Dentists and researchers say the most significant breakthrough for dental health since the introduction of fluoride in the 1950s was the 1988 discovery of Colgate Total, the nation's first antibacterial toothpaste. Longtime Princeton resident Abdul Gaffar, a researcher and executive since the early 1970s at Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, invented the four patents which contributed to the product's discovery and success. Gaffar is now vice president for growth technology development for the company.

When Colgate Total was introduced in the United States in 1998, Business Week magazine hailed it as one of the year's best products. It is the first multi-benefit product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the control of dental infections; 31 dental associations around the world have endorsed it because it's been clinically proven to reduce gingivitis (advanced gum disease) up to 30 percent. Studies show that by using Colgate Total, consumers can not only save their teeth, but up to $875 million in annual dental care costs. Moreover, an additional $400 million is estimated to be saved from the decline in treatment for advanced periodontal disease, which the use of this special toothpaste can prevent.

The active ingredient in Colgate Total is triclosan, an antibacterial agent. Gaffar's invention of a copolymer delivery system for triclosan allows the antibacterial agent to stay on teeth as it acts to destroy bacteria that tries to invade the teeth and gums. Triclosan remains on the teeth for up to 12 hours between brushings, preventing formation of bacterial plaque - the precursor of gingivitis.

Gaffar earned a doctorate in immunochemistry/microbiology from Ohio State University, Columbus, a master's degree in bacteriology/chemistry from Brigham Young University, Utah, and a bachelor's degree in chemistry/bacteriology from the University of Karachi, Pakistan.