Oral care compositions

Abstract

Oral care compositions and, particularly oral care compositions having an improved hardening temperature are disclosed herein. In accordance with an aspect, provided is an oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

Description

Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OCORAL CARE COMPOSITIONSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 715,245, titled Oral Care Compositions, which was filed on November 1, 2024, the contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Oral care compositions, such as dentifrice compositions, can typically include one or more ingredients for maintaining the health of the oral cavity. Consumers have become aware of and desiring oral care compositions that also maintain the aesthetics of their teeth.

[0003] Teeth can become discolored by foods, drinks, and tobacco use. Dental stains can be classified as either extrinsic, which occur on the outer surface of teeth, or intrinsic, which occur below the surface of enamel. Dental stains can be classified as either extrinsic, which occur on the outer surface of teeth, or intrinsic, which occur below the surface of enamel. Most abrasive containing toothpaste remove extrinsic stains. Peroxide oxidizing agents can bleach both extrinsic and intrinsic stains and so provide fast and superior whitening efficacy compared to abrasive methods.

[0004] While whitening dentifrices containing peroxide oxidizing agents may be useful for reducing stains, oxidizing agents are highly reactive and such whitening dentifrices often suffer from being hard and non-squeezable. Thus, it can be difficult to obtain oral care compositions having whitening agents, a minimal amount of water, and desirable rheological properties.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is intended merely to introduce a simplified summary of some aspects of one or more implementations of the present disclosure. Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. This summary is not an extensive overview, nor is it intended to identify key or critical elements of the present teachings, nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure. Rather, its purpose is merely to present one or more concepts in simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description below.

[0006] Aspects of the invention are directed to oral care compositions and, particularly oral care compositions adapted to have a reduced hardening temperature. In accordance with an aspect ofDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC the invention, provided is an oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylenepolyoxyethylene block copolymer; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; water in an amount up to 1 wt.%; and optionally, a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is an oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; water in an amount up to 1 wt.%; and optionally, a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0008] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, provided is an oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; potassium nitrate; water in an amount up to 1 wt.%; and optionally, a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, provided is an oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant; potassium nitrate; water in an amount up to 1 wt.%; and optionally, a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0010] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, provided is a salt hydrate for use in the manufacture of an oral care composition to reduce the hardening temperature of the oral care composition, the oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; water in an amount up to 2 wt.%; and optionally, a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0011] Preferably, the salt hydrate consists of aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate,Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof. Tn certain preferred embodiments, the salt hydrate comprises or consists of aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof.

[0012] A list of non-limiting embodiments in accordance with aspects of the invention is provided below:

[0013] In accordance with an embodiment 1, provided is an oral care composition comprising: one or more thickening agent; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0014] In accordance with an embodiment 2, provided is an oral care composition comprising: one or more thickening agent; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0015] In accordance with an embodiment 3, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the aluminum nitrate hydrate comprises A1(NC>3)3 • 9 H2O.

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment 4, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the zinc nitrate hydrate comprises Zn(NO2)2• 6 H2O.

[0017] In accordance with an embodiment 5, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the calcium chloride hydrate comprises CaCl2• 6 H2O.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment 6, provided is the oral care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the salt hydrate is present in an amount from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%.

[0019] In accordance with an embodiment 7, provided is the oral care composition according to any foregoing embodiment further comprising: a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment 8, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 7, wherein the whitening agent consists of peroxymonosulfate.Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC

[0021] In accordance with an embodiment 9, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 7 or embodiment 8, wherein the perooxymonosulfate comprises sodium peroxymonosulfate, potassium peroxymonosulfate, or a combination thereof.

[0022] In accordance with an embodiment 10, provided is the oral care composition according to any one of embodiment 7 to embodiment 9, wherein the perooxymonosulfate is present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%.

[0023] In accordance with an embodiment 11, provided is the oral care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, further comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof.

[0024] In accordance with an embodiment 12, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 11, wherein the stearate and / or acid thereof comprises sodium stearate, potassium stearate, zinc stearate, ammonium stearate, stearic acid, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0025] In accordance with an embodiment 13, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 11 or embodiment 12, wherein the stearate and / or acid thereof is present in an amount from about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%.

[0026] In accordance with an embodiment 14, provided is the oral care composition according to any one of embodiments 11-13, wherein the oral care composition has a weight ratio of the peroxymonosulfate to the stearate and / or acid thereof of about 1.5:1 to about 1:4.

[0027] In accordance with an embodiment 15, provided is the oral care composition according to any one of embodiments 1 or 3-14, wherein the polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer is present in an amount from about 25 to about 45 wt.%.

[0028] In accordance with an embodiment 16, provided is the oral care composition according to any one of embodiments 2-14, wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises an alkoxylated fatty alcohol.

[0029] In accordance with an embodiment 17, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 16. wherein the alkoxylated fatty alcohol is selected from Cs-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohols.

[0030] In accordance with an embodiment 18, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 16 or embodiment 17, wherein the alkoxylated fatty alcohol is selected from Cio-16 alkoxylated fatty alcohols.

[0031] In accordance with an embodiment 19, provided is the oral care composition according to any one of embodiments 16-18, wherein the alkoxylated fatty alcohol is an ethoxylated fattyDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC alcohol.

[0032] In accordance with an embodiment 20, provided is the oral care composition according to one of embodiments 16-19, wherein the alkoxylated fatty alcohol is an ethylene oxide / propyelene oxide / PO addition product.

[0033] In accordance with an embodiment 21, provided is the oral care composition according to any one of embodiments 1 or 3-20. wherein the solvent system comprises ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymer, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0034] In accordance with an embodiment 22, provided is the oral care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the oral care composition comprises less than about 0.5 wt.% of water.

[0035] In accordance with an embodiment 23, provided is the oral care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the oral care composition is substantially free of or free of added water.

[0036] In accordance with an embodiment 24, provided is the oral care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the oral care composition is a dentifrice.

[0037] In accordance with an embodiment 25, provided is the oral care composition according to any foregoing embodiment, wherein the potassium hydrate comprises KNO3 • 1 H2O.

[0038] In accordance with an embodiment 26, provided is an oral care composition comprising: one or more thickening agent; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; potassium nitrate; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0039] In accordance with an embodiment 27, provided is an oral care composition comprising: one or more thickening agent; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol; potassium nitrate; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0040] In accordance with an embodiment 28, provided is the oral care composition according to embodiment 26 or embodiment 27 further comprising: a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate.Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC

[0041] In accordance with an embodiment 29, provided is an oral care composition comprising: a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate; one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0042] In accordance with an embodiment 30. provided is an oral care composition comprising: a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate; one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0043] In accordance with embodiment 31, provided is a method for reducing the color of an enamel substrate comprising: applying to an enamel substrate an oral care composition according to any one of embodiments 7-25 and 28-30.

[0044] In accordance with an embodiment 32, provided is a salt hydrate for use in the manufacture of an oral care composition to reduce the hardening temperature of the oral care composition, the oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; water in an amount up to 1 wt.%; and optionally, a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0045] In accordance with an embodiment 33, provided is the salt hydrate for use in the manufacture of an oral care composition according to embodiment 32, wherein the oral care composition has a hardening temperature that is about 12% lower than an oral care composition without the salt hydrate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Implementation of the present technology will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

[0047] FIG. 1 is a graph of a non-limiting exemplary viscosity curve that can be used to determineDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC the hardening temperature of an oral care composition in accordance with an aspect of the invention; and

[0048] FIG. 2 is a graph of viscosity cures for non-limiting example oral care compositions and a comparative oral care composition in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0049] It should be understood that the various aspects are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] For illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by referencing various exemplary embodiments thereof. Although certain embodiments of the invention are specifically described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable to, and can be employed in other compositions and methods. Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of any particular embodiment disclosed herein. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0051] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise. The singular form of any class of the ingredients refers not only to one chemical species within that class, but also to a mixture of those chemical species. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” may be used interchangeably. The term “include” should be interpreted as “include, but are not limited to”. The term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but are not limited to”.

[0052] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as subranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

[0053] The term “about” when referring to a number means any number within a range of 10% of the number. For example, the phrase “about 2 wt.%” refers to a number between and including 1.8 wt.% and 2.2 wt.%.Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC

[0054] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0055] The abbreviations and symbols as used herein, unless indicated otherwise, take their ordinary meaning. The abbreviation “wt.%” means percent by weight with respect to the oral care composition. The symbol “°” refers to a degree, such as a temperature degree or a degree of an angle. The symbols “h”, “min”, “mL”, “nm”, and “pm” refer to hour, minute, milliliter, nanometer, and micrometer, respectively. The abbreviation “UV-VIS” referring to a spectrometer or spectroscopy, means Ultraviolet- Visible. The abbreviation “rpm” means revolutions per minute.

