WO2003075874A1

WO2003075874A1 - Toothpaste composition including acid resistant calcium carbonate and a method of making the same

Info

Publication number: WO2003075874A1
Application number: PCT/IB2003/001322
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gustavo P. N. De Andrade; Anthony H. Asbridge
Original assignee: Quimica Industrial Barra Do Pirai Ltda.
Priority date: 2002-03-08
Filing date: 2003-03-07
Publication date: 2003-09-18
Also published as: AU2003216598A1; BR0308295A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toothpaste composition including an abrasive system having an acid-resistant calcium carbonate abrasive material. The present invention also provides a method for making the toothpaste composition.

Description

TOOTHPASTE COMPOSITION INCLUDING ACID RESISTANT CALCIUM CARBONATE AND A METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

This Application claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/362,451, filed March 8, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/373,639, filed April 19, 2002.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to a toothpaste composition having an abrasive system including an acid-resistant calcium carbonate. More particularly, the present invention relates to a toothpaste composition that can provide cost savings through the use of an acid-resistant calcium carbonate abrasive. The present invention further relates to the production of the toothpaste composition according to the present invention. Background of the Invention

[002] Over twenty years ago, fluoride became a standard active ingredient in toothpastes for the prevention of tooth decay. Silica became the abrasive of choice in toothpaste formulations because silica proved to be compatible with most fluoride sources. While the beneficial impact of the use of fluoride-containing toothpaste on oral hygiene and dental health is well documented, such compositions are relatively expensive for many consumers, and therefore are not widely affordable in many developing countries. Calcium carbonate is significantly cheaper than silica, and would be suitable for use as a lower cost dental abrasive, but for the fact that calcium carbonate is not compatible with most fluoride sources.

[003] The incompatibility of calcium carbonate with fluoride containing toothpaste compositions arises at least in part as a result of the instability of calcium carbonate at neutral and acidic pH. Untreated calcium carbonate ordinarily decomposes into carbon dioxide in the pH range required (generally neutral to acidic) to stabilize the fluoride in the toothpaste composition. Over time, the release of carbon dioxide from calcium carbonate can result in an increase in pressure leading to tube swelling and/or failure. Thus, the shelf life of toothpaste compositions containing untreated calcium carbonate may be undesirably shortened.

[004] The present invention provides a lower cost alternative for neutral fluoride containing toothpaste. The present invention replaces expensive silica abrasive with a calcium carbonate that is treated with silicate to render it stable in a neutral environment. The silicate-treated calcium carbonate abrasive of the invention, due to its increased acid-resistance, is more stable at the pH range commonly used in toothpaste compositions. The increased acid resistance reduces the acid-induced decomposition of the calcium carbonate, which would otherwise liberate carbon dioxide to eventually cause tube swelling and/or rupture over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] The present invention relates to a neutral toothpaste composition including a toothpaste base and an abrasive system comprising an acid-resistant calcium carbonate abrasive. The acid resistance results from a treatment of the calcium carbonate with at least one silicate.

[006] The present invention further relates to a method of making a toothpaste composition including combining a silicate with a calcium carbonate slurry, neutralizing the slurry, drying the calcium carbonate to obtain particles of calcium carbonate that are silicate-treated, and combining the silicate-treated particles with a toothpaste base.

[007] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

[009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[010] Figure 1 illustrates a system for evaluating the acid resistance of silicate-treated calcium carbonate.

[011] Figure 2 is a graphical representation of pH versus volume of acid used.

[012] Figure 3 is a graphical representation of pH versus volume of acid used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[013] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[014] One aspect of the present invention is a toothpaste composition comprising a toothpaste base and at least one silicate-treated calcium carbonate.

[015] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making a toothpaste, comprising combining at least one silicate with a calcium carbonate slurry; neutralizing the slurry; drying the calcium carbonate slurry to obtain silicate-treated particles of precipitated calcium carbonate; combining said silicate-treated particles of precipitated calcium carbonate with a toothpaste base.

[016] The term "neutral toothpaste composition" means a toothpaste composition having a pH ranging from about 6.0 to about 8.0, for example from about 6.8 to about 7.2.

[017] The present invention relates to a toothpaste composition which includes an abrasive system comprising an acid-resistant calcium carbonate such as, for example, an acid-resistant precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). Other calcium carbonates, such as ground calcium carbonate, can also be used according to the present invention. The calcium carbonate may be rendered acid-resistant using any art recognized method. [018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the acid-resistant calcium carbonate is rendered acid-resistant by treating the particle with at least one silicate compound. According, to one embodiment, this treatment results in a coated, or "jacketed," particle.

