The plaque and gingivitis reducing effect of a chlorhexidine and aluminium lactate containing dentifrice (Lacalut aktiv) over a period of 6 months.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to determine the plaque and gingivitis reducing effect of a dentifrice containing chlorhexidine and aluminium lactate compared with a control toothpaste during the course of 6 months.


METHODS
This randomized, double-blind study looked prospectively at participants over a 6-month period. Plaque, gingivitis, calculus formation and tooth staining were assessed in 59 participants, who were divided into parallel groups. The participants used either a chlorhexidine and aluminium lactate-containing toothpaste (test group) or a minus active control toothpaste (control group). Parameters were assessed at baseline and again after 1, 3 and 6 months.


RESULTS
After 6 months of product use, both groups had less gingivitis compared with the baseline evaluation (p<0.001). At this time point, the test group showed a statistically significant lower gingival index values compared with the control group (p=0.001). No statistically significant differences between either the groups or time points were detected with regard to plaque index and the development of calculus and staining.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there was a statistically significant difference at 6 months between test and control groups, this difference was too small to be considered clinically meaningful.
Rathe
F
F
Department of Operative Dentistry & Periodontology, Dental School and Hospital Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany.
Auschill
T M
TM
Sculean
A
A
Gaudszuhn
Ch
Ch
Arweiler
N B
NB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000188:drug therapy; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000139:chemically induced
D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D003802:Dentifrices; D007773:Lactates; D002710:Chlorhexidine; C104223:aluminum lactate