A study to assess the plaque inhibitory action of a new zinc citrate toothpaste formulation

Background, aims: Zinc-citrate-containing toothpastes have previously been suggested to be of value at inhibiting plaque and gingival inflammation. Pr esent formulations have included triclosan which is thought to contribute m ajor antibacterial/antiplaque effects. Alternative antimicrobial agents and other ingredients such as oils could help to produce equally effective for mulations. The aim of this study was to determine whether zinc citrate toot hpastes containing bromochlorophene and a triglyceride oil (1% and 8%) coul d inhibit de novo plaque formation. Methods: Toothpaste slurry rinses were used over a 96-h period by 24 volunt eers, whilst omitting all other oral hygiene procedures. For comparative pu rposes, a conventional commercial fluoride control toothpaste was also used in this triple cross-over double blind study. Results: After 24 and 48 h, there were no statistically significant differe nces in plaque between the 2 test pastes and the control paste, whether ass essed using a plaque index or plaque area. After 96 h, however, a significa nt reduction in plaque score of 10.6% and 24.2% in plaque area (both p<0.00 1) was found for the zinc citrate/1% oil toothpaste compared to the control paste. In addition, at 96 h, the 8% oil toothpaste significantly reduced p laque score compared to the control paste by 4.3% (p=0.029). Conclusions: These findings would appear to warrant further investigation i nto the potential value of the zinc citrate/bromochlorophene/triglyceride f ormulation at inhibiting both plaque and gingival inflammation.