A comparison of natural product, triclosan and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on 4-day plaque regrowth

There is a continuing search for ingredients to enhance the chemical plaque inhibitory action of oral hygiene products. Sanguinarine, other natural extracts and triclosan have already been used in products. The aim of this study was to evaluate a number of triclosan and natural product rinses for effects on plaque regrowth. In particular, the influence of other rinse components were assessed, notably sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and zinc. The study was a randomised, blind, 9-cell cross-over design to measure the effects of each rinse on 4-day plaque regrowth from a zero baseline. 15 volunteers rinsed 2x daily with each product and plaque was recorded by area and score. The 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse (positive control) was significantly more effective, and the saline rinse (negative control) significantly less effective, than other rinses. Sanguinarine alone was little different from saline and the addition of zinc made a modest improvement in activity. The 3 triclosan/SLS rinses were more effective than the sanguinarine rinses but similar to their minus triclosan control rinse. A natural product/SLS experimental rinse was second to chlorhexidine and, in many analyses, significantly better than all other rinses, but caused some oral erosions. The results indicate that the plaque inhibitory properties of basic ingredients such as SLS may be difficult to enhance or surpass. However, the possible range of recipes, particularly using natural ingredients, provides scope for research and development in the field of oral hygiene products.