The effect of a Microsil-containing dentifrice in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a Microsil-containing dentifrice (Minnetonka, Inc., Minnetonka, Minnesota) could enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of toothbrushing relative to plaque control as well as the prevention and treatment of gingivitis. Volunteer 12 through 14 year-old elementary school students were divided into two experimental groups and one control group. Following baseline examination, scorings were made after consecutive forty-five day experimental periods which were separated by an interim prophylaxis. One of the Microsil-containing dentifrices was found to significantly reduce existing plaque and gingivitis levels at specific locations. The same experimental dentifrice was also shown in specific areas to permit better maintenance of the reduced gingivitis levels achieved following prophylaxis. It was concluded that the results obtained with a Microsil-containing dentifrice were encouraging in that any additional effect in reducing plaque and controlling gingivitis would be especially beneficial for young individuals in whom gingivitis is such a common finding.