Effects of Daily Use of Flavored Sodium Perborate as a Dentifrice for a Six Months Period

Sodium perborate is a medicament commonly used in the treatment of Vincent's infection. To prevent recurrence of the condition many individuals continue to use sodium perborate, either as a mouth wash or as a dentrifrice. Recently the belief has been growing that sodium perborate should be used only under the supervision of a dentist and never for a prolonged period. The harmful effects that have been ascribed to it are chemical burns, an edematous condition of the oral mucosa and "hairy" tongue. If the prolonged use of sodium perborate does result in any or all of these conditions, the dental profession should take steps to discourage its promiscuous use. It seemed worthwhile therefore to make carefully controlled observations of the effect of sodium perborate on a large group of persons.