Triclosan-containing Toothpaste Research Articles

Maintenance protocols for implant-supported dental prostheses: A scoping review

Statement of the problemBiological complications of implant-supported prostheses remain a concern. Therefore, standardizing hygiene protocols to promote their maintenance is important. PurposeThe purpose of this scoping review was to identify available hygiene guidance for home care procedures, as well as periodicity and protocols for the professional maintenance of implant-supported prostheses. Material and methodsThis study was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the study protocol was made available at: https://osf.io/5jdeh/. The search was last performed in the PubMed database on March 15, 2022 and was undertaken by 2 independent researchers. Clinical studies and reviews that evaluated home care and maintenance protocols for dental implant-supported prostheses (fixed or removable), without language restriction or year of publication, were included. A descriptive analysis was performed considering study characteristics (study design, restorative assembly, maintenance strategies, eligibility criteria, number of included studies, quality/level of evidence, and main findings). ResultsThe initial search yielded 3138 studies, of which 18 were included for descriptive analysis (6 critical reviews, 4 clinical trials, 3 systematic reviews, 2 guideline reports, 2 retrospective studies, and 1 transversal study). The main instrument recommended for home care was the use of a conventional toothbrush associated with triclosan-containing toothpaste in addition to interproximal aids (brushes or floss) for all types of restorations. The use of irrigation instruments was also frequently considered. For professional maintenance, almost all studies reported a positive effect of regular recalls every 3 months during the first year, followed by less regular recalls according to the motivation of the patient and home care efficacy. At each recall, the professional should evaluate the patient history, oral tissues, implant, abutments, and restorations, as well as perform professional cleaning of the prostheses with appropriate instruments so that the implants and abutments may be preserved. ConclusionsEstablishing an adequate hygiene protocol is indispensable for implant-supported restorations. To do so, the professional must guide and support the patient’s home care by taking into account the patient’s motivation and efficacy during the hygiene procedures. Also, for professional maintenance, the periodicity of recalls should be constant and include an evaluation of the condition of the restoration and adjacent tissues, followed by professional cleaning of prostheses, implants, and abutments, in addition to new instructions to improve patient home care.

Triclosan-containing fluoride toothpaste on clinical parameters and osteo-inflammatory mediators when applied in a stent during experimental peri-implant mucositis in smokers.

To determine the effect of triclosan-containing fluoride toothpaste on the clinical parameters and the osteo-immunoinflammatory mediators in the peri-implant fluid when applied in a stent during experimental peri-implant mucositis in smokers. Twenty-six smokers with an implant-supported crown were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study. During the two 3-week periods without mechanical toothbrushing (washout period: 30days), patients were randomly assigned to triclosan/fluoride (n:13) or fluoride toothpaste (n:13), three times/day. Clinical and immunoenzymatic assays were performed at baseline, 3, 7, 14 and 21days. Both groups showed increase in the Plaque Index throughout the study (p=0.001), without inter-group differences at 21days (p>0.05). No intra- or inter-group differences were observed for IFN-γ, IL10, IL-1β, IL8, IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9, TGF-β, OC, OPN, ICTP, OPG and RANKL (p>0.05). However, the RANKL/OPG ratio was significantly higher in fluoride toothpaste-treated sites when compared to triclosan/fluoride-treated sites at the end of period without mechanical toothbrushing, on the 21st day (p=0.041). Triclosan-containing toothpaste favorably modulated osteo-immunoinflammatory mediators during the experimental peri-implant mucositis in smokers, decreasing the ratio of RANKL/OPG.

Impact of a triclosan-containing toothpaste during the progression of experimental peri-implant mucositis: Clinical parameters and local pattern of osteo-immunoinflammatory mediators in peri-implant fluid.

