Clinical and microbiologic changes associated with the combined use of a powered toothbrush and a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice :: A 3-year prospective study

Background: Different means are available for self-performed oral hygiene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of a preventive homecare program including the combined use of a powered toothbrush and a triclosan/copolymer-containing dentifrice. Methods: A total of 160 adult subjects without signs of destructive periodontal disease were recruited for this 3-year randomized controlled trial. The subjects were assigned to a homecare program using an oscillating/rotating powered toothbrush and a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride-containing dentifrice (test) or a manual toothbrush and a standard fluoride-containing dentifrice (control). Supragingival polishing and reinforcement of homecare procedures were provided every 6 months. Plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were scored at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 years. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the mesial aspect of each tooth at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 years and were analyzed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. All data analyses were based on "intention-to-treat" with the subject as the statistical unit. Results: Compared to baseline, no significant changes in clinical parameters were observed during the 3 years, except for a reduction in the mean PD at the 2- and 3-year follow-up examinations (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to plaque, BOP, or PD or in the mean counts of the 40 species at any time point. Conclusion: The study failed to prove additional benefits of the combined use of a powered toothbrush and a triclosan/ copolymer-containing dentifrice in adult subjects without signs of destructive periodontal disease.