A systematic review of the effectiveness of anticalculus dentifrices.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To assess the evidence on the effectiveness of commercially available anticalculus dentifrices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Systematic search for published and unpublished epidemiological data in 7 electronic databases, 5 journals, and the bibliographies of retrieved papers and by making contact with subject experts in this field. Thirty-two reports were identified containing comparisons of one or more active agents with a placebo dentifrice and calculus measured using the Volpe-Manhold Index (VMI).

RESULTS:

Random effect model for 3-month studies showed an effect size of -0.6 for all comparisons. The effect sizes varied from -0.3 for dentifrices with zinc chloride 0.5% to -1.1 for pyrophosphate 1.3% and copolymer 1.5% dentifrices. Meta-analysis of all the studies with 6-month follow-up gave an effect size of -1.1 (-1.5 to -0.8) and for 12-month follow-up the effect size was -13.6 (-21.4 to -5.8).

CONCLUSIONS:

Anticalculus dentifrices containing pyrophosphates, zinc compounds and/or co-polymers were effective in significantly reducing calculus scores (VMI).

• Authors: Gopalakrishnan S Netuveli, Aubrey Sheiham
• Journal: Oral health & preventive dentistry (Oral Health Prev Dent) Vol. 2 Issue 1 Pg. 49-58 ( 2004) ISSN: 1602-1622 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 15641765 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review, Systematic Review)

Chemical References

• Dentifrices
• Diphosphates
• Maleates
• Polyethylenes
• poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride)

Topics

• Dental Calculus (prevention & control)
• Dentifrices (therapeutic use)
• Diphosphates (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Maleates (therapeutic use)
• Polyethylenes (therapeutic use)
• Toothbrushing (methods)
• Treatment Outcome