A Long Term Clinical Evaluation Of A Clay Containing Dentifrice In Antarctic Naval Personnel

Abstract

Gingivitis is a prevalent dental ailment in naval personnel. A new highly adsorbent clay dentifrice has been developed. The theoretical action in vivo is thought to be the adsorption and consequent inactivation of the bacterial toxins responsible for gingivitis. A six--month study designed using 44 Antarctic personnel as subjects. These subjects were divided into two groups; one received the test dentifrice and the other a placebo. Measurement criteria consisted of standard gingivitis indices, plaque scores, and calculus indices. Results indicated no benefit in the test group with any of the three measurement methods. A correllary finding was an improvement in the oral health of both groups during the Antarctic winter. It is concluded that this experimental clay dentifrice is without practical value in reducing gingivitis in naval personnel.