This study evaluated the influence of a triclosan-containing toothpaste in the profile of osteo-immunoinflammatory mediators in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) and in clinical parameters during progression of peri-implant mucositis. Twenty-two clinically healthy patients with an implant-supported single-unit crown were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study carried out in two phases of 21 days each. During an experimental 3-week period of undisturbed plaque accumulation in the implants, patients were randomly assigned to use three times/day: triclosan (n=11), triclosan/copolymer/fluoride toothpaste; or placebo (n=11), fluoride toothpaste. After a professional prophylaxis, a washout period of 30 days was established. Clinical parameters and 15 osteo-immunoinflammatory mediators in the PICF were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. Both groups showed increase in plaque index at implant sites from the 3rd until the 21st day (P<0.05). Only triclosan treatment was able to avoid an increase in bleeding on probing (BOP) throughout the follow-ups (P>0.05), whereas a significant intensification in BOP was observed from the 14th day in the placebo-treated sites (P<0.05). Lower interleukin (IL)-10 concentrations were detected in the placebo group at the 21st day when compared with triclosan-treated implant sites (P<0.05). IL-10 levels were reduced and IL-1β concentrations were increased at 21 days when compared with baseline only in placebo-treated sites (P<0.05). Osteoprotegerin levels significantly increased from the 14th until the 21st day only in triclosan-treated sites (P<0.05). Triclosan-containing toothpaste controls clinical inflammation and interferes positively in the profile of osteo-immunoinflammatory mediators during progression of experimental peri-implant mucositis.

Household triclosan and triclocarban effects on the infant and maternal microbiome.

In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration banned the use of specific microbicides in some household and personal wash products due to concerns that these chemicals might induce antibiotic resistance or disrupt human microbial communities. Triclosan and triclocarban (referred to as TCs) are the most common antimicrobials in household and personal care products, but the extent to which TC exposure perturbs microbial communities in humans, particularly during infant development, was unknown. We conducted a randomized intervention of TC‐containing household and personal care products during the first year following birth to characterize whether TC exposure from wash products perturbs microbial communities in mothers and their infants. Longitudinal survey of the gut microbiota using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing showed that TC exposure from wash products did not induce global reconstruction or loss of microbial diversity of either infant or maternal gut microbiotas. Broadly antibiotic‐resistant species from the phylum Proteobacteria, however, were enriched in stool samples from mothers in TC households after the introduction of triclosan‐containing toothpaste. When compared by urinary triclosan level, agnostic to treatment arm, infants with higher triclosan levels also showed an enrichment of Proteobacteria species. Despite the minimal effects of TC exposure from wash products on the gut microbial community of infants and adults, detected taxonomic differences highlight the need for consumer safety testing of antimicrobial self‐care products on the human microbiome and on antibiotic resistance.

Synergy of brushing mode and antibacterial use on in vivo biofilm formation

ObjectivesOrthodontic, multi-strand retention-wires are used as a generalized model for oral retention sites to investigate whether biofilm left-behind after powered toothbrushing in-vivo enabled better penetration of antibacterials as compared with manual brushing. Methods2-cm multi-strand, stainless-steel retention-wires were placed in brackets bonded bilaterally in the upper arches of 10-volunteers. Volunteers used NaF-sodium-lauryl-sulphate-containing toothpaste and antibacterial, triclosan-containing toothpaste supplemented or not with an essential-oils containing mouthrinse. Opposite sides of the dentition including the retention-wires, were brushed manually or with a powered toothbrush. Health-care-regimens were maintained for 1-week, after which wires were removed and oral biofilm was collected. ResultsWhen powered toothbrushing was applied, slightly less bacteria were collected than after manual brushing, regardless whether an antibacterial-regimen was used or not. Powered-toothbrushing combined with antibacterial-regimens yielded lower biofilm viability than manual brushing, indicating better antibacterial penetration into biofilm left-behind after powered brushing. Major shifts in biofilm composition, with a decrease in prevalence of both cariogenic species and periodontopathogens, were induced after powered brushing using an antibacterial-regimen. ConclusionOral biofilm left-behind after powered brushing in-vivo enabled better penetration of antibacterials than after manual brushing. Clinical significanceMechanical removal of oral biofilm is important for prevention of dental pathologies, but biofilm is always left-behind, such as in fissures, buccal pits, interproximal areas and gingival margins and around orthodontic appliances. Use of antibacterial toothpastes or mouthrinses can contribute to removal or killing of biofilm bacteria, but biofilm structure hampers antibacterial penetration. A synergy between brushing mode and antibacterial-regimen applied exists with clinically demonstrable effects.

