Abstract

Triclosan has been added to toothpaste formulations, alone or with zinc salts, to reduce plaque regrowth. The most encouraging results have been obtained with triclosan/zinc formulations particularly at the higher concentrations of one or both agents. Formulations containing 0.2% triclosan alone have shown less promise and the aim of this study was to measure plaque regrowth over 4-day periods with the use of 0.3% and 0.5% triclosan toothpastes with and without the addition of a copolymer, polyvinyl methyl ether maleic acid (PVM/MA) and to compare the findings with a conventional fluoride/anionic detergent based toothpaste and a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse. The method was a no oral hygiene randomized 6 times crossover study using the toothpaste slurry rinsing method. Plaque was recorded by a plaque index and by area. Three of the four triclosan toothpastes reduced plaque regrowth significantly compared with the placebo, with no significant differences among the triclosan toothpastes. Plaque scores were always significantly lower with the chlorhexidine mouthwash compared to all toothpastes. The results suggest that at 0.3% to 0.5% triclosan alone or with a copolymer toothpaste may be a benefit to oral hygiene, but whether this is sufficient to affect gingival health requires further clinical evaluation. Further research would also appear indicated to determine optimal levels for the copolymer concentrations in toothpastes.