A New Toothpaste Formula Shows Strong Promise Against Plaque and Gingivitis

Six-Month Clinical Trial Finds Amine, Zinc, and Fluoride Combination Significantly Improves Gum Health

Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, affects millions of adults worldwide and is one of the leading causes of bleeding gums and future tooth loss. While brushing with regular fluoride toothpaste is a basic defense, new research suggests that not all toothpastes work equally well when it comes to controlling plaque and improving gum health.

A recent clinical trial published in BMC Oral Health reports that a novel toothpaste combining amine compounds, zinc lactate, and fluoride delivers substantially better results than a standard fluoride toothpaste in reducing plaque and gingivitis over six months.

Why Gingivitis Still Matters

Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of dental plaque a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not properly controlled, this inflammation can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition linked to tooth loss and higher healthcare costs.

Although gingivitis is reversible, many people struggle to remove plaque effectively with brushing alone. This has prompted researchers to explore toothpaste formulations with added antibacterial ingredients that can support daily oral hygiene.

What Did the Researchers Do?

The study was conducted in Bangkok, Thailand, and involved 100 adults with early signs of gingivitis. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:

• A test toothpaste containing an amine compound, 0.5% zinc lactate, and 1400 ppm fluoride

• A control toothpaste containing standard fluoride only

Neither the participants nor the researchers knew which toothpaste was being used by whom. All participants brushed twice daily for two minutes and were followed for six months.

Researchers carefully measured plaque levels and gum inflammation at the start, after three months, and after six months.

Clear and Consistent Results

Both groups showed some improvement over time, but the differences between them were striking.

After six months of use, the test toothpaste group experienced:

• 31% reduction in dental plaque

• 32% reduction in overall gingivitis

• Nearly 50% reduction in gum inflammation severity

  
  

When compared directly, the novel toothpaste was found to be:

• Up to 12 times more effective at reducing plaque

• Around 5 times more effective at improving gingivitis

Importantly, a much higher number of gum sites returned to a healthy condition in the test group, including areas with moderate to severe inflammation at the start of the study.

Safe and Suitable for Daily Use

No adverse effects were reported throughout the six-month study. Participants did not experience irritation, tooth staining, or discomfort, suggesting that the toothpaste is safe for everyday use.

The researchers believe the strong performance of the toothpaste comes from the combined antibacterial action of amine and zinc, which helps disrupt bacterial growth and plaque formation, while fluoride continues to protect against tooth decay.

What Does This Mean for Everyday Oral Care?

This study adds to growing evidence that toothpaste choice matters, especially for people with bleeding gums or early gum disease. Using a toothpaste with proven antibacterial ingredients may offer a simple, affordable way to improve gum health at home—alongside regular brushing and professional dental care.

While further studies in different populations are needed, the findings suggest that enhanced toothpaste formulations could play an important role in preventing the progression of gum disease and reducing long-term oral health costs.

Reference

Seriwatanachai D, Triratana T, Kraivaphan P, et al.

Effectiveness of a novel amine + zinc + fluoride toothpaste in reducing plaque and gingivitis: results of a six-month randomized controlled trial.

BMC Oral Health. 2025;25:188.

DOI: 10.1186/s12903-025-05551-z