Efficacy of patient-administered mechanical and/or chemical plaque control protocols in the management of peri-implant mucositis. A systematic review.

To systematically assess the efficacy of patient-administered mechanical and/or chemical plaque control protocols in the management of peri-implant mucositis (PM). Randomized (RCTs) and Controlled Clinical Trials (CCTs) were identified through an electronic search of three databases complemented by manual search. Identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion of studies was performed independently by two reviewers. Studies without professional intervention or with only mechanical debridement professionally administered were included. Quality assessment was performed by means of the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. Eleven RCTs with a follow-up from 3 to 24months were included. Definition of PM was lacking or heterogeneously reported. Complete resolution of PM was not achieved in any study. One study reported 38% of patients with complete resolution of PM. Surrogate end-point outcomes of PM therapy were often reported. The choice of control interventions showed great variability. The efficacy of powered toothbrushes, a triclosan-containing toothpaste and adjunctive antiseptics remains to be established. High quality of methods and reporting was found in four studies. Professionally- and patient-administered mechanical plaque control alone should be considered the standard of care in the management of PM. Therapy of PM is a prerequisite for the prevention of peri-implantitis.

In vivo biofilm formation on stainless steel bonded retainers during different oral health-care regimens.

Retention wires permanently bonded to the anterior teeth are used after orthodontic treatment to prevent the teeth from relapsing to pre-treatment positions. A disadvantage of bonded retainers is biofilm accumulation on the wires, which produces a higher incidence of gingival recession, increased pocket depth and bleeding on probing. This study compares in vivo biofilm formation on single-strand and multi-strand retention wires with different oral health-care regimens. Two-centimetre wires were placed in brackets that were bonded to the buccal side of the first molars and second premolars in the upper arches of 22 volunteers. Volunteers used a selected toothpaste with or without the additional use of a mouthrinse containing essential oils. Brushing was performed manually. Regimens were maintained for 1 week, after which the wires were removed and the oral biofilm was collected to quantify the number of organisms and their viability, determine the microbial composition and visualize the bacteria by electron microscopy. A 6-week washout period was employed between regimens. Biofilm formation was reduced on single-strand wires compared with multi-strand wires; bacteria were observed to adhere between the strands. The use of antibacterial toothpastes marginally reduced the amount of biofilm on both wire types, but significantly reduced the viability of the biofilm organisms. Additional use of the mouthrinse did not result in significant changes in biofilm amount or viability. However, major shifts in biofilm composition were induced by combining a stannous fluoride- or triclosan-containing toothpaste with the mouthrinse. These shifts can be tentatively attributed to small changes in bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity after the adsorption of the toothpaste components, which stimulate bacterial adhesion to the hydrophobic oil, as illustrated for a Streptococcus mutans strain.

The influence of a triclosan toothpaste on adverse events in patients with cardiovascular disease over 5-years

Adverse effects of long-term usage of triclosan-containing toothpaste in humans are currently unknown. We assessed the effect of long-term use of 0.3% triclosan-toothpaste on serious adverse events (SAEs) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). 438 patients with a history of stable CVD were entered into the 5-year longitudinal Cardiovascular and Periodontal Study at Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia and randomised into test (triclosan) or placebo groups. There were no significant differences in demographics or clinical features between the groups. Patients were examined at baseline, and annually for 5-years. SAEs were classified according to the System Organ Classes defined by MedDRA (Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities). Results were analysed using chi square and Kaplan Meier analysis. Overall, 232 patients (123 in the triclosan group; 109 in the placebo group) experienced 569 SAEs (288 in the triclosan group and 281 in the placebo group). There was no significant difference between the groups in numbers of patients experiencing SAEs (p=0.35) or specific cardiovascular SAEs (p=0.82), nor in time to the first SAE or first cardiovascular SAE, irrespective of gender, age or BMI after adjusting for multiple comparisons (p>0.05). The adjusted odds of experiencing an SAE were estimated to increase by 2.7% for each year of age (p=0.02) and the adjusted odds of experiencing a cardiovascular SAE were estimated to increase by 5.1% for each unit increase in BMI (p=0.02). Most cardiovascular events were related to unstable angina or myocardial infarcts, 21 were associated with arrhythmia and 41 were vascular events such as aortic aneurysm and cerebrovascular accident. Within the limitations of the present study the data suggest that the use of triclosan-toothpaste may not be associated with any increase in SAEs in this CVD population. The long-term impact of triclosan on hormone-related disease, such as cancer, in humans remains to be determined.

