HK1117751B - Dental enamel recalcification accelerator and containing the same, oral composition and food or beverage - Google Patents

Description

Dental enamel recalcification promoter, and oral composition and food and drink containing same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an accelerating agent for recalcification of tooth enamel, and an oral composition, a food or drink containing the accelerating agent.

Background

In general, caries begins with adhesion of Streptococcus oralis (caries bacteria) such as Streptococcus mutans (Streptococcus mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (Streptococcus sobrinus) to the tooth surface, and glucan is produced by the action of a glucosyltransferase possessed by these bacteria to form plaque (tartar). In the plaque, the above bacteria metabolize sugar, starch, and the like in the food residue to generate acid, which decalcifies the enamel of teeth, that is, forms what is called an initial caries state.

On the other hand, saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which act to restore the tooth by restoring, i.e., recalcifying, the decalcified portion. That is, on the surface of the tooth, the opposite phenomena of decalcification and recalcification always occur, and the desired balance is usually maintained. However, if the plaque in this equilibrium increases, the plaque inclines to the decalcified side, and caries occurs.

The crystals constituting the enamel of the tooth surface consist of hydroxyapatite Ca as a hexagonal system₁₀(PO₄)₆OH₂Is calcium phosphate. Decalcification, as identified in early caries, is the dissolution of inorganic components of enamel, and recalcification allows repair and regrowth of existing calcium phosphate crystals that remain dissolved.

Conventionally, in order to prevent caries, tooth adhesion inhibitors against cariogenic bacteria, antibacterial agents, glucosyltransferase inhibitors which inhibit glucan formation by cariogenic bacteria, and the like have been developed. However, for example, antibacterial agents are not specific materials exhibiting antibacterial action against cariogenic bacteria alone, and there are problems in safety, and glucosyltransferase inhibitors are susceptible to the influence of saliva.

Further, a caries prevention composition is known in which hydroxyapatite and fluoride having a crystal structure similar to that of an inorganic component of a tooth are incorporated to recalcify a surface layer portion of the tooth (for example, see patent document 1), but a method of incorporating fluoride such as sodium fluoride, sodium fluorophosphate, or stannous fluoride into an oral composition or a food or drink has a problem in view of safety.

Further, although it is known that decalcified enamel is re-calcified by using fine particles of hydroxyapatite in combination with xylitol (for example, see patent document 2), industrially produced hydroxyapatite is a chemically stable compound and therefore lacks reactivity, and its crystal structure is different from that of hydroxyapatite constituting teeth in the human body in a strict sense, and therefore the effect of re-calcification is insufficient.

Further, an oral composition containing a liquefied calcium phosphate compound is also known (for example, see patent document 3), but the effect of recalcification is insufficient only by calcium phosphate.

Further, although a recalcification promoter for enamel of gloiopeltis intended to be included in marine algae, particularly red algae (see, for example, patent documents 4 and 5), the stability of the recalcification promoting effect of enamel varies depending on the type of marine algae, and the recalcification effect is insufficient. That is, it has not been known in the past that red algae containing galactoside and/or extracts thereof, for example, at least 1 kind of polysaccharides selected from kappa-carrageenan (carrageenan), iota-carrageenan and furcellaran (furcellaran) among red algae particularly have a recalcification promoting effect on dental enamel.

Patent document 1: japanese patent publication No. 2-31049

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open No. 9-175963

Patent document 3: japanese patent laid-open No. 8-319224

Patent document 4: japanese patent laid-open No. 2000-53549

Patent document 5: japanese patent laid-open No. 2000-128752

Disclosure of The Invention

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a recalcification promoter which has no problem of safety even when used in an oral composition or a food or beverage and which can effectively promote recalcification of decalcified enamel and thereby positively suppress caries, and an oral composition and a food or beverage containing the same.

The present inventors have conducted extensive studies and, as a result, have found that red algae containing galactoside and/or extracts thereof among red algae can achieve the above object, and have completed the present invention.

