| abstract |
This invention involves oral-care compositions, comprising: (a) zinc oxide or zinc nitrate; a source of citrate ions; and one or more phosphorous-containing anticalculus agents selected from the group consisting of pyrophosphate, phosphonate, diphosphonate and pharmaceutically-acceptable linear condensed polyphosphates of the general formula: (PnO(3n+1)(n+2)- wherein n is an integer from 2 to 21; wherein the molar ratio of the zinc ions:citrate ions if from about 1.01 to about 1:20; the molar ratio of the zinc ions:phosphorus-containing anticalculus agents is from about 1:1 to about 1:20; and (b) a pharmaceutically-acceptable topical oral carrier. This invention also involves methods for treating or preventing dental plaque, calculus, gingivitis, or malodor of the oral cavity comprising amdinistering to the oral cavity of a human or other animal a safe and effective amount of such compositions. |