Health care worker exposures to the antibacterial agent triclosan.

We sought to quantify absorption of triclosan, a potential endocrine disruptor, in health care workers with occupational exposure to soap containing this chemical. A cross-sectional convenience sample of two groups of 38 health care workers at separate inpatient medical centers: hospital 1 uses 0.3% triclosan soap in all patient care areas; hospital 2 does not use triclosan-containing products. Additional exposure to triclosan-containing personal care products was assessed through a structured questionnaire. Urine triclosan was quantified and the occupational contribution estimated through regression modeling. Occupational exposure accounted for an incremental triclosan burden of 206 ng/mL (P = 0.02), while triclosan-containing toothpaste use was associated with 146 ng/mL higher levels (P < 0.001). Use of triclosan-containing antibacterial soaps in health care settings represents a substantial and potentially biologically relevant source of occupational triclosan exposure.

The effects of the tuft design and toothpaste on the residual microbial contamination of toothbrushes

The effects of the tuft design and toothpaste on the residual microbial contamination of toothbrushes

Long term use of triclosan toothpaste and thyroid function

The long term effects of usage of triclosan-containing toothpaste on thyroid function are currently unknown. Triclosan is structurally similar to thyroid hormones and reductions in serum thyroid hormone levels have been observed in animal studies following oral administration of triclosan. Therefore, an assessment of thyroid function over 4years was undertaken in a subset of individuals in a randomised, placebo controlled clinical trial comparing the effects of 0.3% triclosan toothpaste with placebo toothpaste in subjects with coronary heart disease. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), antithyroglobulin antibody (anti-TGab) and antithyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOab) were measured.Paired serum samples at year 1 and year 5 from 132 subjects (64 triclosan group, 68 placebo group) were analysed. At year 1 there were no significant differences in thyroid function between the groups: mean (SD) TSH 1.4 (0.8) and 1.6 (0.9) mU/L, triclosan and placebo groups respectively, fT4 15.8 (2.2) and 15.2 (2.1) pmol/L; fT3 4.8 (0.5) and 4.8 (0.5) pmol/L. Similarly, for antithyroid antibodies there were no group differences at year 1. Median (25th, 75th percentile) for anti-TGab, 38 (34, 42) and 37 (30, 42) U/mL triclosan and placebo groups respectively; anti-TPOab, 15 (10, 22) and 18 (10, 24) U/mL. At year 5, fT4 was the only measure to show a significant difference between groups (mean and 95% Confidence Interval) 15.6 (15.1, 16.1) and 14.7 (14.2, 15.1) pmol/L triclosan and placebo respectively (p=0.01). This reflects reduced levels in the placebo group but no change in the triclosan group.In conclusion, over 4years triclosan toothpaste had no detectable effect on thyroid function. The data support the view that 0.3% triclosan in toothpaste is safe and free of significant thyroid adverse effects.

Human Exposure to Triclosan via Toothpaste does not change CYP3A4 Activity or Plasma Concentrations of Thyroid Hormones

Triclosan is an antibacterial compound commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products for everyday use. As previously shown, triclosan is found in the plasma, urine and milk from large parts of different human populations. Recent studies have revealed that triclosan is able to activate the human pregnane X receptor in vitro and thus possibly affecting metabolism of drugs in humans via the induction of CYP3A4. Besides, triclosan has been shown to affect thyroid hormonal levels in rats in vivo. In the present study, we investigated if an everyday exposure to triclosan via triclosan-containing toothpaste for 14 days in 12 adult humans caused an increase in plasma 4beta-hydroxycholesterol, indicative of CYP3A4 induction, and/or alterations in thyroid hormonal status. The plasma triclosan concentrations increased from 0.009-0.81 ng/g to 26-296 ng/g (ranges) upon exposure. Despite this, there were no significant changes in plasma levels of either plasma 4beta-hydroxycholesterol or thyroid hormones during the exposure. This indicates that the normal use of triclosan-containing toothpaste is not likely to alter metabolism of drugs via CYP3A4 induction or cause adverse events because of thyroid disturbances in humans.

