Biomedical subjects

A R Volpe

Publications and source records attributed to A R Volpe.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Clinical anticaries efficacy of NaF and SMFP dentifrices: overview and resolution of the scientific controversy.

Since the introduction of commercially marketed fluoride-containing dentifrices in the 1950s, the evolution of these products has seen a number of formulation changes, particularly with regard to the specific types of active fluoride agents they contain. Most currently marketed dentifrices contain one of two major fluoride compounds--sodium fluoride (NaF), or sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP)--and much research effort has gone into continued investigations geared toward determining which, if either, of these two agents provides dentifrices with greater levels of anticaries efficacy. Historically, among clinical studies, most single-investigation attempts to resolve this issue have yielded equivocal results. During the past two years, however, renewed attempts on a larger scale have been made, including scientific symposia in Toronto, London, and Stockholm sponsored by major manufacturers of dentifrices. The conflicting conclusions derived from these undertakings have resulted in a scientific controversy as to which represents the most accurate resolution to the fluoride-comparison issue. The present paper considers processes for addressing this controversy, and identifies the key points of difference among those processes by which the three symposia arrived at their respective conclusions. An objective procedure for addressing the fluoride-comparison issue is offered, and applied to the clinical data which is currently available in the literature. The results of this analysis indicate that: 1) There is no statistically significant difference between the anticaries effectiveness of dentifrices containing fluoride as SMFP, and those containing fluoride as NaF; and 2) There is no clinically meaningful difference between the anticaries effectiveness of dentifrices containing fluoride as SMFP, and those containing fluoride as NaF.

Cariostatic Agents↗

PubMed1995

Effect of a pre-brush mounthrinse containing triclosan and a copolymer on calculus formation: a three-month clinical study in Thailand.

A three-month, double-blind, parallel clinical study was conducted on a population of Thai adults to evaluate the effect of the twice daily use of a commercially available pre-brush mouthrinse on supragingival calculus formation. The mouthrinse test product contained 0.03% triclosan and 0.13% PVM/MA copolymer with the absence of fluoride. The subjects were initially examined for calculus using the Volpe-Manhold procedure. All subjects received an oral prophylaxis and were assigned to the use of either 1) a triclosan-copolymer mouthrinse, or 2) a matching flavored/colored water placebo mouthrinse. Subjects were instructed to rinse twice daily with 10 cc of the assigned mouthrinse for 1 minute, followed by brushing with the provided toothpaste containing fluoride for 45 seconds. After three months of using the assigned mouthrinse, the subjects were reexamined for calculus formation. The results indicated that the subjects using triclosan/copolymer mouthrinse had 23.17% less supragingival calculus than the placebo mouthrinse subjects. This reduction was statistically significant at the 99% or greater (F = 24.35, p<0.001) level of confidence.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Effect of a triclosan/copolymer pre-brush mouthrinse on established plaque formation and gingivitis: a six-month clinical study in Thailand.

