Methods for Reducing Dental Staining, and Compositions for Use Therein

Abstract

Methods and compositions for reducing, (e.g., controlling, inhibiting, preventing, protecting against, or minimizing) staining, (e.g., resulting from stains and/or discoloration) of teeth in the oral cavity are provided. Aspects of the compositions include a component or components (e.g., a wax and an oil) capable of reducing staining of the teeth. In some instances, the compositions further include an agent which enhances the mineralization of teeth.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An oral composition for application to teeth comprising a mixture of a wax and an oil. 
     
     
         22 . The composition according to  claim 21 , wherein the wax comprises a bees wax. 
     
     
         23 . The composition according to  claim 21 , wherein the oil comprises a coconut oil. 
     
     
         24 . The composition according to  claim 22 , wherein the amount of bees wax ranges from about 35% to about 65%, by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         25 . The composition according to  claim 23 , wherein the amount of coconut oil ranges from about 35% to about 65%, by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         26 . The composition according to  claim 21 , wherein the composition is prepared by heating the wax and the oil to the temperature ranging from 62° C.-64° C. (144° F. to 147° F.). 
     
     
         27 . The composition according to  claim 26 , wherein the wax and the oil are heated to the temperature ranging from 62° C.-64° C. (144° F. to 147° F.) in order to create a mixture capable of coating teeth. 
     
     
         28 . The composition according to  claim 26 , wherein the wax and the oil are heated to the temperature ranging from 62° C.-64° C. (144° F. to 147° F.) in order to create a an emulsion capable of coating teeth, 
     
     
         29 . The composition according to  claim 21 , wherein the wax is selected from the group consisting of natural bees wax or processed bees wax, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         30 . A confectionery composition for preventing staining of dental surfaces comprising an effective amount of a coating component capable of reducing, controlling, inhibiting, preventing, protecting against, or minimizing stains, staining, or discoloration of teeth. 
     
     
         31 . An orally acceptable confectionery capable of reducing, controlling, inhibiting, preventing, protecting against, or minimizing stains, staining, or discoloration of teeth comprising a wax and oil mixture. 
     
     
         32 . The composition according to  claim 31 , wherein the wax comprises a bees wax. 
     
     
         33 . The composition according to  claim 31 , wherein the oil comprises a coconut oil. 
     
     
         34 . The composition according to  claim 32 , wherein the amount of bees wax ranges from about 35% to about 65%, by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         35 . The composition according to  claim 33 , wherein the amount of coconut oil ranges from about 35% to about 65%, by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         36 . The composition of according to  claim 31 , wherein the composition is prepared by heating the wax and the oil to the temperature ranging from 62° C.-64° C. (144° F. to 147° F.). 
     
     
         37 . The composition according to  claim 36 , wherein the wax and the oil are heated to the temperature ranging from 62° C.-64° C. (144° F. to 147° F.) in order to create a mixture capable of coating teeth. 
     
     
         38 . The composition according to  claim 36 , wherein the wax and the oil are heated to the temperature ranging from 62° C.-64° C. (144° F. to 147° F.) in order to create a an emulsion capable of coating teeth. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of according to  claim 31 , wherein the wax is selected from the group consisting of natural bees wax or processed bees wax, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         40 - 76 . (canceled)