Toothpaste formulation efficacy in reducing oral flora

Purpose: To assess the microbial quality as well as the effectiveness of seven brands of toothpaste marketed in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city, for reducing oral bacterial flora. Methods: Seven brands of toothpaste were randomly purchased from the open market in Abuja. Two brands contained triclosan + sodium fluoride as antibacterial, four contained sodium fluoride only and one was herbal. Each of the toothpaste products was assessed in duplicate for microbial safety based on growth on nutrient agar and broth. Also, eight volunteers were enrolled who used a toothpaste brand 12hourly on three consecutive occasions as the only source of oral hygiene, and then switched over to another brand. Mouth swaps and saliva before and after brushing was taken, plated by the pour plate technique, incubated at 37°C and then counted on nutrient agar after 24 h. Percentage bacterial reduction was calculated from the difference in bacterial counts before and after brushing. Results: All the toothpaste brands were sterile. 71% of the toothpaste brands were found to significantly (p=0.068) increase saliva bacteria counts. No brand of toothpaste removed teeth bacteria by up to 50%. On average, the two triclosan-containing toothpaste brands exerted a greater reduction in mouth bacteria than non-triclosan toothpaste brands. This was followed by the herbal toothpaste. The toothpaste brands that contained only fluoride were the least effective in reducing mouth bacteria. Conclusion: The results from our study indicate the need for further research into the possible value of toothpaste for reducing oral bacterial flora. Keywords: Tooth bacteria, Oral bacteria, Triclosan, Toothpaste, Fluoride, Natural toothpasteTropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 8 (1) 2009: pp. 71-77

Effect of triclosan/copolymer‐containing toothpaste on the association between plaque and gingival bleeding: a randomized controlled clinical trial

To study longitudinal associations between plaque and gingival bleeding and multilevel variance/covariance structures after introducing triclosan-containing toothpaste. A 10-week, randomized, two-arm, double-masked, controlled clinical trial was conducted in 34 healthy, non-smoking females with plaque-induced gingivitis. Clinical periodontal examinations were repeated every other week. At week 4, test toothpaste containing 0.24% sodium monofluorophosphate, 0.3% triclosan, and 2% polyvinyl-methyl ether maleic acid; or control toothpaste containing 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate and 0.1% sodium fluoride, were randomly distributed. Multivariate multilevel models indicated that, after introducing experimental toothpastes, subject random error was reduced from 0.6 to below 0.2. The odds ratio (OR) of bleeding on probing (BOP) was about 30% less in the test than in the control group (p<0.01). At the end of the experiment, ORs for BOP and plaque index scores 1-3 (reference 0) were 2.1-2.4 in the control group, but 1.1-1.9 in the test group (p<0.05). No effects on plaque levels and calculus were observed. Multivariate multilevel modelling allows the study of fixed and random effects of experimental toothpastes on gingival inflammation in small sample. Triclosan appears to attenuate the causal association between supragingival plaque and gingival bleeding in gingivitis.

Will triclosan in toothpaste select for resistant oral streptococci?

The aims of the study were to determine the in vitro sensitivity of triclosan against viridans streptococci and the impact of triclosan on the normal oral microflora. Nine subjects used a triclosan-containing toothpaste for 2 weeks. Saliva samples were collected on days 0 and 14 and were analyzed quantitatively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of triclosan and of several antimicrobial agents were determined for the streptococci isolated on days 0 and 14. No major changes occurred in the normal oral microflora during the study period. There were no differences in susceptibility between streptococcal strains collected at days 0 and 14 against triclosan or antimicrobial agents. Short-term use of triclosan has no major impact on normal oral microflora or on streptococcal susceptibility of antimicrobial agents. The effects of long-term use should be evaluated.