A six-month, double-blind parallel clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy on existing plaque and gingivitis of a pre-brush mouthrinse (Colgate Plax, Thailand) containing 0.03% triclosan and 0.13% of a polyvinylmethyl ether/maleic acid (PVM/MA) copolymer in the absence of fluoride, as compared to a matching placebo rinse. A total of 121 subjects were stratified into two balanced groups according to baseline Quigley-Hein Plaque Index scores and Loë-Silness Gingivitis Index scores. Each group was randomly assigned to the use of either the triclosan/copolymer pre-brush rinse or the placebo pre-brush rinse. No subjects received an oral prophylaxis. They were instructed to rinse twice daily for 60 seconds using the provided fluoride dentifrice and soft-bristled toothbrush. After six months' use of their assigned mouthrinse, 118 subjects who completed the study were evaluated for plaque index score and gingivitis index score using the same scoring procedure. After six months, the triclosan/copolymer mouthrinse group provided a 35.48% reduction of plaque (p<0.001) and an 18.82% reduction of gingivitis (p<0.001), as compared to the placebo mouthrinse group. The reduction of the triclosan/copolymer group was most pronounced in the severity manifestation of plaque and gingivitis (p<0.001). The results indicate that twice daily use of a pre-brush mouthrinse containing triclosan/copolymer in the absence of fluoride significantly reduces pre-existing plaque and gingivitis as compared to the placebo rinse.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Laboratory and clinical stain removal evaluations of two tartar control dentifrices.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate Colgate original Tartar Control dentifrice (TC) and new Colgate Micro Cleansing Tartar Control (MCTC) dentifrice in a laboratory and clinical study for their ability to remove induced stain. In the laboratory study, polished and etched bovine enamel specimens were stained for 4 days with a coffee, tea, and mucin, Sarcina lutea tartox culture in trypticase soy broth. Sixteen specimens were then brushed for 200 strokes with a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution to remove loose stain, and then brushed for 300 strokes with a 1:1 toothpaste slurry. Tooth color was measured by reflectance with the CLE L*a*b* scale. The calculated stain removal, 37% for MCTC and 24% for TC, was significantly different (p<0.01) favoring the MCTC dentifrice. In the clinical study, eight-six subjects were given Peridex (0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate) mouthrinse, a low abrasive dentifrice and a soft toothbrush to use twice a day for 8 weeks. Stain was monitored on the buccal and lingual surfaces of the anterior teeth using the Lobene index. The seventy-seven subjects with sufficient total stain were stratified into two balanced groups, given a new soft toothbrush and were randomly assigned to use one of the dentifrices tested, twice a day for 8 weeks. At 4, 6 and 8 weeks in the study, the MCTC dentifrice product had consistent, significantly (p<0.05-0.001) lower total stain scores than the TC dentifrice. In the laboratory and clinical studies conducted, even though stain induction and evaluation procedures differed, the new Colgate Micro Cleansing Tartar Control dentifrice was significantly more effective at removing stain than the Colgate original Tartar Control dentifrice formula.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Enhanced anticaries efficacy of a 0.243% sodium fluoride/10% xylitol/silica dentifrice: 3-year clinical results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a sodium fluoride (NaF)/silica/xylitol dentifrice compared with that of a positive control NaF/silica dentifrice on caries increments in school children over a 3-year period in an area without an optimal level of fluoride in the drinking water (mean level <0.1 ppm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3-year, double-blind clinical caries study was conducted in 2,630 children initially aged 8-10 years at 17 schools in the San Jose, Costa Rica metropolitan area. Clinical dental examinations were performed at participating schools utilizing portable dental equipment. Caries evaluations employed conventional tactile/visual methodology consisting of artificial light, dental mirrors and single-edge #23 explorers. Children accepted into the study were stratified by age and sex into two balanced groups within each school, and randomly assigned to use either a positive control dentifrice containing 0.243% NaF/silica or a test dentifrice containing 0.234% NaF/silica/10% xylitol. Children were instructed to brush with the assigned dentifrice twice daily. Caries evaluations were conducted at baseline, 2 years, and 3 years. RESULTS: After 3 years, subjects using the 0.234% NaF/silica/10% xylitol dentifrice had statistically significantly reduced decayed/filled surfaces (DFS; -12.3% reduction; P < or = 0.001) and decayed/filled buccal and lingual surfaces (DFS-BL; -10.5% reduction; P < or = 0/01).

Cariostatic Agents↗

PubMed1994

The influence of gingival inflammation on de novo plaque formation.

The aim of the present clinical trial was to examine the influence of gingival inflammation on de novo plaque formation. In addition, the effect of a varying number of salivary bacteria on early plaque formation was evaluated. 10 subjects were recruited for the trial which was designed to establish 2 different starting points for de novo plaque formation, 1 in a healthy dentition and 1 in a gingivitis dentition. On Day 0 and at regular intervals during a 5-week period, the panelists were examined with respect to gingivitis, plaque and number of salivary bacteria. The findings from the study demonstrated that the condition of the marginal gingiva plays an important role in the early stages of plaque formation. Thus, in both phases of the study, it was observed that at sites with initially healthy gingival units, less plaque formed (PlI = 0.93 and 0.82) than at sites with GI > 0 (PlI = 1.24 and 1.28) at the 2 different starting points. The number of salivary bacteria seemed to be less important than the state of the gingiva for the amount of plaque that formed during a 4-day period of no active mechanical tooth cleaning.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

The effects of a 0.3% triclosan-containing dentifrice on the microbial composition of supragingival plaque.

