Efficacy in reducing dentine hypersensitivity of a regimen using a toothpaste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate, a mouthwash containing 0.8% arginine, pyrophosphate and PVM/MA copolymer and a toothbrush compared to potassium and negative control regimens: an eight-week randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy of three regimens integrating toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash in reducing dentine hypersensitivity. METHODS: Eight-week single-centre, three-cell, double-blind, randomized study was conducted in the Dominican Republic. Subjects entered one of the three regimens: (1) toothpaste containing 8% arginine and 1450 ppm mono-fluorophosphate, in a calcium carbonate base, a soft-bristle toothbrush followed by a mouthwash containing 0.8% arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates, and 0.05% sodium fluoride; (2) toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate and 1450 ppm sodium fluoride, a soft-bristle toothbrush, followed by a mouthwash containing 0.51% potassium chloride and 230 ppm sodium fluoride; and (3) toothpaste containing 1450 ppm mono-fluorophosphate, a soft-bristle toothbrush followed by a fluoride/arginine free mouthwash. Tactile and Air-Blast dentine hypersensitivity measurements were performed at baseline, two, four, and eight weeks. For treatment group comparisons, ANCOVA and post hoc Tukey's pair-wise (α=0.05) were used. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate Time to Treatment Improvement. RESULTS: 120 subjects were enrolled, 118 completed the study. The Tactile hypersensitivity mean scores showed statistically significant improvement at two, four and eight (p ≤ 0.001) weeks in the arginine regime; the potassium regime did not show significant (p ≥ 0.05) improvement. Air-Blast Hypersensitivity scores had a statistically significant decrease at two (p=0.006), four (p=0.006) and eight (p=0.002) weeks in arginine and potassium regimes (p ≤ 0.05). The most effective treatment proved to be arginine (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the potassium regime. CONCLUSION: Arginine regimen provided the greatest reduction in Tactile and Air-Blast dentine hypersensitivity compared to potassium and negative control regimens; and provides faster dentine hypersensitivity relief than potassium regimen.

Efficacy of a mouthwash containing 0.8% arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates, and 0.05% sodium fluoride compared to a negative control mouthwash on dentin hypersensitivity reduction. A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this eight week, single-center, two-cell, double-blind, and randomized clinical study was to evaluate the dentin hypersensitivity reduction efficacy of a mouthwash using Pro-Argin™ Mouthwash Technology containing 0.8% arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates, and 0.05% sodium fluoride in an alcohol-free base ("Arginine Mouthwash") compared to an ordinary mouthwash without any active ingredients ("Negative Control"). METHODS: Qualifying subjects who presented two hypersensitive teeth with a tactile hypersensitivity score between 10 and 50 g of force, and an air blast hypersensitivity score of 2 or 3 participated in this study and were randomized into one of two treatment groups. Subjects brushed with the toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste provided and then rinsed with 20 mL of their assigned mouthwash for 30s twice daily. Subjects refrained from eating or drinking for 30 min after rinsing. Dentin hypersensitivity assessments, as well as examinations of oral hard and soft tissues, were conducted at the baseline visit and again after two weeks, four weeks and eight weeks of product use. RESULTS: Ninety (90) subjects entered and completed the eight week study. After two weeks, four weeks and eight weeks of product use, subjects in the Arginine Mouthwash group exhibited statistically significant (p<0.05) improvements in mean tactile and air blast hypersensitivity scores as compared to the Negative Control Mouthwash. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the conclusion that the Arginine Mouthwash provides a significant reduction in dentin hypersensitivity after eight weeks of product use as compared to a Negative Control mouthwash.

A 6-month study of the effects of 0.3% triclosan/copolymer dentifrice on dental implants.

AIM: Supportive therapy to maintain dental implants is increasingly important. This study examined the effect of a 0.3% triclosan/2% copolymer dentifrice on oral biofilms and gingival inflammation (GI) on dental implants and peri-implant tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty adults with a dental implant and contra-lateral tooth were enrolled in this 6 month, double-blind, two-treatment, parallel group study. Sixty subjects were randomly assigned to a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice test group and 60 subjects to a fluoride dentifrice control group and instructed to brush twice daily for 6 months. At baseline, 3, and 6 months, a calibrated dentist assessed dental plaque, GI and collected supragingival dental plaque for microbiological analysis. RESULTS: Subjects in the triclosan/copolymer group demonstrated significantly lower levels of dental plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding on probing at 3 and 6 months at both the implant and contra-lateral tooth compared with the fluoride group (p<0.05). There were significantly fewer Gram-negative anaerobes in the triclosan/copolymer group (p<0.05) including >90% reductions in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter rectus, Eubacterium saburreum, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella melaninogenica, Solobacterium moorei, and Tannerella forsythia. CONCLUSIONS: Twice daily use of a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice may enhance dental implant maintenance by reducing dental plaque and GI.

