Antiplaque and Antigingivitis Toothpastes

Abstract

Dentifrices are a general term used to describe preparations that are used together with a toothbrush with the purpose to clean and/or polish the teeth. Active toothpastes were first formulated in the 1950s and included ingredients such as urea, enzymes, ammonium phosphate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate and stannous fluoride. Later, therapeutic agents were included. Today's toothpastes have two objectives: to help the toothbrush in cleaning the tooth surface and to provide a therapeutic effect. The therapeutic effect may have an antiplaque or anti-inflammatory basis when the nature of the agents is antimicrobial. Plaque inhibitory and antiplaque activity of toothpastes used for chemical plaque control is evaluated in distinct consecutive stages, the last being home use randomized clinical trials of at least 6 months' duration. In this chapter, the scientific evidence supporting the use of the most common antiplaque agents, included in toothpaste formulations, is reviewed, with a special emphasis on 6-month clinical trials, and systematic reviews with meta-analyses of the mentioned studies. Among the active agents, the following have been included in toothpastes: enzymes, amine alcohols, herbal or natural products, triclosan, bisbiguanides (chlorhexidine), quaternary ammonium compounds (cetylpyridinium chloride) and different metal salts (zinc salts, stannous fluoride, stannous fluoride with amine fluoride). Dentifrices are the ideal vehicles for any active ingredient used as an oral health preventive measure since they are used in combination with toothbrushing, which is the most frequently employed oral hygiene method. The most important indications of dentifrices with active ingredients are associated with long-term use to prevent bacterial biofilm formation, mostly in gingivitis patients or in patients on supportive periodontal therapy.

Efficacy of herbal toothpastes on salivary pH and salivary glucose – A preliminary study

“…Previous literature has shown effectiveness of herbal toothpastes in maintaining gingival and periodontal health [17]. It can be seen from the available literature that increased salivary glucose levels are associated with increased dental caries prevalence in normal individuals as well as diabetic patients [18].…”

Dentifrice Containing Extract of Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.: An Antimicrobial Evaluation

“…Dentifrice is a general term employed to describe preparations used with a toothbrush for the purposes of cleaning and polishing the teeth and it can be prepared as powder, gel or toothpaste, depending on the water content (20). Dentifrices containing plant extracts have been investigated and administered for a number of years in different countries (1,21).…”

Nanoemulsion Therapy for Burn Wounds Is Effective as a Topical Antimicrobial Against Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria

“…Cetylpyridinium chloride is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound used in mouthwashes, toothpastes, lozenges, throat, breath, and nasal sprays. It is an antiseptic that kills bacteria and other microorganisms [13]. The nanoemulsion droplet size was similar for both formulations and while the CPC molecule has a longer hydrophobic tail than BAC; however BAC has a larger polar cationic head group.…”