Tablet-type denture cleaner

Abstract

To provide a tablet-type denture cleanser that contains a carbonate compound, an acid, and a surfactant and can inhibit the occurrence of sticking during tableting and molding.SOLUTION: Provided is a tablet-type denture cleanser, containing: (A) at least one carbonate compound selected from the group consisting of carbonate, hydrogencarbonate, and double salts of hydrogencarbonate and carbonate; (B) an acid; (C) a surfactant; and (D) limonene.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tablet-shaped denture cleanser containing a carbonate compound, an acid, and a surfactant, which can suppress the occurrence of sticking during tableting.

Background Art

[0002] Denture, regardless of whether it is a complete denture or a partial denture, is likely to be attached with bacteria, biofilm, other deposits, etc. If left uncleaned, it not only causes bad breath but may also contribute to inducing oral diseases such as periodontal disease. Therefore, as part of oral care, it is essential to clean and keep dentures clean. Bacteria and dirt attached to dentures cannot be sufficiently removed by brushing, so cleaning with a denture cleanser is important. <*********

[0003] The cleaning of dentures with a denture cleanser is generally carried out by immersing the dentures in denture cleaning water prepared by putting a solid denture cleanser into water and leaving them for a while. Conventionally, a general denture cleanser is configured as a foaming type containing a surfactant and a foaming agent (a combination of a carbonate compound and an acid). When put into water, it exhibits a chemical cleaning power due to the surfactant action and a physical cleaning power due to the foaming action, and is designed to enhance the cleaning effect.

[0004] Also, conventionally, denture cleansers are provided in various formulations such as tablets, granules, powders, etc. Among these formulation forms, tablets are easy to handle and are widely accepted by consumers. So far, various formulation technologies for improving the cleaning power and disintegration property of tablet-shaped denture cleansers have been reported (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] In tablet manufacturing, if the binding force between the components within the tablet is lower than the adhesion force between the components and the punch or die used during tableting, sticking (a phenomenon where some of the raw material adheres to the punch or die and part of the tablet peels off) is likely to occur. Therefore, it is important to increase the binding force between the components within the tablet when designing the tablet formulation. On the other hand, in tablet-type denture cleaners, if surfactants are included, the binding force between the components tends to decrease, which is a disadvantage as it makes sticking more likely to occur during tableting.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a tablet-type denture cleaner containing a carbonate compound, an acid, and a surfactant, which can suppress the occurrence of sticking during tablet molding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors of the present invention conducted diligent research to solve the aforementioned problems and found that a tablet-type denture cleaner containing limonene along with a foaming agent (carbonate compound and acid) and a surfactant can suppress the occurrence of sticking during tablet molding. The present invention was completed by further research based on this finding.

[0009] In other words, the present invention provides inventions in the following embodiments. Item 1. A tablet-type denture cleaner containing (A) at least one carbonate compound selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, and double salts of bicarbonates and carbonates, (B) an acid, (C) a surfactant, and (D) limonene. Item 2. The tablet-type denture cleaner according to Item 1, wherein the (C) surfactant is an anionic surfactant. Item 3. A tablet-type denture cleaner according to item 1 or 2, wherein the content of (D) limonene is 0.001 to 5% by weight. Item 4. A method for producing a tablet-shaped denture cleaner, comprising subjecting a raw material mixture containing (A) at least one carbonate compound selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, and double salts of bicarbonates and carbonates, (B) an acid, (C) a surfactant, and (D) limonene to a tableting step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The tablet-type denture cleaner of the present invention contains a carbonate compound, an acid, and a surfactant, yet it can suppress sticking during tablet molding, thereby reducing manufacturing losses in the tablet molding process and achieving high manufacturing efficiency in industrial production. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 1. Denture cleaner The denture cleaner of the present invention is in tablet form and is characterized by containing (A) at least one carbonate compound selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, and double salts of bicarbonates and carbonates, (B) an acid, (C) a surfactant, and (D) limonene. The denture cleaner of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0012] [(A) Carbonate compounds] The denture cleaning agent of the present invention contains at least one carbonate compound selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, and double salts of bicarbonates and carbonates. The carbonate compound acts as a component of the foaming agent and plays a role in generating carbon dioxide gas by reacting with acid during denture cleaning.

