Studies on the effect of toothpaste rinses on plaque regrowth. (I). Influence of surfactants on chlorhexidine efficacy.

A number of compounds have been added to toothpastes to inhibit plaque regrowth. The inclusion of cationic antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine, poses formulation difficulties because of interactions with other ingredients particularly anionic detergents. More recently, Triclosan/zinc citrate formulations have been shown effective plaque inhibitors. The aim of this study was to compare a commercially available 0.2% Triclosan/0.5% zinc citrate toothpaste with a number of experimental 0.5% chlorhexidine/detergent toothpastes for effects on plaque regrowth over 4 days. Subjects rendered plaque free at each baseline rinsed twice a day with toothpaste slurries and disclosed plaque was scored at the end of each period. All toothpastes significantly reduced plaque by comparison with a control toothpaste, but were significantly less effective than a 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse. Some significant differences in favour of one chlorhexidine toothpaste were noted but these were small in magnitude. Whether the plaque inhibition obtained with Triclosan/zinc citrate toothpaste was greater than would be expected from other commercially available preparations cannot be determined from this study and is the subject of a further investigation.