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Will triclosan in toothpaste select for resistant oral streptococci?
A Sullivan1, B Wretlind, C E Nord
1Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Immunology, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Summary
Short-term use of triclosan toothpaste did not significantly alter oral microflora or streptococcal susceptibility to antimicrobials. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Viridans streptococci are common oral flora.
- Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent used in oral hygiene products.
- Understanding triclosan's impact on oral microflora is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess in vitro triclosan sensitivity of viridans streptococci.
- To evaluate triclosan's effect on normal oral microflora composition.
- To determine triclosan's impact on streptococcal susceptibility to antimicrobials.
Main Methods:
- Nine subjects used triclosan toothpaste for two weeks.
- Saliva samples collected on days 0 and 14.
- Quantitative analysis of oral microflora and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of triclosan and other agents.
Main Results:
- No significant changes observed in the normal oral microflora.
- No differences in streptococcal susceptibility to triclosan or other agents between day 0 and day 14.
- Triclosan demonstrated consistent in vitro sensitivity against viridans streptococci.
Conclusions:
- Short-term use of triclosan toothpaste has minimal impact on oral microflora.
- Triclosan does not appear to induce resistance in viridans streptococci with short-term use.
- Long-term effects of triclosan on oral microflora and antimicrobial susceptibility warrant further investigation.