A Comparison of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Two Commercially Available Toothpaste Formulations Containing 0.3% Triclosan

Background This investigation reports on the comparison of two commercially available toothpaste formulations containing 0.3% triclosan; Colgate Strong Teeth (ST) and Pepsodent GermiCheck Superior Power (PD). The antimicrobial effects of each formulation, particularly against Streptococcus mutans, an agent of dental caries, were determined by using a variety of in vitro methods. Materials and Methods Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC, respectively) to oral bacteria (S. mutans and Actinomyces viscosus) were determined using a broth microdilution method. Inhibitory effects against S. mutans were also measured using agar-based disc diffusion assays. A microbial viability assay using a redox dye examined the immediate antimicrobial effects of toothpastes on established cultures of S. mutans. Tests included a fluoride toothpaste as a control. Results Although MIC revealed no significant difference between the toothpastes in inhibitory potency, ST was significantly more inhibitory than PD in diffusion-based studies (p