That is, the agent for promoting recalcification of enamel of the present invention contains red algae containing galactoside and/or an extract thereof as an active ingredient, or red algae containing galactoside and/or an extract thereof, xylitol, and calcium hydrogen phosphate as active ingredients. As the above-mentioned galactoside, at least 1 kind of polysaccharides selected from the group consisting of kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan and furcellaran is preferable, and especially kappa carrageenan exerts a remarkable effect.

That is, the present invention relates to a recalcification promoter containing the red algae containing galactoside and/or the extract thereof and, if necessary, xylitol and/or calcium hydrogen phosphate as active ingredients, and an oral composition and a food or drink containing the promoter, and the oral composition and the food or drink include a representation of the contents of enhancing the recalcification of teeth.

The agent for promoting recalcification of enamel of the present invention has no problem of safety even when used in oral compositions and foods and drinks, and can effectively promote recalcification of decalcified enamel and positively suppress caries by using red algae containing galactoside and/or its extract as an active ingredient or red algae containing galactoside and/or its extract, xylitol, and calcium hydrogen phosphate as active ingredients.

Particularly, the effect is remarkably exhibited when the above-mentioned extract of red algae containing galactoside, which is at least 1 kind of polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan and furcellaran, particularly kappa-carrageenan, xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate are used in combination. That is, the strong recalcification from the surface layer based on the extract of red algae containing galactoside (at least 1 polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan and furcellaran, particularly kappa-carrageenan) and the recalcification from the deep layer based on xylitol were added, and the recalcification promoting effect of enamel was very remarkably promoted as compared with red algae containing no galactoside.

Best Mode for Carrying Out The Invention

The red algae containing the galactoside of the present invention can be suitably selected from the order of the pilocariales, porphyridium, chaetotrichophyta, campylocladales, hyssopodales, gelidium, cryptothrix, Gigartinales, palmaria, Ceramiales, and the like, and particularly, carrageen, Ceramia spinosa, and Eucheuma spinosum of family Solieriaceae, which contain at least 1 kind of polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, and furcellaran, exhibit remarkable effects, and are preferable.

The red algae containing galactoside of the present invention may be used alone, or may be used in combination, for example, as a product which is dried and then shredded or powdered as required, or as a product which is obtained by obtaining an extract and then granulating or powdering the extract. In addition, although not expected to have the effect of the level of red algae containing galactoside, other seaweeds may also be used.

The extract of red algae of the present invention is effectively furcellaran, kappa-carrageenan and iota-carrageenan, and the method for obtaining the extract of red algae is not particularly limited, and for example, extraction is performed using water or an organic solvent, particularly an organic solvent having compatibility with water. The extract can be further separated and purified by organic solvent, chromatography, etc. and then used.

The red algae or the extract thereof may be dissolved or dispersed in an appropriate liquid carrier, or mixed with or adsorbed onto an appropriate powder carrier, and if necessary, an emulsifier, a dispersant, a suspending agent, a spreading agent, a penetrant, a wetting agent, a stabilizer, or the like may be added to the mixture to prepare an emulsion, a hydrating agent, a powder, a tablet, or the like.

The red algae and/or the extract thereof can sufficiently promote recalcification of enamel even when used alone in an oral composition, a food or drink, and can significantly promote the recalcification by using xylitol and/or calcium hydrogen phosphate in combination.

In the dental enamel recalcification promoter of the present invention, the ratio of the red algae and/or the extract thereof, xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate is preferably 0.02-5.0: 50: 0.02-2.0, more preferably 0.05-0.2: 50: 0.1-0.4.

