Oral composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to an oral composition capable of preventing unnecessary dripping from the oral cavity in use while sufficiently exhibiting various excellent effects by a sugar alcohol.　The present invention provides an oral composition containing the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) 5-25 mass% of one or more sugar alcohols selected from erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, and reduced palatinose; (B) a condensed phosphoric acid or a salt thereof; and (C) water, wherein the ratio ((x1) / (x2)) between the helipath viscosity (x1) at 25°C and the B8H viscosity (x2) at 25°C is 1-2.7.

Description

Oral composition

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral composition.

[0002] Sugar alcohols such as erythritol and xylitol have long been known as components that can provide various effects, and are often used in oral compositions.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an oral composition containing predetermined amounts of myristoyl glutamic acid or a salt thereof, lauryl glutamic acid or a salt thereof, an alkyl sulfate, and water, and further contains erythritol to further enhance the biofilm dispersing effect and bactericidal effect. Patent Document 2 discloses an oral composition containing specific amounts of an N-acyl amino acid or a salt thereof, and pyrophosphoric acid or a salt thereof, and further describes that the addition of xylitol or the like can improve the usability.

[0004] (Patent Document 1) JP 2018-39742 A (Patent Document 2) JP 2014-12655 A

[0005] The present invention provides an oral composition containing the following components (A), (B), and (C): (A) 5% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less of one or more sugar alcohols selected from erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, and reduced palatinose; (B) condensed phosphoric acid or a salt thereof; and (C) water, wherein the ratio ((x1) / (x2)) of the Helipath viscosity at 25°C (x1) to the B8H viscosity at 25°C (x2) is 1 or more and 2.7 or less.

[0006] However, oral compositions containing such sugar alcohols tend to gradually dissolve the sugar alcohol during use, making them more likely to drip from the mouth, which may be difficult to use, especially for users who tend to salivate, and there is still room for improvement.

[0007] That is, the present invention relates to an oral composition that can prevent unwanted dripping from the oral cavity during use while fully exhibiting the various excellent effects of sugar alcohols.

[0008] Therefore, the present inventors conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and discovered an oral composition that contains a specific amount of a specific sugar alcohol such as erythritol, along with condensed phosphoric acid or a salt thereof and water, and that has unique viscosity characteristics, thereby effectively preventing dripping from the oral cavity during use while exhibiting the excellent effects of the sugar alcohol.

[0009] The oral composition of the present invention exhibits good spreadability when applied to the oral cavity, effectively prevents unwanted dripping from the oral cavity, and effectively exhibits excellent plaque dispersibility by enhancing adhesion not only to oral tissues such as teeth and gums but also to plaque, thereby enabling effective removal of plaque. Therefore, it is possible to brush teeth for long periods of time regardless of location with a comfortable feel, and to experience a satisfactory brushing sensation. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below. In the present invention, "good spreadability" in the oral cavity means that, when the oral composition of the present invention is applied to the oral cavity, the oral composition quickly spreads to every corner of the oral cavity without requiring excessive stress. Furthermore, "good adhesion" in the oral cavity means that, when the oral composition of the present invention is applied to the oral cavity, the oral composition effectively prevents unwanted dripping from the oral cavity, providing a feeling of clinging to the oral cavity. Furthermore, "good feel in use" means that the oral composition provides a good cooling sensation and effectively prevents dripping from the oral cavity, which can cause discomfort during use, providing a comfortable feel in use.

[0011] The oral composition of the present invention contains, as component (A), 5% by mass to 25% by mass of one or more sugar alcohols selected from erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, and reduced palatinose. The oral composition of the present invention can effectively prevent unwanted dripping from the oral cavity during use while ensuring the excellent plaque dispersibility derived from component (A).

[0012] Among the components (A), from the viewpoint of ensuring good adhesion in the oral cavity, exhibiting excellent plaque dispersibility, and providing a good feeling when used, one or two selected from erythritol and xylitol are preferred, and erythritol is more preferred.

[0013] From the viewpoint of achieving both excellent plaque dispersibility and a good feel when used, the content of component (A) in the oral composition of the present invention is 5% by mass or more, preferably 6% by mass or more, more preferably 7% by mass or more, even more preferably 8% by mass or more, and 25% by mass or less, preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 12% by mass or less. The content of component (A) in the oral composition of the present invention is 5% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, preferably 6 to 20% by mass, more preferably 7 to 15% by mass, and even more preferably 8 to 12% by mass.