[019] Non-limiting examples of silicates suitable for treating the calcium carbonate (e.g. making the calcium carbonate acid-resistant) include alkali metal silicates such as sodium, lithium, and potassium silicate; aluminosilicate; polysilicates (e.g., sodium, lithium, and potassium polysilicates); organic base silicates (e.g., water-soluble quaternary ammonium silicates); mixed organic base/alkali metal silicates (e.g., double silicates of quaternary ammonium with sodium, lithium, or potassium silicates); complex metal ion silicates; and peroxy silicates. Any silicate capable of rendering a calcium carbonate particle acid-resistant may be used according to the invention.

[020] According to one aspect of the invention, silicate-treated particles are prepared by introducing a silicate, such as sodium silicate, to a calcium carbonate suspension. The calcium carbonate suspension can have a solids content ranging, for example, from about 1 to about 50 % solids, for example about 10 to about 40% solids, and further, for example, from about 15 to about 25 % solids. The sodium silicate may be alkaline, semi-alkaline or neutral, and may be added in an amount ranging from, for example, about 1 to about 20 %, by weight, for example from about 1 to about 10 % by weight, and further, for example, from about 2 to about 6 % by weight. The sodium silicate is considered to be alkaline when the ratio Si0₂/Na₂0 ranges from 2.0 to 2.5, and semi-alkaline when the ratio is greater than 3.0.

[021] After the sodium silicate has been added to the suspension, the suspension is neutralized by injection of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is introduced at a flow rate ranging from, for example, about 10 to about 100 m³/h, for example from about 40 to about 100 m³/h and further, for example, from about 60 to about 80 m³/h and at a preferred pressure, for example, from about 1 to about 5 kg/cm³, more preferably from about 1 to about 4 kg/cm³, and most preferably from about 1.5 to about 3.5 kg/cm³. The suspension is neutralized for a period of time ranging from about 25 minutes to about 50 minutes.

[022] The suspension is then subjected to a drying process that may be performed with, for example, any art recognized dryer. Suitable dryers for use in accordance with the present invention include drum dryers. The suspension is dried at a temperature ranging from, for example, about 100° to about 150°C, for example ranging from about 110° to about 140°C, and further, for example, at a temperature ranging from about 115° to about 125°C. The drying time depends on the quantity of product to be dried and the product humidity to be achieved. Appropriate drying times would be readily apparent to the skilled artisan.

[023] The suspension is dried to yield a silicate-treated precipitated calcium carbonate. The acid resistance of the resulting silicate-treated precipitated calcium carbonate (as measured by the technique in Example 4) ranges from, for example, about 100 to about 1000 ml of 0.1 N H₂S0₄ per 100 g of calcium carbonate, or from about 200 to about 400 ml of 0.1 N H₂S0₄ per 100 g of calcium carbonate. According to another aspect of the invention, the acid resistance is at least about 100 ml of 0.1 N H₂S0₄ per 100 g of calcium carbonate. According to another aspect, the acid resistance is at least about 200 ml of 0.1 N H₂S0₄ per 100 g of calcium carbonate, for example at least about 400 ml of 0.1 N H₂S0₄ per 100 g of calcium carbonate.

[024] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other forms of silicate-treated calcium carbonate, such as silicate-treated ground calcium carbonate, can also be prepared according to the present invention. Ground calcium carbonate is commonly prepared by the grinding of a chalk, marble, or limestone source material to the required degree of fineness. The grinding can be accomplished in dry or aqueous process conditions, and using varying types of proprietary or commercially available grinding equipment, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The ground calcium carbonate is then subjected to the silicate treatment process according to the present invention to yield an acid-resistant silicate-treated ground calcium carbonate. [025] For example, the ground calcium carbonate is mixed with water to give a suspension with a solids content ranging from about 15 to about 25% solids, relative to the total weight of the suspension. The silicate compound, such as sodium silicate, may be added in an amount ranging from about 2 to about 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the suspension. After the sodium silicate has been added to the suspension, the suspension is neutralized by injection of carbon dioxide or by any other suitable means of pH neutralization, including but not limited to the addition of at least one acid, for example at least one acid chosen from mineral acids and organic acids.