144 subjects completed a 6-month, double-blind study which examined the effects of a 0.3% triclosan/2% copolymer/0.243% sodium fluoride dentifrice on the microflora of supragingival dental plaque. The subjects were randomly assigned to use, in an oral hygiene program, either the triclosan/copolymer/fluoride test dentifrice or a control dentifrice. The latter had the same formulation as the test dentifrice except it did not contain triclosan. Supragingival plaque was collected from the buccal and lingual surfaces of 4 teeth at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, and microbiologically examined by darkfield microscopy, gram stain morphology, immunofluorescence, and selective and non-selective media. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by agar dilution and whole plaque susceptibility methodologies on plaque samples from 136 subjects at each of the above sample periods and at 6-week intervals for an additional 6 months post-therapy. Both dentifrices resulted in highly statistically significant reductions in the total cultivable flora obtained at both the 3 and 6-month samples relative to baseline as well as at 6 months relative to the 3-month sample. The relative decrease in total anaerobic counts and in strict anaerobes, while not statistically significant, was more pronounced at both the 3- and 6-month sample periods in subjects receiving the triclosan dentifrice than for the controls. Neither dentifrice resulted in detrimental shifts in the microbial composition of the normal flora nor led to the emergence of periodontal or opportunistic pathogens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Actinomyces↗

PubMed1994

Renal toxicity and arterial hypertension in rats chronically exposed to vanadate.

The effects of 1, 10, or 40 micrograms/ml of vanadium, given for six or seven months as sodium metavanadate in drinking water on cardiovascular and biochemical variables and the electrolyte metabolism of male Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated. At the end of the exposure period, all animals exposed to vanadate had increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This effect was not dose dependent and heart rate and cardiac inotropism were not affected. The role of defective renal function and electrolyte metabolism in such effects was supported, in the rats exposed to 10 and 40 ppm of vanadium, by the following changes: (a) decreased Na, + K(+)-ATPase activity in the distal tubules of nephrons; (b) increased urinary excretion of potassium; (c) increase in plasma renin activity and urinary kallikrein, kininase I, and kininase II activities; (d) increased plasma aldosterone (only in the rats treated with 10 ppm of vanadium). The alterations in the rats exposed to 1 ppm of vanadium were: (a) reduced urinary calcium excretion; (b) reduced urinary kallikrein activity; (c) reduced plasma aldosterone. These results suggest that blood hypertension in rats exposed to vanadate depends on specific mechanisms of renal toxicity related to the levels of exposure.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptors and diurnal changes of platelet aggregability in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse whether platelets from hypertensive patients have an increased responsiveness to aggregating agents during morning hours and whether these changes might be related to concurrent changes in platelet membrane alpha 2-adrenoceptor characteristics, plasma catecholamine and cortisol levels, and blood pressure values. DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood samples from 14 mild-to-moderate essential hypertensive males were collected in the morning (0700-0900 h) and the evening (1900-2100 h) to determine platelet aggregability responses to adrenaline and ADP, platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptor number and binding affinity to [3H]-yohimbine, plasma catecholamines and cortisol. During the same day patients underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. RESULTS: The lowest concentration of adrenaline required to induce biphasic aggregation was significantly lower in the morning than in the evening, indicating an increased morning platelet aggregability to adrenaline; the minimum ADP concentration inducing aggregation was similar in morning and evening samples. There were no significant differences between morning and evening samples in platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptor number and binding affinity. Plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol levels were higher in the morning than in the evening, but no correlation was observed between hormonal changes and the morning increase in platelet sensitivity to adrenaline. Ambulatory blood pressure recording showed abrupt morning elevations in systolic and diastolic blood pressures over sleeping values. However, morning blood pressure readings were not significantly different from those recorded during the rest of the day and in the evening. The morning rise in mean arterial pressure displayed a significant inverse correlation with the increased platelet sensitivity to adrenaline that was observed during the same hours. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the increased morning responsiveness to adrenaline that was observed in platelets obtained from hypertensive patients does not appear to be mediated by changes in the characteristics of platelet membrane alpha 2-adrenoceptors, but morning blood pressure elevations might play some role in inducing this platelet hyper-reactivity.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1994

