In order to demonstrate the cleaning effect of toothpastes which differed with regard to their percentage of polishing and wetting agents, we tested and compared different pastes ("W,X,Y,Z") to each other and with a placebo paste ("V") in 53 subjects. In a double blind trial, the Silness and Löe, Quigley and Hein plaque indices were determined, after establishing the initial values, and after two (interim measurement) and four weeks (final measurement) of application. Statistical evaluation showed that the toothpaste "w" with the components calcium phosphate, sodium laurylsulfate and sodium sulforicinoleate (in the given concentrations) cleans accessible dental surfaces from plaque and discolorations most intensively. All pastes were statistically significantly different from the control paste.