Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial toothpastes on periodontal bacteria in orthodontic patients: A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei probiotic toothpaste, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) toothpaste, and amyloglucosidase–glucose oxidase toothpaste on the levels of Porphyromonas. gingivalis , Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , and plaque index in individuals undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted using purposive sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to use one of the toothpaste types. Saliva samples were collected at baseline and one month after using the toothpaste. Bacterial levels were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and plaque accumulation was assessed using the Orthodontic Plaque Index. RESULTS: All groups showed a reduction of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans following the intervention; however, no significant changes were observed in the plaque index. Statistical analysis using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance with sphericity assumed revealed no significant differences between the groups ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Toothpastes containing L. paracasei , CPC, and amyloglucosidase–glucose oxidase enzyme show potential for reducing periodontal pathogens, suggesting a preventive benefit against periodontal complications in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.