The recalcification promoter, that is, the red algae and/or the extract thereof or the oral composition further containing xylitol and/or calcium hydrogen phosphate may, for example, be dentifrices such as toothpaste, tooth powder or tooth cleaning liquid, mouth wash, gum massage ointment, gargle tablet or troche. Further, examples of the food or drink include chewing gum, hard candy, candy bar, soft candy, chocolate, snack such as a biscuit or a snack, frozen food such as ice cream, ice cream bar or ice snack, meat products such as beverage, bread, scone, dairy products, ham, sausage, fish products such as fish cake and fish roll, subsidiary food, pudding, soup, and jam.

By incorporating the recalcification promoter for enamel of the present invention into the composition for oral cavity and the food and drink to be daily consumed as described above, the recalcification promoter can be daily consumed, and the prevention of dental caries can be easily and easily performed. Further, it is particularly preferable to incorporate a recalcification promoter into an oral composition or a food or drink, since the residence time of the recalcification promoter in the mouth becomes long, and a further effect such as the recalcification promoter being widely diffused in the oral cavity is brought about. Specifically, it is highly desirable to incorporate a recalcification accelerator into a lozenge, chewing gum, hard candy, pressed candy, soft candy, chocolate, ice cream, ice snack, toothpaste, tooth powder, or gum massage cream, and to prolong the residence time of the recalcification accelerator in the mouth. In addition, when a recalcification promoter is incorporated into other food products, it is highly desirable that the recalcification promoter is contained in food residues remaining between teeth. In addition, it is desirable to incorporate a recalcification promoter into a beverage, a soup, a dentifrice or a mouthwash so that the recalcification promoter spreads throughout the entire oral cavity (gaps between teeth, etc.).

The amount of the red algae and/or the extract thereof added to the oral composition or the food or drink is preferably 0.01 to 10.0% by weight. The amounts of xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate to be used in combination with red algae and/or an extract thereof are not limited to the respective amounts depending on the type and form of the oral composition or food or drink to be used, but are preferably 1 to 95% by weight and 0.01 to 5.0%.

In the present invention, the red algae and/or the extract thereof, or xylitol or calcium hydrogen phosphate may be added to the oral composition or the food or drink at any stage of the production process of the product, or may be mixed with the remaining raw materials. In the case of using red algae and/or an extract thereof in combination with xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate, they may be added to the oral composition or the food or drink after being mixed in advance, or may be added separately.

Examples

Examples and test examples of the present invention are described below, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Test example 1 (Effect of the enamel recalcification promoter of the present invention)

The test for confirming the effect of the agent for promoting recalcification of enamel of the present invention is carried out as follows by using a method for confirming the effect of promoting recalcification by removing teeth using a human as described in dental bulletin Vol.89, No.9, 1441 to 1455(1989). Further, as the extract of red seaweed polysaccharides containing galactoside, kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, furcellaran and lambda carrageenan, which are manufactured by Asahi east chemical industries, Ltd.

The whole surface of the enamel block from which teeth were extracted was covered with a sticky wax to leave a window of 3X 4mm, and the enamel block was immersed in a 0.01M sodium acetate buffer (pH4.0) heated to 50 ℃ for 2 days to form a decalcified layer (see FIG. 1). Then, half of the window was coated with wax to prepare a test enamel block.

In the recalcification treatment, CaCl containing 1mM is used₂、0.6mM KH₂PO₄、10Recalcification solutions of 0mM NaCl adjusted to pH7.3 with 50mM KOH solution the following 10 solutions A) to J) were prepared, adjusted to 37 ℃ and immersed in each of the 1 test enamel blocks for 2 weeks. Wherein each solution was replaced with a new solution every 2 days.