[0013] The type of carbonate used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but examples include alkali metal salts of carbonic acid such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate. The type of bicarbonate is not particularly limited, but examples include alkali metal salts of bicarbonate such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and potassium bicarbonate. Among these, sodium bicarbonate is preferred. The double salt of carbonate and bicarbonate is not particularly limited, but examples include sodium sesquicarbonate.

[0014] These carbonate compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0015] Among these carbonate compounds, sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate are preferably mentioned.

[0016] The content of the carbonate compound in the denture cleanser of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit a foaming action during denture cleaning. For example, the total amount of the carbonate compound is 5 to 60% by weight, preferably 10 to 50% by weight, more preferably 15 to 30% by weight.

[0017] [(B) Acid] The denture cleanser of the present invention contains an acid. The acid serves as a component of the foaming agent and reacts with the carbonate compound during denture cleaning to generate carbon dioxide gas.

[0018] The acid used in the present invention is preferably a solid at room temperature. The acid may be either an organic acid or an inorganic acid.

[0019] The type of the organic acid is not particularly limited. For example, citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, etc. may be mentioned. The inorganic acid is not particularly limited. For example, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid, etc. may be mentioned.

[0020] These acids may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these acids, organic acids are preferably mentioned, and more preferably citric acid and malic acid.

[0021] The ratio of the carbonate to the acid in the denture cleanser of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can react with the carbonate compound in water to generate carbon dioxide. For example, per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the carbonate compound, the total amount of the acid is 20 to 100 parts by weight, preferably 30 to 90 parts by weight, more preferably 40 to 60 parts by weight.

[0022] Regarding the acid content in the denture cleanser of the present invention, there is no particular limitation as long as it can exhibit a foaming effect during denture cleaning. For example, in terms of the total amount of acid, it is 1 to 30% by weight, preferably 2 to 25% by weight, more preferably 5 to 20% by weight.

[0023] [(C) Surfactant] The denture cleanser of the present invention contains a surfactant. The surfactant serves as a component that exhibits a chemical cleaning effect.

[0024] Regarding the type of surfactant incorporated in the denture cleanser of the present invention, there is no particular limitation as long as it can be used as a component of the cleanser. Any of anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants may be used. Among these surfactants, preferably anionic surfactants are mentioned.

[0025] Examples of anionic surfactants include α-olefin sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfoacetates, and alkanesulfonates. Specifically, α-olefin sulfonates include those having an average of 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably an average of 10 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably an average of 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and even more preferably an average of 14 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule. Examples of alkyl sulfates include alkyl sulfates having an alkyl group with an average of 8 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably an average of 8 to 16 carbon atoms. Specifically, alkylbenzene sulfonates include linear or branched alkylbenzene sulfonates having an alkyl group with an average of 8 to 16 carbon atoms. Specifically, alkyl sulfoacetates include alkanesulfonates having an average of 8 to 20 carbon atoms per molecule. Specifically, alkanesulfonates include alkanesulfonates having an average of 8 to 20 carbon atoms per molecule. Examples of salt forms of these anionic surfactants include alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium, alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium and calcium, ammonium salts, amine salts, and acid addition salts such as hydrochloride salts. Among these anionic surfactants, α-olefin sulfonates and alkyl sulfates are preferred.

[0026] In the denture cleaning agent of the present invention, one type of surfactant may be included alone, or two or more surfactants may be included in combination.

[0027] The surfactant content in the denture cleaner of the present invention is not particularly limited, as long as it can exhibit a foaming action when cleaning dentures. It can be appropriately set according to the type of surfactant used, the cleaning power to be provided, etc. For example, the total amount of surfactant is 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 7% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 5% by weight.

[0028] [(D) Limonene] The denture cleaner of the present invention contains limonene. Tablet-type denture cleaners containing carbonate compounds, acids, and surfactants have the disadvantage that sticking is likely to occur during tablet molding due to the action of the surfactant. However, the denture cleaner of the present invention overcomes this disadvantage by containing limonene, and the occurrence of sticking during tablet molding can be suppressed.

[0029] Limonene is a monocyclic monoterpene and a well-known component used in fragrances. In this invention, essential oils containing limonene may be used as limonene. Specific examples of essential oils containing limonene include lemon oil, orange oil, and grapefruit oil.

[0030] The limonene content in the denture cleaner of the present invention can be, for example, 0.001 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 3% by weight. From the viewpoint of more effectively suppressing the occurrence of sticking during tablet molding, the limonene content in the denture cleaner of the present invention can be more preferably 0.005 to 2% by weight. In this specification, the limonene content is calculated based on the amount of limonene contained in the essential oil when an essential oil containing limonene is used.

