Method of protecting teeth against erosion

Abstract

Disclosed are methods of treating and protecting teeth against erosion by use of oral compositions comprising polymeric mineral surface active agents, metal ions such as stannous and zinc and combinations thereof. The present methods provide improved resistance of teeth to erosive demineralization or dissolution and prevention of tooth damage by subsequent exposure of teeth to erosive chemicals such as acidic foods and beverages.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of protecting a subject's teeth from erosion comprising administering to the subject's oral cavity an oral care composition comprising a polymeric mineral surface-active agent selected from the group consisting of polyphosphonates; polycarboxylates and carboxy-substituted polymers; copolymers of phosphate- or phosphonate-containing monomers or polymers with ethylenically unsaturated monomers, amino acids, or with other polymers selected from proteins, polypeptides, polysaccharides, poly(acrylate), poly(acrylamide), poly(methacrylate), poly(ethacrylate), poly(hydroxyalkylmethacrylate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(maleic anhydride), poly(maleate) poly(amide), poly(ethylene amine), poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), poly(vinyl acetate) or poly(vinyl benzyl chloride); and mixtures thereof, wherein said polymeric mineral surface-active agent is substantive to teeth and deposits a layer thereon that protects teeth from erosive damage immediately after use of the oral composition and for a period of at least about one hour or longer thereafter.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric mineral surface active agent comprised in the oral care composition is a polyphosphonate or a diphosphonate/acrylate copolymer or cotelomer.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the oral care composition administered to the subject, further comprises an effective amount of a source of metal ions selected from the group consisting of stannous, zinc, copper, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the oral care composition comprises from about 500 ppm to about 20,000 ppm metal ions selected from stannous, zinc, copper, and mixtures thereof in the total composition.