[0014] The oral composition of the present invention contains condensed phosphoric acid or a salt thereof as component (B), which promotes the excellent plaque dispersibility provided by component (A) while ensuring good adhesion in the oral cavity.

[0015] Specific examples of such component (B) include linear polyphosphates such as pyrophosphoric acid, tripolyphosphate, and tetrapolyphosphate, and cyclic polyphosphates such as trimetaphosphoric acid, hexametaphosphoric acid, and tetrametaphosphoric acid, and examples of their salts include alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium, and ammonium salts. Among component (B), from the viewpoint of promoting the exertion of plaque dispersibility, one or more selected from pyrophosphoric acid, tripolyphosphate, hexametaphosphoric acid, and salts thereof are preferred, and sodium pyrophosphate is more preferred.

[0016] From the viewpoint of achieving both excellent plaque dispersibility and a good feel when used, the content of component (B) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.4% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.3% by mass or less. The content of component (B) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001 to 0.5% by mass, more preferably 0.005 to 0.4% by mass, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.3% by mass.

[0017] From the viewpoint of exhibiting excellent plaque dispersibility and effectively preventing the occurrence of unwanted dripping and exhibiting good adhesion, the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) ((A) / (B)) is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 15 or more, even more preferably 50 or more, and preferably 7000 or less, more preferably 4000 or less, and even more preferably 1000 or less. The mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) ((A) / (B)) is preferably 5 to 7000, more preferably 15 to 4000, and even more preferably 50 to 1000.

[0018] The oral composition of the present invention contains water as component (C), which contributes to the unique viscosity characteristics described below while ensuring appropriate solubility of component (A), and also allows the composition to maintain good spreadability in the oral cavity.

[0019] The content of component (C) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 35% by mass or more, still more preferably 38% by mass or more, preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 45% by mass or less, and still more preferably 43% by mass or less. The content of component (C) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 20 to 60% by mass, more preferably 30 to 50% by mass, even more preferably 35 to 45% by mass, and still more preferably 38 to 43% by mass.

[0020] In the present invention, the term "water" as component (C) refers to the total water content in the oral composition, including not only the purified water contained in the oral composition but also the water content of each of the components. The inclusion of such water allows the components to be dissolved or dispersed well, thereby fully achieving the desired effects. The water content can be calculated from the water content of the composition and the water content of the components, but can also be measured using a Karl Fischer moisture meter. For example, a trace moisture analyzer (manufactured by Hiranuma Sangyo Co., Ltd.) can be used as the Karl Fischer moisture meter. With this device, 5 g of the oral composition is suspended in 25 g of anhydrous methanol, and 0.02 g of this suspension is then taken and the water content is measured.

[0021] From the viewpoint of ensuring appropriate solubility of component (A) and exhibiting excellent plaque dispersibility, the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (C) ((A) / (C)) is preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.12 or more, even more preferably 0.2 or more, and preferably 0.55 or less, more preferably 0.5 or less, and even more preferably 0.45 or less. The mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (C) ((A) / (C)) is preferably 0.05 to 0.55, more preferably 0.12 to 0.5, and even more preferably 0.2 to 0.45.

[0022] From the viewpoint of achieving both excellent plaque dispersibility and a good feel when used, the mass ratio of the content of component (B) to the content of component (C) ((B) / (C)) is preferably 0.00001 or more, more preferably 0.0001 or more, even more preferably 0.0002 or more, and preferably 0.05 or less, more preferably 0.03 or less, and even more preferably 0.008 or less. The mass ratio of the content of component (B) to the content of component (C) ((B) / (C)) is preferably 0.00001 to 0.05, more preferably 0.0001 to 0.03, and even more preferably 0.0002 to 0.008.

[0023] In the oral composition of the present invention, the ratio ((x1) / (x2)) of the Helipath viscosity at 25°C (x1) to the B8H viscosity at 25°C (x2) is from 1 to 2.7. Because the oral composition of the present invention has such a unique viscosity, it exhibits good spreadability when applied to the oral cavity, while effectively preventing unnecessary dripping, enhancing adhesion within the oral cavity, and can effectively exhibit the excellent plaque dispersibility derived from component (A).

