Objectives: This study compared a group of commercially available multibenefit dentifrices toward reducing plaque metabolism in vitro.
Methods: Plaque biofilms were prepared on glass rods (N=4/testgroup) with whole saliva spiked with TSB as growth media. Following 3 days growth, plaque was treated a single time with 16.7% w/w dentifrice/water slurries for two minutes. Following rinsing plaque was immersed in glycolysis media containing 0.5 % sucrose in TSB pH adjusted to 6.5. Plaque metabolism was followed at 37°C until indicator added to the negative control (Bromocresol Purple and Chlorophenol Red) responded assuring maximum dynamic range of the assay. Metabolic effects of dentifrice treatment were assessed as glycolysis inhibition by measuring medium pH post incubation. Four commercial dentifrices were tested: I: Crest® Pro-Health (SnF2) II: Colgate® Total (MFP, Triclosan) III: Colgate® Total Zx Pro-Shield (MFP, Zinc citrate) IV: Crest® Regular Cavity Protection (NaF, neg. control).
Results: pH decrease in medium (lesser decrease = less acid produced = more glycolysis inhibition efficacy) was analyzed by ANOVA and p-values for all treatment groups were calculated by Students t test (a≠b≠c p<0.05): I=1.28a; II=1.44b; III=1.51b; IV=1.92c
Conclusions: Dentifrices containing antimicrobials showed efficacy in glycolysis inhibition in vitro. Under these conditions, the stannous fluoride containing dentifrice showed significantly higher efficacy than zinc citrate and triclosan containing MFP dentifrices in inhibiting plaque metabolism.