Effect of a Triclosan-Containing Toothpaste Supplemented with 10% Xylitol on Mutans Streptococci in Saliva and Dental Plaque

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of the combination of triclosan and xylitol in toothpaste on mutans streptococci (MS) in saliva and dental plaque. 155 individuals with >10⁵ MS/ml saliva were included in a 6-month double-blind clinical study. They were divided into three groups (n = 51–52) balanced according to their MS counts at baseline. Each group used one of the following types of dentifrice: (1) Colgate Total^© with the addition of 10% xylitol (Total-Xylitol), (2) Colgate^© Total and (3) Colgate Total^© without triclosan and without xylitol. Whole saliva and pooled plaque samples were obtained after 2, 4 and 6 months. When comparing the MS counts within the groups for saliva and plaque samples, Total-Xylitol showed significant reduction at all three sampling occasions (p < 0.001). Mean reduction at the 6-month sample for saliva was 0.81/ml and for plaque 0.89 per sample (log values). ANOVA revealed significant differences between Total-Xylitol and the two other products at 6 months for MS in saliva and dental plaque. The conclusion from this 6- month study is that the addition of 10% xylitol to a triclosan-containing dentifrice reduces the number of MS in saliva and dental plaque.

The effects of toothpastes on the residual microbial contamination of toothbrushes

Contaminated toothbrushes have been shown to harbor and transmit viruses and bacteria. The authors conducted a study to evaluate the effect of a triclosan-containing toothpaste on the residual anaerobic microbial contamination of toothbrushes. Twenty patients who had Type III or Type IV periodontitis participated in this study. One side of each of their mouths served as a control (no toothpaste). The teeth on the other side were brushed with a regular toothpaste or a triclosan-containing toothpaste. After the toothbrushes were allowed to dry in air for four hours, the authors placed the toothbrush heads in solution, dislodged the microbes from the brushes by vortexing and plated them in culture dishes. The authors anerobically incubated the culture dishes and determined the presence or absence of Prevotella species or Ps; Porphyromonas gingivalis, or Pg; and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, or Aa. The authors detected Aa and Pg on the control toothbrushes more frequently than they did Ps. This variation in isolation frequency was statistically significant by chi 2 analysis (P < .001). The authors compared the isolation frequency of the three test organisms between the control and regular-toothpaste groups, between the control and triclosan-containing--toothpaste groups, and between the triclosan-containing--toothpaste and regular-toothpaste groups. They found no significant intergroup differences in the isolation frequencies after using chi 2 analysis. Toothpaste use reduced the residual microbial contamination for two of three test organisms, but the lower isolation frequencies were not statistically significant. Further study in this area is indicated. Dental professionals should advise patients who have systemic, localized or oral inflammatory diseases to disinfect or frequently replace their toothbrushes.

The effect of triclosan on mediators of gingival inflammation

Triclosan (2,4,4',-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenylether) is a well-known and widely used nonionic antibacterial agent which has recently been introduced in toothpastes and mouthrinses. The efficacy of triclosan-containing toothpaste and mouthrinse to reduce both plaque and gingivitis in long-term clinical trials has been well documented. Until recently, it was generally assumed that triclosan's effect on gingival inflammation was due to its antimicrobial and anti-plaque effect. It has now become apparent that triclosan may have a direct anti-inflammatory effect on the gingival tissues. Several in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of triclosan on 4 primary enzymes of the pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, cyclo-oxygenase 1, cyclo-oxygenase 2, 5-lipoxygenase and 15-lipoxygenase. These pathways lead to the production of known mediators of inflammation such as the prostaglandins, leukotrienes and lipoxins. Triclosan inhibited both cyclooxygenase 1 and cyclo-oxygenase 2 with IC-50 values of 43 microM and 227 microM, respectively. Triclosan also inhibited 5-lipoxygenase with an IC-50 of 43 microM. The 15-lipoxygenase was similarly inhibited by triclosan with an IC-50 of 61 microM. Hence, triclosan has the ability to inhibit both the cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism with similar efficacy. In cell culture experiments, it was found that triclosan inhibited IL-1 beta induced prostaglandin E2 production by human gingival fibroblasts in a concentration dependent manner, and at relatively low concentrations. These data, taken together, indicate that triclosan can inhibit formation of several important mediators of gingival inflammation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)