Gum health benefits of a silica based fluoride toothpaste containing zinc citrate, potassium citrate, hydroxyapatite and vitamin E acetate

Abstract

Aims: To demonstrate the effective delivery to gingival tissues of thegum health actives zinc citrate and vitamin E acetate from a new silicabased fluoride toothpaste and to confirm the clinical efficacy of thefull formulation in vivo. Methods: Study 1: Zinc levels were measuredfrom plaque samples immediately before and 10 minutes after brushingwith the new toothpaste and compared to a similar marketed zinccontaining product; Study 2: Vitamin E acetate levels were measured fromthe new toothpaste by swabbing gum tissues immediately after brushing;Study 3: Vitamin E acetate delivery and penetration of porcine gingivaltissue ex vivo was measured and compared to delivery of the agent froman already marketed product; Study 4: The effect of the new toothpasteon gingival condition after three months home use was investigated incomparison to a marketed 0.3% triclosan containing toothpaste. Results:The new toothpaste showed significantly higher levels of zinc deliverycompared to a similar marketed toothpaste. Vitamin E acetate deliverywas also shown to be effective from both the in vivo and ex vivostudies. Clinically, both the new formulation and the 0.3% Triclosancontrol showed significant reduction in gingivitis after 12 weeks homeuse. Conclusions: Zinc citrate and vitamin E acetate are delivered ateffective levels to gum tissue from the new formulation. The in vivoefficacy of the formulation has been demonstrated, showing the newtoothpaste to be an effective anti-gingivitis formulation.