Clinical Study Evaluating Anti-Plaque Efficacy of ColgateŽ TotalŽ Advanced Toothpaste

It is well documented that healthy gums are critical to the health of the mouth, but they may also play a role in an individual's systemic health. ColgateŽ TotalŽ, (CT) the only OTC dentifrice with FDA and ADA approval for the treatment of plaque and gingivitis, has a long history of efficacious benefits. Consumers demand new product benefits. To this end, we have developed a new variant which delivers all the benefits of CT and, additionally, offers enhanced cleaning/whitening and a sustained smooth mouthfeel. An advanced silica based cleaning system was identified to meet this demand. Objective: This clinical investigation compared the anti-plaque effect of CT containing the advanced cleaning system, to determine whether this silica would have an impact on the anti-plaque effect of the triclosan/copolymer formulation. Methods: A double blinded randomized cross over study was conducted utilizing 16 healthy volunteers. Subjects brushed with (CT), ColgateŽ TotalŽ Advanced (CTA) toothpaste with the advanced cleaning system, and a regular fluoride dentifrice, ColgateŽ Winterfresh Gel (WFG). Immediately following the single brushing a baseline plaque score was identified using the published Modified Gingival Margin Plaque Index (MGMPI). Subjects refrained from all oral hygiene for 24 hours at which point a final plaque score was calculated. The difference between baseline and final MGMPI scores indicated the amount of gingival plaque re-growth. Results: CT and CTA produced an average 24 hour plaque score of 7.56 (+ 6.69) and 7.91 (+ 4.54) respectively demonstrating no difference statistically. WFG delivered a 24 hour plaque score of 14.69 (+ 9.65) which was significantly greater from both test products (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CTA inhibits dental plaque more effectively than a regular fluoride dentifrice and the advanced cleaning system does not impact the antiplaque efficacy of the triclosan/copolymer system in CTA dentifrice.