[026] At least one additional abrasive may be used with the acid- resistant calcium carbonate in the abrasive system of the present invention. The at least one additional abrasive material may be chosen from any fluoride compatible abrasive material. Suitable non-limiting examples of abrasive materials that may be used in accordance with the present invention may be chosen from, for example, silica, alumina, aluminosilicate, dicalcium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium metaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, calcium carbonate, and bentonite. The abrasive system of the present invention, including the silicate-treated calcium carbonate, may be present in the toothpaste base according to the present invention in an amount ranging from, for example, about 1 % to about 40 %, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, for example from about 5 % to about 40 % by weight. According to another aspect of the invention, the abrasive system of the present invention may be present in an amount ranging from about 4 % to about 25 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[027] The abrasive system is combined with a toothpaste base. Generally, the toothpaste base includes at least one ingredient chosen from thickening agents, gelling agents, humectants, foaming agents (detergents), and polishing agents. The toothpaste base may also contain at least one additional ingredient chosen from, for example, water, preservative agents, flavorants, sweeteners, and fluoride containing compounds. It will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan that the components and their relative amounts in the toothpaste base may be modified to achieve the desired toothpaste product.

[028] The toothpaste base according to the present invention may contain at least one thickener, which may also be referred to as a gelling agent. Any art recognized gelling or thickening agent may be used. Thickening or gelling agents for use in the present invention may be selected from natural, synthetic and gum-like materials, including, but not limited to, carboxyl methyl cellulose, carrageenin, xantham gum, and bentonite. The at least one thickening or gelling agent may be present in the toothpaste base according to the present invention in an amount ranging from, for example, about 0.1 % to about 5 % by weight, for example from about 0.1 % to about 3 % by weight. According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one thickening or gelling agent is present in the toothpaste base in an amount ranging, for example, from about 0.5 % to about 1.5 % by weight.

[029] The toothpaste base according to the present invention may also contain at least one ingredient chosen from detergents and surfactants. Suitable non-limiting examples of appropriate detergents for use in the toothpaste of the present invention include anionic surfactants, such as sodium alkylsulfates, sodium laurylsulfate, sodium myristylsulfate and sulfosuccinic acid surfactants; dialkyl sodium sulfosuccinate; non-anionic surfactants; and amphoteric surfactants. The at least one ingredient chosen from detergents and surfactants may be present in the toothpaste base according to the present invention in an amount ranging from, for example, about 0.1 % to about 10 % by weight, for example from about 0.1 % to about 5 % by weight, and further, for example, from about 0.5 % to about 3 % by weight.

[030] The toothpaste base according to the present invention may also contain at least one humectant. Appropriate humectants for use in the toothpaste of the present invention include those chosen from glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycols, polyethylene glycols and mixtures thereof. The at least one humectant may be present in the toothpaste base according to the present invention in an amount ranging from, for example, about 10 % to about 90 % by weight, for example from about 20 % to about 80 % by weight. According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one humectant may be present in an amount ranging from about 30 % to about 70 % by weight.

[031] The toothpaste base according to the present invention may contain at least one coloring or whitening agent. Any art recognized coloring or whitening agent may be used. Coloring and whitening agents for use in the present invention may include, for example, titanium dioxide. Coloring or whitening agents may be present in the toothpaste base according to the present invention in an amount ranging from about 0.1 % to about 5 % by weight, for example ranging from about 0.1 % to about 3 % by weight, and further, for example, from about 0.1 % to about 1 % by weight.

[032] The toothpaste base according to the present invention may contain at least one preservative. Any art recognized preservative may be used. Preservatives for use in the present invention may be selected from, for example, sodium benzoate and methyl paraben. Preservatives may be present in the toothpaste base according to the present invention in an amount ranging from, for example, about 0.1 % to about 3 %, by weight, for example ranging from about 0.1 % to about 1 % by weight, and further, for example from about 0.1 % to about 0.5 % by weight. The toothpaste composition prepared in accordance with the method of the present invention may further contain at least one additional ingredient chosen from therapeutic ingredients, water-insoluble non-cationic antibacterial agents, for example, triclosan, and cationic antibacterial agents.

[033] The toothpaste base according to the present invention may also contain at least one foaming agent. Any art recognized foaming agent may be used in the present invention. Appropriate foaming agents will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan.

