The global increase in dental caries. A pending public health crisis.

A current review of the available epidemiological data from many countries clearly indicates that there is a marked increase in the prevalence of dental caries. This global increase in dental caries prevalence affects children as well as adults, primary as well as permanent teeth, and coronal as well as root surfaces. This increase in dental caries signals a pending public health crisis. Although there are differences of opinion regarding the cause of this global dental caries increase, the remedy is well known: a return to the public health strategies that were so successful in the past, a renewed campaign for water fluoridation, topical fluoride application, the use of fluoride rinses, a return to school oral health educational programs, an emphasis on proper tooth brushing with a fluoride dentifrice, as well as flossing, a proper diet and regular dental office visits. If these remedies are not initiated, there could be a serious negative impact upon the future oral health (and systemic health) of the global community, as well as a strain on the dental profession along with a major increase in the cost of dental services.

Clinical investigation of the anticaries efficacy of a 1.14% sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) calcium carbonate-based dentifrice: a two-year caries clinical trial on children in China.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this two-year comparative investigation was to assess the anticaries efficacy of three dentifrices commercially available in China. Two products contained the stated active agent sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) at a concentration of 1.14%; one was calcium carbonate-based, the second was silica-based. The third dentifrice tested contained no fluoride and was calcium carbonate-based. METHODS: Prior to the start of this double-blind, parallel-group study, all aspects of the study were reviewed and approved by the human review committee of the West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University. All parents signed the approved consent form before the initial evaluations. A total of 1200 qualifying children living in the Chengdu, China area entered the study, and 998 children completed all aspects of the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to use one of the three dentifrices: 328 participants used the non-fluoride calcium carbonate-based dentifrice; 341 participants used the 1.14% SMFP silica-based dentifrice; and 329 participants used the 1.14% SMFP calcium carbonate-based dentifrice. Participants were instructed to brush their teeth with their assigned dentifrice twice daily. Brushing instructions were reinforced. RESULTS: At the baseline examination, the mean dfs (decayed and filled tooth surfaces) scores of the non-fluoride dentifrice group (3.60 +/- 6.07),the 1.14% SMFP silica-based dentifrice group (3.53 +/- 5.62), and the 1.14% SMFP calcium carbonate-based dentifrice group (3.54 +/- 5.34) were not statistically different (p > 0.05). After one year, the mean dfs increment of the non-fluoride dentifrice group was 2.19 +/- 4.12, 1.69 +/- 3.12 for the 1.14% for the SMFP silica-based dentifrice group, and 1.53 +/- 3.09 for the 1.14% SMFP calcium carbonate-based dentifrice group; after two years, the mean dfs increments were 4.73 +/- 5.17, 2.98 +/- 4.42, and 2.75 +/- 4.33, respectively. Both the 1.14% SMFP calcium carbonate-based and the 1.14% SMFP silica-based dentifrices provided significantly more caries reduction than the non-fluoride silica-based dentifrice after one year (-30% and -23%) and two years (-42% and -37%) of product use. The 1.14% SMFP calcium carbonate-based dentifrice was not significantly different from the 1.14% SMFP silica-based dentifrice after one and two years of use. CONCLUSION: The results of this clinical study indicate that the 1.14% SMFP calcium carbonate-based and the 1.14% SMFP silica-based dentifrices are effective against tooth decay compared to brushing with a non-fluoride toothpaste.

Clinical effectiveness of a dentifrice containing triclosan and a copolymer for controlling breath odor.

PURPOSE: To investigate in a double-blind clinical study the effectiveness of a dentifrice containing triclosan and a copolymer (Colgate Total Toothpaste) for controlling breath odor 12 hours after brushing the teeth. METHODS: A panel of four expert judges using a nine-point hedonic scale evaluated breath odor. Following a baseline evaluation of breath odor, prospective study subjects who presented breath odor scores above the threshold value for unpleasant breath odor were stratified by score, and randomized into two treatment groups. Subjects were provided with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brushed their teeth thoroughly in their regular and customary manner with their assigned dentifrice. Subjects refrained from dental hygiene, breath mints, or mouthrinses for the next 12 hours, after which they were once again evaluated for breath odor. 76 adult male and female subjects from the Mississauga, Ontario, Canada area participated in the study. RESULTS: At 12 hours after brushing their teeth, subjects in both dentifrice treatment groups presented mean breath odor scores which were statistically significantly lower than the mean scores observed at baseline. However, the difference between the mean 12-hour breath odor score for the Colgate Total group was 4.65, which is within the range of values corresponding to pleasant breath odor; whereas the mean 12-hour breath odor score for the placebo group was 6.11, which is above the threshold value corresponding to unpleasant breath odor. Thus, the results of this double-blind study, conducted according to Guidelines by the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Dental Association, support the conclusion that Colgate Total dentifrice provides effective control of breath odor at 12 hours after brushing the teeth.