A) Recalcification solution

B) Recalcification solution containing 5 wt% xylitol and 0.02 wt% calcium hydrogen phosphate

C) Recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% kappa-carrageenan

D) Recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% kappa-carrageenan, 5 wt% xylitol, 0.02 wt% calcium hydrogen phosphate

E) Recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% lambda carrageenan

F) Recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% lambda carrageenan, 5 wt% xylitol, 0.02 wt% calcium hydrogen phosphate

G) Recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% iota carrageenan

H) Recalcified solution containing iota carrageenan 0.05 wt%, xylitol 5 wt%, calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.02 wt%

I) Recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% furcellaran

J) Recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% furcellaran, 5 wt% xylitol, and 0.02 wt% calcium hydrogen phosphate

After recalcification treatment, the enamel blocks for each test were wax-removed and embedded in polyester resin (Regolac resin) to prepare 100 μm ground sections, which were photographed by Contact Micrograph (CMR). The photographing conditions were 10kV and 3mA, the irradiation time was 30 minutes, and photographing was performed using an aluminum foil stepped wedge as a reference. The development is carried out in a usual manner.

Further, the recalcification degree as a result based on the Microradiography (MR) was evaluated by observation on the following 5-level.

Recalcification degree 0) no recalcification was confirmed in the decalcified enamel layer.

Degree of recalcification 1) a small amount of recalcification was confirmed in the decalcified surface layer of enamel.

Degree of recalcification 2) strong recalcification was confirmed in the decalcified surface layer of enamel. Or recalcification was confirmed in the surface and deep layers of decalcification of enamel.

Recalcification degree 3) recalcification was confirmed from the decalcified surface layer to the deep layer of enamel.

Recalcification degree 4) strong recalcification was confirmed from the decalcified surface layer to the deep layer of enamel.

The results of the Microradiography (MR) immediately after the decalcified layer was formed on the test enamel block and the results of the Microradiography (MR) after the recalcification treatment of the same block are shown in fig. 1 to 5.

FIG. 1 shows MR immediately after decalcification, and recalcification was not confirmed (recalcification degree: 0). FIG. 2 shows that the whole decalcified surface was confirmed to have a moderate recalcification (recalcification degree 1) by the MR after the treatment with the recalcification solution A). Fig. 3 shows MR after treatment with the recalcification solution of B), which confirmed recalcification not only in the surface layer but also in the deep layer of the decalcified enamel (recalcification degree 2). Fig. 4 shows MR after treatment with the recalcification solution of C), strong recalcification of the decalcified surface layer of enamel was confirmed (recalcification degree 2). Fig. 5 shows MR after treatment with the recalcification solution of D), strong recalcification was confirmed both in the surface layer and deep layer of the decalcified enamel (recalcification degree 4). FIG. 6 shows that the whole decalcified surface was confirmed to have a moderate recalcification (recalcification degree 1) by the MR after the recalcification solution treatment of E). Fig. 7 shows MR after treatment with the recalcification solution of F), recalcification was confirmed not only in the surface layer but also in the deep layer of the decalcified enamel (recalcification degree 2). Fig. 8 shows MR after treatment with the recalcification solution of G), strong recalcification of the decalcified surface layer of enamel (recalcification degree 2) was confirmed. Fig. 9 is MR after treatment with the recalcification solution of H), strong recalcification was confirmed both in the surface layer and deep layer of enamel decalcification (recalcification degree 4). Fig. 10 shows MR after treatment with the recalcification solution of I), strong recalcification of the decalcified surface layer of enamel (recalcification degree 2) was confirmed. Fig. 11 is MR after treatment with J) recalcification solution, strong recalcification was confirmed both in the surface layer and deep layer of enamel decalcification (recalcification degree 4).

As described above, it was confirmed that the polysaccharide containing galactosyl anhydride had a remarkable recalcification promoting effect as compared with the case of using the polysaccharide containing no galactosyl anhydride in the red algae extract, and that the recalcification promoting effect was remarkably improved by using xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate in combination.

Test example 2 (effect of promoting recalcification of enamel in food or drink (chewing gum) of the present invention)

Chewing gums of examples 1 to 3 (0.1% of kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan and furcellaran were added, respectively) and comparative example 1 (no addition of the red algae extract) and comparative example 2 (addition of 0.1% of lambda carrageenan) were prepared based on the blending ratios in table 1 by using kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan and furcellaran as the extracts of red algae polysaccharides containing galactoside, respectively, and using xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate.