The effect of three commercially available dentifrices containing triclosan on supragingival plaque formation and gingivitis: a six month clinical study.

In order to compare the antiplaque and antigingivitis activity of three commercially-available triclosan containing dentifrices with that of a placebo dentifrice without triclosan, a double-blind clinical study was conducted on 194 subjects over six months. Following baseline supragingival plaque and gingivitis examinations and a complete oral prophylaxis, subjects were stratified by their whole mouth baseline plaque (modified Quigley-Hein) and gingivitis (modified Löe-Silness) scores and then randomly assigned to one of four dentifrice using groups. Plaque and gingivitis examinations were then performed after six weeks, three months and six months use of the dentifrices. Subjects brushed twice daily in their customary manner. The triclosan/soluble pyrophosphate and the triclosan/zinc citrate commercially available dentifrices did not provide statistically significant reductions in either supragingival plaque accumulation or gingivitis at any of the examination intervals, as compared to the placebo dentifrice. The subjects using the commercially available triclosan/copolymer dentifrice had, after six months, statistically significant reductions in supragingival plaque (11.3 per cent), plaque severity (18.8 per cent), gingivitis (19.9 per cent) and gingivitis severity (27.8 per cent), as compared to the placebo dentifrice.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Meta-analysis in dental research: a paradigm for performance and interpretation.

Applications of meta-analysis have begun to appear with some regularity in the dental research literature. Recently, a meta-analysis played a high-profile role in the ongoing academic debate concerning the relative anticaries efficacy of dentifrices containing fluoride as sodium fluoride and as sodium monofluorophosphate, engendering a controversy concerning the methodology employed. This has given rise to the need for a careful consideration of the principles involved in the meta-analytic process to provide a basis of understanding upon which such controversies may be resolved. The present report endeavors to meet this need by enumerating the steps involved in a meta-analysis, and contrasting them with the analogous steps in the more widely-understood "usual" inferential process, bringing to light both the similarities and differences between these two types of analyses. Within this context, the conflicting meta-analyses associated with the current controversy are discussed and compared, and the source of the difference between them is readily identified. This process reaffirms the need for close collaboration between statisticians and other scientists in the performance of a meta-analysis, and the value of such close collaboration in the evaluation and interpretation of a meta-analysis performed by others, as well.

Dental Caries↗

PubMed1994

Caries experience, treatment needs and treatment supplied among an adult Israeli population.

Information on coronal and root caries in an Israeli adult population including treatment needs has never been conducted. A sample of 2,931 adults ranging in age from 20 to 65 were selected for this longitudinal survey. The sample included both city and kibbutzim dwellers. All examinations were performed by one experienced epidemiologist utilizing the method of Radike for coronal caries. A method outlined by the National Institutes of Health was utilized for scoring of root surface recession and caries. Results indicate a 6.94 decayed and filled teeth (DF-T) mean score for the coronal caries experience and a 2.48 missing teeth (M-T) score. The total decayed and filled surfaces (DF-S) score for the examined population was 11.91. Root DF-S was found to be 1.10 among males and 0.99 among females with a total mean of 1.04. Premolars were found to have more crowns than other teeth, while molars had the highest missing score (1.53). DF-S score of 6.78 was indicated for molars, in addition to a high missing surfaces (M-S) value of 7.63 for molars. Main obstacles to dental care are lack of knowledge and financial barriers. These findings recognize an immediate need for public educational programs and regular professional care in order to increase public awareness of their dental status, encourage improved primary prevention, and seek secondary and tertiary care.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Comparative efficacy of two dentifrices containing 5% potassium nitrate on dentinal sensitivity: a twelve-week clinical study.

