Comparative Efficacy of a Soft Toothbrush with Tapered-tip Bristles and an ADA Reference Toothbrush on Established Gingivitis and Supragingival Plaque over a 12-Week Period.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the efficacy of a soft toothbrush with tapered-tip bristles (Test Toothbrush) and an ADA reference soft toothbrush (ADA Toothbrush) on established gingivitis and supragingival plaque over a 12-week period. METHODS: This randomized, single-center, examiner-blind, two-cell, parallel clinical research study assessed plaque removal by the comparison of pre- to- post-brushing after a single use, and again after six- and 12-weeks' use, using the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index, Turesky Modification. The study also assessed gingivitis after six weeks and 12 weeks using the Löe & Silness Gingival Index. Adult male and female subjects from the Central New Jersey, USA area refrained from all oral hygiene procedures for 24 hours. They reported to the study site after refraining from eating, drinking, and smoking for four hours. Subjects had the study procedure explained to them both orally and by written instructions. Subjects then gave written consent to participate before entry into the study. Following an examination for plaque (pre-brushing) and gingivitis (baseline), the subjects were randomized into two balanced groups, each group assigned to one of the two study toothbrushes. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for one minute under supervision with their assigned toothbrush and a commercially available fluoride toothpaste (Colgate© Cavity Protection Toothpaste), after which they were again evaluated for plaque (post-brushing). Subjects were dismissed from the study site with their assigned toothbrush and toothpaste, and instructed to brush twice daily at home for the next 12 weeks. The subjects were instructed to brush for one minute during each tooth brushing. The subjects reported to the study site after six weeks and 12 weeks of product use, at which time they were evaluated for plaque and gingivitis. RESULTS: Seventy-one (71) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the clinical study. Compared to the ADA Toothbrush, the Test Toothbrush provided statistically significantly (p < 0.05) greater reductions of 71.1% in whole mouth plaque index scores, 43.8% in plaque severity index scores, and 81.3% in interproximal sites plaque scores after a single tooth brushing. After six weeks' use, the Test Toothbrush provided statistically significantly (p < 0.05) greater reductions of 700% in whole mouth gingival index scores, 700% in gingivitis severity index scores, and 400% in interproximal sites gingival scores compared to the ADA Toothbrush. Also after six weeks' use, the Test Toothbrush provided statistically significantly (p < 0.05) greater reductions of 188.9% in whole mouth plaque index scores, 165% in plaque severity index scores, and 203% in interproximal sites plaque scores compared to the ADA Toothbrush. After 12 weeks' use, the Test Toothbrush provided statistically significantly (p < 0.05) greater reductions of 266.7% in whole mouth gingival index scores, 300% in gingivitis severity index scores, and 250% in interproximal sites gingival scores compared to the ADA Toothbrush. Also after 12 weeks' use, the Test Toothbrush provided statistically significantly (p < 0.05) greater reductions of 158.1% in whole mouth plaque index scores, 143.5% in plaque severity index scores, and 145.4% in interproximal sites plaque scores compared to the ADA Toothbrush. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a soft toothbrush with tapered-tip bristles provided a significantly greater reduction in supragingival plaque after a single tooth brushing, as well as after six and 12 weeks of twice-daily use, compared to the ADA Toothbrush. After six and 12 weeks of twice-daily use, it also provided a significantly greater reduction in gingivitis as compared to the ADA Toothbrush.

Comparative Efficacy of a Soft Toothbrush with Tapered-tip Bristles to an ADA Reference Toothbrush on Gingival Abrasion over a 12-Week Period.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the impact of a soft toothbrush with tapered-tip (Test Toothbrush) bristles and an ADA reference toothbrush (ADA Toothbrush) on gingival abrasion over a 12-week period. METHODS: This was a randomized, single-center, examiner-blind, two-cell, parallel clinical research study and used the Danser Gingival Abrasion Index to assess the level of gingival abrasion after a single brushing, as well as after six weeks and 12 weeks of twice-daily brushing. Adult male and female subjects from the Central New Jersey, USA area refrained from all oral hygiene procedures for 24 hours. They reported to the study site after refraining from eating, drinking, and smoking for four hours. Following a qualifying examination using plaque and gingivitis scores along with a baseline gingival abrasion examination, subjects were randomized into two balanced groups, each group using one of the two study toothbrushes. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for one minute, under supervision, with their assigned toothbrush and a commercially available fluoride toothpaste (Colgate© Cavity Protection Toothpaste), after which they were again evaluated for gingival abrasion. Subjects were dismissed from the study site with their assigned toothbrush and toothpaste, and instructed to brush twice daily at home for the next 12 weeks. The subjects were instructed to brush for one minute during each tooth brushing. The subjects reported to the study site after six weeks and 12 weeks of product use, at which time they were evaluated for gingival abrasion. RESULTS: Seventy-one (71) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the clinical study. The results of this study showed that the Test Toothbrush provided statistically significantly (p < 0.05) greater reductions in gingival abrasion scores as compared to the gingival abrasion scores of the ADA Toothbrush after a single tooth brushing, after six weeks, and after 12 weeks of product use (75.0%, 85.5%, 73.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The soft toothbrush with tapered-tip bristles produced significantly less gingival abrasion after 12 weeks of product use as compared to the ADA reference toothbrush.

