Western Society of Periodontics

Clinical Studies

Volume Number 3, 1995

Reduction of plaque formation and gingivitis by a dentifrice containing triclosan and copolymer

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan, 2% copolymer, and 0.221% sodium fluoride on supragingival plaque formation and gingivitis as compared to regular and customary oral hygiene procedures. A total of 140 candidates were used. They were 18-65 years old, had a mean baseline plaque index of 3.47-3.55 (Loe and Silness), and a gingival index of at least 1.5. The subjects had a prophylaxis of the entire dentition and then were divided into two groups. Members of the triclosan group were instructed to brush their teeth twice a day for one minute. The customary oral hygiene group was asked to continue to follow normal oral hygiene procedure and not to use a dentifrice with triclosan. Those subjects were evaluated at three and six months. At three months the triclosan group had a significant reduction in supragingival plaque (7.1%), gingivitis (5.20%), plaque severity (8.70%), and gingival severity (25%) indexes as compared to the control group. At the six monthsı evaluation, the triclosan group had a greater reduction of supragingival plaque (12.07%) and plaque severity (16.33%) than the control group. The gingival index and gingival severity index were not significantly different between the two groups. The authors conclude that the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice was better than the customary oral hygiene care in preventing supragingival plaque formation for up to six months and reducing gingivitis for up to three months. [M.C.R.]