Effect of 6 months use of a dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract and zinc chloride upon the microflora of the dental plaque and oral soft tissues.

This study documented the effect upon the oral flora of twice daily brushing with a dentifrice containing 0.075% sanguinaria extract and 2% zinc chloride, followed by use of a mouthrinse containing 0.03% sanguinaria extract and 0.2% zinc chloride. Sixty subjects were randomly assigned to treatment or placebo groups and monitored in a 6-month double-blind clinical trial. Bacteriological samples from the tongue, buccal mucosa, and supra- and subgingival plaque were characterized at 0, 14, and 28 weeks. Microbiological monitoring showed no increases in populations of yeast, staphylococci, coliform organisms, or Pseudomonas. Total Gram-negative counts in supragingival plaque samples decreased 83% in the active group compared to a 232% increase for the control group. Populations of B. intermedius in supragingival plaque were significantly lower in the active group at 3 months and significantly lower counts of Fusobacterium sp. were observed at 3 and 6 months. Results indicate that use of the test products did not promote opportunistic overgrowth of pathogens in the oral flora. Additionally, the alterations in organisms associated with gingivitis may account for reductions in gingivitis seen in the active group.