[0056] When referring to chemical structures, and names, the symbols “C”, “H”, and “O” mean carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, respectively. The symbols “=” and “=” mean single bond, double bond, and triple bond, respectively.

[0057] “Volatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of less than about 100° C. “Nonvolatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of greater than about 100° C.

[0058] Any member in a list of species that are used to exemplify or define a genus, may be mutually different from, or overlapping with, or a subset of, or equivalent to, or nearly the same as, or identical to, any other member of the list of species. Further, unless explicitly stated, such as when reciting a Markush group, the list of species that define or exemplify the genus is open, and it is given that other species may exist that define or exemplify the genus just as well as, or better than, any other species listed.

[0059] The phrases, “a mixture thereof,” “a combination thereof,” or a combination of two or more thereof’ do not require that the mixture include all of A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A, B,C, D, E, and F may be included). Rather, it indicates that a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C,D, E, and F can be included. In other words, it is equivalent to the phrase “one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C. D, E, F, and a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F.” Likewise, the term “a salt thereof’ also relates to “salts thereof.” Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof,” it indicates that that one or more of A, B, C, D, and F may be included, one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included, or a mixture of any two of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included.Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC

[0060] All components and elements positively set forth in this disclosure can be negatively excluded from the claims. In other words, the oral care compositions of the instant disclosure can be free or essentially free of all components and elements positively recited throughout the instant disclosure. In some instances, the oral care compositions of the present disclosure may be substantially free of non-incidental amounts of the ingredient(s) or compound(s) described herein. A non-incidental amount of an ingredient or compound is the amount of that ingredient or compound that is added into the oral care composition by itself. For example, an oral care composition may be substantially free of a non-incidental amount of an ingredient or compound, although such ingredient(s) or compound(s) may be present as part of a raw material that is included as a blend of two or more compounds. Further, an added ingredient and / or added compound refers to the amount of that that ingredient or compound that is added into the oral care composition by itself.

[0061] Some of the various categories of components identified may overlap. In such cases where overlap may exist and the oral care composition includes both components (or the composition includes more than two components that overlap), an overlapping compound does not represent more than one component. For example, certain compounds may be characterized as both a polyol and a sweetener. If a particular oral care composition recites both a polyol and a sweetener, xylitol will serve only as either a polyol or a sweetener — not both.

[0062] For readability purposes, the chemical functional groups are in their adjective form; for each of the adjectives, the word “group” is assumed. For example, the adjective “alkyl” without a noun thereafter, should be read as “an alkyl group.”

[0063] Aspects of the invention are directed to oral care compositions and, particularly oral care compositions adapted to have a reduced hardening temperature. Without being limited to any particular theory, the inventors discovered that rheological properties, such as the hardening temperature, of certain oral care compositions having about 1 wt.% of water or less and a solvent system, such as those described herein, can be advantageously modified using certain salt hydrates in particular amounts. The reduction of the hardening temperature may be particularly beneficial in certain oral care compositions, such as those described herein having about 1 wt.% of water or less, a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate, and a solvent system described herein. The hardening temperature for the oral care composition in accordance with aspects of the invention may be reduced by about 12% or more, as compared to an oral care composition withoutDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC the salt hydrate (e.g., having a hole in the formulation instead of the salt hydrate). Tn some preferable embodiments, the hardening temperature is reduced for the oral care composition in accordance with aspects of the invention by about 15% or more, about 18% or more, about 23% or more, about 28% or more, or about 33% or more, as compared to an oral care composition without the salt hydrate (e.g., having a hole in the formulation instead of the salt hydrate).

[0064] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, provided is an oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0065] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is an oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%. wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0066] Preferably, the oral care compositions have about 0.8 wt.% or less of added water, preferably about 0.5 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.3 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.1 wt.% or less, or preferably about 0.01 wt.% or less of added water, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. The oral care composition may be substantially free of or free of added water. For instance, in some preferred embodiments, the oral care compositions have 0 wt.% of added water, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, the oral care compositions may preferably be formulated to have a total amount of water of about 0.8 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.5 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.3 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.1 wt.% or less, or preferably about 0.01 wt.% or less, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. In some embodiments, the oral care compositions are substantially free or free of water (e.g., 0 wt.%, of water, based on the total weight of the oral care composition).

[0068] The oral care compositions may be in the form of dentifrice, toothpaste, mouthwash, gels, varnishes, leave-on products (e.g., in the form of a gel, varnish, etc.), and / or the like. Leave onDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC products may also include an oral care composition in the form of a ribbon, strip, tape, film, transparent or opaque, in single or multi dose format. In some embodiments, such Leave on Products may not have a backing layer, and be dissolved or dispersed upon contact with saliva in a predetermined amount of time and / or rate. In some embodiments, such Leave on Products may be dissolved or disintegrated in about 30 seconds or less, about 1 min or less, about 2 min or less, about 3 min or less, about 5 min or less, about 10 min or less or at a rate of about 0.5 grams / min (g / min) or less, 1 g / min or less, 1.5 g / min or less, about 2 g / min or less, about 3 g / min or less, about 5 g / min or less, about 10 g / min or less, about 15 g / min or less or about 30 g / min or less. Suitable components, such as those listed below, may be included or excluded from the formulations for the oral care compositions depending on the specific combination of other ingredients and the form of the oral care compositions. Additionally or alternatively, the oral care compositions may in some embodiments have a single phase, which contains that components and / or ingredients of the oral care composition. In other embodiments, the oral care composition may include two or more phases, such as two. three, four, or five phases.

[0069] Additionally, the oral care compositions typically comprise a salt hydrate. The salt hydrate typically comprises aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the salt hydrate comprises aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the salt hydrate is selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, and a combination thereof. In at least one preferred embodiment, the salt hydrate is selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, and a combination thereof. The oral care compositions may be free of other alkali salts other than the salt hydrates described herein, perooxymonosulfate salts, anti-calculus agents, and abrasives.

[0070] In at least one preferred embodiment, the salt hydrate is selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitrate hydrate (e.g., A1(NC>3)3 • x H2O) and / or zinc nitrate hydrate (e.g., Zn(NOs)2 • x H2O). The aluminum nitrate hydrate, in some embodiments, preferably comprises or consists of A1(NO3)3 • 9 H2O. The zinc nitrate hydrate, in some embodiments, preferably comprises or consists of Zn(NOs)2 • 6 H2O. In another preferred embodiment, the salt hydrate consists of calcium chloride hydrate (e.g., CaCh • x H2O). The calcium chloride hydrate, in some embodiments,Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC preferably comprises or consists of CaCh • 6 H2O. The potassium nitrate hydrate, in some embodiments, preferably comprises or consists of KNO3 • 1 H2O.

[0071] The salt hydrate may be present in the oral care composition in an amount from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral composition. For example, the total amount of salt hydrate in the oral care composition may, preferably, be from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 16 wt.%. about 0.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%; from about 1.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 16 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 10 wt.%, about1.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 5 wt.%; from about 3 to about 20 wt.%, about 3 to about 16 wt.%, about 3 to about 12 wt.%, about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%; from about 4.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 4.5 to about 16 wt.%, about 4.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 4.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 4.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 4.5 to about 6 wt.%; from about 6 to about 20 wt.%, about 6 to about 16 wt.%, about 6 to about 12 wt.%, about 6 to about 10 wt.%; from about 9 to about 20 wt.%, about 9 to about 16 wt.%, about 9 to about 12 wt.%; from about 12 to about 20 wt.%, about 12 to about 16 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0072] In some embodiments, in addition to or alternatively to the salt hydrate, the oral care composition may comprise potassium nitrate. The potassium nitrate may be the only non-salt hydrate in the oral care composition in some preferred embodiments. The potassium nitrate may be present in an amount from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral composition. For example, the total amount of potassium nitrate in the oral care composition may, preferably, be from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 16 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%; from about 1.5 to about 20 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 16 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 8 wt.%. about 1.5 to about 6 wt.%. about1.5 to about 5 wt.%; from about 3 to about 20 wt.%, about 3 to about 16 wt.%, about 3 to about 12 wt.%, about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%; from about 4.5 to about 20 wt.%, about4.5 to about 16 wt.%, about 4.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 4.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 4.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 4.5 to about 6 wt.%; from about 6 to about 20 wt.%, about 6 to about 16 wt.%, about 6 to about 12 wt.%, about 6 to about 10 wt.%; from about 9 to about 20 wt.%, about 9 to about 16 wt.%, about 9 to about 12 wt.%; from about 12 to about 20 wt.%, about 12 to about 16 wt.%, orDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0073] In addition to one or more salt hydrate and / or the potassium nitrate, the oral care compositions typically include a solvent or preferably a solvent system. For example, oral care composition may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or any range or subrange thereof, of solvent(s). In some cases, the oral care composition may comprise a plurality of solvents ranging from 2 to 7, 2 to 6, 2 to 5, 2 to 5, or 2 to 4; 3 to 7, 3 to 6, 2 to 5, or 3 to 5 of solvents. The plurality of solvents may be selected from polyols, fatty alcohols, and polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymers. In some embodiments, the oral care composition has a solvent system consisting of one or more polyol, one or more alkoxylated fatty alcohol, and / or one or more polyoxypropylenepolyoxyethylene block copolymer. The solvent system may comprise at least one polyol and at least one polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer. In some embodiments, the oral care composition has a solvent system consisting of one or more polyol, one or more fatty alcohol, and / or one or more polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer. In certain instances, the solvent system comprises at least one polyol and at least one alkoxylated fatty alcohol. For example, the oral care composition may have a solvent system consisting of one or more polyol and / or one or more alkoxylated fatty alcohol.

