EFFERVESCENT ORAL CARE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE

Solid effervescent compositions are described. The solid compositions includ e an edible acid and a carbonate salt (e.g., sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate). The compositions can further include one or more water soluble functional ingredients. The solid compositions can be free of insoluble particulate material so as to prevent damage to the teeth or gums. The composition can be slightly acidic to assure complete dissolution and so tha t its flavor does not become salty. The solid compositions can be dissolved in water to form a solution having an osmolality of 310 mOsm/kg of water or les s. The resulting solution can then be contacted with the oral tissues of a user . Alternatively, the solid composition can be placed directly into the oral cavity of a user and allowed to dissolve and effervesce in the oral cavity.< /SDOAB>