Efficacy of two fluoride-free, alcohol-free mouthwashes containing 0.075% or 0.07% CPC in controlling established dental plaque and gingivitis over a 6-week period on adults in Puerto Rico.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of two commercially available, fluoride-free, alcohol-free mouthwashes containing either 0.075% or 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in controlling established dental plaque and gingivitis compared to a non-antibacterial control mouthwash. METHODS: A 6-week double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. Recruited subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) a fluoride-free, alcohol-free mouthwash containing 0.075% CPC (TG); (2) a fluoride-free, alcohol-free mouthwash containing 0.07% CPC (PC); and (3) a fluoride-free, alcohol-free mouthwash without antibacterial agent (NC). Subjects were instructed to rinse with the assigned mouthwash, after tooth brushing, twice daily (morning and evening). After 4 and 6 weeks of product use, subjects were examined for gingivitis (Whole Mouth Gingival, Gingival Interproximal, Gingival Severity Indexes) and plaque (Whole Mouth Plaque, Plaque Interproximal, and Plaque Severity Indexes) parameters. ANCOVA and post hoc Tukey's pair-wise comparisons (α = 0.05) were performed for treatment group comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 132 subjects were screened; 120 were enrolled; and 116 completed the study. After 6 weeks of product use, participants who rinsed with the CPC-containing mouthwashes exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.05) reductions in all the gingivitis and plaque parameters evaluated, whereas in those using the non-antibacterial mouthwash, significant reductions were only observed in whole mouth and interproximal plaque scores. No statistically significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed, with respect to the gingival and plaque parameters, between the two CPC-containing mouthwashes.

Efficacy of CPC and essential oils mouthwashes compared to a negative control mouthwash in controlling established dental plaque and gingivitis: A 6-week, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a mouthwash containing 0.075% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in a fluoride-free, alcohol-free base and a mouthwash containing essential oils in a fluoride-free, 21.6% alcohol base as compared to a fluoride-free, alcohol-free non-antibacterial mouthwash in controlling established dental plaque and gingivitis after 6 weeks of twice daily use. METHODS: A 6-week, parallel-group, randomized double blind clinical trial was conducted in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Recruited subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) a mouthwash containing 0.075% CPC in a fluoride-free, alcohol-free base (CPC); (2) a commercially-available mouthwash containing essential oils in a fluoride-free, 21.6% alcohol base (EO); or (3) a fluoride-free, alcohol-free non-antibacterial mouthwash (NC). Subjects were instructed to rinse with the assigned mouthwash, after tooth brushing, twice daily (morning and evening). After 4 and 6 weeks of product use, subjects were examined for gingivitis (Whole Mouth Gingival, Gingival Interproximal, Gingival Severity Indexes) and plaque (Whole Mouth Plaque, Plaque Interproximal, and Plaque Severity Indexes) parameters. For treatment group comparisons, ANCOVA and post hoc Tukey's pair-wise comparisons (α = 0.05) were performed. RESULTS: 132 subjects were screened; 120 were enrolled; and 116 completed the study. After 6 weeks of product use, subjects using the CPC and EO mouthwashes exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.001) reductions of all gingival and plaque measurements compared to subjects using the NC mouthwash. Subjects using the CPC mouthwash did not exhibit a statistically significant (P > 0.05) reduction with respect to gingival severity and all plaque measures (Whole, Interproximal, and Severity) when compared to EO mouthwash. Subjects using the CPC mouthwash exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.05) reductions in Gingival Index scores of 5.1% (P = 0.005), and Gingival Interproximal Index scores of 5.5% (P = 0.016) relative to subjects using the EO mouthwash. These reductions were not considered clinically significant.

Comparing three toothpastes in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A 6-month clinical study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of three toothpastes in controlling established gingivitis and plaque over 6 months. METHODS: 135 subjects were enrolled in a single-center, double-blind, parallel group, randomized clinical study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan, 2.0% copolymer and 1,450 ppm F as sodium fluoride in a silica base; herbal/bicarbonate dentifrice containing herbal extract and 1,400 ppm F as sodium fluoride in a sodium bicarbonate base; or fluoride dentifrice containing 450 ppm F as sodium fluoride, and 1,000 ppm F as sodium monofluorophosphate. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily for 1 minute for 6 months. RESULTS: After 6 months, subjects assigned to the triclosan/copolymer/fluoride group exhibited statistically significant reductions in gingival index scores and plaque index scores as compared to subjects assigned to the herbal/bicarbonate group by 35.4% and 48.9%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in gingival index and plaque index between subjects in the herbal/ bicarbonate group and those in the fluoride group. The triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice was statistically significantly more effective in reducing gingivitis and dental plaque than the herbal/bicarbonate dentifrice, and this difference in efficacy was clinically meaningful.

