The improved remineralization and fluoride uptake in vivo of triclosan/copolymer/sodium fluoride toothpaste vs. sodium fluoride toothpaste.

OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that the twice-daily use of the triclosan/copolymer/sodium fluoride toothpaste can significantly reduce caries formation. The objective of this report was to review human studies comparing a triclosan/copolymer/sodium fluoride toothpaste to a placebo toothpaste (no fluoride), and a sodium fluoride toothpaste (positive control) for their ability to enhance remineralization of tooth enamel and increase the retention of fluoride by dental plaque for extended periods (up to 12 hours) after treatment.

METHODOLOGY: Two human plaque fluoride studies were conducted, measuring fluoride levels before brushing (baseline) and at two, six and twelve hours after brushing. An in situ enamel remineralization study, using microhardness measurements, was conducted as well.

RESULTS: In the first study, the triclosan/copolymer/sodium fluoride toothpaste group was associated with a two-times increase of mean plaque fluoride as compared to the placebo control dentifrice. This increase was statistically significant at p < 0.05. In the second study, the triclosan/copolymer/sodium fluoride toothpaste group was associated with a 38% increase of mean plaque fluoride as compared to the sodium fluoride toothpaste group. This increase was statistically significant at p < 0.05. In the enamel remineralization study, the triclosan/copolymer/sodium fluoride toothpaste was significantly better (p < 0.05) than the sodium fluoride toothpaste (positive control) at promoting percent mineral recovery.

CONCLUSION: The results obtained from the plaque fluoride studies and in situ remineralization study corroborated the findings of a recently completed two-year caries clinical study, which demonstrated that the triclosan/copolymer/sodium fluoride toothpaste provided superior cavity protection over the sodium fluoride toothpaste.