[0074] The total amount of solvent present in the oral care composition may be from about 30 to about 70 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the total amount of solvent(s) in the oral care compositions may have from about 30 to about 65 wt.%, about 30 to about 60 wt.%, about 30 to about 55 wt.%, about 30 to about 50 wt.%, about 30 to about 45 wt.%; from about 40 to about 70 wt.%, about 40 to about 65 wt.%, about 40 to about 60 wt.%. about 40 to about 55 wt.%, about 40 to about 50 wt.%; from about 45 to about 70 wt.%, about 45 to about 65 wt.%, about 45 to about 60 wt.%, about 45 to about 55 wt.%, about 45 to about 50 wt.%; from about 50 to about 70 wt.%, about 50 to about 65 wt.%, about 50 to about 60 wt.%, about 50 to about 55 wt.%; from about 55 to about 70 wt.%, about 55 to about 65 wt.%, about 60 to about 70 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0075] The solvent or solvent system, in certain preferred embodiments, comprises a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer. The polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene lock copolymer may have an average molecular weight of about 3,000 to about 20,000 g / mol, about 3,000 to about 17,000 g / mol, about 3,000 to about 15,000 g / mol, about 3,000 to about 13,000Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC g / mol, about 3,000 to about 1 1 ,000 g / mol, about 3,000 to about 9,000 g / mol, about 3,000 to about 7,000 g / mol; from about 6,000 to about 20,000 g / mol, about 6,000 to about 17,000 g / mol, about 6,000 to about 15,000 g / mol, about 6,000 to about 13,000 g / mol, about 6.000 to about 11,000 g / mol, about 6,000 to about 9,000 g / mol; from about 9,000 to about 20,000 g / mol, about 9,000 to about 17,000 g / mol, about 9,000 to about 15,000 g / mol, about 9,000 to about 13,000 g / mol, about 9,000 to about 11,000 g / mol; from about 11.000 to about 20,000 g / mol, about 11,000 to about 17,000 g / mol, about 11,000 to about 15,000 g / mol, about 11,000 to about 13,000 g / mol; from about 13,000 to about 20,000 g / mol, about 13,000 to about 17,000 g / mol, about 13,000 to about 15,000 g / mol; from about 15,000 to about 20,000 g / mol, about 15,000 to about 17,000 g / mol, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0076] The solvent and / or solvent system may include a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer in an amount from about 15 to about 50 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the total amount of polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer in the oral care compositions may have about 15 to about 45 wt.%, about 15 to about 40 wt.%, about 15 to about 35 wt.%, about 15 to about 30 wt.%, about 15 to about 25 wt.%, about 15 to about 22 wt.%; from about 25 to about 50 wt.%, about 25 to about 45 wt.%, about 25 to about 40 wt.%, about 25 to about 35 wt.%, about 25 to about 31 wt.%, about 25 to about 28 wt.%; from about 30 to about 50 wt.%, about 30 to about 40 wt.%, about 30 to about 35 wt.%; from about 35 to about 50 wt.%, about 35 to about 40 wt.%, about 40 to about 50 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0077] Additionally or alternatively, the solvent(s) may comprise one or more polyols in addition to polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymers and / or polyethylene glycolpolypropylene glycol copolymer. In some embodiments, the oral care composition has a solvent system comprising a plurality of polyols. The polyol(s) may be chosen from glycols or compounds with numerous hydroxyl groups. The one or more polyols may be liquid at ambient temperature (25 °C). Examples of polyols that may be included in, or in some embodiments excluded from, the oral care composition include glycerin, glycol, inositol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), a PEG-PPG copolymer, a saccharide (e.g., fructose, glucose, sucrose and mixtures of saccharides, such as honey), or a combination of two or more thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the one or more polyol(s) comprises ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexyleneDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymer, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0078] One or more of the polyols may be a humectant such as, e.g., a glycol, sorbitol, glycerin, inositol, maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), a saccharide (e.g., fructose, glucose, sucrose and mixtures of saccharides, such as honey), and a combination of two or more thereof. Preferably, the oral care composition is substantially free of or free of glycerin and / or diglycerin.

[0079] In some cases, the oral care composition includes or excludes one or more polyol selected from the group consisting of C2-C32 polyols. The one or more polyols may have from 2 to 32 carbon atoms, from 3 to 16 carbon atoms, or from 3 to 12 carbon atoms. For example, the oral care composition may include or exclude one or more of the following polyols: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diglycerin, diethylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol. Additional, non-limiting examples of polyols that may, optionally, be included in the oral care include and / or may be chosen from alkanediols such as 1,2,6-hexanetriol, trimethylolpropane, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2- butene-l,4-diol, 2-ethyl-l,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, caprylyl glycol, 1,2- hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, and 4-methyl-l,2-pentanediol; glycol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, 1 -methyl- 1 -methoxybutanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, propylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, sorbitol, sorbitan, triacetin, and a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, the solvent may include polyol(s) having a molecular weightDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC of from about 100 to 5000 g / mol. For instance, the polyol may comprise a polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, a block polymer of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymer, or a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the polyol comprises a polypropylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, and / or a block polymer of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 100 to about 900, about 200 to about 800. about 400, about 1500 to about 2500. about 2000 to about 4500 or any range or subrange thereof. In some embodiments, the polyol is a polyethylene glycol, such as polyethylene glycol 400 or polyethylene glycol 600. In some embodiments, the oral care composition comprises one or more polyethylene glycols, e.g., polyethylene glycols in a molecular weight range from 200 to 800. For example, the compositions may comprise one or more of polyethylene glycol 200. polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol, 600 or polyethylene glycol 800.

[0081] As noted above, the oral care composition may have a solvent system comprising a plurality of polyols. For example, the solvent system may comprise two or more polyols selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymer, and a combination of two or more thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the solvent system may have a polyol system comprising two or more of propylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol (PPG), a polyethylene glycol (PEG), a block copolymer of PPG and PEG, and / or a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymer. The polyol system may comprise propylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol copolymer, or a combination of two or more thereof. In at least one embodiment, the polyol system consists of two or more of propylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol (PPG), a polyethylene glycol (PEG), and / or a PEG-PPG copolymer.

[0082] Preferably, the solvent system comprises or consists of a polyoxypropylenepolyoxyethylene block copolymer, a polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol / polypropylene glycol copolymer, or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the solvent system comprises or consists of a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer, a polyethylene glycol, and a polyethylene glycol / polypropylene glycol copolymer, such as those described above.Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC

[0083] The solvent and / or solvent system, in certain embodiments, comprises one or more alkoxylated fatty alcohol. The alkoxylated fatty alcohol may be selected from Cx-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohols. For instance, the alkoxylated fatty alcohol may be a Cs-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a Cs-20 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a Cs is alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a Cs 16 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a Cs-i4 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a Cs-i2 alkoxylated fatty alcohol; a C10-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C10-20 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a Cio-is alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C10-16 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C10-14 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C10-12 alkoxylated fatty alcohol; a C12-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C12-20 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C12-18 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C12-16 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C12-14 alkoxylated fatty alcohol; a C14-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C14-20 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C14-18 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C14-16 alkoxylated fatty alcohol; a C16-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C16-20 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C16-18 alkoxylated fatty alcohol; a C18-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a C18-20 alkoxylated fatty alcohol, or a C20-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohol. The alkoxylated fatty alcohol may be an ethoxylated fatty alcohol. In some embodiments, the alkoxylated fatty alcohol is an ethylene oxide / propyelene oxide / PO addition product.

