The present invention relates to oral compositions comprising a β (1-3) β (1-4) glucan and one, or more than one compound of interest. In particular, the present invention provides an oral composition comprising an effective amount of a β (1-3) β (1-4) glucan and an effective amount of one, or more than one of an antibacterial agent, a botanical extract, and a flavouring agent, and also provides a method of using this composition for maintaining fresh breath in a subject over a prolonged period of time.