According to the present invention there is provided a visually clear,
dentrifice gel comprising; a) sufficient tetrasodium pyrophosphate to
provide from 0.2% to 5% pyrophosphate anion; b) a silica dental abrasive
having a refractive index of from 1.445 to 1.47; c) from 0.7% to 3% sodium
alkyl sulphate; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier. The gel has excellent
clarity, high anticalculus efficiency and good foaming. According to a
further aspect of the invention there is provided a process for making a
clear dentifrice gel comprising the step of adding anhydrous tetrasodium
pyrophosphate to an aqueous carrier, the gel comprising: a) a silica
dental abrasive having a refractive index of from 1.445 to 1.47; and b) an
aqueous liquid carrier comprising less than 27% total water. The use of
anhydrous tetrasodium pyrophosphate allows greater formulation flexibility
at the processing stage by freeing up water for the dissolution and/or
hydration of other dentrifice components.