Whitening system capable of delivering effective whitening action

Abstract

The invention provides a foamable composition for tooth bleaching which can be a one or two-component system. The system has at least one peroxide compound, and at least one foaming agent. The composition can also contain at least one source of calcium, strontium and mixtures thereof, at least one de-sensitizing agent and at least one source of phosphate. The composition can produce a longer-lasting, collapsible foam structure with enhanced whitening action. The foamable composition can also be a one-component multi-phase system. A two component composition can be packed in a two-compartment syringe. The syringe can also be fitted with a dispensing tip which may or may not have a static mixer.

1 . A foamable two-component tooth whitening composition comprising: a first component comprising
 at least one peroxide compound, and at least one carrier; and   a second component comprising at least one foaming agent;   wherein the two components combine to form a foam having a halflife of from about 2 to about 60 minutes;   wherein the foam collapses into a liquid.   
     
     
         2 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  wherein said peroxide compound comprises metal ion free peroxide compounds. 
     
     
         3 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  wherein said peroxide compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide (carbamide peroxide), calcium peroxide, glyceryl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  wherein the peroxide compound is present from about 1% by weight to about 45% by weight of the first component. 
     
     
         5 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  wherein the peroxide compound is present from about 5% by weight to about 35% by weight of the first component. 
     
     
         6 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  wherein said foaming agent is selected from the group consisting of surfactants, alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates, gas and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The foamable composition of  claim 6  wherein said surfactant comprises ionic and non-ionic surfactants. 
     
     
         8 . The foamable composition of  claim 7  wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, phospholipids, low viscosity poloxamers, hydroxyethyl cellulose 4000-5000 CPS, and polysorbates. 
     
     
         9 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  wherein said foaming agent comprises of a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic component. 
     
     
         10 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  wherein said first component further comprises an acidic compound selected from the group consisting of water soluble carboxylic acids, nitric acid, phosphoric acids and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  further comprising a foam stabilizer selected from group consisting of acidic compounds, xanthan gums, hydroxyethyl cellulose, low viscosity thickeners, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  further comprising an ingredient selected from the group consisting of peroxide stabilizers, emulsifiers, flavorings, coloring agents, anti-plaque agents, anti-staining compounds, emollients, preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, tonicity modifiers, spreading agents, alcohols, pH adjusting agents, water soluble lubricants, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The foamable composition of  claim 1  further comprising at least one source of phosphate in the first component and at least one source of calcium, strontium, or combinations thereof in the second component. 
     
     
         14 . The foamable composition of  claim 13  wherein the source of phosphate in the first component is selected from the group consisting of monosodium phosphate (NAH2PO4), disodium phosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The foamable composition of  claim 13  wherein the source of phosphate in the first component is present in an amount of from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight. 
     
     
         16 . The foamable composition of  claim 13  wherein the source of calcium or strontium, or combinations thereof in the second component comprises a calcium salt, a strontium salt, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The foamable composition of  claim 13  wherein said source of calcium in the second component comprises calcium nitrate. 
     
     
         18 . The foamable composition of  claim 13  wherein said source of calcium, strontium or combinations thereof in the second component comprises an amount of from about 0.25% by weight to about 1.5% by weight. 
     
     
         19 . The foamable composition of  claim 13  wherein said source of phosphate in the first component combines with the source of calcium, strontium or combinations thereof in the second component to form various amorphous calcium and/or strontium phosphates. 
     
     
         20 . The foamable composition of  claim 13  wherein the source of phosphate acts as a pH adjuster. 
     
     
         21 - 74 . (canceled)