| abstract |
A stabilized aqueous dentifrice composition capable of producing or, in the presence of saliva, leading to the production of antimicrobially effective concentrations of hypothiocyanite ions (OSCN-) are herein described. The composition contains both an oxidoreductase enzyme and its specific substrate, for the purpose of producing hydrogen 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 dentifrice carrier. Optionally, a peroxidase enzyme may be included to act upon the aforementioned hydrogen peroxide, thereby oxidizing salivary 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 inventive ingredients, to produce in excess of about 100 micromoles/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 in control. The method of making the dentifrice composition to contain minimal amounts of oxygen is also disclosed. |