Antibacterial agent boosts toothpaste effectiveness

Regular use of toothpaste containing triclosan, an antibacterial agent, and a copolymer helps in reducing plaque, gum bleeding, inflammation and tooth decay, scientists say.
Fluoride toothpaste containing triclosan and a copolymer, which helps prevent the triclosan from being washed away by saliva, reduces plaque and gingivitis compared to fluoride toothpaste without those ingredients, according to a new review in The Cochrane Library.
"We are very confident that adding triclosan and copolymer to a fluoride toothpaste will lead to additional benefits, in terms of less plaque, inflammation, bleeding, and tooth decay," said Philip Riley, a researcher at the University of Manchester in England, and a co-author of the study.

However, he added, "We don't know how important the effects are clinically."
Tooth decay and gingivitis are the main causes of tooth loss. Both are caused by plaque, the film of bacteria that builds up on teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that can cause pain and loose teeth.
A team from the Cochrane Oral Health Group reviewed 30 published studies of toothpastes containing triclosan and copolymer.

Their analysis of the combined data found a 22 per cent reduction in plaque, a 22 per cent reduction in gingivitis, a 48 per cent reduction in bleeding gums, and a 5 per cent reduction in tooth decay (cavities) compared to toothpaste with fluoride alone.

However, they did not find significant evidence that triclosan/copolymer toothpaste reduced the incidence of periodontis more than toothpaste without the combination.
No adverse reactions to triclosan or the copolymer were reported.
The findings of the review are not surprising, according to Clifford Whall, director of the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance Programme and Product Evaluations.
The ADA's Council on Scientific Affairs has independently reviewed data on the safety and effectiveness of triclosan /copolymer for reducing cavities, plaque and gingivitis.
The council concluded that there were sufficient clinical studies that showed these toothpastes reduced the incidence of cavities, the presence of plaque and gingivitis.

Most of the studies of toothpastes evaluated in the Cochrane report were directly or indirectly supported by companies that make toothpaste. Only three studies appeared to be independent, according to the reviewers.