A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of sodium bicarbonate dentifrices in a single brushing clinical model

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate plaque removal efficacy of dentifrices containing sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)) compared with a non-NaHCO(3) dentifrice after a single-timed brushing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomised, controlled, examiner-blinded, four-period, crossover study in 56 adults with a mean whole-mouth plaque index of ≥2.00 (six site modification of Turesky modification of Quigley-Hein Plaque Index [TPI]). Subjects brushed once for one timed minute with a 67% NaHCO(3) dentifrice with herbs; a 67% NaHCO(3) dentifrice without herbs; a 62% NaHCO(3) dentifrice with herbs; or a non-NaHCO(3) dentifrice without herbs. All contained 923 p.p.m. fluoride as sodium fluoride. Pre- and post-brushing plaque assessments were performed. RESULTS: Mean TPI score decreased from pre- to post-brushing with all treatments. There were statistically significantly greater reductions in plaque for NaHCO(3) dentifrices compared to non-NaHCO(3) (p < 0.0001 for all) with no significant differences between NaHCO(3)-containing dentifrices. A post hoc analysis of plaque removal from different oral areas showed statistically significant differences in favour of the NaHCO(3) dentifrices over the non-NaHCO(3) dentifrice for almost all surfaces. No adverse events were reported. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Plaque removal was significantly greater with NaHCO(3)-containing dentifrices compared with a non-NaHCO(3) dentifrice after a single, timed brushing. There was no effect of herbal tinctures. This study was registered at ClincalTrials.org: NCT03285984.