[0024] The ratio ((x1) / (x2)) of the Helipath viscosity (x1) at 25°C to the B8H viscosity (x2) at 25°C is 1 or more, preferably 1.05 or more, more preferably 1.1 or more, even more preferably 1.15 or more, still more preferably 1.18 or more, still more preferably 1.21 or more, and is 2.7 or less, preferably 2.2 or less, more preferably 1.9 or less, still more preferably 1.6 or less, and still more preferably 1.3 or less, from the viewpoint of effectively preventing unwanted sagging and exhibiting excellent adhesion while exhibiting good spreadability. In the oral composition of the present invention, the ratio ((x1) / (x2)) of the Helipath viscosity at 25°C (x1) to the B8H viscosity at 25°C (x2) is 1 or more and 2.7 or less, preferably 1.05 to 2.2, more preferably 1.1 to 1.9, even more preferably 1.15 to 1.6, still more preferably 1.18 to 1.3, and even more preferably 1.21 to 1.3.

[0025] From the viewpoint of ensuring the impartation of a specific viscosity, the helipath viscosity (x1) of the oral composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 1500 dPa·s or more, more preferably 2500 dPa·s or more, even more preferably 3500 dPa·s or more, still more preferably 4200 dPa·s or more, still more preferably 4500 dPa·s or more, preferably 10000 dPa·s or less, more preferably 9000 dPa·s or less, even more preferably 8000 dPa·s or less, still more preferably 7000 dPa·s or less, and even more preferably 5800 dPa·s or more. The Helipath viscosity (x1) of the oral composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 1500 to 10000 dPa·s, more preferably 2500 to 9000 dPa·s, even more preferably 3500 to 8000 dPa·s, still more preferably 4200 to 7000 dPa·s, and even more preferably 4500 to 5800 dPa·s.

[0026] From the viewpoint of ensuring the impartation of a specific viscosity, the B8H viscosity (x2) of the oral composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 1000 dPa·s or more, more preferably 2000 dPa·s or more, even more preferably 3200 dPa·s or more, still more preferably 3500 dPa·s or more, still more preferably 4100 dPa·s or more, preferably 8000 dPa·s or less, more preferably 7000 dPa·s or less, even more preferably 6000 dPa·s or less, still more preferably 5500 dPa·s or less, and even more preferably 5000 dPa·s or less. The B8H viscosity (x2) of the oral composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 1000 to 8000 dPa·s, more preferably 2000 to 7000 dPa·s, even more preferably 3200 to 6000 dPa·s, still more preferably 3500 to 5500 dPa·s, and even more preferably 4100 to 5000 dPa·s.

[0027] From the viewpoint of ensuring the specific viscosity, the oral composition of the present invention preferably further contains one or more binders (D) selected from sodium carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate. Among such components (D), one or two selected from sodium carboxymethylcellulose and xanthan gum are preferred, with sodium carboxymethylcellulose being more preferred.

[0028] The total content of component (D) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.4% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.8% by mass or more, still more preferably 1.2% by mass or more, preferably 3% by mass or less, more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 2% by mass or less, and still more preferably 1.4% by mass or less. The total content of component (D) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.4 to 2.5% by mass, even more preferably 0.8 to 2% by mass, and still more preferably 1.2 to 1.4% by mass.

[0029] The oral composition of the present invention may further contain anhydrous silicic acid (E). Specific examples of component (E) include one or more selected from the group consisting of abrasive silica having an oil absorption of 50 to 150 mL / 100 g, thickening silica having an oil absorption of 200 to 400 mL / 100 g, and silica having an oil absorption of more than 150 mL / 100 g but less than 200 mL / 100 g. The oil absorption indicates the amount of oil that silica can support, and is measured according to JIS K5101-13-2 (established in 2004), meaning a value determined by the amount of boiled linseed oil absorbed.

[0030] The total content of component (E) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 22% by mass or more, and preferably 35% by mass or less, more preferably 31% by mass or less, and even more preferably 27% by mass or less. The total content of component (E) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 5 to 35% by mass, more preferably 15 to 31% by mass, and even more preferably 22 to 27% by mass.

[0031] From the viewpoint of ensuring the impartation of a specific viscosity, the average particle size of component (E) is preferably 3 μm or more, more preferably 4 μm or more, even more preferably 5 μm or more, and preferably 20 μm or less, more preferably 15 μm or less, even more preferably 10 μm or less.

