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Sreenivasan P Eur J Oral Sci 2003; 111: 223–227

A crossover trial was performed in 20 subjects using a fluoride dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan in the copolymer formulation, and a traditional fluoride dentifrice as negative control. For 7 days, the control was used by all subjects, salivary microbial samples were taken, and subjects were randomized to test or control dentifrice for 7 days, when more samples were taken before and 2 hrs and 4 hrs after brushing. Subjects then used the other toothpaste for 7 days and were sampled similarly.

There were moderate significant reductions of all bacteria in CFU/ ml of saliva in the 3 samples taken after dentifrice use. When sulfide-producing bacteria were examined, they too showed a significant decrease. The authors note that a previous study using the organoleptic method of assessment (human noses rather than industrial sulfide monitors) showed a decrease in halitosis after using a triclosan-copolymer dentifrice, and suggest that their findings account for the effect.