[0084] The amount of alkoxylated fatty alcohol in the oral care composition may be about 15 wt.% or more, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the alkoxylated fatty alcohol may be present in an amount from about 15 to about 60 wt.%, about 15 to about 50 wt.%, about 15 to about 45 wt.%. about 15 to about 40 wt.%, about 15 to about 37 wt.%, about 15 to about 34 wt.%, about 15 to about 31 wt.%, about 15 to about 28 wt.%, about 15 to about 25 wt.%; from about 20 to about 60 wt.%, about 20 to about 50 wt.%, about 20 to about 45 wt.%, about 20 to about 40 wt.%, about 20 to about 37 wt.%, about 20 to about 34 wt.%, about 20 to about 31 wt.%, about 20 to about 28 wt.%; from about 25 to about 60 wt.%, about 25 to about 50 wt.%, about 25 to about 45 wt.%, about 25 to about 40 wt.%, about 25 to about 37 wt.%, about 25 to about 34 wt.%, about 25 to about 31 wt.%; from about 30 to about 60 wt.%, about 30 to about 50 wt.%, about 30 to about 45 wt.%, about 30 to about 40 wt.%, about 30 to about 37 wt.%, about 30 to about 34 wt.%; from about 36 to about 60 wt.%, about 36 to about 50 wt.%, about 36 to about 45 wt.%; from about 39 to about 50 wt.%, about 39 to about 45 wt.%, about 42 to about 50 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0085] The oral care composition typically comprises one or more thickening agent(s) in an amount from about 0.5 to about 18 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OCFor instance, the total amount of the one or more thickening agent may be from about 0.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1 to about 14 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1.5 to about 14 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 8 wt.%. about 1.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 2 wt.%; from about 3 to about 15 wt.%, about 3 to about 12 wt.%, about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%, about 3 to about 6 wt.%; from about 5 to about 18 wt.%, about 5 to about 14 wt.%, about 5 to about 12 wt.%, about 5 to about 10 wt.%, about 5 to about 8 wt.%; from about 7 to about 18 wt.%, about 7 to about 14 wt.%, about 7 to about 12 wt.%, about 7 to about 10 wt.%; from about 9 to about 18 wt.%, about 9 to about 14 wt.%, about 9 to about 12 wt.%, from about 10 to about 18 wt.%, about 10 to about 14 wt.%, about 10 to about 12 wt.%; from about 12 to about 18 wt.%, about 12 to about 15 wt.%, about 14 to about 18 wt.%. or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0086] Thickening agents may be referred to as “thickeners” or “viscosity modifying agents.” Thickening agents are typically included to increase the viscosity of the oral care compositions. Nonetheless, in some instances, certain thickening agents provide additional, surprising benefits to the oral care compositions. The oral care composition may typically comprise a thickening system comprising one or more thickening agent(s), such as those selected from a polysaccharide, a silica thickener, a stearate and / or acid thereof, an acrylate, acrylate derivatives, a polyacrylic acid, a polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyitaconates, an acrylamides, a salt there of, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0087] Preferably, the oral care composition has a thickening system comprising a silica thickener. Silica thickeners are typically physically and functionally distinct from the particulate silica abrasives as the silica thickeners are very finely divided and provide little or no abrasive action. In certain preferred embodiments, the one or more thickening agent comprises a silica thickener. For instance, the oral care composition may have a thickening system comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof and a silica thickener. The silica thickener may comprise a fumed silica.

[0088] The one or more thickening agent may include a silica thickener in an amount up to 14 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For instance, the silica thickener mayDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC be present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.4 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.8 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt.%; from about 1.4 to about 14 wt.%. about 1.4 to about 10 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 7 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 3 wt.%; from about 2 to about 14 wt.%, about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 7 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 3 to about 14 wt.%, about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 7 wt.%, about 3 to about 5 wt.%, about 3 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 14 wt.%, about 4 to about 10 wt.%. about 4 to about 7 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%, about 4 to about 5 wt.%; from about 5 to about 14 wt.%, about 5 to about 10 wt.%, about 5 to about 7 wt.%, about 5 to about 6 wt.%; from about 7 to about 14 wt.%, about 7 to about 10 wt.%; from about 9 to about 14 wt.%, about 9 to about 10 wt.%; from about 10 to about 14 wt.%, about 10 to about 12 wt.%. or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0089] Preferably, the one or more thickening agents comprise a polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone generally refers to a polymer containing vinylpyrrolidone (e.g., N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidione, and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone) as a monomeric unit. The monomeric unit may include a polar imide group, four non-polar methylene groups, and a non-polar methane group. The polyvinyl pyrrolidone may have an average molecular weight in the range 5,000 to 100,000. The polyvinyl pyrrolidone may be a crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone (crosslinked PVP).

[0090] The polyvinyl pyrrolidone may be present in an amount of about 0.4 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.4 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.8 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt.%; from about 1.4 to about 10 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 7 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.4 to about 3 wt.%; from about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 7 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 7 wt.%, about 3 to about 5 wt.%, about 3 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 7 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%, about 4 to about 5 wt.%; from about 5 to about 10 wt.%, about 5Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC to about 7 wt.%, about 5 to about 6 wt.%, about 7 to about 10 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0091] Additional examples of thickening agents, which may be included or excluded from embodiments of the oral care composition include polysaccharides, such as cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionate carboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl hydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulose sulfate, carrageenan, or a combination of two more thereof. Natural gums such as karaya, gum arabic, xanthan gum, and gum tragacanth can also be incorporated. Colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate can also be used as a component of the thickening composition to further improve the composition's texture. For instance, in certain preferred embodiments, the oral care composition is substantially free of or free of cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionate carboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl hydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulose sulfate, carrageenan, and / or polysaccharides as a whole. Additionally, the oral care compositions may be preferably free of karaya, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, xanthan gum, and / or natural gum as a whole.

[0092] Examples of acrylates that may optionally, be included or excluded from the oral care composition, include isobutyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl / tridecyl acrylate, cetyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, 2-methoxyethyl acrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate, 2-ethoxyethoxyethyl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, 1,4-butanediol acrylate, or a combination of two or more thereof. The acrylate may be chosen from diacrylates. In some embodiments, the diacrylate is chosen from 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, tetraethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, ethoxylated bisphenol-A, and a combination of two or more thereof. Triacrylate monomers include trimethylol propane, ethoxylated, glyceryl propoxy, and pentaerythritol.

[0093] Acrylates further include methacrylates, such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, tert-butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, alkyl methacrylate, tridecyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, cyclohexylDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC methacrylate, benzyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2- hydroxypropyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, allyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol methacrylate, triethylene glycol methacrylate, tetraethylene glycol methacrylate, 1,3- butyleneglycol methacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol methacrylate, trimethylopropane methacrylate, ethoxyethyl methacrylate, trifluoroethyl methacrylate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0094] Examples of acrylamides include, but are not limited to, acrylamide, methacrylamide and di(Ci-C3o) alkyl-acrylamides and -methacrylamides such as those of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and the like. N-substituted acrylamides that may be suitable include N- ethylacrylamide, N-tert-butylacrylamide, N-tert-octylacrylamide, N-octylacrylamide, N- decylacrylamide, N-dodecylacrylamide and the corresponding N-substituted methacrylamides. Other N-substituted acrylamides include N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, N-methylacrylamide, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, N-isobutoxymethylacrylamide, N,N- dimethylacrylamide. and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the one or more thickening agents comprises a fatty acid, a salt thereof, and / or a fatty ester thereof (e.g., a stearate). The one or more thickening agent may comprises one or more of a fatty acid, a fatty ester thereof, and / or a salt thereof. The one or more fatty acid, fatty ester thereof, and / or salt thereof may be selected from C12-24 fatty acids, C12-22 fatty acids, C12-20 fatty acids. C12-18 fatty acids; from C14-24 fatty acids, C14-22 fatty acids, C14-20 fatty acids, C14-18 fatty acids; from C16-24 fatty acids, C16-22 fatty acids, C16-20 fatty acids, C16-18 fatty acids, fatty ester(s) thereof, and / or a salt(s) thereof.

[0096] In some preferred embodiments, the thickening agents comprise or consist of one or more fatty acid, fatty ester thereof, or salt thereof comprises a stearate and / or an acid thereof. The stearate and / or an acid thereof may comprise potassium stearate, ammonium stearate, zinc stearate, stearic acid, or a combination of two or more thereof. In some instances, the stearate and / or an acid thereof is selected from a salt, such as sodium stearate, potassium stearate, ammonium stearate, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fatty acid, ester thereof, and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of sodium stearate, potassium stearate, ammonium stearate, zinc stearate, stearic acid, or a combination of two or more thereof. In further embodiments, the fatty acid and / or salt may comprise or consist of sodium stearate and / or stearic acid. In at least one preferred embodiment, the one or moreDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC thickening agent comprises or consists of sodium stearate.

[0097] The total amount of fatty acid, fatty ester, and / or salt thereof (e.g., the stearate and / or acid thereof) is preferably present from 0.5 to about 18 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For instance, the total amount of fatty acid(s), fatty ester(s), and / or salt thereof(s) (e.g., the stearate and / or acid thereof) present in the oral care composition may be from about 0.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%. about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1 to about 14 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%. about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1.5 to about 14 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 2 wt.%; from about 3 to about 15 wt.%, about 3 to about 12 wt.%, about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%, about 3 to about 6 wt.%; from about 5 to about 18 wt.%, about 5 to about 14 wt.%, about 5 to about 12 wt.%, about 5 to about 10 wt.%, about 5 to about 8 wt.%; from about 7 to about 18 wt.%, about 7 to about 14 wt.%, about 7 to about 12 wt.%, about 7 to about 10 wt.%; from about 9 to about 18 wt.%, about 9 to about 14 wt.%, about 9 to about 12 wt.%, from about 10 to about 18 wt.%, about 10 to about 14 wt.%, about 10 to about 12 wt.%; from about 12 to about 18 wt.%, about 12 to about 15 wt.%, about 14 to about 18 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0098] In at least one embodiment, the oral care composition includes sodium stearate, potassium stearate, ammonium stearate, zinc stearate, stearic acid, or a combination thereof in an amount disclosed above with reference to fatty acid and / or salt thereof.

[0099] In some embodiments, the one or more thickening agent consists of the stearate and / or acid thereof and, optionally, a silica thickener and / or polyvinyl pyrrolidone. In certain embodiments, the one or more thickening agent consists of the stearate and / or acid thereof and, optionally, a silica thickener. In at least one instance, the thickening system consists of a stearate and / or acid thereof and a silica thickener.

[0100] In preferred embodiments, the oral care compositions comprise a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate. The total amount of whitening agent(s) present in the oral care composition may be from about 0.1 to about 12 wt.%. based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the whitening agent(s) may be present in the oral care composition inDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC an amount from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%. about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1 to about 12 wt.%, about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%. about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%. about 1 to about 3 wt.%; from about 2 to about 12 wt.%, about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 7 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; from about 3 to about 12 wt.%, about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%, about 3 to about 7 wt.%, about 3 to about 6 wt.%, about 3 to about 5 wt.%, about 3 to about 4 wt.%; from about 3.5 to about 12 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 8 wt.%. about 3.5 to about 7 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 12 wt.%, about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 7 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; from about 5 to about 12 wt.%. about 5 to about 10 wt.%, about 5 to about 8 wt.%, about 5 to about 7 wt.%; from about 6 to about 12 wt.%, about 6 to about 10 wt.%, about 6 to about 8 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0101] The whitening agent may comprise from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.% of a peroxymonosulfate, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. The total amount of peroxy mono sulfate in the oral care composition may be from about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%. about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 1.5 wt.%. about 0.3 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.75 to about 10 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 6 wt.%. about 0.75 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 1.5 wt.%, about 0.75 to about 1 wt.%; from about 1 to about 10 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%, about 1 to about 1.5 wt.%; from about 2 to about 10 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 7 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%; from about 3 to about 10 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%, about 3 to about 7Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC wt.%, about 3 to about 6 wt.%, about 3 to about 5 wt.%, about 3 to about 4 wt.%; from about 3.5 to about 10 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 7 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 3.5 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 10 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%, about 4 to about 7 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%; from about 5 to about 10 wt.%, about 5 to about 8 wt.%, about 5 to about 7 wt.%; from about 6 to about 10 wt.%, about 6 to about 8 wt.%. or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0102] The peroxymonosulfate may be in the form of a salt, such as an alkaline metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, or mixtures thereof. Examples of such peroxymonosulfate salts that may be included in the oral care composition include sodium peroxymonosulfate, potassium peroxymonosulfate, ammonium peroxymonosulfate, or a combination thereof. The peroxymonosulfate may be selected from sodium peroxymonosulfate, potassium peroxymonosulfate, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the whitening agent(s) consist of one or more peroxymonosulfate(s). In at least one embodiment, the whitening agent(s) consist of one or more of sodium peroxymonosulfate, potassium peroxymonosulfate, and ammonium peroxymonosulfate. The potassium peroxymonosulfate may be combined to form or exist as a triple salt of potassium peroxymonosulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate, and potassium sulfate (2KHSO5-KHSO4-K2SO4).

[0103] Additional whitening agents that may be included, or sometimes excluded from, the oral care composition include peroxide sources, chlorine dioxide, chlorites, and / or hypochlorites. The peroxide source, which may be included or in some cases excluded, may be chosen from hydrogen peroxide, peroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals, organic peroxy compounds, peroxy acids, salts thereof, or combinations of two or more thereof. The peroxide source may include peroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals selected from lithium peroxide, potassium peroxide, sodium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, and a combination of two or more thereof. Examples of organic peroxy compounds include carbamide peroxide (also known as urea hydrogen peroxide), glyceryl hydrogen peroxide, alkyl hydrogen peroxides, dialkyl peroxides, alkyl peroxy acids, peroxy esters, diacyl peroxides, benzoyl peroxide, monoperoxyphthalate, or a combination of two or more thereof. Peroxy acids and their salts include organic peroxy acids, such as alkyl peroxy acids, monoperoxyphthalate, and a combination thereof, as well as inorganic peroxy acid salts, such as persulfate, dipersulfate,Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC percarbonate, perphosphate, perborate and persilicate salts of alkali and / or alkaline earth metals, such as lithium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium and barium, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the peroxide is selected from hydrogen peroxide, lithium peroxide, potassium peroxide, sodium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, alkyl hydrogen peroxides, dialkyl peroxides, alkyl peroxy acids, peroxy esters, diacyl peroxides, benzoyl peroxide, monoperoxyphthalate, linear PVP complexed with hydrogen peroxide, crosslinked PVP complexed with hydrogen peroxide, silica complexed with hydrogen peroxide, tetrasodium pyrophosphate complexed with hydrogen peroxide, and a combination of two or more thereof. In various embodiments, the peroxide compound comprises hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0104] The one or more peroxide(s) may be a non-complexed peroxide or a complexed peroxide. The non-complexed peroxide may be chosen from one or more of the peroxides described above. Peroxide complexes may comprise a peroxide component and a porous cross-linked polymer. As referred to herein, a “peroxide component” is any oxidizing compound comprising a bivalent oxygen-oxygen group. Peroxide components include peroxides and hydroperoxides disclosed above, such as hydrogen peroxide, peroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals, organic peroxy compounds, peroxy acids, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. In various embodiments, the peroxide component comprises hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate and mixtures thereof. The peroxide complex may also be selected from N-vinyl heterocyclic polymers. Preferably, the N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer is crosslinked and adsorbs, absorbs, complexes, or otherwise retains the peroxide component.

[0105] Non-peroxide whitening agents that may be included in, or sometimes excluded from, the oral care composition include chlorine dioxide, chlorites and hypochlorites. Chlorites and hypochlorites include those of alkali and alkaline earth metals such as lithium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and barium.

