Effects of Colgate-Total® and Crest Pro-Health® on Oral Microcosms

Objectives: To compare the micro-ecological effects of Colgate Total (CT) and Crest Pro-Health (CPH) on in-vitro oral biofilms. Background: The multiple Sorborad device (MSD) is a perfused, inline, cellulose filter-based fermentation system which enables replicate (n= 5) microcosm biofilms (BF) to be established and sampled, together with their perfusates (PAs; cells released in eluted medium). The modified drip flow reactor (MDFR) delivers a flow of medium over replicate plaques that can be continuously cultured on hydroxyapatite coated slides. Methods: Fresh saliva was used to establish triplicate MSDs and MFDRs fed with artificial saliva at 7 ml h-1 for 5 d. Dentifrice (10% slurry) was added to the oral microcosms 4 x daily. BF, PA were analyzed at 24 h intervals by differential culture and PCR-DGGE. MFDR plaque mass was determined gravimetrically and diversity by DGGE. Results: Diverse, eubacterial communities established in the MSD. CT and CPH were highly effective against total and facultative anaerobes (c. 4 log reductions) although CT also decreased Gram negative anaerobes (2 log cf 1 log), total streptococci (1 log cf 0) and biofilm wet weight (p < 0.01; mean reduction 67 vs. 20%). PCR-DGGE of eubacterial diversity revealed that the oral microcosms reproduced the inocula and supported the observations made by microbial culture. Conclusions: Colgate Total ® demonstrated a broader activity spectrum compared to Crest Pro-Health® and was significantly more effective at preventing biofilm accumulation, as evidenced by gravimetric analyses (Supported by Colgate Palmolive Company).