Resolution of interdental inflammation with 2 different modes of plaque control

Background, aims: The aim of the study was to assess the effect on existing plaque and gingivitis of an oral hygiene regimen which utilizes triclosan/ copolymer and to compare it with a regimen which uses interdental cleaning devices to control the interdental inflammation. Method: For this investigation, 39 subjects were recruited. They were exami ned for plaque and gingivitis using the criteria of Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein index and the papillary bleeding index. Plaque and gingiv itis were only scored interdentally. Following the baseline examination, th e subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups. The control group used a d entifrice identical to the test dentifrice but without triclosan/copolymer; subjects in this group were taught to brush their teeth with the modified Bass technique and were instructed to additionally use appropriate interden tal cleaning devices. The test group used a dentifrice containing triclosan /copolymer (Colgate Total). They were not instructed to use interdental cle aning devices. Results: Both groups were re-examined after 4 weeks, and 4 and 7 months. In both groups, plaque and gingivitis levels were modestly reduced, more pron ounced in the anterior and less in the posterior teeth. Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated that a dentifrice containing t riclosan in combination with a copolymer can reduce plaque and gingival inf lammation to levels comparable to regular interdental cleaning.