Randomized clinical trial of the efficacy of dentifrices containing 1.5% arginine, an insoluble calcium compound and 1450 ppm fluoride over two years.

OBJECTIVE: A double blind, randomized, unsupervised, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted on over 5,500 children in Sichuan Province, China. This clinical trial compared the anti-caries efficacy of two test dentifrices to that of a control dentifrice. METHODS: The test dentifrices contained 1.5% arginine, 1450 ppm fluoride as sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP), and an insoluble calcium compound (either dicalcium phosphate or calcium carbonate). The positive control dentifrice contained 1450 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride (NaF), in a silica base. The children were randomly assigned one of the toothpastes, and children residing in the same household were assigned the same dentifrice to use at home, twice a day. RESULTS: Three calibrated dentists examined the children at baseline, as well as after one and two years of product use. After one year of product use, there were no statistically significant differences among the three groups with respect to decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) or to decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS). After two years of product use, subjects in the two test groups using the dentifrices containing 1.5% arginine, 1450 ppm fluoride as MFP, and an insoluble calcium compound had a statistically significant reduction in DMFT increments of 20.5% and in DMFS increments of 19.6% when compared to subjects in the group using the positive control dentifrice. After two years, there were no statistically significant differences with respect to DMFT or DMFS between the two groups using the dentifrices containing 1.5% arginine, 1450 ppm fluoride as MFP, and an insoluble calcium compound. CONCLUSION: The use of the two test dentifrices demonstrated significant reductions in decayed, missing, and filled teeth and surfaces, however there was no statistically significant different between the two test dentifrices clinically after two years of using the toothpastes. The results of this two-year clinical investigation support the conclusion that dentifrices containing 1.5% arginine, an insoluble calcium compound, and 1450 ppm fluoride as MFP provide superior protection against caries lesion cavitation compared to a positive control dentifrice containing only 1450 ppm fluoride as NaF.

Randomized controlled trial comparing a powered toothbrush with distinct multi-directional cleaning action to a manual flat trim toothbrush.

PURPOSE: To compare the plaque and gingivitis efficacy of a power toothbrush with distinct multi-directional cleaning action (Colgate® ProClinical® A1500 Power Toothbrush) against a manual flat-trim toothbrush (Oral-B Indicator). METHODS: This randomized control trial was a single-center, examiner-blind, parallel-group, design and assessed plaque removal after a single brushing, as well as plaque removal and gingivitis reduction after 4 weeks and 12 weeks of brushing. Qualifying subjects used their assigned toothbrush to brush their teeth under supervision after which they were evaluated for plaque (post-brushing). Over the next 12 weeks, subjects brushed unsupervised at home with their assigned toothbrush. After 4 weeks and 12 weeks, subjects returned to the center for plaque and gingivitis examinations. RESULTS: 80 subjects were screened for eligibility and randomized into the study. 79 subjects completed the study. Both toothbrushes provided statistically significant reductions in all plaque index scores at all time points in comparison to the pre-brushing scores. After 4 weeks and 12 weeks, statistically significant reductions in gingivitis and gingivitis severity scores were observed for subjects using the power toothbrush, whereas statistically significant increases in gingivitis and gingivitis severity were observed for subjects using the manual toothbrush. In conclusion, relative to the manual toothbrush, the power toothbrush provided statistically significantly (P < 0.05) greater removal of plaque: whole-mouth (131%), gumline (97.4%), and interproximal (220%), as well as reductions in gingivitis (400%), and gingivitis severity (320%) after 12 weeks of use. Compared to the manual flat-trim toothbrush, the power toothbrush with distinct multi-directional cleaning action demonstrates statistically and clinically significantly greater levels of plaque removal and gingivitis reduction at all time points.

