Peptide-based tooth whitening reagents

Abstract

Peptide-based reagents comprising at least one tooth surface-binding peptide for delivery of at least one polymer-coated white colorant to the surface of teeth are provided. The peptide-based reagent may comprise at least one tooth-binding peptide coupled to, either directly or through one or more spacers, a polymer-binding peptide capable of binding to the polymeric coating on a polymer-coated white colorant. Methods of delivering a polymer-coated white colorant to a tooth surface are also provided as well as oral care compositions comprising the present peptide-based reagents. The peptide-based reagents may be used in conjunction with at least one polymer-coated white colorant to improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.