[0032] From the viewpoint of ensuring the impartation of a specific viscosity and effectively preventing the occurrence of unwanted sagging, the mass ratio ((E) / (D)) of the content of component (E) to the content of component (D) is preferably 1.6 or more, more preferably 8 or more, even more preferably 15 or more, and preferably 300 or less, more preferably 100 or less, even more preferably 30 or less, and still more preferably 24 or less. The mass ratio ((E) / (D)) of the content of component (E) to the content of component (D) is preferably 1.6 to 300, more preferably 8 to 100, even more preferably 15 to 30, and still more preferably 15 to 24.

[0033] The oral composition of the present invention may further contain an acylamino acid salt (F). The inclusion of such component (F) can further enhance the plaque removal effect due to the excellent plaque dispersibility derived from component (A). More specifically, component (F) is an acylamino acid salt whose acyl group is derived from a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched-chain fatty acid or a mixed fatty acid thereof, preferably a straight-chain fatty acid or a mixed fatty acid of straight-chain fatty acids. The acyl group is preferably one or more selected from lauroyl, myristoyl, palmitoyl, stearoyl, and cocoyl groups, more preferably one or more selected from lauroyl, myristoyl, and stearoyl groups, with myristoyl being even more preferred.

[0034] The amino acid moiety constituting the acylamino acid salt of component (F) may be any of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine, and may be any of the D-form, L-form, or a mixture of the D-form and L-form, with the L-form being preferred.Specific examples of such acylamino acids include one or more selected from lauroyl glutamic acid, myristoyl glutamic acid, stearoyl glutamic acid, cocoyl glutamic acid, lauroyl aspartic acid, myristoyl aspartic acid, cocoyl aspartic acid, lauroyl glycine, myristoyl glycine, stearoyl glycine, and cocoyl glycine, more preferably one or two selected from lauroyl glutamic acid, myristoyl glutamic acid, and stearoyl glutamic acid, with myristoyl glutamic acid being even more preferred.

[0035] The content of component (F) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.15% by mass or less. The content of component (F) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001 to 0.5% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 0.3% by mass, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.15% by mass.

[0036] From the viewpoint of achieving both excellent plaque dispersibility and a good feel when used, the mass ratio of the content of component (F) to the content of component (A) ((F) / (A)) is preferably 0.001 or more, more preferably 0.003 or more, even more preferably 0.006 or more, and preferably 0.05 or less, more preferably 0.03 or less, and even more preferably 0.015 or less. The mass ratio of the content of component (B) to the content of component (C) ((B) / (C)) is preferably 0.001 to 0.05, more preferably 0.003 to 0.03, and even more preferably 0.006 to 0.015.

[0037] The oral composition of the present invention may further contain one or more surfactants selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants other than the above-mentioned component (F), within a range that does not inhibit the effects of the present invention.

[0038] Specific examples of anionic surfactants other than component (F) include one or more selected from alkyl sulfate ester salts such as sodium alkyl sulfate, N-methyl long-chain acyltaurate sodium salts such as sodium N-laurylmethyltaurate, alkyl phosphates such as sodium alkylphosphate, higher fatty acid sulfonated monoglyceride salts, fatty acid ester salts of isethionic acid, and polyoxyethylene monoalkyl phosphates. Among these anionic surfactants other than component (F), one or more selected from alkyl sulfate ester salts such as sodium alkyl sulfate and N-methyl long-chain acyltaurate sodium salts such as sodium N-laurylmethyltaurate are preferred, and alkyl sulfate ester salts such as sodium alkyl sulfate are preferred.

[0039] The content of such anionic surfactants other than component (F) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.4% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.7% by mass or more, and preferably 2.5% by mass or less, more preferably 2% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1.5% by mass or less. The content of such anionic surfactants other than component (F) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 2.5% by mass, more preferably 0.4 to 2% by mass, and even more preferably 0.7 to 1.5% by mass.

