The objective of this examiner-blind clinical study was to investigate the efficacy of three
oral hygiene regimens for the control of
gingivitis and supragingival plaque.
METHODOLOGY: Following a baseline examination for
gingivitis and supragingival plaque, qualifying adult male and female subjects from the San Francisco, California area were stratified into three treatment groups, which were balanced for plaque. The groups were then randomly assigned to one of three
oral hygiene regimens: 1) twice-daily tooth brushing with
Colgate Total Toothpaste, accompanied by once-daily flossing after brushing; 2) twice-daily tooth brushing with
Colgate Total Toothpaste without flossing; and 3) twice-daily tooth brushing with a
sodium fluoride toothpaste, accompanied by once-daily flossing after brushing. All subjects were given a complete oral prophylaxis, and dispensed their assigned treatment product(s), along with a soft-bristled adult toothbrush for home use. All
dentifrice products were supplied in the original packaging to which overwrapping had been applied. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth for one minute twice daily (morning and evening) using only the
dentifrice provided, and to refrain from using anything other than their assigned
oral hygiene products for the duration of the study. In addition, subjects were instructed to refrain from any routine dental treatment (except emergency) during the course of the study. There were no restrictions regarding diet or smoking habits over the course of the study. Examinations for
gingivitis and supragingival plaque, and oral soft tissue assessments were repeated after three months, and again after six months of product use.
RESULTS: One-hundred fourteen (114) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the six-month examinations. Statistical analyses showed similar results for both whole-mouth and interproximal scoring sites after six months of product use. Although not statistically significant, subjects using
Colgate Total Toothpaste accompanied by the use of
dental floss had numerically lower six-month scores for
gingivitis and supragingival plaque formation when compared to the scores of subjects using
Colgate Total Toothpaste without the use of
dental floss. Relative to the
sodium fluoride toothpaste accompanied by the use of
dental floss, subjects using
Colgate Total Toothpaste, both with and without the use of
dental floss, exhibited statistically significant reductions in
gingivitis and supragingival plaque formation after six months of product use.
CONCLUSION: