EFFICACY ON SUPRAGINGIVAL PLAQUE CONTROL OF CETYLPYRIDINIUM CHLORIDE IN A SLOW-RELEASE DOSAGE FORM

To evaluate the relative efficacy of a non-degradable osmotic slow-rel ease dosage form containing 6.6 mg cetylpyridinium chloride (MOTS [Muc osal Oral Therapeutic System] CPC) to inhibit new plaque formation and gingivitis, a single-blind, randomised, parallel group pilot study wa s set up, 52 healthy volunteers were assigned to receive one of the fo llowing treatments for 18 days of non-brushing: holding 1 MOTS CPC 2X daily for 2 h intra-orally, or rinsing 30 s with 15 ml Peridex(R) 2X d aily, or dissolve Cepacol(R) (each 1.6 mg CPC) lozenges 2X daily unsup ervised, Before the test period, the subejcts received a thorough toot h cleaning followed by tooth polishing 1X a week for 3 weeks to achiev e clinical gingival health. After the start of therapy, the subjects w ere examined at day 4, 7 (+/-2), 14 (+/-2) and 18 (2+/-). Relative eff icacy was assessed by the modified Navy plaque index, the Quigley and Hein index, the planimetric plaque index, as well as the papillary mar ginal gingival index, There was an increase in both plaque formation a nd gingivitis over the 18+/-2 day period of non-brushing for all subje cts in the study. Peridex(R) was the most effective in inhibiting plaq ue and gingivitis formation over that period of time. There was no dif ference between MOTS CPC and Cepacol(R) at any lime point in plaque ac cumulation and gingivitis intensity. Peridex(R) was considered more co nvenient than MOTS CPC. Cepacol(R) resulted in more staining at 18 day s than MOTS CPC and Peridex(R).