Toothpaste with Antibacterial Agent Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis

Regular use of toothpaste with antibacterial agent triclosan and a copolymer helps in reducing plaque, gum bleeding, inflammation and tooth decay, according to a latest finding.

Researchers at the University of Manchester, England, claim in a study that addition of ingredients like antibacterial agent triclosan and a copolymer that prevents triclosan from being washed away boost the effectiveness of the toothpaste. Addition of these ingredients protects against plaque, gingivitis, bleeding of gums and decay of tooth.

"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. "We don't know how important the effects are clinically."

The colorless film seen on the teeth is plaque, a buildup of bacteria when teeth are not cleaned properly. The bacteria present feed on food particles in the mouth and emit acid and this acid gradually destroys the tooth enamel causing tooth decay and gum diseases like gingivitis.

Nearly 30 published studies focusing on toothpaste containing triclosan and copolymer were reviewed by Cochrane Oral Health Group.

During the analysis of the combined information, the researchers noticed a 22 percent fall in plaque, 22 percent drop in gingivitis, 48 percent reduction in bleeding of gums and 5 percent drop in tooth decay when compared to the effect produced by toothpaste with just fluoride. No significant evidence was observed on triclosan/copolymer's effect on periodontis.

These findings did not surprise the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance Program and Product Evaluations. According to Clifford Whall, Ph.D., director of the ADA Seal of Acceptance Program and Product Evaluations, the safety and effectiveness of triclosan /copolymer has been reviewed independently. The council claims that sufficient clinical studies have been done highlighting their effectiveness in lowering the cases of cavities, gingivitis and plaques.

This review is available in The Cochrane Library.