[0106] In some embodiments, the oral care composition is free or substantially free of non- complexed peroxides. Additionally or alternatively, the oral care composition may be free or substantially free of complexed peroxides. The oral care compositions may have a reduced amount, be substantially free of, or free of hydrogen peroxide and / or a peroxide. For example, the oral care composition may have a total amount of hydrogen peroxide and / or peroxides of about 3 wt.% orDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC less, about 2 wt.% or less, about 1 wt.% or less, about 0.5 wt.% or less, about 0.1 wt.% or less, or about 0.01 wt.% or less, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0107] In certain preferred embodiments, the oral care composition is free or substantially free of peroxide sources (such as hydrogen peroxide), chlorine dioxide, chlorites and hypochlorites. For instance, the total amount of peroxide sources, chlorine dioxide, chlorites, and hypochlorites in the oral care composition may, preferably, be about 3 wt.% or less, about 2 wt.% or less, about 1 wt.% or less, about 0.5 wt.% or less, about 0.1 wt.% or less, about 0.05 wt.% or less, or about 0.01 wt.% or less, relative to the total weight of the oral care composition. In some preferred embodiments, the oral care compositions have a total amount of peroxide source, chlorine dioxide, chlorites and hypochlorites of about 0 wt.% or 0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0108] The oral care composition may be substantially free of or free of ammonium persulfate and sodium persulfate. The oral care composition may have a total amount of about 3 wt.% or less, about 2 wt.% or less, about 1 wt.% or less, about 0.5 wt.% or less, about 0.1 wt.% or less, about 0.05 wt.% or less, or about 0.01 wt.% or less of ammonium persulfate and sodium persulfate, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0109] The oral care composition may be formulated to have the peroxymonosulfate and fatty acid, fatty ester thereof, and / or salt thereof in certain weight ratios. For instance, the oral care composition may have a weight ratio of the peroxymonosulfate to the fatty acid, fatty ester, and / or salt thereof of about 1.5:1 to about 1:4, about 1.5:1 to about 1:3, about 1.5:1 to about 1:2, about 1.5: 1 to about 1 : 1; from about 1 : 1 to about 1 :4, about 1 : 1 to about 1 :3, about 1 : 1 to about 1 :2; from about 1:1.5 to about 1:4, about 1 : 1.5 to about 1 :3, about 1: 1.5 to about 1 :2; from about 1 :2 to about 1:4, about 1:2 to about 1:3, about 1:3 to about 1:4, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0110] Preferably, the oral care composition is formulated to have the peroxymono sulfate and the stearate and / or acid thereof in certain weight ratios. For instance, the oral care composition may have a weight ratio of the peroxymonosulfate to the stearate and / or acid thereof of about 1.5:1 to about 1 :4, about 1.5:1 to about 1 :3, about 1.5:1 to about 1 :2, about 1.5: 1 to about 1 : 1; from about 1 : 1 to about 1 :4, about 1 : 1 to about 1 :3, about 1 : 1 to about 1 :2; from about 1 : 1.5 to about 1 :4, about 1:1.5 to about 1:3, about 1 : 1.5 to about 1 :2; from about 1 :2 to about 1 :4, about 1 :2 to about 1 :3, about 1:3 to about 1:4, or any range or subrange thereof.

[0111] The oral care compositions may include one or more abrasive(s), e.g., in an amount from about 18 to about 33 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example,Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC the oral care composition may have from about 18 to about 33 wt.%, about 18 to about 30 wt.%, about 18 to about 28 wt.%, about 18 to about 25 wt.%, about 18 to about 22 wt.%; from about 21 to about 33 wt.%, about 21 to about 30 wt.%, about 21 to about 28 wt.%, about 21 to about 25 wt.%; from about 24 to about 33 wt.%, about 24 to about 30 wt.%, about 24 to about 28 wt.%; from about 27 to about 33 wt.%, about 27 to about 30 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0112] The one or more abrasive(s), which may be included or excluded from the oral care composition in certain embodiments, include: silica, silicate, silicon, alumina (including calcined aluminum oxide), aluminosilicates, such as bentonite, zeolite, kaolin, and mica, siliceous or diatomaceous earth, pumice, calcium compounds, calcium carbonate, cuttlebone, insoluble phosphates, composite resins, such as melamine resin, phenolic resin, and urea-formaldehyde resin, polycarbonate, silicon carbide, boron carbide, microcrystalline wax, microcrystalline cellulose, including combinations of colloidal microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, and combinations and derivatives thereof. For example, the one or more abrasive may be selected from silicas including gels and precipitates, calcium carbonate, dicalcium orthophosphate dihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium polymetaphosphate, insoluble sodium polymetaphosphate, hydrated alumina, resinous abrasive materials such as particulate condensation products of urea and formaldehyde, and combinations thereof.

[0113] As used herein, “mica” refers to any of a group of hydrous aluminum silicate minerals with plate morphology and / or perfect basal (micaceous) cleavage. Mica can be, for example, sheet mica, scrap mica or flake mica, as exemplified by muscovite, biotite or phlogopite type micas. Synthetic silicas include both silica gels and precipitated silicas that are prepared by the neutralization of aqueous silicate solutions with a strong mineral acid. Abrasives comprising silica may be useful in certain embodiments of the oral care composition. In certain embodiments, the oral compositions may comprise a particularly efficacious combination of silica abrasive particle species. For example, the abrasive(s) be selected from high cleaning silica.

[0114] In certain embodiments, the one or more abrasive comprises an insoluble phosphate salts, such as calcium pyrophosphate, dicalcium orthophosphate dihydrate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium polymetaphosphate, or a combination of two or more thereof. Preferably, the oral care composition comprises calcium pyrophosphate. The total amount of abrasives is preferablyDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC comprised primarily of calcium pyrophosphate and, in at least one embodiment, calcium pyrophosphate is the sole abrasive in the oral care composition. For example, the calcium pyrophosphate may comprise about 50 wt.% or more, about 60 wt.% or more, about 70 wt.% or more, about 80 wt.% or more, about 95 wt.% or more, about 98 wt.% or more, or about 99 wt.% or more of the total amount of the abrasive agent in the oral care composition.

[0115] Surfactants may be included in the oral care composition. The one or more surfactant(s) may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the oral care composition may include one or more surfactant in an amount from about 0.5 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1 to about 9 wt.%, about 1 to about 8 wt.%, about 1 to about 7 wt.%. about 1 to about 6 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 9 wt.%, about 2 to about 8 wt.%, about 2 to about 7 wt.%, about 2 to about 6 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%. about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 2.5 to about 9 wt.%, about 2.5 to about 8 wt.%, about 2.5 to about 7 wt.%, about 2.5 to about 6 wt.%, about 2.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 2.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 2.5 to about 3.5 wt.%; from about 3 to about 9 wt.%, about 3 to about 8 wt.%, about 3 to about 7 wt.%, about 3 to about 6 wt.%, about 3 to about 5 wt.%, about 3 to about 4 wt.%, about 3 to about 3.5 wt.%; from about 4 to about 9 wt.%, about 4 to about 8 wt.%. about 4 to about 7 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%, about 4 to about 5 wt.%; from about 5 to about 9 wt.%, about 5 to about 8 wt.%, about 5 to about 7 wt.%, about 5 to about 6 wt.%; from about 7 to about 9 wt.%, about 7 to about 8 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0116] The one or more surfactants may be selected from anionic surfactants, such as sulfate based anionic surfactants, sulfonated monoglycerides of fatty acids, acyl isethionates, acyl sarcosinates, acyl taurate. or combinations thereof. Examples of sulfate based anionic surfactants include ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium coco-sulfate, ammonium coco-sulfate, or a combination of two or more thereof. The one or more anionic surfactant(s) may be selected from non-sulfate based anionic surfactants, such as sulfonated monoglycerides of fatty acids, acyl isethionates, acyl sarcosinates, acyl taurate, or a combination of two or more thereof. For example, the anionic surfactants may be selected from water-soluble salts of higher fatty acidDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC monoglyceride monosulfates, such as the sodium salt of the monosulfated monoglyceride of hydrogenated coconut oil fatty acids; sodium N- methyl N-cocoyl taurate; sodium cocomo- glyceride sulfate; higher alkyl sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate; higher alkyl-ether sulfates, such as sodium laureth-2 sulfate; higher alkyl aryl sulfonates, such as sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (sodium lauryl benzene sulfonate); higher alkyl sulfoacetates, such as sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (dodecyl sodium sulfoacetate), higher fatty acid esters of 1,2 dihydroxy propane sulfonate, sulfocolaurate (N-2- ethyl laurate potassium sulfoacetamide) and sodium lauryl sarcosinate. In at least one embodiment, the one or more surfactants may comprise sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, or a combination thereof.

[0117] The one or more surfactants may be chosen from non-ionic, amphoteric, and cationic surfactants. Nonionic surfactants that may be included or excluded from the oral care composition include those compounds produced by the condensation of alkylene oxide groups (hydrophilic in nature) with an organic hydrophobic compound, which may be aliphatic or alkyl- aromatic in nature. Non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants, which may be included or excluded om the oral care composition, include polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (sold under the trade name Tweens), polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, ethylene oxide condensates of aliphatic alcohols, long chain tertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiary phosphaine oxides, lauryl glucoside (sold under the trade name Plantaren 1200 UP) and long chain dialkyl sulfoxides.