The effect of a dentifrice containing 5.0% potassium nitrate, 1.3% soluble pyrophosphate, 1.5% PVM/MA copolymer, and 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Sensitive/Tartar Control) on dentinal hypersensitivity over a twelve-week period was compared to a commercially available dentifrice containing 5% potassium nitrate and 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a dicalcium phosphate dihydrate base (Sensodyne-F). A total of ninety-seven subjects were entered into the study, and stratified into two balanced groups according to their baseline mean air sensitivity score and baseline mean tactile (Yeaple Probe) sensitivity score. The two groups were randomly assigned to use either the Sensitive/Tartar Control dentifrice or the commercially available hypersensitivity control dentifrice with potassium nitrate. The two groups were balanced with regard to their mean baseline air and tactile sensitivity scores, sex and age. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned dentifrice and a commercially available soft-bristled toothbrush. Dentinal hypersensitivity examinations, which included tactile sensitivity, cold air blast, and a visual analog scale were conducted at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks. All examinations were conducted by the same dental examiner. After six weeks' use of the assigned dentifrices, there were no statistically significant differences between dentifrice groups in any of the parameters assessed (tactile, cold air blast and visual analog scale). After twelve weeks' use of the assigned products, there were no statistically significant differences between dentifrice groups in any of the parameters assessed (tactile, cold air blast and visual analog scale). Thus it can be concluded from this study that the use of a dentifrice containing 5.0% potassium nitrate, 1.3% soluble pyrophosphate, 1.5% PVM/MA copolymer, and 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base provides a clinically effective method of reducing dentinal hypersensitivity which is comparable in efficacy to a commercially available hypersensitivity control dentifrice containing 5% potassium nitrate and 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a dicalcium phosphate dihydrate base.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

The clinical effects on plaque and gingivitis over three-month's use of four complex-design manual toothbrushes.

The Colgate Total (formerly Colgate Precision) was evaluated along with the New Improved Crest Complete, Reach Advanced Design and Oral-B Advantage toothbrushes to compare six-week and three-month effects on plaque and gingivitis. One-hundred and ninety-three male and female participants completed a three-month, unsupervised toothbrushing study, brushing their teeth twice daily with one of these four products and a standard fluoride dentifrice. Plaque was quantified using the Rustogi et al. refinement of the Modified Navy Plaque Index. Gingivitis levels were measured using the Lobene et al Modified Gingival index. After initial screening examinations, the qualifying population (0.6 plaque, 1.8 gingivitis) was given a complete oral prophylaxis and instructed to return after forty-eight hours of no oral hygiene for baseline evaluations. The study population was split into four balanced groups after baseline examinations and assigned, by group, to use a particular toothbrush for the study duration. Subjects returned after six weeks and three months for safety and efficacy evaluations. There were no reported or observed untoward effects at any examination time in the study. Plaque and gingivitis mean values were not significantly different at baseline between the four groups. Results from this three-month clinical study demonstrated a significant reduction (p<.0001) in plaque levels and gingivitis for all of the four toothbrushes compared to baseline. At both six weeks and three months, gingivitis and plaque means were significantly lower (p<.01) in the Colgate Total group compared to the other three toothbrushes tested. When changes from six weeks to three months were statistically analyzed only the Colgate Total toothbrush significantly reduced (p<.001) gingivitis mean scores.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Clinical study to assess the stain removal efficacy of two tartar control dentifrices and a low abrasive dentifrice.