Advanced oral antibacterial/anti-inflammatory technology: A comprehensive review of the clinical benefits of a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice.

INTRODUCTION: Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, marketed for use in oral products. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. PVM/MA is the non-proprietary designation for a polyvinylmethyl ether maleic acid copolymer. It has been demonstrated that there is a greater uptake of triclosan to enamel and buccal epithelial cells from the use of a fluoride dentifrice containing triclosan and the PVM/MA copolymer than from a dentifrice containing triclosan alone. This Supplement details the results of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and short- and long-term plaque and gingivitis studies with a triclosan/copolymer/ fluoride dentifrice. Additionally, the Supplement reviews studies on the effect of a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice on periodontitis, calculus, caries, whitening and stain removal, oral malodor, and on the microflora. CONCLUSION: Clinical studies indicate that the use of a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice (Colgate Total Toothpaste) may provide oral health benefits beyond those associated with "traditional" toothpaste use, in a manner that is safe and effective. Studies presented in this Supplement demonstrate that Colgate Total Toothpaste provides superior protection against plaque and gingivitis, caries, oral malodor, exhibits superior stain removal, and provides protection against the progression of periodontal disease.

The scientific rationale and development of an optimized dentifrice for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

PURPOSE: To describe the development of a new dentin hypersensitivity treatment, Colgate Sensitive Maximum Strength dentifrice, containing 5% potassium nitrate as the anti-hypersensitivity active agent. The objective was to develop a home-use hypersensitivity dentifrice that would be superior to the market leader, improving on what is available, which also contains 5% potassium nitrate as the anti-hypersensitivity active agent. METHODS: In vivo (clinicals, taste evaluation and rat caries), in vitro (potassium flux) and analytical (rheology, dispensed volume, scanning electron microscopy, electron scanning chemical analysis and radioactive dentin abrasion) methods were performed. RESULTS: The objective was accomplished with the development of a new activated silica technology that resulted in enhanced potassium ion activity. In vitro documentation, supported by clinical studies, demonstrated that the resulting formula is more effective than the market leader for relief of hypersensitivity pain. Fast pain relief in less than 2 weeks and long-lasting protection against pain with regular use have also been clinically documented. Furthermore, FDA-required in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that this formula, which contains 0.45% stannous fluoride (1100 ppm fluoride) as the anti-caries active agent, is effective against caries. Good taste, acceptable rheology, acceptable abrasivity, and cosmetic and chemical stability have all been engineered into this unique dentin hypersensitivity treatment. In summary, a highly efficacious consumer friendly treatment for dentin hypersensitivity has been developed.

Comparative investigation of the desensitizing efficacy of a new dentifrice containing 5.5% potassium citrate: an eight-week clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This double-blind clinical study was designed to investigate the relative effectiveness of a new desensitizing test dentifrice containing 5.5% potassium citrate, 1.14% sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) and 10% high-cleaning silica (HCS) in a silica base for reducing dentinal hypersensitivity over an eight-week period, to that of a commercially available desensitizing positive control dentifrice containing 3.75% potassium chloride, 0.32% sodium fluoride and 0.3% triclosan in a silica base. METHODOLOGY: A total of 80 subjects were entered into the study, and stratified into two balanced groups according to their baseline mean thermal (air blast) and baseline mean tactile (Yeaple Probe) sensitivity scores. The two groups were randomly assigned to use either the test dentifrice containing potassium citrate/MFP/HCS, or the positive control dentifrice containing potassium chloride/sodium fluoride/triclosan. The two groups were well balanced with regard to their mean baseline thermal and tactile sensitivity scores, sex and age. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned dentifrice and a commercially available soft-bristled toothbrush. Dentinal hypersensitivity examinations, which included tactile sensitivity and thermal sensitivity, were conducted at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. Examinations were conducted by the same dental examiner on the subjects at each examination. RESULTS: After four weeks' use of their assigned products, those subjects in the test dentifrice group demonstrated no statistically significant difference for controlling dentinal hypersensitivity as compared to the positive control dentifrice group in tactile and air blast. After eight weeks' use of their assigned products, those subjects in the test dentifrice group again demonstrated no statistically significant difference in tactile and air blast sensitivity as compared to the positive control dentifrice group. CONCLUSION: The results of this double-blind clinical study indicate that the use of a commercially available test dentifrice containing 5.5% potassium citrate, 1.14% sodium monofluorophosphate and 10% high-cleaning silica in a silica base demonstrates no statistically significant difference in tactile and air blast sensitivity compared to the commercially available desensitizing positive control dentifrice containing 3.75% potassium chloride, 0.32% sodium fluoride and 0.3% triclosan in a silica base.

