A study to assess the plaque inhibitory activity of a new triclosan mouthrinse formulation

Toothpastes and mouthrinses containing triclosan have been shown to be of some value at inhibiting both plaque and gingivitis. However much improved activity can be obtained by the addition of other chemicals which increase substantivity or antimicrobial activity. The present study was designed to determine whether a new mouthwash formulation containing a triglyceride oil was capable of reducing plaque reformation when compared to a control rinse containing neither triclosan or oil.

A total of 24 subjects took part in a double-blind, single-centre, cross-over study in which rinses were used as the only form of oral hygiene over a 4-day period. On the 1st day of each period, the subjects were given a prophylaxis to remove all plaque and calculus deposits. A single supervised rinse was taken and subsequent 2x daily rinses over the following 3 days. 24 and 96 h after the prophylaxis, the volunteers returned to the clinic, the plaque disclosed and assessed by plaque index and area. The test procedure and wash-out phase were repeated until all of the subjects had used both rinses.

After 24 h, a 12% reduction in plaque score and a 25% reduction in plaque area was noted for the triclosan/oil rinse compared to the control rinse; however, these reductions were not significant (p>0.05). After 96 h, the triclosan/ oil rinse failed to produce a numerical or statistical reduction in plaque whether measured by plaque score or area.

These findings would suggest that the triclosan/oil rinse would be of little value at inhibiting dental plaque whether used alone or as an adjunct to conventional oral hygiene measures.