[0040] Specific examples of nonionic surfactants include one or more selected from polyoxyethylene derivatives such as polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyalkyl allyl ether, polyoxyethylene distyrenated phenyl ether, and polyoxyethylene lanolin; polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, monocetyl glyceryl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, and polyoxyethylene oleyl ether; sorbitan fatty acid esters such as sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, and sorbitan monostearate; polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate; polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid esters such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan tetraoleate; polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters such as polyethylene glycol monolaurate and polyethylene glycol monooleate; alkyl glyceryl ethers such as isostearyl glyceryl ether; and glycerin fatty acid esters such as glyceryl monobehenate. Among these nonionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene derivatives and sorbitan fatty acid esters are preferred.

[0041] The content of the nonionic surfactant in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, preferably 1.5% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.7% by mass or less, and the content of the nonionic surfactant in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 1.5% by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.3 to 0.7% by mass.

[0042] Specific examples of the amphoteric surfactant include one or more selected from amidobetaine amphoteric surfactants, imidazoline amphoteric surfactants, acetate betaine amphoteric surfactants, alkylsulfobetaines, and amino acid amphoteric surfactants.

[0043] Specific examples of amidobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants include coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine and coconut oil fatty acid amidobetaine. Specific examples of imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactants include 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethylimidazolinium betaine, N-alkyl-1-hydroxyethylimidazoline betaine sodium, N-lauroyl-N'-carboxymethyl-N'-hydroxyethylethylenediamine sodium, and N-cocoyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethylethylenediamine sodium. Specific examples of acetate betaine-type amphoteric surfactants include lauryl dimethylamino acetate betaine and coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamino acetate betaine. Specific examples of alkyl sulfobetaines include lauryl sulfobetaine and lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine. Specific examples of amino acid-type amphoteric surfactants include N-lauryldiaminoethylglycine and N-myristyldiaminoethylglycine. Among these amphoteric surfactants, amidobetaine type amphoteric surfactants and coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine are preferred.

[0044] From the viewpoints of providing a firm foam, improving adhesion to dental plaque, and effectively preventing dripping from the oral cavity, the content of the amphoteric surfactant in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, preferably 2.5% by mass or less, more preferably 1.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or less. The content of the amphoteric surfactant in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 1.5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.2 to 1% by mass.

[0045] The oral composition of the present invention may further contain one or more polyhydric alcohols (G) selected from glycerin, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol, to the extent that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. From the viewpoint of achieving good spreadability, the content of such component (G) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 45% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less. The content of component (G) in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 1 to 45% by mass, more preferably 3 to 30% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 15% by mass.

[0046] The pH of the oral composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 6 or more, more preferably 6.5 or more, even more preferably 7 or more, and preferably 8.5 or less, more preferably 8 or less, and even more preferably 7.5 or less, from the viewpoints of allowing component (F), surfactants other than component (F), and the binder of component (D) to function effectively, exhibiting good spreadability, and effectively preventing unwanted dripping from the oral cavity. The pH of the oral composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 6 to 8.5, more preferably 6.5 to 8, and even more preferably 7 to 7.5. The pH of the oral composition of the present invention is a value measured at 25°C using a pH electrode.

[0047] The oral composition of the present invention may contain, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the following ingredients, to the extent that the effects of the present invention are not impaired: fluoride; medicinal ingredients such as tocopherol acetate and glycyrrhetinic acid; antibacterial agents such as cetylpyridinium chloride; fragrances; sweeteners; colorants; etc.

[0048] In relation to the above-described embodiment, the present invention further discloses the following oral composition. [1] An oral composition containing the following components (A), (B), and (C): (A) 5% to 25% by mass of one or more sugar alcohols selected from erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, and reduced palatinose, (B) condensed phosphoric acid or a salt thereof, and (C) water, wherein the ratio ((x1) / (x2)) of the Helipath viscosity at 25°C (x1) to the B8H viscosity at 25°C (x2) is 1 to 2.7. [2] The oral composition of the above [1], wherein the content of component (A) is preferably 6% by mass or more, more preferably 7% by mass or more, even more preferably 8% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 12% by mass or less. [3] The oral composition of [1] or [2] above, wherein component (B) is preferably one or more selected from pyrophosphoric acid, tripolyphosphoric acid, hexametaphosphoric acid, and salts thereof, more preferably sodium pyrophosphate. [4] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the content of component (B) is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.4% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.3% by mass or less. [5] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) ((A) / (B)) is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 15 or more, even more preferably 50 or more, and preferably 7,000 or less, more preferably 4,000 or less, and even more preferably 1,000 or less.

