The effect of salt-containing dentifrices on gingival inflammation.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the effect of an alkaline, salt-containing toothpaste, a toothgel of similar contents, and a conventional toothpaste on gingival inflammation.


METHODS
One hundred fifteen patients suffering from mild to moderate chronic gingivitis were enrolled in a double-blind clinical study. All subjects had at least 20 teeth, probing depths of less than 6 mm, and a sulcular bleeding index of 50% or more. At the beginning of the study period, the subjects were randomly assigned to 3 study groups. The baseline examination recorded the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth, an approximal plaque index, a sulcular bleeding index, and the gingival index.


RESULTS
After an 8-week study period, statistically significant reductions in the plaque and bleeding indexes were observed in all 3 groups. There were no significant differences among the 3 dentifrices examined.


CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of salt-containing dentifrices in patients with gingivitis was comparable to that of a conventional toothpaste.
Watermann
L
L
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Augustusplatz 2, D-55131 Mainz, Germany.
Gleissner
C
C
Thul
M
M
Willershausen
B
B
D000328:Adult; D002254:Carbonates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010512:Periodontal Index; D012492:Salts; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002254:Carbonates; D003802:Dentifrices; C427003:Emser Salt; D012492:Salts; D012965:Sodium Chloride