Triclosan in Toothpaste — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateMicrobiologyTriclosan in ToothpasteMFDS Part 1

Some fluoride toothpastes historically contained an additional non-ionic antibacterial agent combined with a copolymer to improve its oral retention, providing anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects. Major UK toothpaste brands have since removed this ingredient from their formulations. Which agent is this?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Triclosan

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · E = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D · D = shown as E

The correct answer is A, triclosan. Triclosan is a non-ionic, broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that was incorporated into fluoride toothpastes (e.g. the original Colgate Total) together with a PVM/MA copolymer to prolong its retention on oral surfaces. Cochrane evidence of moderate quality shows triclosan/copolymer fluoride toothpaste reduces plaque, gingival inflammation and bleeding compared with fluoride toothpaste alone. Following safety and environmental concerns, manufacturers reformulated and triclosan has been removed from major UK toothpaste brands, often replaced by stannous fluoride. Chlorhexidine (B) and cetylpyridinium chloride (C) are cationic antiseptics used mainly in mouthwashes, not the withdrawn copolymer-retained toothpaste agent. Delmopinol (D) is an amine-alcohol antiplaque mouthrinse agent. Stannous fluoride (E) is the contemporary replacement ingredient, not the withdrawn non-ionic antibacterial described.

Reference: Riley P, Lamont T. Triclosan/copolymer containing toothpastes for oral health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 12 (Cochrane Oral Health Group, University of Manchester, UK). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24310847/