[ Table 1]

	Comparative example 1	Examples 1 to 3 and comparative example 2
			Chewing gum base xylitol palatinose alcohol maltitol softener calcium hydrophosphate red algae polysaccharide refined water	28.0 wt.% 41.0 wt.% 25.0 wt.% 4.7 wt.% 0.8 wt.% 0.2 wt.% 0 wt.% 0.3 wt.%	28.0 wt.% 41.0 wt.% 25.0 wt.% 4.7 wt.% 0.8 wt.% 0.2 wt.% 0.1 wt.% 0.2 wt.%

The recalcification effect of the chewing gums of examples 1 to 3 and comparative examples 1 and 2 was evaluated by the following method. The extraction of the effective components of chewing gum is carried out in "basic research (subject number 04304045) for comprehensive evaluation of caries induction of food and sugar substitute" 5 years' scientific research fee support money research result report (research representative of Shantian Zheng); p 86-89' are used as references.

Each of the chewing gums of examples 1 to 3 and comparative examples 1 and 2 was cut into small pieces and weighed 10 g. 50ml of recalcification solution (60 ℃) having the same composition as in test example 1 was added thereto, and the resulting mixture was sufficiently broken with a glass rod to elute the contained components, and 50ml of the above recalcification solution (60 ℃) was added thereto, and after the elution operation was carried out again, the finely divided gum base was removed by centrifugal separation, to obtain 5 gum extracts corresponding to each of the gums of examples 1 to 3 and comparative examples 1 and 2.

Each of the 3 test enamel pieces was immersed in the 5 gum extracts at 37 ℃ for 2 weeks. Meanwhile, the gum extract was replaced every 2 days. Next, the results of the Microscopic Radiography (MR) based on the enamel blocks for test were evaluated for the recalcification degree as a 5-grade evaluation by observation in the same manner as in the recalcification promoting effect test 1, and the recalcification degree based on the above examples 1 to 3 and comparative examples 1 and 2 was calculated as an average value of each of 3 enamel blocks for test, and the graph is shown in fig. 12.

The chewing gum of comparative example 1 (without added red seaweed extract) had a recalcification level of 1.67, whereas the chewing gum of example 1 (with 0.1% kappa carrageenan added) had a recalcification level of 2.67, the chewing gum of example 2 (with 0.1% iota carrageenan added) had a recalcification level of 2.33, and the chewing gum of example 3 (with 0.1% furcellaran added) had a recalcification level of 2.00. In addition, the chewing gum of comparative example 2 (with 0.1% lambda carrageenan added) had a recalcification degree of 1.67. From these results, it was found that the chewing gum containing the red algal polysaccharides having galactosyl anhydride showed a recalcification promoting effect, as compared with the case of using the red algal polysaccharides having no galactosyl anhydride.

Test example 3 (effect of promoting recalcification of enamel in food or beverage (candy bar) of the present invention)

Using kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan and furcellaran as the extracts of the red algal polysaccharides containing galactoside, and using xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate, the tabletted saccharides of examples 4 to 6 (0.1% of kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan and furcellaran were added, respectively), comparative example 3 (no red algal extract was added), and comparative example 4 (0.1% of lambda-carrageenan was added) were prepared based on the compounding ratios shown in Table 2.

[ Table 2]

	Comparative example 3	Examples 4 to 6 and comparative example 4
			Xylitol dietary fiber softener tackifier calcium hydrophosphate and rhodophyta polysaccharide	87.0 wt.% 4.0 wt.% 5.0 wt.% 3.8 wt.% 0.2 wt.% 0 wt.%	87.0 wt.% 4.0 wt.% 5.0 wt.% 3.7 wt.% 0.2 wt.% 0.1 wt.%

The recalcification effect of the tabletted saccharides of examples 4 to 6 and comparative examples 3 and 4 was evaluated by the same method as in test example 2. Next, the results of the Microscopic Radiography (MR) of each test enamel block were evaluated for the recalcification promoting effect test 1 by observing and evaluating the recalcification degree in 5 steps, and the recalcification degree based on the above examples 4 to 6 and comparative examples 3 and 4 was calculated as an average value of each of 3 test enamel blocks, and is graphically shown in fig. 13.

