THE EFFECT OF A TRICLOSAN-CONTAINING DENTIFRICE ON ESTABLISHED PLAQUEAND GINGIVITIS

The aim of the present clinical trial was to study the effect on exist ing plaque and gingivitis of an oral hygiene regimen which utilized a dentifrice which contained triclosan. 120 subjects were recruited for the trial. They were examined for plaque and gingivitis using the crit eria of (i) the Turesky modification of the Quigley & Hein plaque inde x and (ii) the Loe & Silness gingival index. Plaque and gingivitis wer e assessed in all parts of the dentition and at 6 location points arou nd each tooth. Following a baseline examination, the subjects were str atified in 2 balanced groups based on age, plaque and gingivitis score s. The subjects were randomly assigned to the following treatment: 1 t est group used a dentifrice containing triclosan/copolymer/fluoride an d 1 control group used a traditional fluoride containing dentifrice. T he participants were given the assigned dentifrice and a soft-bristled toothbrush for home use. They were instructed to brush their teeth in the morning and in the evening for one minute each time. They were re -examined 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the baseline examination. The findings from the re-examinations revealed that an oral hygiene regime n which utilized a dentifrice which contained triclosan/copolymer sign ificantly reduced pre-existing plaque and gingivitis above what was ac complished by a traditional fluoride containing dentifrice. The improv ement of the gingival conditions occurred in all parts of the dentitio n and at all tooth surfaces and units. In addition, the present data s upport the hypothesis that triclosan may induce alterations in the qua lity of existing plaque.