The objective of this double-blind clinical study was to investigate the
tooth whitening efficacy of a new
dentifrice (
Colgate Tartar Control Plus Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste) for the removal of extrinsic tooth
stain, through a comparison with two commercially available
dentifrices,
Aquafresh Whitening Toothpaste with
Fluoride, and
Crest Regular Fluoride Toothpaste. Following a baseline examination for extrinsic tooth
stain area and intensity, qualifying adult male and female subjects from the Mississauga, Ontario, Canada area were randomized into three treatment groups which were balanced for age, gender, and level of extrinsic tooth
stain. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned
dentifrice using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Examinations for extrinsic tooth
stain were repeated after six weeks' use of the study
dentifrices. One hundred twenty-two (122) subjects complied with the protocol and completed the entire study. At the six-week examination, subjects assigned to the Colgate
Tartar Control Plus Whitening treatment group and subjects assigned to the Aquafresh Whitening treatment group exhibited statistically lower levels (p < 0.0001) of extrinsic tooth
stain area and intensity than did those subjects assigned to the
Crest Regular Fluoride treatment group. Further, subjects assigned to the Colgate
Tartar Control Plus Whitening treatment group exhibited significantly lower levels of extrinsic tooth
stain area and intensity than did those assigned to the Aquafresh Whitening treatment group (p < 0.0001).