EFFECT OF TRICLOSAN ON THE SUBGINGIVAL MICROBIOTA OF PERIODONTITIS-SUSCEPTIBLE SUBJECTS

The present study evaluated the long-term effect of (i) meticulous sel f-performed, supragingival plaque control and (ii) the use of a triclo san/copolymer containing dentifrice in adult subjects susceptible to d estructive periodontitis. 40 individuals were recruited into the trial . 3-5 years prior to the baseline examination, they had all been treat ed by nonsurgical means-for advanced periodontal disease. During the s ubsequent maintenance phase, all subjects had at different time interv als exhibited sites with recurrent periodontitis. At a baseline examin ation, 6 surfaces per tooth were examined regarding bleeding on probin g, probing pocket depth, and probing attachment level. The deepest poc ket site in each quadrant (i.e. 4 sites per subject) was selected and samples of the subgingival bacteria were taken. At baseline, all volun teers received detailed information on proper oral hygiene techniques. This information was repeated on an individual need basis during the course of the subsequent 36-months. No professional subgingival therap y was delivered between the baseline and the 36-month examinations. Th e subjects were randomly distributed into 2 equal groups of 20 individ uals each, 1 test and 1 control group. The members of the test group w ere supplied with a fluoridated dentifrice containing triclosan/copoly mer (Total(R), Colgate), while the controls received a corresponding d entifrice but without triclosan/copolymer. The findings demonstrated t hat in subjects with advanced and recurrent periodontitis, carefully p racticed supragingival plaque control had some effects on the subgingi val microbiota, but also that this was insufficient to prevent disease progression. In a corresponding group of subjects, however, who used a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice, the subgingival microbiota was reduc ed in both quantitative and qualitative terms and recurrent periodonti tis was almost entirely prevented.