Severity and prevalence of plaque-induced gingivitis in the Chinese population.

UNLABELLED: This study investigated the prevalence and severity of gingivitis and plaque in a representative Chinese population of adults. METHODS: Using the Loe-Silness gingivitis index (GI) and the modified Quigley-Hein plaque index (PULI), researchers examined 1143 patients from Guangzhou, Shenyang, and Nanjing for the presence of gingivitis and plaque. A two-tailed t-test was used to determine significant differences in the GI and PLI scores between gender and urban/rural areas. The data pertaining to study sites and age groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variances (ANOVA) by ranks. The correlation between GI/PLI and age was examined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Age differences among three sites were analyzed with the one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The age and urban/rural compositions (mean age 42.2 years) paralleled the 2008 China census. The overall average and standard deviation of GI and PLI were 1.101 +/- 0.239 and 3.394 +/- 0.578, respectively. Age significantly correlated with GI and PLI (P < .0001). The PLI in males was significantly higher (P < .0001) than in females; however, no significant difference was noted between GI in males compared to females. Patients in rural areas showed a significantly higher GI and PLI (t = 7.723, P < .0001; t = 7.072, P < .0001) than those in urban ones. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trials evaluating a product's antigingivitis efficacy should recruit participants from a population that represents accurately the intended product users. Variables should include gender, race, age, and geography.

The effectiveness of a preprocedural mouthrinse containing cetylpyridinium chloride in reducing bacteria in the dental office.

BACKGROUND: During oral procedures, microorganisms from the oral cavity may contaminate nearby surfaces. The authors evaluated the efficacy of a commercial preprocedural mouthrinse containing 0.05 percent cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in reducing the levels and composition of viable bacteria in oral spatter. METHODS: The authors randomly assigned 60 participants receiving oral prophylaxis with an ultrasonic scaler to one of four groups: a preprocedural rinse solution containing 0.05 percent CPC, 0.12 percent chlorhexidine (CHX) or water, or no rinsing. Airborne microorganisms were collected on blood agar plates. The composition of the spatter was analyzed for 39 oral bacterial species by means of checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. RESULTS: CPC and CHX were equally effective in lowering the levels of spatter bacteria and performed better than water and no rinsing (P < .05, Kruskal-Wallis test). The composition of the spatter from the control groups showed higher proportions (P < .05, Kruskal-Wallis test) of Fusobacterium species and lower proportions of Capnocytophaga species when compared with the spatter from the CPC and CHX groups. CONCLUSION: A commercial mouthrinse containing 0.05 percent CPC when used as a preprocedural mouthrinse was equally effective as CHX in reducing the levels of spatter bacteria generated during ultrasonic scaling. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Owing to its strong antibacterial effect and the fact that it has fewer side effects than CHX, a solution containing 0.05 percent CPC may be a good alternative to that containing 0.12 CHX as a preprocedural mouthrinse used to help decrease the level of contamination in spatter.

An in vitro evaluation of hydrolytic enzymes as dental plaque control agents.

The plaque-control potential of commercially available amylase, lipase and protease was evaluated by observing their effects on coaggregation and on bacterial viability within various plaque microcosms. A quantitative coaggregation assay indicated that protease significantly inhibited the extent of coaggregation of Actinomyces naeslundii and Streptococcus oralis (P <0.05) and of Porphyromonas gingivalis and S. oralis. Amylase significantly (P <0.05) increased the coaggregation of A. naeslundii versus Fusobacterium nucleatum and A. naeslundii versus P. gingivalis. Concomitant challenge of constant-depth film fermenter-grown plaques with the enzymes did not result in detectable ecological perturbations (assessed by differential culture and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). Similar dosing and analysis of multiple Sorbarod devices did not reveal increases in bacterial dispersion which could result from disaggregation of extant plaques. A short-term hydroxyapatite colonization model was therefore used to investigate possible enzyme effects on early-stage plaque development. Whilst culture did not indicate significant reductions in adhesion or plaque accumulation, a vital visual assay revealed significantly increased aggregation frequency following enzyme exposure. In summary, although hydrolytic enzymes negatively influenced binary coaggregation, they did not cause statistically significant changes in bacterial viability within plaque microcosms. In contrast, enzyme exposure increased aggregation within extant plaques.

