Anticalculus effect of a triclosan mouthwash containing phytate: a double-blind, randomized, three-period crossover trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Dental calculus occurs as a consequence of supersaturation of saliva with respect to calcium phosphates. This mineralization of dental plaque can be delayed by the presence of crystallization inhibitors, such as pyrophosphate or bisphosphonates. Phytate inhibits brushite and hydroxyapatite crystallization and has the potential to prevent dental calculi formation. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of phytate and zinc, administered in a mouthwash solution, to prevent the formation of dental calculus. MATERIAL AND METHODS Healthy dental plaque-forming volunteers (n = 25) took part in a randomized, double-blind, three-period crossover clinical study to assess the efficacy of a phytate-containing mouthwash in relation to control and placebo effects. Subjects rinsed their mouths for 1 min, twice each day, with 20 mL of the test solution, without ingestion. Mouthwash efficacy was assessed through quantification of the amounts of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium present in the residues obtained by dental cleaning, performed by a single trained examiner. RESULTS A good correlation was found among total calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in calcified dental plaque residues, indicating that any of these variables is adequate for evaluating the reduction of plaque crystallization as calcium phosphate. A statistically significant decrease in total calcium, magnesium and phosphorus was found in the phytate-treatment period compared with control and placebo periods, demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed treatment in reducing dental calculus formation. CONCLUSION The high efficacy of phytate in reducing dental calculus formation suggests that this substance may be an effective treatment for preventing the development of calculus deposits.