Positive Health Online

Abstract

ESTAFAN and colleagues, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York USA del@is.nyu.edu compared the efficacy of 2 commercially available toothpastes, Herbal Toothpaste and Gum Therapy and Colgate Total in controlling gingivitis, gingival bleeding, plaque and stain .

Background

Methodology

The authors conducted a 3 month, double-blind, parallel-design clinical study in which 40 healthy adult volunteers were recruited. In order to be eligible for a baseline clinical exam, all recruits had to satisfy the criteria that during the past 6 months they brushed their teeth at least twice per day, had noticed "bleeding gums" or "blood in the toothpaste" following brushing or flossing their teeth. At baseline, subjects were enrolled in the study if they had at least 5 Loe-Silness gingival bleeding sites and 20 natural teeth, including all anterior teeth and 4 molars.

Results

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups at baseline. The data demonstrated that both toothpastes had a significant effect upon gingivitis, gingival bleeding, plaque and dental stain . No statistical differences were observed between Herbal Toothpaste and Gum Therapy and Colgate Total for gingivitis or gingival bleeding. Compared with Colgate Total, Herbal Toothpaste and Gum Therapy produced statistically significant differences in reducing plaque and stain .

Conclusion

The results from this study demonstrate the clinical efficacy of both products in reducing gingivitis and plaque and demonstrate the efficacy of Herbal Toothpaste and Gum Therapy in maintaining reductions of plaque and stain.

References

Estafan D et al. Clinical efficacy of an herbal toothpaste. The Journal of Clinical Dentistry 9(2): 31-3. 1998.

Comment

The above results are extremely interesting. What a pity that there is absolutely no description or information in these abstracts regarding the constituents of the Herbal Toothpaste/Mouthrinse and Gum Therapy product other than plant extracts. Also, I think in the circumstances it might be relevant to know the identity of the sponsor of this research. They deserve acknowledgement in trying to go against such commercial giants as the makers of Colgate and Listerine.