition is characterized by further comprising a plant-derived anionic surfactant and a plant-derived nonionic surfactant to form a protective coating on the structure of the tooth to which the composition is applied. Preferably, the non-abrasive oral care composition further comprises a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant to stabilize the composition and enhance coating and foaming. Preferably, this plant-derived amphoteric surfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine. This is chosen because, in addition to its excellent foaming agent function, it can also function as a thickening agent. It also has a bactericidal effect. Preferably, the composition range of the plant-derived amphoteric surfactant is 0.1 to 3% by weight. More preferably, this composition range is 0.5 to 1% by weight.

[0039] This type of plant-derived anionic surfactant is preferably sodium cocoyl apple amino acid. Alternatively, other types of amino acids such as sodium cocoyl methyl taurate, potassium cocoyl glycinate, sodium taurine cocoyl methyl taurate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, and sodium cocoyl glycinate can also be used as anionic surfactants. Conventional oral care compositions available in this field, such as toothpaste, use anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which are surfactants that produce foam. However, SLES and SLS are produced from sulfuric acid, which depletes natural oils from the mucosal surface and thus adversely affects the fragile mucous membrane of the lips. As a result, this leads to dry lips as shown in Figures 1d to 1f, resulting in undesirable consequences such as cracked lips, worsening bad breath, bleeding, stomatitis, taste disorders, mucous saliva, increased dryness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, periodontal disease, redness, swelling, and problems with denture fitting.

[0040] This invention uses sodium cocoyl apple amino acid as an anionic surfactant, which is gentle on the oral cavity and lip mucosa. It also has moisturizing properties and can improve the feel of the surface it imparts. Since sodium cocoyl apple amino acid is a plant-derived natural surfactant, it is biodegradable and contributes to environmental sustainability. When used in oral care, natural plant-derived surfactants do not disrupt the balance of the oral microbiota. The composition range of the plant-derived anionic surfactant is preferably 0.3 to 6% by weight. This composition range is more preferably 2 to 3% by weight.

[0041] The preferred nonionic surfactant of this type is lauryl glucoside. Lauryl glucoside is chosen as the nonionic surfactant because it is an excellent co-surfactant with good foaming properties and is gentle on mucous membranes. Another alternative that can be used as a nonionic surfactant is vegetable glycerin. In addition to acting as a nonionic surfactant, vegetable glycerin also acts as an emulsifier because it has excellent emulsifying properties. Alternatively, other members of the alkyl polyglucoside (APG) functional group can also be used as nonionic surfactants. Some examples include coco glucoside, caprylyl-capryl glucoside, caprylyl-decyl glucoside, hexyl glucoside, isooctyl glucoside, and decyl glucoside. The composition range of the plant-derived nonionic surfactant is preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight. This composition range is more preferably 0.5 to 1% by weight.

[0042] The inventive feature of non-abrasive oral care compositions is their ability to form a protective coating on the structure of the tooth to which the composition is applied. This protective coating is a noteworthy and innovative feature because it provides several solutions to existing problems caused by current oral care products, such as toothpaste. One solution that the protective coating provides is its ability to increase surface smoothness and prevent tooth wear. This is because the protective coating, when formed on the surface of enamel, cervical dentin, and ceramic or zirconia crowns, can create a long-lasting protective coating that fills the micropores of enamel bodies and dentin tubules with continuous brushing twice a day. This increases the smoothness of the tooth surface and prevents wear.

[0043] Conventional toothpastes contain hydrated silica or microbeads with a hardness value of 5-7 on the Mohs scale. Enamel has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, while dentin has a hardness of 3-4 on the Mohs scale. Therefore, prolonged brushing with toothpaste can cause thinning or abrasion of the tooth surface, particularly the exposed dentin at the cervical surface. Many adult patients suffer from multiple abrasion cavities as a result of brushing with toothpaste containing hydrated silica or microbeads. This abrasion creates numerous scratches on the tooth surface. The protective coating of the oral care composition according to the present invention solves this problem by penetrating into and covering such scratches.

