Title Addition of Tricolsan in a Dentifrice Provides More Effective Control of Plaque and Periodontal Health Than Conventional Fluoride Dentifrice
Clinical Question In an adult patient with generalized gingivitis, will triclosan based dentifrices reduce the plaque of a patient better than fluoride based dentifrices?
Clinical Bottom Line The addition of a broad spectrum antibacterial agent, triclosan, provides a more effective level of plaque control and periodontal health than conventional fluoride dentifrice.
Best Evidence  
PubMed ID Author / Year Patient Group Study type
(level of evidence)
15560802Davies/2004Adults (18 years old or more) with plaque and gingivitisMeta-Analysis & Systemic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Key resultsThe meta-analysis for both the Quigley-Hein plaque index (QHPI) and plaque severity index showed that the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice is effective in reducing plaque compared with a fluoride dentifrice, with weighted mean difference (WMD) of -0.48 (95% confidence interval (CI) (random effects): -0.64 to -0.32) for the QHPI (0-5 scale) and a WMD of -0.15 (95% CI (random effects): -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. The plaque and gingivitis severity indices demonstrated that the triclosan reduced the proportion of surfaces with heavy plaque by 15% and those with gingival bleeding by 12%.
17138709Gunsolley/2006Normal adults Meta-Analysis & Systemic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Key resultsDentifrices containing 0.30% triclosan, 2% Gantrez copolymer exhibited statistically significant results that support its effect for anti-plaque on 14/18 arms (representing 17 studies) with a mean standard difference of 0.823 (P < .0001) and mean standard difference of 0.858 for anti-gingivitis.
Evidence Search ("Triclosan"[Mesh] AND "Fluorides"[Mesh]) AND "Dentifrices"[Mesh] AND Meta-Analysis[ptyp]
Comments on
The Evidence
The article reported a systematic review of triclosan dentifrice use for plaque and gingivitis, including 16 trials, comparing fluoride dentifrices. These trials were selected based on the criteria of being randomized, of at least 6 months in duration, conducted on adults with plaque and gingivitis, comparing a dentifrice with containing 0.3% triclosan, 2% copolymer, and 0.243 % sodium fluoride in a silica base with a fluoride dentifrice for plaque or gingivitis. The authors conducted a comprehensive and detailed search using the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE (1986 to March 2003) and EMBASE (1986 to March 2003). a meta-analysis was done. Since the authors are employees at Colgate, a manufacturer of oral hygiene products, potential bias may be of concern. Article may be biased toward the promotion of Colgate products.
Applicability The results of this study can be applied to patients who experience issues with plaque control and gingivitis. Patients benefit from improved gingival health and reduction in gingival bleeding.
Specialty (General Dentistry) (Periodontics) (Dental Hygiene)
Keywords Gingivitis, plaque, triclosan, toothpaste, fluoride
ID# 2271
Date of submission 04/19/2012
E-mail nguyenhq@livemail.uthscsa.edu
Author Hieu Nguyen
Co-author(s)
Co-author(s) e-mail
Faculty mentor Yong-Hee Patricia Chun, DDS, MS, PhD
Faculty mentor e-mail chuny@uthscsa.edu
   
Basic Science Rationale
(Mechanisms that may account for and/or explain the clinical question, i.e. is the answer to the clinical question consistent with basic biological, physical and/or behavioral science principles, laws and research?)
None available
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Comments and Evidence-Based Updates on the CAT
(FOR PRACTICING DENTISTS', FACULTY, RESIDENTS and/or STUDENTS COMMENTS ON PUBLISHED CATs)
None available