Dentifrice gels containing sodium bicarbonate

Claim 2

A dentifrice gel comprising a sodium bicarbonate abrasive in an aqueous carrier, the sodium bicarbonate having a median particle size range of from 10 to 200 microns and being incorporated in the gel in an amount of from 5 to 60% by weight of the gel, and the carrier incorporating a humectant selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in an amount of from 15 to 60% by weight of the gel and in at least a 0.5:1 ratio relative to the water content thereof.

Claim 3

The dentifrice gel of claim 1 further comprising up to 20% by weight of a secondary abrasive selected from the group consisting of hydrous silica gels, alkali metal phosphates and complex aluminosilicates.

Claim 4

The gel of claim 1, further comprising up to 3% by weight of a thickener selected from the group consisting of silica thickeners and natural and synthetic gum-like materials.

Claim 5

The gel of claim 1, further comprising up to 5% by weight of a surfactant.

Claim 6

The dentifrice gel of claim 1, further comprising up to 2% by weight of a flavoring agent.

Claim 7

The dentifrice gel of claim 1, further comprising up to 5% by weight of a sweetener.

Claim 8

The dentifrice gel of claim 1, further comprising up to 3% by weight of a fluoridating agent.

Claim 9

A sodium bicarbonate-based dentifrice gel exhibiting optical translucence, which comprises: ______________________________________ Ingredient % by Weight ______________________________________ sodium bicarbonate 5 to 60% (median particle size from 10 to 200 microns) humectant 15 to 60% thickener 0.1 to 1.0% surfactant 0.2 to 2.0% flavoring agent 0.2 to 2.0% sweetener 0.1 to 5.0% water 2 to 10% ______________________________________

Claim 10

A sodium bicarbonate-based dentifrice gel exhibiting optical translucence, which comprises: ______________________________________ Ingredient % by Weight ______________________________________ sodium bicarbonate 5 to 60% (median particle size from 10 to 200 microns) humectant 15 to 60% thickener 0.1 to 1.0% surfactant 0.2 to 2.0% flavoring agent 0.2 to 2.0% sweetener 0.1 to 5.0% water 2 to 10% ______________________________________

Claim 11

The sodium bicarbonate-based dentifrice gel of claim 8, further comprising from 5 to 15% by weight of a secondary abrasive selected from the group consisting of hydrous silica gels, alkali metal phosphates and complex aluminosilicates.

Claim 12

A sodium bicarbonate-based dentifrice gel exhibiting optical translucence, comprising: (a) from 15 to 35% by weight of a sodium bicarbonate abrasive having particle sizes from 74 to 149 microns; (b) from 5 to 15% by weight of a secondary abrasive selected from the group consisting of hydrous silica gels, alkali metal phosphates and complex aluminosilicates; (c) from 15 to 60% by weight of a humectant selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof; (d) from 0.1 to 1.0% by weight of a thickener selected from the group consisting of silica thickeners and natural and synthetic gum-like materials; (e) from 0.2 to 2.0% by weight of a surfactant; (f) from 0.2 to 2.0% by weight of a flavoring agent; (g) from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of a sweetener; and (h) from 2.0 to 10.0% by weight water.

Claim 13

A sodium bicarbonate-based dentifrice gel exhibiting optical translucence, comprising: (a) from 15 to 35% by weight of a sodium bicarbonate abrasive having particle sizes from 74 to 149 microns; (b) from 5 to 15% by weight of a secondary abrasive selected from the group consisting of hydrous silica gels, alkali metal phosphates and complex aluminosilicates; (c) from 15 to 60% by weight of a humectant selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof; (d) from 0.1 to 1.0% by weight of a thickener selected from the group consisting of silica thickeners and natural and synthetic gum-like materials; (e) from 0.2 to 2.0% by weight of a surfactant; (f) from 0.2 to 2.0% by weight of a flavoring agent; (g) from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of a sweetener; and (h) from 2.0 to 10.0% by weight water.

Claim 14

The dentifrice gel of claim 10, further comprising a fluoridating agent in an amount sufficient to provide 1000-2000 ppm fluoride ion in the gel.

Claim 15

The dentifrice gel of claim 1 wherein the sodium bicarbonate median particle size range is from 44 to 200 microns and is incorporated in the gel in an amount of from 5 to 50% by weight of the gel, and wherein the humectant is incorporated in at least a 1:1 ratio relative to the water content thereof.