[0031] Furthermore, in the denture cleaner of the present invention, the ratio of surfactant to limonene may be any range that satisfies the respective content levels described above, but for example, 0.01 to 100 parts by weight, preferably 0.3 to 75 parts by weight, of limonene per 100 parts by weight of total surfactant. From the viewpoint of more effectively suppressing the occurrence of sticking during tablet molding, it is more preferable that 1.5 to 50 parts by weight of limonene be used per 100 parts by weight of total surfactant. Note that, when using essential oils containing limonene, the ratio of limonene described herein is a value converted to the amount of limonene contained in the essential oil.

[0032] [Porous material] The denture cleaning agent of the present invention may contain a porous material to support limonene. Any porous material that can impregnate and support limonene is acceptable, but a suitable example is a silicate. Specifically, examples of silicates include silicon dioxide, silica alumina, zeolite, calcium silicate, allophane, vermiculite, perlite, shirasu balloon, sepiolite, kaolin, snowtech, bentonite, and the like. Among these silicates, silicon dioxide is preferred. These silicates may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0033] When the denture cleaning agent of the present invention contains a porous material, the amount of the porous material can be appropriately set according to the amount of limonene to be supported, for example, 0.001 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 3% by weight, and more preferably 0.005 to 2% by weight.

[0034] [Other ingredients] The denture cleaner of the present invention may contain additives other than the above-mentioned components as needed. Examples of additives that can be incorporated into the denture cleaner of the present invention include bleaching agents, fragrances other than limonene, binders, deodorants, rust inhibitors, chelating agents, pH adjusters, enzymes, sweeteners, foaming stabilizers, preservatives, antibacterial / bactericidal agents, antiseptics, lubricants, bulking agents, excipients, disintegrants, fluidizing agents, and dyes. These components may be incorporated individually or in any combination of two or more.

[0035] [Formulation] The denture cleaner of the present invention is in tablet form. The formulation into tablets can be carried out by a commonly used tableting method. For example, a raw material mixture consisting of a carbonate compound, an acid, a surfactant, limonene, and other additives as needed can be subjected to the tableting process. Furthermore, if the denture cleaner of the present invention contains a porous material, it is desirable to impregnate the porous material with limonene and other fragrances as needed, support it, and then mix it with the other components to prepare the raw material mixture. In addition, the mixture may be granulated into granules as needed prior to the tableting process.

[0036] Furthermore, in the denture cleaner of the present invention, the weight per tablet is not particularly limited and may be set appropriately considering ease of use, however, it is desirable to set the weight of one tablet to the amount necessary for one denture cleaning. Specifically, the weight per tablet of the denture cleaner of the present invention is 1 to 4 g, preferably 2 to 3 g.

[0037] [How to use] When the denture cleaning agent of the present invention is added to water and the dentures to be cleaned are placed in it, a foaming action is exerted by the reaction of carbonate compounds and acid, and a chemical cleaning action is exerted by surfactants, thereby cleaning the dentures.

[0038] The water used when cleaning dentures with the denture cleaning agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but examples include tap water, purified water, distilled water, and physiological saline solution.

[0039] When cleaning dentures using the denture cleaning agent of the present invention, the denture cleaning agent may be added to the denture after it has been immersed in water, or the denture cleaning agent may be added to the water first and then the denture may be immersed in water.

[0040] Furthermore, when cleaning dentures, the ratio of the denture cleaner of the present invention to water is appropriately set according to the composition of the denture cleaner of the present invention, the degree of soiling of the dentures to be cleaned, etc. For example, the ratio is usually about 1 to 10 parts by weight, preferably about 1 to 5 parts by weight, of the denture cleaner to 100 parts by weight of water. More specifically, for one denture cleaning, prepare 100 to 200 mL of water and add 1 to 20 g, preferably 1 to 10 g, more preferably 1 to 5 g, of the denture cleaner of the present invention to it.

[0041] The water temperature for cleaning dentures should be around 5 to 40°C. Furthermore, the immersion time for dentures in water containing the denture cleaning agent of the present invention is typically 5 minutes to 12 hours, preferably 30 minutes to 8 hours.

