Retention of fluoride/triclosan in plaque following different modes of administration

The aim of the present investigation was to compare: (i) de novo plaque formation, and (ii) fluoride and triclosan concentration in approximal plaque, when a NaF/triclosan/Gantrez-containing dentifrice slurry or a mouthrinse were administrated during a 2-week period of no mechanical plaque control. 10 subjects rinsed for 60 s, 2x daily, for a 14-day period with one of the following 3 test products: (A) a dentifrice slurry including 1 ml of a NaF/triclosan/Gantrez dentifrice mixed with 10 ml of tap water, (B) 10 ml of a NaF/triclosan/ Gantrez mouthrinse, or (C) 10 ml of a NaF mouthrinse. De novo plaque formation was assessed on days 4, 7 and 14 using the Turesky's modification of the Quigley and Hein index system. Samples of approximal plaque were obtained immediately after clinical examination on day 14. The samples were analyzed with respect to concentration of fluoride and triclosan using an ion-specific electrode and a HPLC system, respectively. The 14-day period was repeated using another test product until all 10 subjects had used all 3 test products in a randomized order. The results showed that: (i) significantly more fluoride was retained in the approximal plaque following periods A and B than period C, and (ii) less plaque was formed during period B than periods A and C.