[0118] Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants include, for example, long chain imidazoline derivatives such as the product marketed under the trade name ' Miranol C2M' by Miranol; long chain alkyl betaines, such as the product marketed under the tradename 'Empigen BB' by Albright+Wilson, and long chain alkyl amidoalkyl betaines, such as cocamidopropylbetaine, and mixtures thereof.

[0119] The oral care composition may include amphoteric surfactants chosen from derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, in which the aliphatic radical can be a straight chain or branched and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, such as carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate. Other exemplary amphoteric surfactants are betaines, such as cocamidopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl betaine (sold under the trade name Macat LB), cetyl dimethyl betaine, and cocoamphodiacetate. Additional amphoteric surfactants and nonionicDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC surfactants can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,051 ,234, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

[0120] The oral care composition may comprise an anti-calculus agent, e.g., in an effective amount. In some embodiments, the amount of anti-calculus agent present in the oral care composition is from about 0.1 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%. about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2.7 wt.%. about 0.1 to about 2.4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2.1 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.7 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1.1 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2.7 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2.4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2.1 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1.7 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1.4 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1.1 wt.%; from about 1 to about 7 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 4 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2.7 wt.%, about 1 to about 2.4 wt.%, about 1 to about 2.1 wt.%, about 1 to about 1.7 wt.%; from about 1.3 to about 7 wt.%, about 1.3 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.3 to about 4 wt.%. about 1.3 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.3 to about 2.7 wt.%, about 1.3 to about 2.4 wt.%, about 1.3 to about 2.1 wt.%, about 1.3 to about 1.7 wt.%; from about 1.6 to about 7 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 4 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 2.7 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 2.4 wt.%, about 1.6 to about 2.1 wt.%; from about 1.9 to about 7 wt.%, about 1.9 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.9 to about 4 wt.%, about 1.9 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.9 to about 2.7 wt.%, about 1.9 to about 2.4 wt.%; from about 2.4 to about 7 wt.%, about 2.4 to about 6 wt.%, about 2.4 to about 5 wt.%, about 2.4 to about 4 wt.%, about 2.4 to about 3 wt.%, about 2.4 to about 2.7 wt.%; from about 2.7 to about 7 wt.%, about 2.7 to about 6 wt.%, about 2.7 to about 5 wt.%, about 2.7 to about 4 wt.%; from about 3.3 to about 7 wt.%, about 3.3 to about 6 wt.%, about 3.3 to about 5 wt.%, about 3.3 to about 4 wt.%, from about 3.9 to about 7 wt.%, about 3.9 to about 6 wt.%, about 3.9 to about 5 wt.%; from about 4.6 to about 7 wt.%, about 4.6 to about 6 wt.%, about 4.6 to about 5 wt.%; from about 5.5 to about 7 wt.%, about 5.5 to about 6.5 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0121] The anti-calculus agent(s) may be chosen from phosphates and polyphosphates (e.g., pyrophosphates), polyaminopropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), hexametaphosphate salts, zinc citrate trihydrate, polypeptides, polyolefin sulfonates, polyolefin phosphates, diphosphonates, and combinations of two or more thereof. Examples of anti-calculus agents include tetrasodium pyrophosphate, ammonium tripolyphosphate, hexametaphosphate salt, polycarboxylate polymers,Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC polyvinyl methyl ether / maleic anhydride (PVME / MA) copolymers, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0122] The anti-calculus agent may comprise, or in some cases consist of, polyphosphates selected from pyrophosphates, orthophosphates, polymetaphosphates, and a combination of two or more thereof. The polyphosphate may comprise a pyrophosphate, such as an alkali metal pyrophosphate selected from a tetra alkali metal pyrophosphate, dialkali metal diacid pyrophosphate, trialkali metal monoacid pyrophosphate, and mixtures thereof. The alkali metals may be sodium and / or potassium. For example, the polyphosphate may be an alkali metal polyphosphate selected from a pyrophosphate, a tripolyphosphate, a tetraphosphate, a hexametaphosphate, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polyphosphate is selected from sodium pyrophosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium tripolyphosphate, or a combination thereof. In further embodiments, the polyphosphate comprises tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrapolyphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, potassium polyphosphate, sodium polyphosphate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0123] The oral care compositions may include a fluoride ion source. The fluoride ion source may be present in an effective amount. In some cases, the fluoride ion source is present in the oral care composition in an amount of about 0.01 to about 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the fluoride ion source is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.05 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.05 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 0.3 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.3 to about 2 wt.%; from about 0.6 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.6 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.6 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.6 to about 2 wt.%; from about 0.9 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.9 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.9 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.9 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1.2 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 4 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 3 wt.%, about 1.2 to about 2 wt.%; from about 1.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 4 wt.%, about 1.5 to about 3 wt.%; from about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to about 4 wt.%, about 2 to about 3 wt.%; from about 3 to about 5 wt.%, about 4 to about 5 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC

[0124] The fluoride ion source may be selected from soluble fluoride ion salts. For example, the fluoride ion source may comprise sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, calcium fluoride, zinc fluoride, zinc ammonium fluoride, lithium fluoride, ammonium fluoride, stannous fluoride, stannous fluorozirconate, sodium monofluorophosphate, potassium monofluorophosphate, laurylamine hydrofluoride, diethylaminoethyloctoylamide hydrofluoride, didecyldimethylammonium fluoride, cetylpyridinium fluoride, dilaurylmorpholinium fluoride, sarcosine stannous fluoride, glycine potassium fluoride, glycine hydrofluoride, amine fluorides or a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the fluoride ion source comprises sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, or a combination thereof. Additional examples of fluoride ion source are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,535,421, U.S. Patent No.4,885,155, and U.S. Patent No. 3,678,154, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the oral care composition of the disclosure may contain a source of fluoride ions or fluorine-providing agents in amounts sufficient to deliver, in total, from 25 ppm to 25,000 ppm (mass fraction) of fluoride ions, generally at least 500 ppm, e.g., from about 500 to about 2000 ppm, from about 800 to about 1800 ppm, from about 1000 to about 1600 ppm, from about 1200 to about 1550 ppm, or about 1450 ppm.

[0126] In some embodiments, the oral care compositions may include one or more sweeteners. The oral care composition may include caloric sweeteners and / or non-caloric sweeteners. Examples of non-caloric sweeteners include saccharin, for example, sodium saccharin, acesulfame, neotame, cyclamate or sucralose; natural high-intensity sweeteners, such as thaumatin, stevioside or glycyrrhizin; or sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol and mannitol. Examples of caloric sweeteners include sugars, such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, and high fructose syrups.

[0127] The one or more sweetener(s) may be present in the oral care composition in an amount from about 0.1 to about 7 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the oral care composition may have a total amount of sweetener(s) from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 7 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; from about 1 to about 7 wt.%, about 1 to about 5 wt.%, about 1 to about 3 wt.%; from about 2 to about 7 wt.%, about 2 to about 5 wt.%, about 2 to aboutDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC3 wt.%; from about 3 to about 7 wt.%, about 3 to about 5 wt.%, about 3 to about 4 wt.%; from about 4 to about 7 wt.%, about 4 to about 6 wt.%, about 4 to about 5 wt.%; from about 5 to about 7 wt.%. about 5 to about 6 wt.%, or any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0128] In some embodiments, the oral care composition preferably is substantially free or free of caloric sweeteners. For example, the oral care compositions may have about 4 wt.% or less, about 3 wt.% or less, about 2 wt.% or less, about 1 wt.% or less, about 0.5 wt.% or less, or about 0.1 wt.% or less of caloric sweeteners, based on the weight of the oral care composition. In at least one embodiment, the oral care composition contains about 0 wt.% or 0 wt.% of caloric sweeteners, based on the weight of the oral care composition.