Significant differences in stain removal have been demonstrated in a laboratory study comparing two tartar control dentifrices: Platinum, containing 1.3% soluble pyrophosphate and 1.5% of a copolymer, and Crest Tartar Control, containing 5% soluble pyrophosphate. The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the same tartar control dentifrices, and a low abrasive dentifrice for their ability to reduce Peridex-induced stain. Eighty-five subjects were given Peridex (0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate) and a low abrasive dentifrice for 4 weeks. The 76 subjects with sufficient stain were stratified using the Lobene index on buccal and lingual surfaces of anterior teeth, and randomly assigned one of the three dentifrices for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, total stain evaluations were significantly lower in the Platinum dentifrice group (mean 0.84) compared to both Crest Tartar Control dentifrice (1.08) and the low abrasive dentifrice (1.09) at p<0.05 by ANOVA. In this 8-week clinical study, Platinum dentifrice was significantly more effective than Crest Tartar Control dentifrice or a low abrasive dentifrice in reducing Peridex-induced stain, and this finding correlates well with laboratory data on removal of tea and coffee stain.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

A six-month clinical study of the effect of a pre-brush rinse on plaque removal and gingivitis.

The effect of a pre-brush rinse (Colgate Plax, Colgate UK) containing 0.03% triclosan (Irgacare MP, Ciba-Geigy Corp.) and 0.125% of a copolymer of methoxyethylene and maleic acid (Gantrez, ISP Corp.) on existing plaque and gingivitis over a 6-month period was compared to a matching placebo pre-brush rinse. The study was a double-blind, parallel design utilising 125 subjects, 117 of whom completed the 6-month period. Subjects rinsed twice daily for 60 seconds with 15 ml of their assigned pre-brush rinse. Immediately after rinsing, subjects brushed their teeth for 30 seconds with a fluoride dentifrice and a soft-bristled toothbrush. After 3 and 6 months, the levels of plaque and gingivitis were significantly lower in the triclosan/copolymer rinse group when compared with the placebo rinse group. The beneficial effects of the active rinse were particularly evident on the surfaces of teeth which are poorly cleaned by mechanical procedures. No side effects, such as staining, were observed or reported. The results indicate that the twice daily use of a pre-brush rinse containing triclosan and copolymer can provide significant adjunctive benefits to mechanical oral hygiene procedures.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Specific increase of L-dopa levels in plasma upon infusion of tyrosinase containing liposomes.

1. The present paper reports the effects of liposome-entrapped tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1. L-Tyrosine, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine: oxygen oxidoreductase) infusion on the catecholamine contents of rat plasma. The actions of liposomes and free tyrosinase have also been investigated. 2. From the experiments, evidence has been obtained that liposome-entrapped tyrosinase is able to affect specifically L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) levels which increase dramatically. 3. The possible use of liposome-entrapped tyrosinase to raise L-DOPA levels in catecholamine related disorders is discussed. 4. Liposomes without tyrosinase provoke no significant changes of catecholamine or L-DOPA levels while free tyrosinase does induce a change but in a less constant fashion than the liposome-entrapped enzyme.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

The effect of a triclosan-containing dentifrice on established plaque and gingivitis.

The aim of the present clinical trial was to study the effect on existing plaque and gingivitis of an oral hygiene regimen which utilized a dentifrice which contained triclosan. 120 subjects were recruited for the trial. They were examined for plaque and gingivitis using the criteria of (i) the Turesky modification of the Quigley & Hein plaque index and (ii) the Löe & Silness gingival index. Plaque and gingivitis were assessed in all parts of the dentition and at 6 location points around each tooth. Following a baseline examination, the subjects were stratified in 2 balanced groups based on age, plaque and gingivitis scores. The subjects were randomly assigned to the following treatment: 1 test group used a dentifrice containing triclosan/copolymer/fluoride and 1 control group used a traditional fluoride containing dentifrice. The participants were given the assigned dentifrice and a soft-bristled toothbrush for home use. They were instructed to brush their teeth in the morning and in the evening for one minute each time. They were reexamined 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the baseline examination. The findings from the re-examinations revealed that an oral hygiene regimen which utilized a dentifrice which contained triclosan/copolymer significantly reduced pre-existing plaque and gingivitis above what was accomplished by a traditional fluoride containing dentifrice. The improvement of the gingival conditions occurred in all parts of the dentition and at all tooth surfaces and units. In addition, the present data support the hypothesis that triclosan may induce alterations in the quality of existing plaque.

Adult↗