Evaluation of an oligomer or an oligomer plus cetyl pyridinium chloride against plaque, stain, calculus, and gingivitis.

A low molecular weight oligomer of sulfoacrylic acid (ND-2) was effective in inhibiting hydroxyapatite formation in vitro at 33 ppm from a saturated solution of calcium and phosphate. The oligomer did not damage or etch human dental enamel in vitro at pH 5.0 and 7.5. It significantly reduced calculus formation when applied topically in beagles at a concentration of 1% in a rinse. In a second study using 30 beagle dogs, the rinses containing 0.1% CPC and 0.1% CPC + 2% ND-2 significantly reduced (alpha less than 0.05) plaque and gingivitis for 12 wk when compared to a placebo rinse. One-tenth percent CPC rinse induced more discoloration of teeth than the placebo, while the rinse containing 0.1% CPC + 2% ND-2 had significantly less discoloration than CPC rinse or the placebo rinse in beagles. Thus the oligomer was effective in reducing CPC-induced discoloration in beagles.