Objectives:To measure the levels of zinc and Triclosan present in plaque 12 hours post-brushing and following two weeks home use of a toothpaste formulation containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan . To measure the levels of zinc and Triclosan in plaque following two weeks home use of the test toothpaste formulation together with a further morning's brushing and a day of controlled food intake. Methods: A total of 104 subjects completed the study. Plaque samples were taken before use of the test toothpaste and again after a specified regime of product use and food intake. The samples were analysed for zinc or Triclosan . Results: Levels of zinc and Triclosan in plaque 12 hours after last brushing and following a 2-week home usage of product, were 149.1 J..Lg/g and 8.6J..Lg/g respectively. Following a morning brushing and a day of controlled food intake zinc and Triclosan levels were 94.7J..Lg/g and 4.1 J..Lg/g respectively. These levels of agents were found to reduce pH drop in vitro. Conclusions: Regular use of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan can lead to a build -up of antibacterial agents in plaque that continue to work even after controlled food intake.

Objectives: A)To assess plaque lactate production following consumption of three foods (cake, chocolate/caramel bar, sweetened coffee), and B) To measure the effect of a fluoride dentifrice containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan on plaque lactate and pH drop following consumption of cake . Methods: A) 10 subjects completed the first study. Plaque samples taken before and at 8,15 and 30 minutes after eating . Samples were analysed for lactate via Capillary Electrophoresis. B) 30 subjects completed the second study. Plaque samples were taken before and after cake and use of test dentifrice or no treatment control. Plaque pH and lactate content were assessed. Results A) Plaque lactate levels increased after all three foods ; peak lactate levels occurred 8 minutes after eating. B) Plaque lactate concentrations after eating cake were 39.2mM for the control treatment and a significantly lower value, 23.6mM , for the test 2% zinc citrate, 0.3% Triclosan dentifrice. After food challenge, pH values were 5.53 for the no treatment group and a Significantly higher value of 5.79 for the test dentifrice group. Conclusions: A toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate , 0.3% Triclosan can significantly reduce plaque lactate generation and pH drop induced by cake, compared to no treatment control.