Comparative tooth whitening efficacy of 18% carbamide peroxide liquid whitening gel using three different regimens.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, a novel paint-on liquid whitening gel--Colgate Simply White Clear Whitening Gel--which contains 18% carbamide peroxide, has been developed as a self-administered tooth bleaching system. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy and safety of this product using alternate exaggerated or simplified treatment regimens. METHODOLOGY: This was a three-week clinical trial using a parallel, double-blind, stratified protocol with three different instructions for application: 1) twice-daily, no air-drying, and 15 minutes without eating/drinking; 2) three times daily, 30-second air-drying and 30 minutes without eating/drinking; or 3) four times daily, 30-second air-drying and 30 minutes without eating/drinking. One-hundred and twenty (120) healthy volunteers were balanced into three equal groups based on shade scores (A3 or darker). Clinical evaluations (shade guide, oral tissue health, gingival index and visual analog sensitivity score) were performed on each group at baseline and weekly for the next 21 days. At the conclusion of the study, a survey of the subjects' opinions on their assigned product regimen was also conducted. RESULTS: Subjects who used Colgate Simply White Clear Whitening Gel three and four times daily achieved the greatest shade improvement (5.88 +/- 1.53 shades, and 5.57 +/- 1.54, respectively). However, these values were only about one shade better than the value observed for the more convenient, twice-daily, "no-dry" regimen (4.51 +/- 1.77 shades), though they were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The result for the four-times daily protocol was not statistically different from the three-times group. Also, no differences were observed between the groups concerning oral tissue health, gingival index or tooth sensitivity, and no adverse effects were observed or reported regardless of the regimen used. Surveys completed by the subjects showed that those who used the twice-daily, "no-dry" regimen found the product to be the easiest to use, the most comfortable and the most pleasant tasting. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from the clinical data that three or four applications of Colgate Simply White Clear Whitening Gel per day provided better efficacy. In addition, the use of the whitening gel twice daily, even without "dry time" and only 15 minutes without eating/drinking, yielded results that were comparable to previously reported results using the original on-label directions. The potential additional benefit to the "simplified regimen" is that it was perceived to be the most convenient and comfortable. The use of Colgate Simply White Clear Whitening Gel up to four times daily for up to three weeks is also safe, and the tendency of abusing the product with more frequent daily use may be deterred by the inconvenience reported by the study subjects.

Comparison of the clinical efficacy of a new manual toothbrush on gingivitis reduction and plaque removal.

The objective of this controlled, examiner blind, 4-week clinical study was to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of a newly designed manual toothbrush, the Colgate 360 degrees toothbrush, to the Oral-B Indicator toothbrush for the control of supragingival plaque and gingivitis. A total of 82 subjects from the northern New Jersey area reported to the clinical facility for a baseline plaque and gingivitis examination after having refrained from all oral hygiene procedures for 12 hours and from eating, drinking, or smoking for 4 hours. The population was comprised of healthy adult men and women 30 to 68 years of age. After the baseline examinations, qualifying subjects were randomized into two groups and assigned to one of the two test toothbrushes. All subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for 1 minute under supervision, after which they were again examined for supragingival plaque. They were then instructed to brush their teeth twice a day for 1 minute with their assigned toothbrush and a commercially available toothpaste (Colgate Cavity Protection Great Regular Flavor Fluoride Toothpaste) for the next 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, subjects returned to the clinical facility for a final gingivitis and plaque examination. Eighty-one subjects complied with the protocol and completed the 4-week clinical study. The results of the study indicated that the new manual toothbrush was statistically significantly effective in reducing gingivitis after 4 weeks and in removing plaque after a single toothbrushing and after 4 weeks of use. Also, the new manual toothbrush exhibited a statistically significant greater reduction in gingivitis and in gingivitis-related bleeding sites after 4 weeks of use as well as statistically significant greater plaque removal after a single toothbrushing and after 4 weeks of use, as compared to the Oral B Indicator toothbrush. This superior plaque-removal performance was found in separate analyses of the whole mouth, at interproximal surfaces, and at the gumline.