The degree of recalcification of the pressed candy of comparative example 3 (no addition of red seaweed extract) was 1.67, while the degree of recalcification of the pressed candy of example 4 (addition of 0.1% kappa-carrageenan) was 2.67, the degree of recalcification of the pressed candy of example 5 (addition of 0.1% iota-carrageenan) was 2.00, and the degree of recalcification of the pressed candy of example 6 (addition of 0.1% furcellaran) was 2.33. In addition, the tablet sugar of comparative example 4 (with 0.1% lambda carrageenan added) had a recalcification degree of 1.67. From these results, it was found that the tabletted saccharides containing red algal polysaccharides having galactosyl anhydride showed recalcification promoting effects, as compared with the case of using red algal polysaccharides having no galactosyl anhydride.

Hereinafter, as examples of the oral composition or food or drink of the present invention, the compounding ratios (figures are% by weight) of examples 7 to 20 are exemplified. Further, three kinds of products, i-carrageenan, and furcellaran, were used as the red algal polysaccharides.

Example 7 (chewing gum)

Chewing gum base 20.0

Sorbitol 55.0

Maltitol 23.8

Softening agent 1.0

Red algae polysaccharide 0.2

Example 8 (chewing gum)

Chewing gum base 20.0

Xylitol 55.0

Maltitol 22.5

Softening agent 1.0

Calcium hydrogen phosphate 1.0

Red algae polysaccharide 0.5

Example 9 (hard candy)

Xylitol 48.0

Reducing maltose syrup 36.5

Calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.5

Red algae polysaccharide 0.5

Fragrance 0.4

Refined water 14.1

Example 10 (hard candy)

Palatinol 48.0

Reducing maltose syrup 36.0

Red algae polysaccharide 0.5

Fragrance 0.4

Refined water 15.1

Example 11 (candy tablets)

Xylitol 75.0

Lactose 20.9

Fatty acid glycerides 0.2

Calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.05

Red algae polysaccharide 0.05

Refined water 3.8

Example 12 (candy tablets)

Xylitol 75.0

Palatinol 20.0

Fatty acid glycerides 0.2

Red algae polysaccharide 0.5

Refined water 4.3

Example 13 (chocolate)

Cocoa mass 15.0

Whole milk powder 25.0

Xylitol 40.4

Calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.5

Cocoa powder 18.0

Emulsifier 0.3

Fragrance 0.3

Red algae polysaccharide 0.5

Example 14 (chocolate)

Cocoa mass 15.0

Whole milk powder 25.0

Xylitol 40.9

Red algae polysaccharide 0.5

Cocoa butter 18.0

Emulsifier 0.3

Fragrance 0.3

Example 15 (Ice cream)

Butter (fat content 45%) 25.0

Milk (fat rate 3.7%) 35.0

Skimmed milk powder (sugar-free) 24.3

Xylitol 10.4

Calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.1

Corn syrup 4.4

Stabilizer 0.77

Red algae polysaccharide 0.03

Example 16 (beverage)

Glucose solution with sugar 0.3

Xylitol 8.6

Sour agent 1.0

Fragrance 0.4

Calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.1

Red algae polysaccharide 0.3

Refined water 89.3

Example 17 (dentifrice)

Aluminum hydroxide 35.0

Silicic anhydride 15.0

Xylitol 10.0

Calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.2

Sodium lauryl sulfate 1.0

Fragrance 0.5

Red algae polysaccharide 0.3

Refined water 38.0

Example 18 (mouthwash)

