Systems for delivering cosmetic and therapeutic actives to the oral cavity employ a strip comprising a first layer of material, a second layer comprising polybutene with a molecular weight of about 300 to about 3000, and a cosmetic or therapeutic active included within the second layer. Therapeutic and cosmetic actives in compositions comprising polybutene inhibit or prevent gingivitis, caries, staining, fungi, bacteria and plaque build-up in the oral cavity by means of the delivery system.