Plaque reducing efficacy of dentifrices

Objectives: to test whether dentifrice has an additional effect on mechanical plaque removal using a manual toothbrush. Methods: 3 groups of patients, 40 subjects each, were randomly assigned to one of 3 dentifrices (A=Everclean®, B=Zendium-Classic®, C=Colgate-Tartar Control & Whitening®) that differed with respect to the RDA value and detergent contained. After a 48-hour plaque accumulation subjects brushed under supervision, using a random assignment, in a split-mouth order ‘with' or ‘without' the use of dentifrice (total time of 2min). Results: Plaque reductions varied between 51% and 58% for the three dentifrices. Brushing without dentifrice A resulted in more plaque removal (4%) than with the use of the dentifrice (p=0.001). For dentifrices B and C no differences between ‘with' or ‘without' were observed. In search of the origin of the observed difference explorative analysis showed that, for the Dentifrice A, brushing without dentifrice has been more effective in removing plaque on the approximal surfaces (difference 5%, p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of dentifrice did not contribute to mechanical plaque removal. Dentifrice abrasivity does not seem to contribute to efficacy of manual toothbrushing. With one of the dentifrices less plaque was removed than brushing without. The results are suggestive of an unfavourable effect of the detergent involved.