Efficacy of two different toothbrush heads on a sonic power toothbrush compared to a manual toothbrush on established gingivitis and plaque.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a power toothbrush with distinct multi-directional cleaning action using two different heads (Colgate ProClinical C200 toothbrush with either a triple clean head or a sensitive head) as compared to a manual flat-trim toothbrush (Oral B Indicator toothbrush) on supragingival plaque and established gingivitis. METHODS: This examiner-blind, randomized, controlled, three-treatment, parallel-group clinical research study assessed plaque removal via the comparison of pre- to post-brushing after a single use and again after four weeks of use, using the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index. This study also assessed gingivitis at four weeks using the Löe-Silness Gingival Index. Qualifying adult male and female subjects from the central New Jersey, USA area reported to the study site after refraining from any oral hygiene procedures for 24 hours, and from eating, drinking, and smoking for four hours. Following an examination for plaque and gingivitis, they were randomized into three balanced groups. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for two minutes under supervision with their assigned toothbrush and a commercially available toothpaste (Colgate Cavity Protection toothpaste), after which they were again evaluated for plaque. Subjects were dismissed from the study site with the toothpaste and their assigned toothbrush to use at home twice daily for the next four weeks. They reported to the study site after four weeks of product use, at which time they were evaluated for plaque and gingivitis. RESULTS: One hundred twenty (120) enrolled subjects complied with the protocol and completed the clinical study. The results of the study indicated that all three test products provided statistically significant reductions in pre-brushing to post-brushing plaque scores for whole mouth and interproximal sites after a single use. For gingival margin plaque sites, only the Colgate ProClinical C200 toothbrush, with either the triple clean head or the sensitive head, provided statistically significant reductions in pre- to post-brushing plaque scores. After four weeks of product use, all three test products provided statistically significant reductions in baseline to four-week whole mouth and interproximal site plaque scores, but only the Colgate ProClinical C200 toothbrush, with either the triple clean head or the sensitive head, provided a statistically significant reduction in plaque scores at gingival margin sites. All three test products provided statistically significant reductions in gingival and gingivitis severity index scores after four weeks of product use. Relative to the manual toothbrush group, after a single tooth brushing the Colgate ProClinical C200 toothbrush, with either the triple clean head or sensitive head, provided statistically significantly greater reductions in whole mouth plaque index scores (51.9% and 59.3%, respectively), in gingival margin plaque index scores (700% and 650%, respectively), and interproximal plaque index scores (64.2% and 60.4%, respectively). Relative to the manual toothbrush group, after four weeks of use the Colgate ProClinical C200 toothbrush, with either the triple clean head or sensitive head, provided statistically significantly greater reductions in whole mouth plaque index scores (78.6%, and 82.1%, respectively), in gingival margin plaque index scores (3700% and 3400%, respectively), and interproximal plaque index scores (50.8% and 52.5%, respectively). Relative to the manual toothbrush group, after four weeks of use the Colgate ProClinical C200 toothbrush, with either the triple clean head or sensitive head, provided statistically significantly greater reductions in gingival index scores of 900% and 833%, respectively, and in gingivitis severity index scores of 466.7% and 600%, respectively. All statistically significant reductions were at the p ≤ 0.05 level. There were no statistically significant differences between the scores of the Colgate ProClinical C200 toothbrush with triple clean head and the scores of the Colgate ProClinical C200 toothbrush with sensitive head at any comparison time point. CONCLUSION: The Colgate ProClinicaI C200 toothbrush, with either a triple clean head or a sensitive head, provides statistically significant and clinically relevant levels of efficacy in the removal of supragingival dental plaque in the whole mouth, at the gingival margin, and interproximally after a single tooth brushing and after four weeks of use, as well as a statistically significantly greater level of efficacy in the reduction of gingivitis and gingival bleeding when compared to a manual flat-trim toothbrush.

Efficacy of a desensitizing toothpaste containing arginine and calcium carbonate on dentin surface pore structure and dentin morphology.

PURPOSE: To investigate the laboratory changes in dentin tubule occlusion morphology during short term use of desensitizing products as evaluated by electron microscopy and an image analysis. METHODS: Freshly extracted human third molar teeth were collected at random and 40 dentin discs were prepared. These dentin samples were then divided in to four groups (n=10). The test treatment consisted of undiluted Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste containing 8.0% arginine and calcium carbonate that was applied on the dentin surface under a brushing cycle of 200 strokes, 2 times/day, for 10 days and then soaked in the filtrated human saliva. The two other test products were a commercial toothpaste, Sensodyne Original, containing 10% strontium chloride and a professional re-mineralizing treatment paste (GC Tooth Mousse). The negative control group was soaked in human saliva that had been sterilized by filtration. The occluding ability of the dentin tubules, using the dentin disc model, was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The degree of occlusion of the dentin tubules was quantified using an image analyzer and the results were analyzed by ANOVA and a Tukey's test. RESULTS: All test products created a smear layer on the dentin surface that significantly reduced the diameter of dentin tubules after treatment. Compared to the dentin tubule area on disks treated with the negative control (72.02 +/- 7.23 microm2), disks treated with Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Sensodyne Original, and GC Mousse had dentin tubule areas of 2.10 +/- 0.42 microm2, 10.11 +/- 2.83 microm2, and 30.40 +/- 4.04 microm2 respectively. These differences were statistically significant.