Background, aims: The aim of the study was to assess the effect on existing plaque and gingivitis of an oral hygiene regimen which utilizes triclosan/copolymer and to compare it with a regimen which uses interdental cleaning devices to control the interdental inflammation.
Method: For this investigation, 39 subjects were recruited. They were examined for plaque and gingivitis using the criteria of Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein index and the papillary bleeding index. Plaque and gingivitis were only scored interdentally. Following the baseline examination, the subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups. The control group used a dentifrice identical to the test dentifrice but without triclosan/copolymer; subjects in this group were taught to brush their teeth with the modified Bass technique and were instructed to additionally use appropriate interdental cleaning devices. The test group used a dentifrice containing triclosan/copolymer (Colgate Total). They were not instructed to use interdental cleaning devices.
Results: Both groups were re-examined after 4 weeks, and 4 and 7 months. In both groups, plaque and gingivitis levels were modestly reduced, more pronounced in the anterior and less in the posterior teeth.
Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated that a dentifrice containing triclosan in combination with a copolymer can reduce plaque and gingival inflammation to levels comparable to regular interdental cleaning.