The study, which appeared in a recent issue of the peer reviewed journal General Dentistry, concludes that toothpaste containing the triclosan/copolymer was more effective at killing the types of bacteria that live in people’s mouths than ordinary fluoride toothpaste.
The study included a clinical trial that compared a triclosan/copolymer toothpaste formulation and two fluoride toothpastes that were tested on several different lab-grown oral bacteria, as well as oral bacteria taken directly from human volunteers.
“Manufacturers add specific agents to toothpastes to provide added benefits to consumers,” said Joseph Zambon, PhD, one of the study’s authors and a professor at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
Triclosan effective against gingivitus and plaque
Although Zambon acknowledges that fluoride is widely excepted as the best known agent for toothpaste formulations, he underlined the fact that this most recent study, as well as previous studies, have concluded that triclosan inhibits both plaque and gingivitis, which fluoride on its own cannot tackle.
“The copolymer helps to keep triclosan in your mouth for a longer period of time, which boosts its ability to inhibit oral bacteria,” Zambon said.
However, triclosan has proved to be a controversial ingredient and was cited in a study by conducted by Virginia Tech back in 2005 as being potentially dangerous when formulated with toothpaste because it can react with chlorinated water, producing toxic chloroform.
Will triclosan be banned?
More recently Washington D.C. Representative Edward Markey issued a statement calling for a ban on the use of chemical tricoslan in cosmetics and other consumer products, which was carried out last week.
Markey, chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee in US, raised alarm over the use of tricoslan, which, as well as oral care, is also commonly used in antibacterial soaps and handwashes.
“Despite the fact that this chemical is found in everything from soaps to socks, there are many troubling questions about tricoslan’s effectiveness and potentially harmful effects, especially for children”, Markey said.
FDA reserves judgement on triclosan
The FDA has released a statement in response to Markey’s alarm. Although it has expressed concern over recent animal studies which have shown that tricoslan alters hormone regulation, it has also said that it is too early to make a final judgement. “Data showing effects in animals don’t always predict effects in humans”, it said.
In direct response to Markey’s charges the FDA stated, “In 1997, the FDA reviewed extensive effectiveness data on tricoslan in Colgate Total toothpaste. The evidence showed that tricoslan in this product was effective in preventing gingivitis.”
Markey’s concerns about the use of triclosan reflect a significant amount of recent public and media concern on both sides of the Atlantic. Lobby groups have claimed that scientific studies have linked the chemical to endocrine system disruption, cancer and increased dermal sensitisation.