A review prepared by the Cochrane Oral Health Group suggests that fluoride toothpastes containing antibacterial agent triclosan, and copolymer, which aids retention of the agent during rinsing, boosts reduction in plaque, caries, gingival inflammation and bleeding.1

Analysis of 14,835 participants across 30 studies found that after six months of using triclosan/copolymer fluoride toothpaste there was a 22% reduction in plaque and gingivitis, a 48% reduction in bleeding gums and a 5% reduction in caries. Triclosan fights bacteria in plaque and reduce swelling of the gums.

Further reviews are needed to assess the clinical importance of these results compared to fluoride toothpastes that do not contain triclosan, and fluoride toothpastes that contain other antibacterial agents.

Preventable caries and gum disease place a great burden on healthcare so this could be a low-cost answer to the problem.