A clinical comparison of the gingivitis reduction and plaque-removal efficacy of a new manual toothbrush.

The objective of this controlled, examiner-blind, 4-week clinical study was to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of a newly designed manual toothbrush (Colgate 360 degrees toothbrush) to the Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush for the control of supragingival plaque and gingivitis. A total of 80 subjects from the central New Jersey area reported to the clinical facility for a baseline plaque and gingivitis examination after having refrained from all oral hygiene procedures for 12 hours and from eating, drinking, or smoking for 4 hours. The population was comprised of healthy adult men and women 18 to 67 years of age. After the baseline examinations, qualifying subjects were randomized into two groups and assigned to one of the two test toothbrushes. All subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for 1 minute under supervision, after which they were again examined for supragingival plaque. They were then instructed to brush their teeth twice a day for 1 minute with their assigned toothbrush and a commercially available toothpaste (Colgate Cavity Protection Great Regular Flavor Fluoride Toothpaste) for the next 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of use, subjects returned to the clinical facility for a final gingivitis and plaque examination. Seventy-eight subjects complied with the protocol and completed the 4-week clinical study. The results of the study indicated that the new manual toothbrush was statistically significantly effective in reducing gingivitis after 4 weeks and in removing plaque after a single toothbrushing and after 4 weeks of use. Also, the group using the new manual toothbrush exhibited a statistically significant greater reduction in plaque of up to 40% and no statistically significant difference in gingivitis reduction after 4 weeks of use, as compared to the Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush.

A clinical investigation of the efficacy of a tooth-whitening gel.

The objective of this randomized, controlled, examiner-blind, parallel-group clinical study was to determine whether a tooth-whitening gel (Colgate Simply White Night Clear Whitening Gel) can significantly lighten teeth when used once daily at night, as compared with a commercially available dentifrice. Following a baseline tooth shade evaluation using the VITA Shade Guide, qualifying adult male and female subjects from the Buffalo, New York area were randomized into 2 treatment groups, which were balanced for baseline VITA Shade Guide scores, gender, and age. The treatment groups were: (1) a commercially available dentifrice only; and (2) a tooth-whitening gel in addition to a commercially available dentifrice. Subjects assigned to the 2 groups were given the dentifrice and a soft-bristled toothbrush. In addition, subjects in one of the groups were given the tooth-whitening gel. All subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for 1 minute twice daily (morning and evening) with the dentifrice. The subjects in the group also using the tooth-whitening gel were further instructed to apply the gel once daily at night, as per manufacturer instructions. Evaluations of tooth shade for each subject were repeated after 2 weeks, and again after 3 weeks of product use. In addition, evaluations of tooth shade for subjects using the tooth-whitening gel were later conducted at 6 months after product use. Seventy-five subjects complied with the protocol and completed the study. At the 2-week and 3-week examinations, subjects using the tooth-whitening gel and dentifrice exhibited statistically significant (P < .05) tooth shade lightening relative to baseline tooth shade. Furthermore, at the 2-week and 3-week examinations, subjects using the tooth-whitening gel exhibited statistically significant (P < .05) tooth shade lightening relative to subjects using only the dentifrice. In addition, the 6-month-postuse examination showed that subjects using the tooth-whitening gel exhibited statistically significant (P < .05) tooth shade lightening relative to baseline, thereby maintaining the tooth shade lightening that was evident at 3 weeks. The results of this clinical study indicate that after once-daily use at night for 2 or 3 weeks, the tooth-whitening gel provided statistically significant tooth shade lightening relative to baseline tooth shade for up to at least 6 months and also provided statistically significant tooth shade lightening relative to a commercially available dentifrice after 2 and 3 weeks of product use.

