Improving our patients' oral health: the role of a triclosan/copolymer/ fluoride dentifrice.

With an increasing number of toothpastes to choose from, recommending an appropriate dentifrice for patients can be difficult. This article reviews a unique triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice that delivers significant oral health benefits when compared with conventional fluoride dentifrices. Randomized, double-blind studies that compared a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice with a regular fluoride dentifrice were selected and reviewed. Studies on plaque, gingivitis, caries, and periodontitis were included if they were at least a 6-month duration. Also reviewed are studies for other clinical parameters such as malodor and calculus. The reviewed studies demonstrated statistically and clinically significant reductions in plaque, gingivitis, periodontal pocketing, calculus, and malodor from the use of the triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice when compared with a regular fluoride dentifrice. The results of these studies provide a strong basis for clinicians to recommend and promote the use of a triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice to improve patients' overall oral health.