[034] The toothpaste base according to the present invention may contain at least one flavoring agent. Any art recognized flavoring agent may be used in the present invention. Appropriate flavoring agents will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan. Flavoring agents may be chosen, for example, from oils of spearmint, peppermint, wintergreen, sassafras, clove, sage, eucalyptus, cinnamon, lemon, orange and methyl salicylate.

[035] The toothpaste base according to the present invention may contain at least one sweetener. Any art recognized sweetener may be used in the present invention. Appropriate sweeteners will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan. Sweeteners may be chosen, for example, from at least one of sucrose, lactose, maltose, xylitol, sodium cyclamate, perillartine, aspartyl phenyl alanine methyl ester and saccharine.

[036] The toothpaste base according to the present invention may contain fluoride. Fluoride for use in the present invention includes any compatible composition that will dissociate and release fluorine-containing ions in water. Fluoride compositions for use in the present invention can be chosen from one or more of sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, potassium fluoride, potassium stannous fluoride, sodium fluorostannate, stannous chlorofluoride and amine fluoride. Fluorides may be present in the toothpaste base according to the present invention in an amount ranging from about, for example, 0.1 % to about 3 %, by weight, for example from about 0.1 % to about 1 % by weight, and further, for example, from about 0.2 % to about 0.8 % by weight.

[037] EXAMPLES

[038] Example 1

[039] Silicate-treated precipitated calcium carbonate was prepared by adding 2% semi-alkaline sodium silicate to a calcium carbonate suspension, having a 20 % solids content, obtained from the carbonation of a calcium hydroxide suspension. The suspension was again carbonated with carbon dioxide for 50 minutes at a flow rate of 72 m³/h and at a pressure of 2 kg/cm³. The neutralized product was then dried in a drum dryer at 130°C. Properties of the silicate-treated precipitated calcium carbonate are provided below under the designation "A."

[040] Examples 2-4

[041] Other abrasives were prepared in accordance with Example 1. Any changes are noted in Table 1 , below. TABLE 1

[042] The composition of the above noted abrasives are set forth in

Table 2.

TABLE 2

[043] As can be seen from the acid resistance test results displayed in Figures 2 and 3, PCC treated with 4% sodium silicate performed better than PCC treated with 2% sodium silicate.

[044] Physical properties for the above described abrasives appear in Table 3, below.

TABLE 3

[045] Abrasivity determination was made in accordance with the DIN 50320 standard. (Quimbarra STM 230/97)

[046] Apparent volume was determined by placing 40 g of a previously sieved sample into a graduated cylinder. The cylinder was placed in a wood support, closed, and dropped 50 times from a 1 inch height, with 2 seconds for each fall, over a period of 1 minute and 40 seconds. Apparent volume was determined from the final volume in the graduated cylinder. (Quimbarra STM 200/98)

[047] Water absorption was determined by placing into a glass tube VA of the possible water that would be consumed, adding 15 g of the sieved sample, closing the tube with a rubber cork, and striking it in the thick rubber for complete mixing of the sample. After that, 0.5 ml of distilled water was added until a fluid mass that can slip from the bottom of the walls of the tube when the tube is inclined with a 45° angle of inclination was formed. The total volume of distilled water used to this point was registered. The result is given in cm³ of water/15 g of sample. (Quimbarra STM 207/94)

[048] Glycerin viscosity was determined by placing sixty grams of the sample into a 250 ml Becker, and 75 g of glycerin solution (1 :1 W/W) was added and mixed with a mechanical agitator for 2 minutes at 1 ,500 RPM of rotation. The analysis was performed with a Brookfield viscometer RVT DV II Ilk - Spindle with 10 RPM of rotation and TA spindle. Viscosity (CPS) = reading x indicated factor. (Quimbarra STM 262/96)

[049] Glycerin absorption was determined by placing 20 g of the sample in a dry 250 ml Becker. Twenty milliliters of glycerin was slowly added, and the sample was mixed with circular movements until a paste was formed. Subsequently, 0.5 ml of glycerin (1 :1 W/W) was continuously added with the assistance of a glass stick, until the final absorption was achieved. The Becker was inclined to 45° and, after cleaning half of the bottom of the Becker, it was returned to the vertical position. The final absorption point was determined when the paste covered the Becker's bottom in at least 30 seconds. (Quimbarra STM 206/94)

[050] A sedigraph analysis was performed using a Micromeritics Sedigraph 5100. Seven grams of PCC was placed in a Becker, and 5 drops of Polysal was added to make the volume 80 ml. The sample was analyzed in the sedigraph. (Quimbarra STM 235/97)

