Compositions and methods for improving overall tooth health and appearance

A method of protecting teeth from erosion and wear due to environmental factors or intrinsic erosion in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject's oral cavity prior to erosive challenge, an oral care composition comprising

• (a) a surface-active organophosphate compound represented by the following general structure:
• wherein R1 represents a linear or branched, alkyl or alkenyl group of from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by one or more phosphate groups;
• Z2 and Z3 may be identical or different, each represents hydrogen, alkali metal, ammonium, protonated C1-C4 alkyl amine, or alkanolamine, or a R1—(OC2H4)9— group;
• and
• (b) an orally acceptable carrier,
• wherein an abrasive polishing agent when present in the composition consists essentially of silica;
• wherein the oral care composition further comprises a cationic antimicrobial selected from one or a mixture of cetylpyridinium chloride, and domiphen bromide;
• and, optionally, further comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a stannous ion source, zinc ion source, a copper ion source, an anticalculus active selected from one or a mixture of polyphosphates having an average number of from 2 to 125 phosphate groups, or mixtures thereof.