[0042] Furthermore, while it is not necessary to agitate the water containing the denture cleaner during the cleaning process, agitation may be performed if necessary, and the dentures may also be scrubbed with a brush or other cleaning tool. After cleaning the dentures, rinse them with running water and, if necessary, rub them with your fingers to wash away any remaining denture cleaner residue.

[0043] 2. Denture cleaning method The present invention relates to a method for cleaning dentures using the denture cleaning agent. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning dentures by immersing them in water containing the denture cleaning agent. A specific embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for cleaning dentures as described in section "1. Denture Cleaning Agent".

[0044] 3. Methods to suppress sticking The present invention provides a method for suppressing sticking of a tablet-shaped denture cleaner containing (A) a carbonate compound, (B) an acid, and (C) a surfactant, and comprises a method of subjecting a raw material mixture containing (A) a carbonate compound, (B) an acid, (C) a surfactant, and (D) limonene to tablet molding. Specific embodiments of the present invention's sticking suppression method are as described in the "1. Denture Cleaner" section above. [Examples]

[0045] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0046] Test example Raw material mixtures with the compositions shown in Tables 1-4 were compressed into tablets using a 25mm diameter mold and tablet press (model number: CLEC1518SS7JY, manufacturer: Kikusui Seisakusho) under pre-pressure of 2.5t and main pressure of 6.5t to prepare tablet-shaped denture cleaner (2.65g per tablet). In preparing the raw material mixture, fragrances (limonene, anethole, citral, fragrance A, fragrance B) were impregnated into silicon dioxide and then mixed with the other components. Each resulting tablet was observed, and the sticking inhibition effect was evaluated according to the following criteria. <Sticking inhibition effect> ◎: Out of 108 tablets, 0 tablets exhibited sticking. ○: Out of 108 tablets, 1 to 3 tablets exhibited sticking. △: Out of 108 tablets, 4 to 10 tablets exhibited sticking. ×: Out of 108 tablets, 11 or more tablets exhibited sticking.

[0047] The results are shown in Tables 1-4. In tablet-type denture cleaners containing sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous citric acid, the occurrence of sticking was suppressed when sodium α-olefin sulfonate was not included (Reference Examples 1 and 2). On the other hand, in tablet-type denture cleaners containing sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous citric acid, when sodium α-olefin sulfonate was included but limonene was not included, sticking was observed (Comparative Examples 1-11). In contrast, in tablet-type denture cleaners containing sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous citric acid, when sodium α-olefin sulfonate and limonene were included, the occurrence of sticking was suppressed (Examples 1-14). In particular, when the limonene content was 0.05% by weight or more, a significant sticking suppression effect was observed (Examples 3-7 and 10-14).

[0048] Furthermore, in Comparative Examples 1-11 and Examples 1-14, the same results were obtained even when the surfactant (3% by weight of sodium α-olefin sulfonate and 1% by weight of sodium lauryl sulfate) was replaced with 4% by weight of sodium α-olefin sulfonate alone.

[0049] [Table 1]

[0050] [Table 2]

[0051] [Table 3]

[0052] [Table 4]

[0053] Prescription examples The raw material mixtures with the compositions shown in Table 5 were compressed into tablets using a 25φ diameter mold and tablet press (model number: CLEC1518SS7JY, manufacturer: Kikusui Seisakusho) under pre-pressure of 2.5t and main pressure of 6.5t to prepare tablet-shaped denture cleaners (2.65g per tablet). During the preparation of the raw material mixture, the fragrances (limonene, fragrance A, fragrance B) were impregnated into silicon dioxide before being mixed with the other components. Observation of the resulting tablet-shaped denture cleaners revealed that sticking was suppressed in all cases.

[0054] [Table 5]

Claims

1. A tablet-type denture cleaner containing (A) at least one carbonate compound selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, and double salts of bicarbonates and carbonates, (B) at least one acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid, and salicylic acid, (C) an α-olefin sulfonate, and (D) 0.001 to 5% by weight of limonene.

2. The tablet-type denture cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the (C)α-olefin sulfonate has an average of 14 to 16 carbon atoms in one molecule.

3. A method for producing a tablet-shaped denture cleaner, comprising subjecting a raw material mixture containing (A) at least one carbonate compound selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, and double salts of bicarbonates and carbonates, (B) at least one acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid, and salicylic acid, (C) α-olefin sulfonate, and (D) 0.001 to 5% by weight of limonene to a tableting step.

Images