| abstract |
An oral composition such as a dentifrice, mouthwash, lozenge or chewing gum containing a polyphosphate anticalculus agent, such as tetraalkali metal pyrophosphate and antibacterial antiplaque agent compatible therewith. The antiplaque agent is a substantially water-insoluble noncationic antibacterial agent such as 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (Triclosan). Antiplaque effectiveness is optimized by the presence of an antibacterial-enhancing agent which enhances delivery of said antibacterial agent to, and retention thereof on, oral surfaces. Suitable enhancing agents are anionic polymers such as a maleic acid-methyl vinyl ether copolymer or a polymer containing phosphonic groups. Also disclosed are compositions comprising (1) the noncationic antibacterial agent and the enhancing agent, (2) the polyphosphate anticalculus agent and the noncationic antibacterial agent and (3) the enhancing agent and polyphosphate anticalculus agent effective against any antibacterial agent. |