Antimicrobial effects in oral microenvironments by a novel herbal toothpaste.

Objective: This clinical study compared the antibacterial effects after brushing with a novel herbal toothpaste incorporating zinc [test] to a control fluoride toothpaste on anaerobic organisms, gram-negative bacteria and malodor bacteria of dental plaque, tongue scrapings and cheek surfaces.

Methods: This double-blind, two-cell study enrolled 44 adults [age range 19-63 years]. Subjects completed a 1-week washout and provided baseline oral samples i.