The effectiveness of a toothpaste containing triclosan and polyvinyl-methyl ether maleic acid copolymer in improving plaque control and gingival health: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of triclosan/copolymer and fluoride dentifrices in improving plaque control and gingival health.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE (1986 to March 2003) and EMBASE (1986 to March 2003). Personal files and the reference lists of all articles were checked for further studies.


METHODS
Trials were selected if they met the following criteria: random allocation of participants; participants were adults with plaque and gingivitis; unsupervised use of dentifrices for at least 6 months; and primary outcomes - plaque and gingivitis after 6 months.


METHODS
Two reviewers independently extracted information. For each plaque and gingivitis index, the mean differences for each study were pooled as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with the appropriate 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the random effect models.


RESULTS
Sixteen trials provided data for the meta-analysis. The triclosan/copolymer dentifrice significantly improved plaque control compared with a fluoride dentifrice, with a WMD of -0.48 (95% CI: -0.64 to -0.32) for the Quigley-Hein index and WMD of -0.15 (95% CI: -0.20 to -0.09) for the plaque severity index. When compared with a fluoride dentifrice, the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice significantly reduced gingivitis with WMDs -0.26 (95% CI: -0.34 to -0.18) and -0.12 (95% CI: -0.17 to -0.08) for the Loe and Silness index and gingivitis severity index, respectively.
Davies
R M
RM
Dental Health Unit, Manchester M15 6SH, UK. robin.davies@man.ac.uk
Ellwood
R P
RP
Davies
G M
GM
D045424:Complex Mixtures; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000628:therapy; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012824:Silicic Acid; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014260:Triclosan
D045424:Complex Mixtures; D003802:Dentifrices; D004338:Drug Combinations; D014100:Toothpastes; C546060:hydrated silica gel-based toothpaste; D012824:Silicic Acid; D014260:Triclosan; D005459:Fluorides