[0044] The protective coating effect of the oral care composition in preventing wear is demonstrated in Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c. Figure 2a shows in vitro scanning electron microscope (SEM) images at 100x, 500x, and 1000x magnification of the difference in enamel body smoothness on the tooth surface before brushing or baseline, after brushing with toothpaste, and after brushing with the toothpaste foam according to the present invention. A noticeable coating is visible on the tooth surface when brushing with the toothpaste foam according to the present invention. After brushing with toothpaste (center column of Figure 2a), the enamel body appears to be smoother. However, after applying the toothpaste foam according to the present invention (right column of Figure 2a), the enamel body shows even clearer smoothness, indicating the appearance of a noticeable coating on the tooth surface. Figure 2b shows in vitro scanning electron microscope (SEM) images at 100x, 500x, and 1000x magnification, showing that the enamel surface after applying the toothpaste foam according to the present invention (right column of Figure 2b) has fewer scratches compared to the initial wear before brushing (left column of Figure 2b). Furthermore, Figure 2c shows in vitro scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the tooth enamel surface at 100x, 500x, and 1000x magnification before brushing or at baseline (left column of Figure 2c), showing scratches on the enamel surface. The right column of Figure 2c shows that after brushing with the toothpaste foam according to the present invention, the scratches are significantly reduced due to the micro-scratches and the protective coating that has penetrated the enamel bodies.

[0045] The protective coating's ability to prevent wear and reduce surface roughness was further demonstrated through in vitro 3D Alicona testing performed on extracted teeth. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0046] [Table 1]

[0047] [Table 2]

[0048] As shown in Table 1, the surface roughness data reveals a remarkable change in tooth enamel. At baseline, the average surface roughness was measured at 0.365 μm ± 0.154 μm. After using the toothpaste foam according to the present invention, there was a clear decrease in roughness, averaging 0.262 μm ± 0.068 μm, indicating a smoother tooth surface. Interestingly, when toothpaste was applied before brushing, the surface roughness increased slightly to 0.310 μm ± 0.102 μm, but remained below the baseline value, suggesting that even this combination can contribute to smoother enamel compared to the initial state.

[0049] Regarding Table 2, at the initial baseline, the average surface roughness was measured at 0.243 μm ± 0.045 μm. After application of toothpaste, the surface roughness increased to an average of 0.288 μm ± 0.035 μm, showing a slight increase in surface texture. Interestingly, when toothpaste foam was applied after brushing, the surface roughness decreased to 0.272 μm ± 0.037 μm, suggesting that this combination contributed to smoother enamel compared to baseline, although it remained slightly elevated compared to the initial measurement after toothpaste alone. In addition, this protective coating formed by the oral care composition can reduce extrinsic tooth stains caused by food, drink, and smoking because it seals enamel bodies and dentinal tubules.

[0050] Figures 3a to 3i show the formation of a protective coating after the application of toothpaste foam. Figures 3a to 3d show images from in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) tests performed on enamel, showing that the thickness of the toothpaste foam coating increased with each successive application of toothpaste foam, from the baseline plaque thickness of 32 μm to 48 μm (first application of toothpaste foam) to 50 μm (second application of toothpaste foam) and 56 μm (third application of toothpaste foam). Next, Figures 3e and 3f show images from in vivo OCT tests performed on enamel, showing that plaque was present at baseline in the initial stage (plaque thickness of 24 μm). After the application of toothpaste foam, a thick coating of toothpaste foam was observed on the tooth surface. This thickness increased to 48 μm. Regarding Figures 3g to 3i, the images from the in vivo OCT test performed on the ceramic crowns show that in the initial stage, plaque was present at baseline (plaque thickness was 24 μm), a thick coating of toothpaste foam was observed on the tooth surface after application of toothpaste foam (thickness increased to 40 μm), and this thickness further increased to 40.79 μm after brushing with toothpaste and then applying toothpaste foam.

