Delivery of vitamin E acetate and sunflower oil to gums from fluoride toothpaste containing 0.1% vitamin E acetate and 0.5% sunflower oil

Objectives: To measure delivery of vitamin E acetate and sunflower oil (as triolein) to gums after use of a fluoridated toothpaste with 0.1% vitamin E acetate, 0.5% sunflower oil and a gum-health active system (0.3% triclosan (TCN) and 0.75% zinc citrate trihydrate) compared to a control fluoridated toothpaste containing zinc citrate trihydrate and TCN only. Methods: Study 1:25 subjects completed the study. Swab samples were taken from gum surfaces before and after use of the toothpastes. Samples were analysed for vitamin E acetate via HPLC. Study 2: 24 subjects completed the study. Test sampling procedures and products were identical to those in Study 1 except samples were analysed for triolein using GC. Results: Study 1: Significantly higher vitamin E acetate (50.7ppm) was measured in gum swab samples after brushing with the product containing 0.5% sunflower oil, 0.1% vitamin E acetate compared to the control product (1.4ppm). Study 2: Use of the test product also gave a significantly greater level of triolein on gum surfaces (26.4ppm) when compared to use of the control product (11.4ppm). Conclusions: The test toothpaste formulated with 0.1% vitamin E acetate and 0.5% sunflower oil was effective in delivering vitamin E acetate and sunflower oil to gums. © 2007 FDI/World Dental Press.