A comparison of toothpaste tablets and a sodium fluoride dentifrice for the control of supragingival plaque and gingivitis: A 2-week randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: To compare toothpaste tablets containing 0.243% sodium fluoride and a conventional sodium fluoride dentifrice for gingivitis and plaque control over a 2-week period.

Methods: Forty adult participants were randomized into two groups: Toothpaste tablets (Colgate Anywhere Travel Toothpaste Tablets) and conventional dentifrice (Colgate Cavity Protection). A blinded examiner measured the gingival and plaque index at baseline and after 2 weeks. A questionnaire was distributed at the end to determine overall satisfaction of the product used. Statistical analyses were performed separately for the gingival index and plaque index scores. Comparisons of the two treatment groups with respect to baseline and 2-week gingival index and plaque index scores were performed using Mann-Whitney U-test. Within-treatment comparisons of the gingival index and plaque index scores obtained at the 2-week examinations versus baseline were performed using Wilcoxon test.

Results: Both groups had statistically significant improvements in plaque control at the 2-week visit (P< 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups for gingival and plaque index at the 2-week visit (P> 0.05). Overall satisfaction for both products were positive while perception on "texture/foaminess" was more negative for toothpaste tablets (P= 0.001). The results showed that toothpaste tablets' short-term performance on gingivitis and plaque control was equivalent to conventional dentifrice while the " texture/foaminess" of toothpaste tablets was found to be less appealing.

Clinical significance: Toothpaste tablets are a relatively new form of toothpaste that can be a viable alternative to conventional dentifrice with the added benefit of an eco-friendly way of maintaining oral hygiene.