Use of a carboxy-substituted polymer to inhibit plaque formation without tooth staining

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting plaque. In particular, this invention relates to oral compositions comprising: (a) a safe and effective amount of a carboxy-substituted polymer active agent having the formula ##STR1## or the salts thereof, wherein R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl group, n is in the range of from 0 to about 2,000, m is in the range of from about 10 to about 2,000, and p is in the range of from about 1 to about 10; and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. These compositions inhibit plaque without staining the tooth surfaces which are contacted with the composition. This invention also relates to a method of inhibiting plaque on tooth surfaces in the oral cavity. This method involves applying a safe and effective amount of the carboxy-substituted polymer active agent to the oral cavity. Such an application is typically made by applying the above-described oral compositions containing the carboxy-substituted polymer to the tooth surface. The application does not stain the teeth on which it is made.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.