During the past 20 years, The Cochrane Collaboration has helped transform the way health decisions are made. A global independent network of 37,000 Cochrane contributors from more than 130 countries work together to produce credible, accessible health information free from commercial sponsorship and other conflicts of interest. Many Cochrane contributors are world leaders in their fields from medicine, health policy, research methodology and consumer advocacy. Cochrane groups are situated in some of the world's most respected academic and medical institutions and are recognised as representing an international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.
In 2013, the Cochrane Oral Health Group carried out a review of triclosan/copolymer containing toothpastes for oral health. This review assessed the effects of triclosan/copolymer containing fluoride toothpastes, compared with toothpastes containing fluoride only, for the long term control of caries, plaque and gingivitis in children and adults. Thirty published studies were reviewed, involving 14,835 patients who had been randomised to receive a triclosan/copolymer containing fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride toothpaste not including triclosan/copolymer.
The evidence produced shows the clinical benefits of using a triclosan/copolymer fluoride toothpaste twice daily when compared with a fluoride toothpaste (without triclosan/copolymer). The results showed:
- 22 per cent reduction in plaque
- 22 per cent reduction in gingivitis
- 48 per cent reduction in bleeding gums
- 5 per cent reduction in tooth decay
This evidence led to the authors concluding: “Fluoride toothpastes containing Triclosan and copolymer reduced plaque, gingival inflammation and gingival bleeding when compared to fluoride only toothpastes.”
‘Delivering better oral health - An evidenced based toolkit for prevention’ cites this systematic review in section 6 - ‘Improving periodontal health’ - quoting the authors findings. The toolkit also identifies Colgate Total as the only toothpaste available containing triclosan with co-polymer.
Dental professionals can recommend Colgate Total toothpaste with confidence in the high quality of evidence from the Cochrane group, an independent and trusted source of information. For more information on Colgate Total toothpaste and to download the Cochrane review please visit www.colgateprofessional.co.uk/products/colgate-total-toothpaste/overview