Dentifrices : an update

Objectives; The objective of this paper was to review the published evidence concerning the efficacy and potential for adverse reactions of modern dentifrices toothpastes. Data sources; Publications cited on MEDLINE since 1990. Some further pre-1990 publications are also referenced. Data selection; Studies concerning the efficacy of dentifrices and their components and any related putative adverse incidents. Data extraction; Papers were scrutinised for scientific and trial data. Data synthesis; Data concerning the efficacy of dentifrice components were summarised. Conclusions; The efficacy of fluoride salts in dentifrices in reducing dental caries is well established. Toothpastes, containin…