[0049] [6] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the content of component (C) is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 35% by mass or more, still more preferably 38% by mass or more, and preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 45% by mass or less, and still more preferably 43% by mass or less. [7] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (C) ((A) / (C)) is preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.12 or more, even more preferably 0.2 or more, and preferably 0.55 or less, more preferably 0.5 or less, and even more preferably 0.45 or less. [8] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [7] above, wherein the mass ratio ((B) / (C)) of the content of component (B) to the content of component (C) is preferably 0.00001 or more, more preferably 0.0001 or more, even more preferably 0.0002 or more, and preferably 0.05 or less, more preferably 0.03 or less, even more preferably 0.008 or less.

[0050] [9] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [8] above, wherein the ratio ((x1) / (x2)) of the Helipath viscosity at 25°C (x1) to the B8H viscosity at 25°C (x2) is preferably 1.05 or more, more preferably 1.1 or more, even more preferably 1.15 or more, still more preferably 1.18 or more, still more preferably 1.21 or more, and preferably 2.2 or less, more preferably 1.9 or less, still more preferably 1.6 or less, and still more preferably 1.3 or less.

[10] The oral composition of any one of [1] to [9] above, wherein the helipath viscosity (x1) at 25°C is preferably 1500 dPa·s or more, more preferably 2500 dPa·s or more, even more preferably 3500 dPa·s or more, still more preferably 4200 dPa·s or more, still more preferably 4500 dPa·s or more, preferably 10000 dPa·s or less, more preferably 9000 dPa·s or less, even more preferably 8000 dPa·s or less, still more preferably 7000 dPa·s or less, and even more preferably 5800 dPa·s or more.

[11] The oral composition of any one of [1] to

[10] above, wherein the B8H viscosity (x2) at 25°C is preferably 1000 dPa·s or more, more preferably 2000 dPa·s or more, even more preferably 3200 dPa·s or more, still more preferably 3500 dPa·s or more, still more preferably 4100 dPa·s or more, preferably 8000 dPa·s or less, more preferably 7000 dPa·s or less, even more preferably 6000 dPa·s or less, still more preferably 5500 dPa·s or less, and even more preferably 5000 dPa·s or less.

[0051]

[12] The oral composition of any one of [1] to

[11] above, further comprising one or more binders (D) selected from sodium carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate, wherein the content of component (D) is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.4% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.8% by mass or more, still more preferably 1.2% by mass or more, preferably 3% by mass or less, more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 2% by mass or less, and still more preferably 1.4% by mass or less.

[13] The oral composition of any one of [1] to

[12] above, further comprising silicic anhydride (E), wherein the total content of component (E) is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 22% by mass or more, preferably 35% by mass or less, more preferably 31% by mass or less, and even more preferably 27% by mass or less.

[14] The oral composition of

[12] or

[13] above, wherein the mass ratio ((E) / (D)) of the content of component (E) to the content of component (D) is preferably 1.6 or more, more preferably 8 or more, even more preferably 15 or more, and preferably 300 or less, more preferably 100 or less, even more preferably 30 or less, and still more preferably 24 or less.

[0052]

[15] The oral composition of any one of [1] to

[14] above, further comprising an acylamino acid salt (F), wherein the content of said component (F) is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.15% by mass or less.

[16] The oral composition of any one of [1] to

[15] above, further comprising one or more polyhydric alcohols (G) selected from glycerin, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol, wherein the content of said component (G) is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 45% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less.

[17] The oral composition of

[15] or

[16] above, wherein the mass ratio ((F) / (A)) of the content of component (F) to the content of component (A) is preferably 0.001 or more, more preferably 0.003 or more, even more preferably 0.006 or more, and preferably 0.05 or less, more preferably 0.03 or less, even more preferably 0.015 or less.

[0053] The present invention will be described in detail below based on examples. Unless otherwise specified in the tables, the content of each component is expressed in mass %. Each physical property was measured according to the following methods.

[0054] Helipath Viscosity Each of the resulting dentifrice compositions was packed into a container for viscosity measurement and stored in an incubator at 25°C for 24 hours. Thereafter, the viscosity was measured using a Helipath viscometer (VISCOMETER TVB-10, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with rotor T-C at a rotation speed of 2.5 rpm for 1 minute.