Tooth-whitening efficacy of custom tray-delivered 9% hydrogen peroxide and 20% carbamide peroxide during daytime use: a 14-day clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this 14-day parallel, double blind clinical trial was to evaluate the tooth whitening efficacy of a 9% hydrogen peroxide gel (Colgate Visible White) relative to a 20% carbamide peroxide gel (Opalescence) positive control. METHODS: Forty-six consenting adults were randomly assigned to use one of the two products. All participants had 6 unrestored maxillary anterior teeth averaging a shade ranking score of 9 (A3) in the Vitapan Classical Shade Guide scale of 1 through 16 (lightest to darkest). Tooth whitening consisted of at-home 30-minute daily self-applications of the assigned product after brushing with a non-bleaching dentifrice. One of two calibrated examiners performed the baseline, 5-day, 7-day, and 14-day tooth shade evaluations for a given participant, utilizing the same Vita guide under unmodified color-corrected lighting conditions. Thirty-seven participants made all visits. Bleaching efficacy was measured with respect to mean shift (reduction from baseline) in rank scores of the maxillary anterior teeth, in which baseline rank scores functioned as covariables. RESULTS: Both treatment groups exhibited statistically significant mean shade rank score improvements from baseline after 5, 7, and 14 days at 3.14, 3.70 and 4.68 for Colgate Visible White and 1.60, 2.52 and 3.85 for Opalescence. CONCLUSIONS: Between-group comparison shows that while Colgate Visible White (9% hydrogen peroxide) provides a statistically significant tooth whitening improvement over Opalescence (20% carbamide peroxide) after 5 days of self-application, both products have a similar whitening effect after 7 and 14 days.

The antimicrobial effect of a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice on oral microorganisms in vivo.

BACKGROUND: The authors compared the in vivo antimicrobial effects on microorganisms from dental plaque, saliva and the tongue in subjects who used a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice and a fluoride dentifrice (control). METHODS: The authors assigned 15 subjects randomly to the control dentifrice or the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice for twice-daily use for one week. They collected samples of plaque, saliva and tongue scrapings six and 12 hours after the final brushing. They analyzed colony-forming units of Veillonella species, Fusobacteria species, total cultivable anaerobes and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S)-producing bacteria. A one-week washout followed. The authors repeated the protocol with the second dentifrice. RESULTS: The results showed no differences at baseline. Significant reductions (88 to 96 percent) in oral anaerobic bacteria were observed in the triclosan/copolymer group six and 12 hours after brushing compared with the control group (P = .001). Fusobacteria decreased by 77 to 92 percent and Veillonella decreased by 84 to 89 percent six and 12 hours after brushing in the triclosan/copolymer group versus the control group. The triclosan/copolymer group also demonstrated a significant decrease in H(2)S-producing bacteria six and 12 hours after brushing (74 to 85 percent) (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Brushing with the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice resulted in significant reductions in microorganisms from the three sites compared with the control dentifrice. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The triclosan/copolymer dentifrice produced sustained effects on oral bacteria for 12 hours.

The stain prevention efficacy of two tooth whitening dentifrices.

An 8-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group clinical study was conducted to assess the extrinsic stain prevention efficacy of three commercially available dentifrices: 1) a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride with copolymer, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base (Product 1); 2) a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride, baking soda and peroxide, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base (Product 2); and 3) a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Product 3). After the collection of baseline stain scores by a trained examiner and a subsequent oral prophylaxis, 126 volunteers were randomized to one of the three treatment groups (balanced for composite extrinsic stain scores). Throughout the 8-week treatment period, subjects brushed their teeth twice daily with their assigned dentifrice. At baseline, 4-, and 8-week evaluations, extrinsic dental stain was measured on the facial surfaces of the six maxillary anterior teeth and on the facial and lingual surfaces of the six mandibular anterior teeth using the Lobene Index. A total of 120 subjects completed the study. No adverse events were reported, and subjects who discontinued the study did so for reasons unrelated to the dentifrices. At the 4-week evaluation, composite stain scores were statistically significantly lower (P < .05) for both Product 1 (44.9%) and for Product 2 (34.6%) relative to Product 3. At the 8-week evaluation, composite stain scores were statistically significantly lower (P < .05) for both Product 1 (28.4%) and for Product 2 (29.6%) relative to Product 3. The results of this clinical study demonstrate that both dentifrices, one containing 0.234% sodium fluoride with copolymer, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base; and one with 0.243% sodium fluoride with copolymer, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base are more effective in preventing natural extrinsic stain formation on teeth as compared with a marketed control dentifrice.