[0129] The oral care compositions of the present disclosure may include a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent is typically incorporated in the oral care composition at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 3 wt.% by weight of the oral care composition. For example, the amount of flavoring agent(s) present in the oral care composition may be from about 0.01 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt.%; from about 0.1 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%; from about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%; from about 1 to about 3 wt.%, about 1 to about 2 wt.%; from about 2 to about 3 wt.%, including any range or subrange thereof, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0130] Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, essential oils and various flavoring aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and similar materials. Examples of the essential oils include oils of spearmint, peppermint, Wintergreen, sassafras, clove, sage, eucalyptus, marjoram, cinnamon, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange. Also useful are such chemicals as menthol, carvone, and anethole. Additional flavoring agents may include, but are not limited to menthol, artificial vanilla, cinnamon derivatives, and various fruit flavors, spearmint oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil. oil of Wintergreen (methylsalicylate), clove oil, bay oil, anise oil, eucalyptus oil, thyme oil, cedar leaf oil, oil of nutmeg, oil of sage, oil of bitter almonds, cassia oil, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0131] The oral care compositions may include one or more colorants. Exemplary colorants can include natural or uncertified colors from natural sources or certified colors for the effect of color. In some embodiments, the colorant can include dyes, certified aluminum lakes or colors derivedDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC from a natural source. The colorant may be water-based, oil-based or dry. Additional colorants include pigments, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or the like. The colorants can be primary colors, blends of colors or discrete mixtures of colors, such as confetti. The concentrations of the colorant in the oral care composition may be from trace amount to about 0.6 wt.%, from about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt.%, about 0.2 to about 0.4 wt.%, or about 0.15 to about 0.35 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0132] The oral care composition may include one or more pH adjusters to increase or decrease the overall pH of the oral care composition. For example, one or more acids may be included to decrease the pH of the oral care composition. Examples of suitable acids for decreasing the pH of the oral care composition include, but are not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and the like. The oral care composition may include one or more bases, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the like, to increase the pH of the oral care composition. Additional or alternative acids and bases that are suitable for adjusting the pH of the oral care composition are readily known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0133] The amount of the pH adjuster in the oral care composition may be based on the desired pH of the final oral care composition and / or product. For example, the total amount of the pH adjuster may range from about 0.05 to about 20 wt.%, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. In some instances, the total amount of pH adjuster is from about 0.05 to about 15 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, or about 0.12 to about 5 wt.%, including ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0134] The oral care compositions may have a pH from about 4.5 to about 10, 4.5 to about 9, about 4.5 to about 8, about 4.5 to about 7, about 4.5 to about 6; from about 5 to about 10, about 5 to about 9, about 5 to about 8, about 5 to about 7, about 5 to about 6; from about 6 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 6 to about 8, or about 6 to about 7; from about 7 to about 10, about 7 to about 9. or about 7 to about 8. including any ranges and subranges therebetween, e.g., as measured as a 10 wt.% solution. The pH of the solution (e.g., any of the foregoing pH ranges) may be measured as a 10 wt.% solution, whereby the solution comprises 10 wt.% of the oral care composition with the remainder being water.

[0135] As discussed above, the oral care compositions may preferably have about 0.8 wt.% or less of added water, preferably about 0.5 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.3 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.1 wt.% or less, or preferably about 0.01 wt.% or less of added water, based on the totalDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC weight of the oral care composition. Additionally or alternatively, the oral care compositions may preferably be formulated to have a total amount of water of about 0.8 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.5 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.3 wt.% or less, preferably about 0.1 wt.% or less, or preferably about 0.01 wt.% or less, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. In some embodiments, the oral care compositions are substantially free or free of water (e.g., 0 wt.%, of water, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0136] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is a method for reducing the color of an enamel substrate by applying an oral care composition, such as an oral care composition disclosed herein. The oral care composition preferably includes a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate; one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0137] In another preferred embodiment, the oral care composition preferably includes a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate; one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

[0138] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, provided is a salt hydrate for use in the manufacture of an oral care composition to reduce the hardening temperature of the oral care composition, the oral care composition including: optionally, a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate; one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition. The salt hydrate, which may be chosen from the salt hydrates disclosed above, may be included in an amount disclosed herein. The oral care composition preferably is an oral care composition disclosed herein and may include any of the ingredients and / or components described herein.

[0139] The salt hydrate preferably reduces the hardening temperature for the oral care compositionDocket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC by about 12% or more, as compared to an oral care composition without the salt hydrate (e.g., having a hole in the formulation instead of the salt hydrate). In some preferable embodiments, the salt hydrate reduces the hardening temperature for the oral care composition by about 15% or more, about 18% or more, about 23% or more, about 28% or more, or about 33% or more, as compared to an oral care composition without the salt hydrate (e.g., having a hole in the formulation instead of the salt hydrate).

[0140] The hardening temperature may be determined by obtaining viscosity curves from measuring the viscosity as the temperature of the oral care composition is ramped down from 25°C to 0°C at 2°C / min and then performing a derivative analysis on the viscosity curve to obtain the hardening temperature. Alternatively or additionally, the hardening temperature may be determined from the onset of a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) peak. Alternatively or additionally, the hardening temperature may be determined using rotational rheometry.EXAMPLESExample 1

[0141] Four non-limiting example oral care compositions (Example Compositions A-D) were prepared in accordance with aspects of the invention. A comparative composition (Comparative Composition 1) was also prepared. Example Compositions A-D and Comparative Composition 1 were prepared in the form of a dentifrice. The formulations of the ingredients used to prepare Example Compositions A-D and Comparative Composition 1 are shown in Table 1 .Table 1Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OCExample 2

[0142] The rheological behavior of Example Compositions A, B, and D as well as Comparative Composition 1 were assessed. All rheological measurements were conducted on an ARES-G2 rheometer, using a cone-plate and plate-plate geometry for the pastes. A 40 mm, 2° cone-plate or 40 mm plate-plate with variable gaps was used because they provides desirable temperature control throughout the sample.

[0143] The following two types of rheological measurements were performed: flow curves were measured in shear rate sweeps at constant temperature after equilibrating the sample at the selected temperature for 10 mins and the viscosity was measured as the temperature was ramped down from 25°C to 0°C at 2°C / min. FIG. 1 shows an example of the viscosity curves obtained using this evaluation approach. As seen in FIG. 1, the inflection in the curve represents the start of the “hardening” behavior of the fluid, as the viscosity significantly increases after this temperature. To determine the exact starting temperature of the hardening behavior (referred to herein as the hardening temperature) a derivative analysis was performed on the viscosity curves for the evaluated samples of Example Compositions A, B, and D and Comparative Composition 1. FIG. 2 is a graph of the viscosity curves of Example Compositions A, B, and D as well as Comparative Composition 1.

Claims

Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OCCLAIMSWhat is Claimed is:

1. An oral care composition comprising: a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate; one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.% of a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

2. An oral care composition comprising: a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate; one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol; from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.% of a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

3. The oral care composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aluminum nitrate hydrate comprises Al(NOs)3 • 9 H2O.

4. The oral care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the zinc nitrate hydrate comprises Zn(NO?)2 • 6 H2O.

5. The oral care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the calcium chloride hydrate comprises CaCh • 6 H2O.Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC6. The oral care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the potassium hydrate comprises KNO3 ■ 1 H2O.

7. The oral care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the whitening agent consists of peroxymonosulfate.

8. The oral care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the perooxymonosulfate is present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%.

9. The oral care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the stearate and / or acid thereof comprises sodium stearate, potassium stearate, zinc stearate, ammonium stearate, stearic acid, or a combination of two or more thereof, and wherein the stearate and / or acid thereof is present in an amount from about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%.

10. The oral care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the oral care composition has a weight ratio of the peroxymonosulfate to the stearate and / or acid thereof of about 1.5:1 to about 1:4.

11. The oral care composition according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the alkoxylated fatty alcohol is selected from C8-22 alkoxylated fatty alcohols.

12. The oral care composition according to any one of claims 2 to 11. wherein the alkoxylated fatty alcohol is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol.

13. The oral care composition according to one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the alkoxylated fatty alcohol is an ethylene oxide / propyelene oxide / PO addition product.

14. The oral care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the oral care composition is substantially free of or free of added water.Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC15. The oral care composition according to any foregoing claim, wherein the oral care composition is a dentifrice.

16. An oral care composition comprising: one or more thickening agent; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; potassium nitrate; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

17. An oral care composition comprising: one or more thickening agent; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol; potassium nitrate; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

18. An oral care composition comprising: one or more thickening agent; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

19. An oral care composition comprising: one or more thickening agent; from about 15 to about 60 wt.% of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol; a salt hydrate comprising aluminum nitrate hydrate, zinc nitrate hydrate, potassium nitrate hydrate, calcium chloride hydrate, or a combination thereof; and water in an amount up to 1 wt.%,Docket No.: 14668-00- WO-Ol-OC wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

20. A salt hydrate for use in the manufacture of an oral care composition to reduce the hardening temperature of the oral care composition by about 12% lower than an oral care composition without the salt hydrate, the oral care composition including one or more thickening agent comprising a stearate and / or acid thereof; a solvent system comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer; water in an amount up to 1 wt.%; and optionally, a whitening agent comprising a peroxymonosulfate, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

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