[0051] Furthermore, the protective coating formed by this oral care composition can protect cervical dentin from erosion caused by acidic foods and drinks. This is because the oral care composition uses organic ingredients, while acids react more strongly with inorganic substances. This was demonstrated in in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) tests performed on the dentin surface of cervical abrasion samples, as shown in Figures 4a-4e, where citric acid was added to the dentin surface of cervical abrasion samples from three teeth. Two of these teeth were upper first premolars, and one of these was an upper canine. Baseline OCT images shown on the dentin surface of cervical abrasion samples indicated a surface layer thickness in the range of 4 μm to 16 μm. The surface layer thickness on the dentin surface of cervical abrasion samples increased after the application of toothpaste foam to a range of 18 μm to 28 μm. Subsequently, lime juice was used to perform citric acid treatment on the dentin surface of cervical abrasion samples for 30 seconds and 60 seconds. The thickness of the surface layer decreased after lime juice was applied to the dentin surface with cervical abrasion, ranging from 13 μm to 26 μm. Subsequently, when toothpaste foam was applied to the citric acid-treated dentin surface with cervical abrasion, the thickness of the surface layer increased, ranging from 20 μm to 25 μm.

[0052] This study demonstrated that applying the toothpaste foam according to the present invention increased the thickness of the surface layer on the dentin surface of cervical abrasion, while citric acid treatment with lime juice decreased its thickness. However, when the toothpaste foam according to the present invention was applied to the dentin surface of cervical abrasion treated with citric acid, the thickness of the surface layer increased again. This study implies a dynamic interaction between the toothpaste foam and the citric acid treatment in terms of their effect on the thickness of the surface layer on the dentin surface of cervical abrasion. This indicates that the toothpaste foam plays a role in protecting the dentin surface of cervical abrasion.

[0053] The protective coating formed by this oral care composition can protect cervical dentin from erosion caused by acidic foods and drinks. Therefore, the protective coating reduces the osseotropic activity in the dentinal tubules that trigger cervical dentin hypersensitivity, thus reducing cervical dentin hypersensitivity. This is highly desirable for people with dental conditions characterized by dentin hypersensitivity, where consuming acidic, hot, or cold foods causes severe pain, limiting their food choices and significantly reducing their quality of life.

[0054] Another advantage of protective coatings formed by oral care compositions is their versatility. These protective coatings can be formed on natural tooth structures such as enamel and cervical dentin, the surfaces of ceramic or zirconia crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, and synthetic tooth structures such as composites. Therefore, they can be widely applied to various tooth structures, making them valuable products in the oral care industry.

[0055] In addition, most conventional toothpastes contain fluoride, which poses a risk of ingestion, especially to children. Long-term fluoride intake can cause enamel fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and cognitive impairment. Fluoride has also been found to be neurotoxic. Because this invention does not contain fluoride, it is beneficial to tooth structure, skeletal structure, and the nervous system. The protective coating formed by this invention replaces the function of fluoride in conventional toothpastes in preventing tooth decay.

[0056] Furthermore, chemical surfactants such as SLES and poloxamer 407 found in conventional toothpastes require even longer periods for biodegradation and can be harmful to marine ecosystems. Because this invention uses biodegradable natural surfactants, it can protect the environment and guarantee environmental sustainability.

[0057] The persistence of the toothpaste foam according to the present invention is also shown in Figures 5a-5e through in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) testing. This study included three cases, in which OCT images were taken on four teeth in two cases and on three crowns in the third case. In the first case, OCT images were taken 30 hours after the foam was applied to the enamel surface. In the second case, baseline OCT images were taken, followed by images taken 16 hours after the foam was applied to the surface of the ceramic crown. In the third case, baseline and OCT images were taken 36 hours after the foam was applied to the dentin surface.

[0058] In the first case, OCT images were taken on teeth 11_ETF, 12_ETF, 21_ETF, and 22_ETF (Figures 5a and 5b), showing the presence of toothpaste foam on all four enamel surfaces both at baseline and 30 hours after application. The thickness of the toothpaste foam varied, ranging from 18.66 μm to 34.66 μm at baseline and from 16.00 μm to 66.66 μm 30 hours after application. In the second case, OCT images were taken on teeth 11_ETF, 12_ETF, 21_ETF, and 22_ETF (Figures 5c and 5d), revealing the presence of toothpaste foam on the surfaces of all four ceramic crowns both at baseline and 16 hours after application. The thickness of the toothpaste foam varied, ranging from 5.33 μm to 21.33 μm at baseline and expanding to a range of 5.33 μm to 32.00 μm 16 hours after application. In the third case, OCT images were taken at cervical abrasion dentin 14_ETF, 23_ETF, and 24_ETF (Figure 5e), showing the presence of toothpaste foam on all three dentin surfaces both at baseline and 36 hours after application. The thickness of the toothpaste foam varied, ranging from 8.00 μm to 24.00 μm at baseline and expanding to a range of 12.00 μm to 44.00 μm 36 hours after application.

