The effect of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan on bacterial viability and plaque growth in vivo compared to a toothpaste containing 0.3% Triclosan and 2% copolymer.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the antimicrobial efficacy and effect on plaque growth of a new silica-based fluoride toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate/ 0.3% Triclosan with a silica-based fluoride toothpaste containing 0.3% Triclosan/2% copolymer.


METHODS
In Study 1, plaque was collected after one week's use of each toothpaste and assessed for bacterial viability, live/ dead ratio and microbial membrane integrity. In study 2, plaque was measured immediately and 18 hours after a single brushing with the specified toothpastes.


RESULTS
The 2% zinc citrate/0.3% Triclosan formulation significantly reduced the total number of viable aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (p = 0.0223 and p = 0.0443 respectively) compared to the 0.3% Triclosan/2% copolymer formulation. Both toothpastes increased the bacterial membrane permeability significantly. However, the proportion of live bacteria for the 2% zinc citrate/0.3% Triclosan product was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Study 2 showed significantly less plaque growth 18 hours after using the 2% zinc citrate/0.3% Triclosan toothpaste compared to the 0.3% Triclosan/2% copolymer toothpaste (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Regular use of a fluoride toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan, significantly reduced the viability of plaque bacteria compared to a fluoride toothpaste containing 0.3% Triclosan/ 2% copolymer 12 hours after brushing. In addition, a clinical plaque growth study confirmed that this anti-microbial efficacy leads to a significant reduction in plaque growth.
Adams
S E
SE
Unilever Oral Care, Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral, UK. suzi.adams@unilever.com
Theobald
A J
AJ
Jones
N M
NM
Brading
M G
MG
Cox
T F
TF
Mendez
A
A
Chesters
D M
DM
Gillam
D G
DG
Hall
C
C
Holt
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014260:Triclosan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D014100:Toothpastes; D019343:Citric Acid; D014260:Triclosan; D015032:Zinc; D005459:Fluorides