Clinical evaluation of the stain removing ability of a whitening dentifrice and stain controlling system

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the stain removing/controlling properties of a whitening dentifrice and a stain controlling system, in a parallel group, multiple use study. Methods Subjects (63), were stratified according to baseline stain scores and randomly allocated to a group, A (standard dentifrice), B (whitening/stain removing dentifrice) or C (whitening/stain removing dentifrice, tooth polish, tooth polisher and whitening/stain removing mouthwash). At each attendance, extrinsic stain was scored blind by a trained and calibrated examiner using the Shaw and Murray Stain Index, under constant lighting conditions. In addition, whiteness was measured using a colorimeter. Results The toothpaste regimens were well balanced at baseline (p=0.811). At 4 weeks, Regimens B and C had significantly less stain than A (p<0.05). Lower stain values were maintained/reduced for regimens B and C by week 6, with changes from baseline significantly greater than for Regimen A. When lightness was assessed by colorimeter, Regimen C was also found to be significantly whiter than Regimen A (p<0.05). Conclusions It was concluded that both whitening regimens had a significant effect on reducing tooth staining and improving whiteness over the 6 week time period.