New York, NY (February 21, 2014)-Triclosan/copolymer, the antibacterial active system employed in Colgate Total® toothpaste for preventing plaque and gingivitis, recently received a very positive independent review. The review was conducted by the Cochrane Oral Health Group which carries out systematic reviews of primary research in human healthcare and health policy that are internationally recognized as the highest standard in evidence-based healthcare.
Entitled “Triclosan/copolymer containing toothpastes for oral health,” the Cochrane Review evaluated the effects of triclosan/copolymer containing fluoride toothpastes, as compared to traditional fluoride toothpastes, for the long-term control of caries, plaque and gingivitis in both children and adults.
The Cochrane Review evaluated 30 studies dating from 1990 to 2012 in which 14,835 participants were randomized to receive either a triclosan/copolymer containing fluoride toothpaste or a traditional fluoride toothpaste that did not contain triclosan/copolymer. The toothpaste used in the studies containing the triclosan/copolymer system and fluoride was Colgate Total®.
The resulting data highlighted the many clinical benefits of using a triclosan/copolymer containing fluoride toothpaste and concluded there was no evidence of any harmful effects associated with the use of triclosan/copolymer toothpastes.
Some key findings of the Cochrane Review include:
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After six or more months of use, fluoride toothpaste containing triclosan/copolymer provided a 22% reduction in plaque as compared with traditional fluoride toothpaste. It also provided a 41% reduction in plaque severity as compared with traditional fluoride toothpaste.
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After six or more months of use, fluoride toothpaste containing triclosan/copolymer provided a 22% reduction ingingivitis compared with traditional fluoride toothpaste. It provided a 48% reduction in gum bleeding compared with traditional fluoride toothpaste.
“I commend the Cochrane Oral Health Group for taking the time to conduct a rigorous review of the clinical studies performed on the fluoride toothpaste containing triclosan/copolymer,” remarked Dr. Fotinos S. Panagakos, Global Director, Scientific Affairs and Research Relations for the Colgate-Palmolive Company. “I have no doubt that this noteworthy review will draw further attention to the topic of gum disease, which is a prevalent oral health issue. The most recent national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) showed that 3 out of 4 US adults have experienced gum bleeding, which is a sign of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease with multiple potential harmful health effects. This is one of the many reasons that I feel that gum disease deserves a significant amount of time and attention. I am pleased to confirm that one of our most noteworthy contributions to helping to combat this disease is our introduction of the triclosan/copolymer system to fluoride toothpaste, which is found in our line of Colgate Total® toothpastes.”
For the full text of the Cochrane Review, please visit
