Effects of two fluoride dentifrices containing triclosan and a copolymer on calculus formation

A 12-week, double-blind, parallel and unsupervised clinical study was conducted to compare the effects on supragingival calculus formation of two dentifrices containing triclosan (Irgacare MP) and a copolymer of methoxyethylene and maleic acid (Gantrez) as compared to a placebo dentifrice. All 147 adult male and female subjects completed the study. Subjects were stratified into three balanced groups on the basis of their Volpe-Manhold index calculus scores as obtained from a 3-month pre-test period using a placebo dentifrice. After a complete oral prophylaxis, subjects were assigned to the use of either the placebo dentifrice, a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan and 2.0% of a copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride silica base, or a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan and 2.0% of a coplymer in a 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate alumina base. Subjects, after brushing with their assigned dentifrice and soft-bristled toothbrush for 12 weeks, were evaluated by the examining dentist for supragingival calculus formation using the Volpe-Manhold assessment method. These examinations showed that the dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan/2.0% copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride silica base reduced supragingival calculus deposits by 23.12% and the dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan/2.0% copolymer in a 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate alumina base reduced supragingival calculus deposits by 26.15%. Both of these reductions in supragingival calculus were compared to the placebo dentifrice and were statistically significant at the 99% level of confidence.