| abstract |
A stabilized aqueous dentifrice composition capable of producing or, in the pres ence of saliva, leading to the production of antimicrobial effective concentrations of hypothiocyanite ions (OSCN-) are herei n described. The composition contains both an oxidoreductase enzyme and its specific substrate, for the purpose of producing h ydrogen peroxide of at least the minimum effective concentration. The aqueous dentifrice compositions of the present invention can be stabilized against premature enzyme/substrate interaction by controlling the level of dissolved oxygen in the aqueous dentifri ce carrier. Optionally, a peroxidase enzyme may be included to act upon the aforementioned hydrogen peroxide, thereby oxidiz ing thiocyanate ions to produce the antimicrobial concentrations of hypothiocyanite ions (OSCN-). Optionally, thiocyanate ions may also be included in the compositions of this invention in an amount sufficient, together with the other intensive ingred ients, to produce in excess of about 100 micro-moles/liter/minute of hypothiocyanite ions during use. The amount of water contained in dentifrice compositions is not important to the stability of the composition, provided that the level of oxygen is kept i n control. The method of making the dentifrice composition to contain minimal amounts of oxygen is also dislosed. |