A TOOTH CLEANING AND FLUORIDATING TABLET

The substantially water free tablet when chewed in the mouth forms a self-foaming paste containing stannous fluoride. The tablet contains less than about 50 % by weight of a composition producing carbon dioxide when mixed with the saliva in the mouth, and greater than about 35 % by weight of a substantially insoluble filling and polishing composition, and a wetting and foam stabilizing composition which forms the paste. Preferably the filling and polishing composition comprises greater than about 50 % of said tablet and said carbon dioxide producing composition comprises less than about 25 % by weight of said tablet. The tablet is water free to prevent degradation of the stannous fluoride before use. A tablet is chewed to form the paste. The paste is swished around in the mouth and between the teeth to perform a mechanical cleaning action and to bring the stannous fluoride in contact with the tooth surfaces. The tablet is then swallowed. Twice a day use provides an anti-caries and anti-plaque effect greater than that heretofore achieved by any dental hygiene product.