Effect of 3 dentifrices containing triclosan and various additives - An experimental gingivitis study

Background: The antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of 3 dentifrices was e valuated using the 21-day partial-mouth experimental model of gingivitis. Method: 25 volunteers took part in this cross-over, double-blind study, car ried out in 4 phases of 21 days each. For each phase of the study, a tooths hield of the IV quadrant was constructed for each volunteer. 2 antiplaque d entifrices from the market, one containing triclosan + pvm/ma and the other triclosan + Zn, were compared with an experimental formulation and its pla cebo. The experimental dentifrice contained triclosan + pvm/ma + Zn + PPi a nd the placebo (control) did not contain these substances. The subjects wer e stratified according to their whole-mouth baseline plaque (PI), gingiviti s (GI) and bleeding (BI) index scores, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dentifrices. During each phase, while the volunteers brushed their teeth w ith one of the dentifrices, the IV quadrant was protected by the toothshiel d filled with the dentifrice used. After each phase, dental plaque, gingivi tis and bleeding indices were determined. Results: The results showed that only the formulation containing triclosan + pvm/ma + Zn + PPi was able to reduce PI (28.8%), GI (35.9%) and BI (30.4% ) in comparison with controls (p<0.05). Conclusions: The data suggest that a dentifrice containing the combination of triclosan + pvm/ma + Zn + PPi should be formulated for dental plaque con trol.