Comparative Investigation of the Efficacy of Triclosan/Copolymer/Sodium Fluoride and Stannous Fluoride/Sodium Hexametaphosphate/Zinc Lactate Dentifrices for the Control of Established Supragingival Plaque and Gingivitis in a Six-Month Clinical Study

• Objective: This double-blind clinical study, conducted at the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, was designed to compare the efficacy of two commercially available dentifrices for the control of supragingival plaque and gingivitis. • Methods: Qualifying adult male and female subjects from the San Juan, Puerto Rico area were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 1) a commercially available dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan, 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer, and 0.243% sodium fluoride (Colgate ® Total ® ); and 2) a commercially available dentifrice containing 0.454% stannous fluoride, sodium hexa metaphosphate, and zinc lactate (Crest ® Pro-Health ® ). All subjects received an oral soft and hard tissue examination, and were dispensed their assigned dentifrice product, along with a soft-bristled adult toothbrush for home use. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for one minute, twice daily (morning and evening), using only the dentifrice provided. Examinations for supra gingival plaque and gingivitis, and oral soft and hard tissue assessments were repeated after six weeks, three months, and six months of product use. • Results: One-hundred and nine (109) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the six-month examinations. At the sixmonth examination, both treatment groups exhibited statistically significant reductions from baseline with respect to supragingival plaque and gingivitis scores. Relative to the Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste group, the Colgate Total Toothpaste group exhibited sta tistically significant reductions in supragingival plaque index scores of 18.5%, 20.7%, and 25.8% after six weeks, three months, and six months of product use, respectively. For gingival index scores, statistically significant reductions of 20.5%, 18.9%, and 17.1% were exhibited after six weeks, three months, and six months of product use, respectively. • Conclusion: The results of this double-blind clinical study support the conclusion that a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan, 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer, and 0.243% sodium fluoride provides a significant reduction in established supragingival plaque and gin givitis, as compared to a dentifrice containing 0.454% stannous fluoride, sodium hexametaphosphate, and zinc lactate when used over a period of six months.