Reduction of Overnight Plaque With Use of Two-Step Oral Hygiene System

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess efficacy of a continuously used two-step oral hygiene system on accumulation of overnight plaque.
Methods: After IRB approval and informed consent, 46 adult volunteers with evidence of overnight plaque were enrolled into the study. Following an acclimation period, subjects were randomized to either a two-step system (0.454% SnF2 & 3% Sodium Pyrophosphate) or a regular 0.76% NaMFP dentifrice (Colgate® Cavity Protection) based on baseline plaque values. Overnight plaque was measured by digital image analysis of fluorescein-disclosed plaque, and oral safety was assessed by oral status interview and oral examination at Baseline and after 1 and 4 weeks of product use.


Results: Mean subject age was 38 years, and 74% were female. At Weeks 1 and 4, the two-step system demonstrated statistically significant (p≤0.0385) change of overnight plaque area relative to baseline, 3.36 and 3.09, respectively. The negative control group did not demonstrate a significant (p≥0.134) difference of overnight percent plaque area from baseline at either time point. In addition, at Week 4, the two-step system demonstrated a significantly (p=0.039) lower overnight percent plaque area compared to the negative control with adjusted means of 7.26 and 10.06, respectively. Both products were well tolerated, no adverse events were reported or observed during the study.


Conclusions: Continuous use of a two-step hygiene system (brushing with stannous fluoride followed by pyrophosphate) significantly prevented overnight plaque accumulation.