The effect of triclosan toothpaste on enamel demineralization in a bacterial demineralization model.
Triclosan has been incorporated into toothpaste to enhance inhibitory effects on bacterial metabolism in dental plaque. Many studies have confirmed these effects by showing a reduction of accumulation of dental plaque, gingivitis and calculus. However, there is no evidence for triclosan having an inhibitory effect on the dental plaque-induced demineralization of the dental hard tissues. Therefore, the effect of 0.3% triclosan added to non-fluoride and fluoride toothpaste was tested in an in vitro model, in which bovine enamel specimens were to be demineralized by acids produced in overlaying Streptococcus mutans suspensions. In a first set of experiments the toothpastes were added to the S. mutans suspensions at 1:100, 1:1000 and 1:10,000 (w/v) dilutions. After 22 h incubation at 37 degrees C the suspensions were removed and assessed for calcium and lactate content, and pH. In this set of experiments, triclosan had no additive protective effect to the non-fluoride or fluoride toothpaste. In a second set of experiments, the enamel specimens were immersed daily for 3 min in 30% (w/v) slurries of the toothpastes before the 22 h incubation with the S. mutans suspensions. Under these conditions, triclosan showed an additional protective effect compared with non-fluoride toothpaste at a low concentration of S. mutans cells (0.07 mg cells dry weight per 600 microL suspension). It is concluded that the enamel surface may act as a reservoir for triclosan, which may protect the enamel surface against a mild acid attack. In combination with fluoride, however, as in toothpaste, triclosan has no additional protective effect against demineralization.
van Loveren
C
C
Department of Cariology, Endodontology, Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam, The Netherlands. C.van.Loveren@acta.nl
Buijs
J F
JF
ten Cate
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D002417:Cattle; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007773:Lactates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000494:pharmacology; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014260:Triclosan / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D007773:Lactates; D014100:Toothpastes; D014260:Triclosan; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D002118:Calcium