COMPOSITION FOR ORAL CAVITY

PURPOSE:To obtain a composition for the oral cavity, containing a higher alkyl- betaine capable of hydrophilizing tooth surfaces and having the ability to form hydrophilic thin films on the tooth surfaces without any creakiness of teeth and effective in inhibiting formation of bacterial plaques. CONSTITUTION:A composition for the oral cavity containing 0.01-30wt.% higher alkyl-betaine capable of hydrophilizing tooth surfaces in the composition. Compounds expressed by formula I (R1 is 10-26C alkyl; R2 and R3 are 1-3C alkyl; R4 is 2-4C alkylene or hydroxyalkylene), compounds expressed by formula II (R5 is H or 1-3C alkyl), compounds expressed by formula III (R6 is 1-3C alkyl) and compounds expressed by formula IV are cited as the higher alkyl betaine. The compounds expressed by formulas I to IV are preferably used as a simple substance; however, even mixtures thereof can also be used.