Applications of polymers in dentifrices and mouthrinses.

This review highlights the specific applications of polymers in oral hygiene products. Specific examples are provided to show how polymers can be used to improve retention and release of active agents for therapeutic effects in an oral environment where the residence time of the actives is low, owing to the continuous flow of saliva which washes them away. Polymers are uniquely suited as active therapy for intraoral applications and as replacement agents for augmenting the macromolecule's deficiency (saliva) caused in the aging mouth. It is expected that the next generation of products and delivery systems will be based on polymers derived from natural sources and will have functions such as enamel replacement agents for caries control, adhesion macromolecules for gingival tissue attachment to teeth, saliva mucin replacement, and the delivery of new active agents using biopolymers.