[0059] Based on the findings in this study, it can be inferred that the foam exhibits persistence across various tooth surfaces. On enamel surfaces, the toothpaste foam remained present for 30 hours after application, exhibiting a thickness range of 16.05 μm to 80.04 μm. Similarly, on dentin surfaces, the toothpaste foam persisted from baseline to 36 hours, with variations in thickness. Even on ceramic crown surfaces, the toothpaste foam was detected at both baseline and 16 hours, exhibiting a range of thicknesses. This demonstrates the potential persistence and sustained presence of the toothpaste foam on enamel, dentin, and ceramic crown surfaces, highlighting its promising properties for dental applications.

[0060] The optimal combination of three different types of plant-derived natural surfactants (anionic surfactants, non-ioin surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants) creates a synergistic effect that reduces the surface tension of dirt and achieves excellent foaming properties. This synergistic effect enables gentle, non-abrasive, and effective teeth cleaning that is kind to the oral mucosa and protects teeth by forming a durable protective coating. Similar results can be achieved by using only plant-derived anionic and nonionic surfactants, but the absence of amphoteric surfactants in the oral care composition results in reduced teeth cleaning and protective coating performance.

[0061] The protective coating formed on the tooth surface by this invention is a novel and groundbreaking solution that protects the tooth structure from acidic foods, extrinsic stains, and physical abrasion from brushing, and reduces tooth hypersensitivity in exposed cervical dentin. Therefore, it can reduce the wasteful consumption of materials used in treating abrasion cavities, cervical dentin hypersensitivity, polishing extrinsic stains, and treating lip dryness caused by SLES during toothpaste application. In addition, the use of plant-derived surfactants and raw materials with good biodegradability helps protect the environment. Together, these advantages provided by this invention contribute to achieving environmental sustainability.

[0062] The present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its fundamental characteristics. The embodiments described herein are considered in all respects only as examples and not as limiting. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is indicated not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications made in the same sense and scope as those in the claims are included within that scope. Throughout this specification, unless otherwise required by context, the word “includes” or variations such as “included” or “contains” implies that it includes the elements or group of elements mentioned, and does not imply the exclusion of any other elements or group of elements. Accordingly, in the context of this specification, the term “contains” is used in an inclusive sense and means “in principle it includes, but not necessarily only those.”

Claims

1. A non-abrasive oral care composition, Fragrances that give off a scent, It contains natural additives that provide additional properties, The oral care composition is a non-abrasive oral care composition that further comprises a plant-derived anionic surfactant and a plant-derived nonionic surfactant in order to form a protective coating on the structure of a tooth to which the oral care composition has been applied.

2. The non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 1, further comprising a plant-derived amphoteric surfactant to stabilize the composition and enhance coating and foaming.

3. The non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 2, wherein the aforementioned plant-derived amphoteric surfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine.

4. The non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 2, wherein the composition range of the plant-derived amphoteric surfactant is 0.1 to 3% by weight.

5. The non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned plant-derived anionic surfactant is sodium cocoyl apple amino acid.

6. The non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition range of the plant-derived anionic surfactant is 0.3 to 6% by weight.

7. The non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned plant-derived nonionic surfactant is lauryl glucoside or vegetable glycerin.

8. The non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition range of the plant-derived nonionic surfactant is 0.1 to 3% by weight.

9. The non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a liquid dispensed as a foam.

10. The non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 1, further comprising an essential oil that provides flavor, menthol that provides a cooling sensation, and a sweetener that gives the composition a pleasant taste.

11. The composition is a non-abrasive oral care composition according to claim 1, comprising a preservative that prevents the growth of microorganisms.

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