Xylitol 20.0

Glycerol 10.0

Sodium lauryl sulfate 1.0

Calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.5

Fragrance 0.2

Red algae polysaccharide 0.5

Refined water 67.8

Example 19 (mouthwash)

Xylitol 7.4

Red algae polysaccharide 0.5

Glycerol 10.0

Sodium lauryl sulfate 1.5

Fragrance 0.4

Refined water 80.2

Example 20 (mouthwash)

Sorbitol 7.4

Calcium hydrogen phosphate 0.2

Glycerol 10.0

Sodium lauryl sulfate 1.5

Fragrance 0.6

Red algae polysaccharide 0.3

Refined water 80.0

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the results of a Microradiography (MR) method immediately after a decalcified layer is formed on an enamel block for test.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the results of MR after a decalcified layer was formed on a test enamel block and treated with a recalcification solution.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the results of MR after a decalcified layer was formed on a test enamel block and treated with a recalcification solution containing 5% by weight of xylitol.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the results of MR after a decalcified layer was formed on a test enamel block treated with a recalcification solution containing 0.05% by weight of kappa-carrageenan.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the results of MR after a decalcified layer was formed on a test enamel block treated with a recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% kappa-carrageenan, 5 wt% xylitol, and 0.02 wt% dibasic calcium phosphate.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the results of MR after a decalcified layer was formed on a test enamel block treated with a recalcification solution containing 0.05% by weight of lambda carrageenan.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the results of MR after a decalcified layer was formed on a test enamel block treated with a recalcification solution containing 0.05% by weight of lambda carrageenan, 5% by weight of xylitol, and 0.02% by weight of dibasic calcium phosphate.

Figure 8 is a graph showing the results of MR after treatment with a recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% iota carrageenan after forming a decalcified layer from the test enamel block.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the results of MR after a decalcified layer was formed on the test enamel block, treated with a recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt.% iota-carrageenan, 5 wt.% xylitol, and 0.02 wt.% calcium hydrogen phosphate.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of MR after a decalcified layer was formed on a test enamel block and after treatment with a recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% furcellaran.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing the results of MR after a decalcified layer was formed on the test enamel block, which was treated with a recalcification solution containing 0.05 wt% furcellaran, 5 wt% xylitol, and 0.02 wt% dibasic calcium phosphate.

Fig. 12 is a graph showing the results of MR after treatment of each chewing gum extract extracted with a recalcification solution after forming a decalcified layer on the test enamel block.

Claims (3)

1. Disclosed is an agent for promoting recalcification of dental enamel, which is characterized by comprising, as active ingredients, an extract of red algae containing galactoside, wherein the extract of red algae containing galactoside is at least 1 polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan and furcellaran, and the ratio of the extract of red algae, xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate is 0.02-5.0: 50: 0.02-2.0.

2. An oral composition comprising an extract of red algae containing galactoside, wherein the extract of red algae is an agent for promoting the recalcification of enamel containing at least 1 polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan and furcellaran, and wherein the ratio of the extract of red algae, xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate is 0.02 to 5.0:50:0.02 to 2.0,

the addition amount of the red algae extract to the oral composition is 0.01 to 10.0 wt%, and the addition amount of xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate used in combination with the red algae extract is 1 to 95 wt% and 0.01 to 5.0 wt%.

3. A food or drink characterized by comprising, as active ingredients, an extract of red algae containing galactoside, wherein the extract of red algae is an agent for promoting recalcification of enamel containing at least 1 polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan and furcellaran, and xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate are contained in a ratio of 0.02 to 5.0:50:0.02 to 2.0,

the addition amount of the red algae extract to the food or drink is 0.01-10.0 wt%, and the addition amount of xylitol and calcium hydrogen phosphate used in combination with the red algae extract is 1-95 wt% and 0.01-5.0 wt%.