The effect of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate/0.3% Triclosan on the glycolysis of plaque bacteria ex vivo after food intake

Abstract

Objective: To develop an ex vivo plaque pH method to assess the efficacy of a new zinc citrate/Triclosan formulation. Methods: Study (1) focussed on method development. Study (2) examined the effect of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate/0.3% Triclosan on the pH of plaque after product use and consumption of pizza. Study (3) investigated the effect of the same formulation and a fluoride toothpaste on the pH of plaque without an 'eating occasion'. The pH of plaque samples was measured over 10 minutes in the presence of glucose. Results: The test product significantly reduced the amount of acid produced 30 minutes (p=0.0035) and 3 hours (p=0.0018) after brushing (study (2)). In study (3) use of the test product significantly reduced the amount of acid produced 3 hours after brushing (p=0.0023). No significant benefit was found for the fluoride toothpaste. Conclusion: An ex vivo plaque pH method has been developed which can detect changes in acid produced following brushing with different toothpastes. A toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate/0.3% Triclosan significantly reduced the total acid produced for at least 3 hours after product use. Moreover it has been demonstrated that this effect is detectable even after eating.