[0055] <<B8H Viscosity>> Each of the obtained dentifrice compositions was packed into a container for viscosity measurement and stored in an incubator at 25°C for 24 hours. Thereafter, the viscosity was measured using a B8H type viscometer (TVB-10R, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) at a rotor H7, a rotation speed of 2.5 rpm, and a time of 1 minute.

[0056] [Examples 1 to 6, Comparative Examples 1 to 3] Each oral composition was prepared according to the formulation shown in Table 1. The obtained oral compositions were then evaluated according to the methods described below. The results are shown in Table 1. The average particle size of component (E) in Examples 1 to 4 was 7.1 μm, the average particle size of component (E) in Examples 5 and 6 was 7.3 μm, and the pH of the oral compositions of Examples 1 to 6 at 25° C. was approximately 7.2.

[0057] Evaluation of Plaque Dispersibility An in vitro plaque model (three bacterial species: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii, and Actinomyces viscosus) was formed in a 24-well plate, to which 1 ml of a 2-fold diluted solution of each oral composition was added. The plate was then stirred at 600 rpm for 3 minutes using a plate shaker, followed by two washes (washing: adding 1 ml of PBS and stirring at 400 rpm for 1 minute). The amount of remaining plaque was then measured using the phenol-sulfuric acid method. Instead of adding each oral composition, the amount of remaining plaque measured by the above method after treatment with ion-exchanged water was set at 100%, and the plaque removal rate (%) was calculated based on the percentage of the remaining plaque measured after treatment with each oral composition. Plaque dispersibility was evaluated according to the following criteria. It can be concluded that the better the plaque dispersibility, the higher the plaque removal rate.

[0058] AA: Plaque removal rate is 65% or more. A: Plaque removal rate is 55% or more but less than 65%. B: Plaque removal rate is 40% or more but less than 55%. C: Plaque removal rate is 30% or more but less than 40%. D: Plaque removal rate is less than 30%.

[0059] <Evaluation of Spreadability in the Oral Cavity> 1 g of each of the obtained oral compositions was placed in the oral cavity, and brushing was started with a toothbrush. The "feeling of the oral composition spreading in the mouth (spreadability in the oral cavity)" was evaluated according to the following criteria: AA: Spread very well A: Spread well B: Spread fairly well C: Spreadability was somewhat poor D: Spreadability was poor

[0060] <Evaluation of Adhesion in the Oral Cavity> 1 g of each of the obtained oral compositions was placed in the oral cavity, and brushing was performed for 2 minutes using a toothbrush. The "feeling of the oral composition sticking to the mouth (adhesion in the oral cavity)" from the start to the end of brushing was evaluated according to the following criteria: AA: A very good feeling of sticking to the mouth was obtained. A: A good feeling of sticking to the mouth was obtained. B: A fairly good feeling of sticking to the mouth was obtained. C: The feeling of sticking was somewhat poor. D: The feeling of sticking was poor.

[0061]

[0062] Formulation Examples 1 to 7 of the oral composition of the present invention are shown in Table 2. The ratio (x1) / (x2) was in the range of 1 or more and 2.7 or less in all cases.

[0063]

[0064] Formulation examples 8 to 12 of the oral composition of the present invention are shown in Table 3.

[0065]

Claims

1. An oral composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) 5% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less of one or more sugar alcohols selected from erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol and reduced palatinose; (B) condensed phosphoric acid or a salt thereof; and (C) water, wherein the ratio ((x1) / (x2)) of the Helipath viscosity at 25°C (x1) to the B8H viscosity at 25°C (x2) is 1 or more and 2.7 or less.

2. An oral composition as described in claim 1, wherein the mass ratio ((A) / (B)) of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) is 5 or more and 7,000 or less.

3. An oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio ((A) / (C)) of the content of component (A) to the content of component (C) is 0.05 or more and 0.55 or less.

4. An oral composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising one or more binders (D) selected from the group consisting of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate.

5. An oral composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising anhydrous silicic acid (E).

6. An oral composition as described in claim 5, wherein the mass ratio ((E) / (D)) of the content of component (E) to the content of component (D) is 1.6 or more and 300 or less.

7. An oral composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising 0.001% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less of an acylamino acid salt (F).

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