The role of Triclosan in dentifrice formulations, with particular reference to a new 0.3% Triclosan calcium carbonate-based system

Aim: To discuss the role of Triclosan in dentifrice systems and demonstrate the enhanced efficacy of Triclosan in calcium carbonate-based systems when the level of the antimicrobial agent is raised from 0.2% to 0.3%. Triclosan is the most commonly used antimicrobial agent in oral care products, being compatible with a wide range of ingredients found in toothpaste formulations, whilst having no negative sensory features (e.g. taste, staining) that are associated with some other antimicrobial/ anti-plaque agents. Triclosan is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, with additional anti-metabolic and anti-inflammatory properties. When delivered to the mouth in oral care products, Triclosan can selectively inhibit Gram negative anaerobic bacteria implicated in gingivitis and periodontal diseases, while leaving species associated with oral health relatively unaffected. Worldwide, attempts have been made to boost delivery/ activity of Triclosan, either by use of copolymers or by combination with other agents such as zinc citrate. However, Triclosan has also been shown to maintain clinical efficacy against plaque and gingivitis when present as the sole antimicrobial in toothpaste formulations.