Plaque antibacterial levels following controlled food intake and use of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan

Objectives: To measure the levels of zinc and Triclosan present in plaque 12 hours post-brushing and following two weeks home use of a toothpaste formulation containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan. To measure the levels of zinc and Triclosan in plaque following two weeks home use of the test toothpaste formulation together with a further morning's brushing and a day of controlled food intake. Methods: A total of 104 subjects completed the study. Plaque samples were taken before use of the test toothpaste and again after a specified regime of product use and food intake. The samples were analysed for zinc or Triclosan. Results: Levels of zinc and Triclosan in plaque 12 hours after last brushing and following a 2-week home usage of product, were 149.1 mu g/g and 8.6 mu g/g respectively. Following a morning brushing and a day of controlled food intake zinc and Triclosan levels were 94.7 mu g/g and 4.1 mu g/g respectively. These levels of agents were found to reduce pH drop in vitro. Conclusions: Regular use of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan can lead to a build-up of antibacterial agents in plaque that continue to work even after controlled food intake.