Long Lasting Fresh Breath with Regular Use of ZINC Toothpaste

METHODS: , A 2 cell parallel, double blind , placebo controlled study was performed. The test toothpaste contained 0.2% zinc sulphate, the control was a placebo without added zinc salt. Subjects meeting the inclusion – exclusion criteria were allocated at random to either test/ or control toothpaste. The toothpastes were used at home for a total of 4 weeks and oral malodour was assessed at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks before brushing , 10 mins after brushing and 2 hrs after brushing using a Halimeter. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA and t-test.

RESULTS:,90 volunteers ( 18-45yrs) completed the study. The mean halimeter scores were reduced after 4 weeks by 27% in the control group and 41% in the test group compared to baseline. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). After 4 wks, the scores in the test group were 27% lower in the test group than in the control group two hours after brushing. This is consistent with findings of an organoleptic study where 187 subjects showed an improvement in fresh breath of 8% for control paste and 29% for toothpaste with 0.2% zinc sulphate.

CONCLUSIONS:, Significant improvement in oral malodour was achieved with toothpaste containing 0.2% zinc sulphate after regular brushing.