Clinical effectiveness of a triclosan/copolymer/sodium-fluoride dentifrice in controlling oral malodor: a three-week clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a commercially available, clinically proven, American Dental Association (ADA)-Accepted dentifrice containing 0.30% triclosan, 2% polyvinylmethylether/maleic acid (PVM/MA) copolymer, and 0.243% sodium fluoride in a 10% high-cleaning silica base (Colgate Total Advanced Fresh) to a commercially available, clinically proven, ADA-Accepted control dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Colgate Cavity Protection Winterfresh Gel) for the management of oral malodor in a 3-week, randomized, double-blind longitudinal clinical trial. A panel of four expert judges used a nine-point hedonic scale to evaluate breath odor using a protocol designed in concordance with the ADA Draft Acceptance Program Guidelines for Products Used in the Management of Oral Malodor. After a baseline evaluation, prospective study subjects who scored above the threshold value for unpleasant breath odor were stratified by score and randomized into two treatment groups. Subjects were provided with a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushed their teeth thoroughly in their regular and customary manner for 1 minute with their assigned dentifrice, twice daily. Before oral-malodor evaluations, the subjects refrained from eating odorigenic foods and did not use dental hygiene procedures, breath mints, or mouth rinses. Eighty-one adult men and women from Chengdu, China, completed the study. Throughout the study, the mean breath-odor scores observed in the Colgate Total Advanced Fresh toothpaste group for both daytime and overnight were within the range of values associated with pleasant breath odor, were statistically significantly lower than the corresponding mean scores for the control group, and also represented statistically significant reductions from baseline. Relative to the baseline score, more than 80% of the subjects in the Colgate Total Advanced Fresh toothpaste group demonstrated a 3.2 or more unit reduction in organoleptic scores at every postbaseline breath-odor evaluation. Thus, the overall results of the double-blind clinical study support the conclusions that Colgate Total Advanced Fresh toothpaste is efficacious for the control of oral malodor for up to 12 hours in the daytime and up to 12 hours overnight.

Comparative clinical investigation of the tooth whitening efficacy of two tooth whitening gels.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical study was to compare the tooth whitening efficacy of two tooth whitening gel products--Colgate Simply White Night Clear Whitening Gel containing either 25% carbamide peroxide, or 8.7% hydrogen peroxide--when used once daily at night. METHODOLOGY: Following a baseline tooth shade evaluation using the Vita Shade Guide, qualifying adult male and female subjects from the Central New Jersey area were randomized into two treatment groups, which were balanced for baseline Vita Shade Guide scores, gender and age. The treatment groups were: 1) a tooth whitening gel containing 25% carbamide peroxide; or 2) a tooth whitening gel containing 8.7% hydrogen peroxide. All subjects were given a commercially available, non-whitening dentifrice and a soft-bristled toothbrush at the beginning of the study. In addition, they were also given one of the two tooth whitening gel products. All subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for one minute twice daily (morning and evening) with the non-whitening toothpaste. The subjects were further instructed to apply their assigned tooth whitening gel product once daily at night, per the instructions provided. Evaluations of tooth shade for each subject were repeated after two weeks, and again after three weeks of product use. RESULTS: Fifty-nine (59) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the three-week study. At both the two-week and three-week examinations, all subjects exhibited statistically significant (p < 0.05) tooth shade lightening relative to baseline tooth shade. Further, there was no statistically significant difference in tooth shade lightening between the two tooth whitening gel products. CONCLUSION: The results of this clinical study indicate that after once daily use at night for two or three weeks, a tooth whitening gel containing 25% carbamide peroxide and a tooth whitening gel containing 8.7% hydrogen peroxide both provided statistically significant tooth shade lightening relative to baseline tooth shade. The results also showed that there was no statistical difference in tooth whitening efficacy between the two tooth whitening gel products.

Comparison of plaque removal efficacy of a battery-powered toothbrush and a manual toothbrush: a single-use clinical study in New Jersey.

OBJECTIVE: This single-use, examiner-blind clinical study evaluated the efficacy of a newly introduced battery-powered toothbrush (Colgate Motion Toothbrush) relative to a manual toothbrush (Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush) for the removal of supragingival plaque. METHODOLOGY: This study assessed plaque removal via the comparison of pre- and post-brushing plaque levels. A total of 126 adult male and female subjects from the northern New Jersey area reported to the clinical facility for a baseline (pre-brushing) plaque examination after having refrained from all oral hygiene procedures and chewing gum for 24 hours, and from eating, drinking or smoking for four hours. Subjects were entered into the study and stratified into two balanced groups based on their baseline plaque scores. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for one minute under supervision with their assigned toothbrush and a commercially available dentifrice, after which they were once again evaluated for supragingival plaque (post-brushing). RESULTS: All 126 subjects completed all aspects of the single-use clinical study. The subjects who used the Colgate Motion toothbrush exhibited a statistically significant 42.1% greater plaque reduction after a single tooth brushing than did those subjects who used the Oral-B CrossAction toothbrush. Relative to the pre-brushing baseline scores, the Colgate Motion toothbrush group exhibited a statistically significant 59.0% reduction in plaque removal. CONCLUSION: The results of this single-use, examiner-blind, clinical study support the conclusion that the battery-powered Colgate Motion toothbrush provides significantly greater efficacy for the removal of supragingival plaque than does the manual Oral-B Cross-Action toothbrush.

Comparative efficacy of two battery-powered toothbrushes on overnight plaque removal: a single-use clinical study in New Jersey.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this single-use, examiner-blind clinical study, was to evaluate the efficacy of a newly designed Colgate Actibrush (battery-powered toothbrush) relative to the Crest SpinBrush (battery-powered toothbrush) for the removal of supragingival plaque. METHODOLOGY: This study included the assessment of plaque removal via the comparison of pre- and post-brushing plaque levels. A total of 80 adult male and female subjects from the central New Jersey area reported to the clinical facility for a baseline (pre-brushing) plaque examination after having refrained from all oral hygiene procedures and chewing gum for 24 hours, and from eating, drinking, or smoking for four hours. Subjects were entered into the study and stratified into two balanced groups based on their baseline plaque scores. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for one minute under supervision with their assigned toothbrush and a commercially available toothpaste (Colgate Cavity Protection Great Regular Flavor Fluoride Toothpaste), after which they were once again evaluated for supragingival plaque (post-brushing). RESULTS: All 80 subjects complied with the protocol, and completed the single-use clinical study. The subjects assigned to the Colgate Actibrush group exhibited a statistically significant 44.5% greater whole-mouth plaque reduction after a single brushing than did those subjects assigned to the Crest SpinBrush group. Relative to the pre-brushing baseline scores, the Colgate Actibrush group exhibited a statistically significant 63.7% reduction in whole-mouth plaque removal. CONCLUSION: The results of this single-use, examiner-blind, clinical study support the conclusion that the newly designed Colgate Actibrush provides significantly greater efficacy for the removal of supragingival plaque than does the Crest SpinBrush.

The stain prevention efficacy of two tooth whitening dentifrices.

An 8-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group clinical study was conducted to assess the extrinsic stain prevention efficacy of three commercially available dentifrices: 1) a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride with copolymer, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base (Product 1); 2) a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride, baking soda and peroxide, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base (Product 2); and 3) a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Product 3). After the collection of baseline stain scores by a trained examiner and a subsequent oral prophylaxis, 126 volunteers were randomized to one of the three treatment groups (balanced for composite extrinsic stain scores). Throughout the 8-week treatment period, subjects brushed their teeth twice daily with their assigned dentifrice. At baseline, 4-, and 8-week evaluations, extrinsic dental stain was measured on the facial surfaces of the six maxillary anterior teeth and on the facial and lingual surfaces of the six mandibular anterior teeth using the Lobene Index. A total of 120 subjects completed the study. No adverse events were reported, and subjects who discontinued the study did so for reasons unrelated to the dentifrices. At the 4-week evaluation, composite stain scores were statistically significantly lower (P < .05) for both Product 1 (44.9%) and for Product 2 (34.6%) relative to Product 3. At the 8-week evaluation, composite stain scores were statistically significantly lower (P < .05) for both Product 1 (28.4%) and for Product 2 (29.6%) relative to Product 3. The results of this clinical study demonstrate that both dentifrices, one containing 0.234% sodium fluoride with copolymer, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base; and one with 0.243% sodium fluoride with copolymer, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base are more effective in preventing natural extrinsic stain formation on teeth as compared with a marketed control dentifrice.

Oral health status of Asian and Hispanic women. A pilot study.