[051] Each abrasive was tested for acid resistance, and the results are set forth in Table 4, below. Acid resistance was determined by preparing a 20% solution of calcium carbonate (100 g of calcium carbonate in 400 g of water). H₂SO₄ (0.1 N solution) is added to the calcium carbonate solution. When the CaC0₃ is decomposed by the H₂SO₄, C0₂ is liberated. The liberated C0₂ is directed to a basic solution of NaOH 0.0001 N and 2 ml phenolphthalein and changes the color of phenolphthalein in the solution from pink to white. The quantity of H₂S0₄ necessary for CaC0₃ decomposition, and the pH were measured at that occurrence. Figure 1 provides apparatus for measuring acid resistance.

TABLE 4

[052] Results are demonstrated graphically at Figure 2.

Example 5

[053] Toothpaste compositions were prepared by combining a toothpaste base, described below, with an abrasive system. Toothpaste formula used: sorbitol - 55.0% glycerin - 15.0% CMC - 0.7% methylparaben - 0.1% water - 12.3% saccharin sodium - 0.2% sodium fluoride/sodium monofluorophosphate - 0.2%/0.8%

(as the overall fluoride content is modified, an appropriate change is made to the quantity of water added) abrasive silica/silicate-treated PCC - 4.0% thickening silica - 10.0% sodium Iaurylsulfate - 1.5% flavor - 1.0% [054] The physical characteristics of the toothpaste are set forth in Table 5, below. The abrasives used in Example 5 were prepared in accordance with the methods of Example 1.

TABLE 5

[055] Each toothpaste composition was tested to determine the fluorine stability over time. The results of this analysis, in ppm , are set forth in Table 6, below. Fluorine stability was measured by using a Orion 720A Potentiometer using an ion selective electrode for fluorine analysis. TABLE 6

[056] Each toothpaste composition was tested to determine the stability of the pH over time. The results of this analysis are set forth in Table 7, below.

TABLE 7

[057] The toothpaste compositions were analyzed to determine their viscosity and any changes over time. The results in cps are set forth in Table 8, below. TABLE 8

[058] The toothpaste compositions, packaged in normal toothpaste ' tubes, were analyzed to determine their stability over time. The results of this analysis are set forth in Table 9, below.

TABLE 9

Examples 6-13

[059] Other abrasives were prepared in accordance with Example 1. Any changes are noted in Table 10, below. TABLE 10

[060] The composition of the above noted abrasives are set forth in Table 11.

TABLE 11

[061] Physical properties for the above described abrasives appear in Table 12, on the following page.

[062] Each abrasive was tested for acid resistance and the results are set forth in Table 13, below. Acid resistance was determined by preparing a 20% solution of calcium carbonate (100 g of calcium carbonate in 400 g of water). H₂SO₄ (0.1 N solution) is added to the calcium carbonate solution. When the CaC0₃ is decomposed by the H₂S0 , C0₂ is liberated. The liberated C0₂ is directed to a basic solution of NaOH 0.0001 N and 2 ml phenolphthalein and changes the color of phenolphthalein in the solution from pink to white. The quantity of H₂S0 necessary for CaC0₃ decomposition and the pH were measured at that occurrence. Figure 1 describes an apparatus for measuring acid resistance.

TABLE 13

[063] Results are demonstrated graphically at Figure 3.

Example 14

[064] Toothpaste compositions were prepared by combining a toothpaste base, the same described in page 12, with an abrasive system. The physical characteristics of the toothpaste are set forth in Table 14, below. TABLE 12

TABLE 14

[065] Each toothpaste composition was tested to determine the fluorine stability over time. The results of this analysis in ppm are set forth in Table 6, below. Fluorine stability was measured by using a Orion 720A Potentiometer using an ion selective electrode for fluorine analysis.

TABLE 15

[066] Each toothpaste composition was tested to determine the stability of the pH over time. The results of this analysis are set forth in Table 16, below.

TABLE 16

[067] The toothpaste compositions were analyzed to determine their viscosity and any changes over time. The results in cps are set forth in Table 17, on the following page.

[068] The toothpaste compositions were analyzed to determine their stability over time. The results of this analysis are set forth in Table 18, below.

[069] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

TABLE 18

TABLE 17

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A toothpaste composition comprising: a toothpaste base; and at least one silicate-treated calcium carbonate.

2. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein the silicate-treated calcium carbonate is acid-resistant.

