Journal of Dental Research, Vol 60, 1897-1903, Copyright © 1981 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Long-term antiplaque, anticalculus, and antigingivitis effects of benzethonium/polymer complex in beagle dogs
A. Gaffar, M. C. Solis-Gaffar, E. Tavss, H. W. Marcussen and K. N. Rustogi
An electrostatic complex of 0.1% benzethonium chloride (BTC) plus 0.05%
copolymer of methoxyethylene and maleic acid was evaluated in vitro for
antibacterial effect. The complex by itself showed as much antibacterial
activity as 0.1% BTC. The adsorption of 14C-BTC on saliva-coated
hydroxyapatite disks and teeth in vitro was lower from the complex than the
BTC solution, although in vivo activity was the same. The complex, BTC, and
polymer solutions were evaluated in a 28-week study in 16 beagle dogs
against plaque, gingivitis, and calculus formation. BTC and the complex
significantly (alpha = 0.05) reduce plaque and gingivitis. There was no
significant difference between the two active groups. BTC (0.1%)
significantly increased calcified deposits at 22-28 wk compared to the
water control group, while the complex and the polymer groups showed
significantly (alpha = 0.05) less calculus. Thus, the complex was not only
effective in vivo, but also significantly (alpha = 0.05) reduced tendencies
of cationic antibacterials to induce calcified deposits on teeth.
