The Anti-gingivitis Toothpaste
SPECIAL REPORT (University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter, November 1997)
The Anti-gingivitis Toothpaste Stamped "yes" by FDA
There's something new in toothpaste ingredients--triclosan, an antimicrobial
or disinfectant that's already in some liquid soaps and deodorants. So far,
the only toothpaste that contains it is Colgate's Total, not yet in stores
but due to be launched in the next few months. The formulation, which also
contains fluoride to forestall tooth decay, is the first toothpaste that's
been shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis(bleeding gums, the first stage of
periodontal disease). Controlled clinical studies presented to the American
Dental Association(ADA) and the FDA showed that Total reduced gingivitis by
one-third to one-half. It won the ADA seal long ago but has been waiting in
the wings for the FDA approval of the anti-gingivitis claim. It's been on
the market in Canada, England, and other countries fro some time. You'll
know when it hits the stores here--the ad campaign will be aggressive.
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