3. The toothpaste composition according to claim 2, wherein said acid resistance is at least about 100 ml of 0.1 N H₂S0 per 100 g of calcium carbonate.

4. The toothpaste composition according to claim 2, wherein said acid resistance ranges from about 100 to about 1000 ml of 0.1 N H₂S0₄ per 100 g of calcium carbonate.

5. The toothpaste composition according to claim 2, wherein said acid resistance is at least about 200 ml of 0.1 N H₂S0 per 100 g of calcium carbonate.

6. The toothpaste composition according to claim 2, wherein said acid resistance is at least about 400 ml of 0.1 N H₂S0 per 100 g of calcium carbonate.

7. The toothpaste composition according to claim 2, wherein said acid resistance ranges from about 200 to about 400 ml of 0.1 N H₂SO₄ per 100 g of calcium carbonate.

8. A toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein the calcium carbonate is jacketed with silicate.

9. A toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein said toothpaste composition has a pH ranging from about 6.0 to about 8.0

10. A toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one silicate is chosen from alkali metal silicates, aluminosilicate, polysilicates, organic base silicates, mixed organic base/alkali metal silicates, complex metal ion silicates, and peroxy silicates.

11. A toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one silicate is an alkali metal silicate.

12. A toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one silicate is an aluminosilicate.

13. A toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one silicate is a polysilicate.

14. A toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one silicate is sodium silicate.

15. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein the toothpaste composition further comprises at least one additional abrasive.

16. The toothpaste composition according to claim 15, wherein said at least one additional abrasive is chosen from silica, alumina, aluminosilicate, dicalcium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium metaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, calcium carbonate, and bentonite.

17. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein said silicate treated-calcium carbonate is present in an amount of ranging from about 1 % to about 40%, relative to the total weight of the toothpaste composition.

18. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one silicate-treated calcium carbonate comprises a silicate-treated precipitated calcium carbonate.

19. The toothpaste composition according to claim 18, wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate is silicate-treated with sodium silicate.

20. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , further comprising fluoride.

21. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , wherein the toothpaste base comprises water and at least one agent chosen from thickening agents and gelling agents.

22. The toothpaste composition according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional ingredient chosen from humectants, foaming agents, and preservatives.

23. A method of making a toothpaste, comprising: combining at least one silicate with a calcium carbonate slurry; neutralizing the slurry; drying the calcium carbonate slurry to obtain silicate-treated particles of precipitated calcium carbonate; combining said silicate-treated particles of precipitated calcium carbonate with a toothpaste base.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate is jacketed with the silicate compound.

25 The method according to claim 23, wherein said at least one silicate is chosen from alkali metal silicates, aluminosilicate, polysilicates, organic base silicates, mixed organic base/alkali metal silicates, complex metal ion silicates, and peroxy silicates.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein said at least one silicate is an alkali metal silicate.

27. The method according to claim 23, wherein said at least one silicate is an aluminosilicate.

28. The method according to claim 23, wherein said at least one silicate is a polysilicate.

29. The method according to claim 23, wherein said at least one silicate is sodium silicate.

30. The method according to claim 23, wherein the at least one silicate is present in an amount ranging from at least about 2% by weight.

31. The method according to claim 23, wherein the at least one silicate is present in an amount ranging from at least about 4% by weight.

32. The method according to claim 23, wherein the neutralization is performed by contacting said slurry with C0₂.

33. The method according to claim 23, wherein the neutralization is performed by contacting said slurry with at least one acid.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the at least one acid is chosen from mineral acids and organic acids.

35. The method according to claim 23, wherein the toothpaste base is combined with at least one additional abrasive.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein said at least one additional abrasive is chosen from silica, alumina, aluminosilicate, dicalcium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium metaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, calcium carbonate, and bentonite.

37. The method according to claim 23, wherein said silicate-treated particles of precipitated calcium carbonate are present in an amount of ranging from about 1 % to about 40 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the toothpaste base.

38. The method according to claim 23, wherein the toothpaste base contains fluoride.

39. The method according to claim 23, wherein said neutralizing is performed for a period of time ranging from about 25 to about 50 minutes.

40. The method according to claim 23, wherein said neutralizing is performed in C0₂ at a flow rate ranging from about 60 to about 80 m³h.

41. The method according to claim 23, wherein said neutralizing is performed at a pressure of ranging from about 1.5 to about 3.5 kg/cm².