Efficacy of a triclosan/Naf dentifrice in the control of plaque and gingivitis and concurrent oral microflora monitoring

Purpose: To compare the effect of a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan an d 1100 ppm fluoride and a control dentifrice containing 1100 ppm fluoride o n plaque, gingiva and the oral microflora in a long-term study simulating c linical usage. Materials and Methods: 159 subjects entered the clinical stu dy and 80 were randomly selected to participate in the microbiological eval uation. 71 subjects completed the detailed evaluation of the oral microflor a after 6 months use. Plaque was collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 mon ths, and examined by darkfield microscopy, Gram stain, immunofluorescence, and selective and non-selective media. Changes in antimicrobial susceptibil ities were determined for the first 6-month period and for 6 months post-th erapy for 68 subjects who completed the entire study. Susceptibilities of w hole plaque samples and MIC values for two pre-designated common plaque org anisms, A. viscosus and V, parvula were performed. Results: Multivariate AN OVA and non-parametric analyses revealed no statistical differences for any factor tested. No detrimental shifts were found in either; (1) the composi tional make up of the normal flora, (2) the periodontopathic or cariogenic flora, or (3) the opportunistic flora in either group of dentifrice users. Both treatments resulted in decreases in Gram positive cocci over time. The re was a reduction in spirochetes in the triclosan/fluoride group as compar ed to the control group. No overgrowth in opportunists, periodontal pathoge ns, or cariogenic flora was found in either group. No increase in the propo rtion of the whole plaque flora resistant to triclosan was found nor was an increase in the MIC values of either A. viscosus or V. parvula in either g roup. Overall, there appeared to be a general decrease in plaque bacteria i n both groups over the course of the experiment.