Pooled Analysis of Clinical Data From Six GSK Studies to Investigate the Efficacy of a Dentifrice Containing 67% Weight by Weight (w/w) Sodium Bicarbonate on Gingivitis and Plaque Accumulation

Number of gingival bleeding sites were measured as BI via a single examiner using a color coded periodontal probe. The probe was gently inserted approximately 1 millimeter (mm) into the gingival crevice. A moderate pressure was used whilst sweeping from interproximal to interproximal along the sulcular epithelium. The BI scoring system used to measure bleeding sites is as follows: 0= No bleeding after 30 seconds; 1= Bleeding upon probing after 30 seconds; 2= Immediate bleeding observed. A bleeding site was considered as a BI score of 1 or 2. This measure will be analyzed and summarized over all sites and at the tooth site level.

The BI was performed by a single examiner using a color coded periodontal probe. The probe was inserted approximately 1 mm into the gingival crevice. A moderate pressure was used whilst sweeping from interproximal to interproximal along the sulcular epithelium. The BI scoring system to be used is as follows: 0= No bleeding after 30 seconds; 1= Bleeding upon probing after 30 seconds; 2= Immediate bleeding observed. This measure will be analyzed and summarized over all sites and at the tooth site level.

The MGI was assessed on facial and lingual surfaces at two sites on each tooth (papillae and margin).The scoring of MGI was performed by a single examiner. The MGI scoring system is as follows:0=absence of inflammation;1=mild inflammation; slight change in color, little change in color;little change in texture of any portion of the marginal or papillary gingival unit;2=mild inflammation; criteria as above but involving the entire marginal or papillar gingival units;3=moderate inflammation; glazing, redness, edema, and/or hypertrophy of the marginal or papillary gingival unit;4=severe inflammation; marked redness, edema and/or hypertrophy of the marginal or papillary gingival unit, spontaneous bleeding, congestion, or ulceration.This measure will be analyzed and summarized over all sites and at the tooth site level.

The dental examiner used the TPI to assess plaque on all gradable teeth. The plaque was first disclosed using a dye solution. Participants then rinsed with disclosing solution according to instructions. They had expectorated and rinsed with 10 mL of water for 10 seconds and expectorated again. Plaque was assessed with each tooth being divided into 6 areas including the mesiofacial, facial, distofacial, mesiolingual, lingual and distolingual surfaces. Disclosed plaque was scored as follows: 0= No plaque; 1= Slight flecks of plaque at the cervical margin of the tooth; 2= A thin continuous band of plaque (1 mm or smaller) at the cervical margin of the tooth; 3= A band of plaque wider than 1 mm but covering less than 1/3 of the crown of the tooth; 4= Plaque covering at least 1/3 but less tan 2/3 of the crown of the tooth; 5= Plaque covering 2/3 or more of the crown of the tooth.This measure will be analyzed and summarized over all sites and at the tooth site level.