Efficacy of a test whitening toothpaste at inhibiting dental stain

Objective: To compare the effect of a test toothpaste with a commercially available whitening toothpaste and water control at inhibiting chlorhexidine/tea extrinsic stain. Methods: This study was of a randomized single blind cross over design. Before the start of each study period, a prophylaxis was performed to remove all staining. On the Monday at both 9am and 1pm, subjects rinsed with either a toothpaste slurry or water control which was repeated daily for the next 3 days. Additionally each subject rinsed with a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse, immediately followed by a rinse with a warm black tea solution. This cycle was repeated hourly 8 times throughout the day and also on the following 3 days. No other forms of oral hygiene were permitted during the study periods. On the Friday of each period stain on the teeth was assessed using the Lobene stain index. Results: The amount of stain following use of the toothpastes and water control was least with the experimental toothpaste, followed by water control and finally the commercial whitening paste. There was evidence that the experimental paste was significantly superior to both the commercial paste and water control at reducing stain area (P<0.001), a product of stain area and intensity, (p<0.001 and 0.05 respectively) but not stain intensity (p>0.05). Conclusions: This experimental test paste would be expected to be of benefit in controlling extrinsic dental staining. (Supported by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare)