Journal Article

The clinical and microbiological efficacy of a zinc-citrate/hydroxyapatite/potassium-citrate containing toothpaste: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Rinaldi, Lorenzo, Maravic, Tatjana, Mazzoni, Annalisa, Mazzitelli, Claudia, D’Urso, Diego, Breschi, Lorenzo, Josic, Uros, Pellegrino, Gerardo, D’Alessandro, Carlo

2024

Overview

Objectives To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of two fluoride-containing (1450 ppm F) toothpastes with or without zinc-citrate (ZCT), hydroxyapatite (HAP) and potassium-citrate (KCit); to assess and compare their clinical effects in terms of tooth sensitivity, plaque accumulation and gingivitis, as well as patients’ satisfaction. Materials and methods Healthy, adult patients were selected and randomly assigned to two groups ( n  = 50): Experimental: ZCT-, HAP-, KCit- and fluoride-containing toothpaste; Control: fluoride-containing toothpaste. Salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) , plaque and gingival index, as well as clinically diagnosed sensitivity were recorded at baseline, and after 4 weeks. A custom-made questionnaire was used to assess patients’ self-reported sensitivity (baseline and after 4 weeks) and overall satisfaction with the tested toothpastes. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). Results After 4 weeks, a statistically significant salivary reduction of S. mutans was observed in both groups ( p  = 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage of S. mutans decrease was significantly higher in Experimental group ( p  = 0.014). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of plaque and gingival index ( p  > 0.05). After 4 weeks, the self-reported tooth sensitivity was lower in Experimental group ( p  < 0.001). Conclusions Both toothpastes showed good antimicrobial effect after 4 weeks; however, the toothpaste containing ZCT, HAP, KCit and fluoride was found to be more effective in reducing the salivary counts of S. mutans than the product containing fluoride alone. Clinical relevance Toothpaste containing ZCT, HAP, KCit and fluoride can be recommended for patients at risk for developing caries and may also be beneficial for individuals experiencing dental sensitivity.

• Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adult / Antimicrobial activity / Citrates / Citric acid / Citric Acid - pharmacology / Clinical trials / Dental caries / Dental Plaque - microbiology / Dental Plaque Index / Dentifrices / Dentin Sensitivity / Dentistry / Double-Blind Method / Durapatite / Female / Fluoride treatments / Fluorides / Fluorides - therapeutic use / Gingival index / Gingivitis / Gingivitis - microbiology / Gingivitis - prevention & control / Health risks / Humans / Hydroxyapatite / Male / Medicine / Middle Aged / Patient Satisfaction / Periodontal Index / Potassium / Potassium Citrate - therapeutic use / Saliva - microbiology / Statistical analysis / Streptococcus mutans - drug effects / Surveys and Questionnaires / Teeth / Toothpaste / Toothpastes - therapeutic use / Treatment Outcome / Zinc / Zinc Compounds - therapeutic use