Data on the oral health of Asian and Hispanic women are rare in the dental literature. The objective of this study was to investigate the oral health status and needs of women from these two groups. Forty newly registered women from each group were the subjects of the study. Standard forms were used to collect sociodemographic information, medical histories, oral health status, oral hygiene practices and smoking habits. The oral examination recorded the DMFT and periodontal condition. Data were analyzed using SPSS Univariate General Linear Model, odds ratios and relative risks. Chi-Square tests were within the 95% confidence interval, and with @ = .05. The results showed that there was no statistical difference in age, education, oral health care, smoking habits, annual dental visits or DMFT between the two groups.

Clinical effect of a new liquid dentifrice containing triclosan/copolymer on existing plaque and gingivitis.

BACKGROUND: Dentifrices traditionally have been formulated as pastes or gels. However, liquid varieties recently have become available The authors conducted a study to determine whether a fluoridated liquid product with added triclosan and a polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic acid, or PVM/MA, copolymer delivery system is efficacious for the control of supragingival plaque and gingivitis. METHODS: The authors conducted a six-month, double-blind, parallel, stratified clinical study in accordance with American Dental Association guidelines for the clinical evaluation of antiplaque/antigingivitis products. Subjects who qualified with a suitable amount of existing plaque and gingivitis were given one of two dentifrices: an "experimental" liquid dentifrice containing 0.3 percent triclosan, 2.0 percent PVM/MA copolymer and 0.243 percent sodium fluoride, or NaF, in a silica base; or a "placebo" dentifrice containing 0.243 percent NaF in a silica base. The authors collected subjects' plaque and gingival index scores at baseline, three months and six months. RESULTS: The results of the study indicate that the use of the experimental liquid dentifrice provided a significant reduction in existing levels of plaque and gingivitis as compared with the placebo standard dentifrice. At six months, the experimental group demonstrated a 34.9 percent reduction in plaque formation and a 25.7 percent reduction in gingivitis as compared with the placebo group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: When compared with the placebo, the experimental dentifrice had a significantly better ability to reduce plaque and gingivitis. When compared with results reported in the literature, this new form of dentifrice achieved results comparable in efficacy to those of traditional dentifrice pastes with matching active ingredients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study confirms that a liquid dentifrice containing a triclosan/copolymer/NaF delivery system is efficacious in its ability to reduce existing plaque and gingivitis.

The clinical efficacy of Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste containing a special grade of silica and Colgate Total Fresh Stripe Toothpaste in the control of plaque and gingivitis: a six-month clinical study.

The objective of this six-month, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study, conducted in harmony with American Dental Association guidelines, was to provide an assessment of the effectiveness of a new dentifrice formulation of Colgate Total Toothpaste containing a special grade of silica (Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste), vs. Colgate Total Fresh Stripe Toothpaste as a control, and a placebo dentifrice without triclosan and the copolymer, for the control of supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis. Adult male and female subjects from the state of New Jersey were entered into the study, and stratified into three treatment groups which were balanced for baseline Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scores and baseline Löe-Silness Gingival Index scores. Subjects received an oral prophylaxis, and were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned dentifrice, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Examinations for supragingival plaque and gingivitis were conducted after three-months' and again after six-months' participation in the study. One-hundred ten (110) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the entire six-month clinical study. At both the three- and six-month study examinations, the Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste group and the Colgate Total Fresh Stripe Toothpaste group exhibited statistically significantly less supragingival plaque and gingivitis than did the placebo toothpaste group. At the six-month examination, the magnitude of these differences exceeded 23.0% for all four parameters measured in the Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste group (29.9% for Plaque Index, 59.2% for Plaque Severity Index, 23.2% for Gingival Index, and 75.1% for Gingivitis Severity Index). Also, at the six-month examination, the magnitude of these differences exceeded 21.0% for each of the four parameters measured in the Colgate Total Fresh Stripe Toothpaste group (27.9% for Plaque Index, 54.9% for Plaque Severity Index, 21.4% for Gingival Index and 69.2% for Gingivitis Severity Index). The results of this six-month clinical study support the conclusion that Colgate Total Plus Whitening Toothpaste and Colgate Total Fresh Stripe Toothpaste provided a statistically significant, clinically relevant level of efficacy for the control of supragingival plaque and gingivitis, in accordance with the criteria provided by current American Dental Association guidelines.