A systematic review of the effectiveness of anticalculus dentifrices.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the evidence on the effectiveness of commercially available anticalculus dentifrices.


METHODS
Systematic search for published and unpublished epidemiological data in 7 electronic databases, 5 journals, and the bibliographies of retrieved papers and by making contact with subject experts in this field. Thirty-two reports were identified containing comparisons of one or more active agents with a placebo dentifrice and calculus measured using the Volpe-Manhold Index (VMI).


RESULTS
Random effect model for 3-month studies showed an effect size of -0.6 for all comparisons. The effect sizes varied from -0.3 for dentifrices with zinc chloride 0.5% to -1.1 for pyrophosphate 1.3% and copolymer 1.5% dentifrices. Meta-analysis of all the studies with 6-month follow-up gave an effect size of -1.1 (-1.5 to -0.8) and for 12-month follow-up the effect size was -13.6 (-21.4 to -5.8).


CONCLUSIONS
Anticalculus dentifrices containing pyrophosphates, zinc compounds and/or co-polymers were effective in significantly reducing calculus scores (VMI).
Netuveli
Gopalakrishnan S
GS
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London Medical School, London, UK.
Sheiham
Aubrey
A
D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011756:Diphosphates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008298:Maleates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003802:Dentifrices; D011756:Diphosphates; D008298:Maleates; D011095:Polyethylenes; C043105:poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride)