Superior Anti-Erosion Efficacy of a Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice

Objectives: To compare the enamel protection efficacy of a stabilized stannous fluoride (SnF₂) dentifrice to a Sodium Monofluorophosphate (MFP)/arginine dentifrice following acidic erosive challenge in-situ.
Methods: This was a randomized, controlled, double-blind, two-treatment, four-period crossover in-situ clinical trial. Thirty-four subjects were enrolled in the study after signing the informed consent. Subjects wore upper palatal appliance fitted with human enamel samples six hours/day during each 10-day treatment period. Subjects were randomized to treatment sequences and received one of two dentifrice products each period: Oral-B® Pro-Expert [0.454%SnF₂ /1450ppm NaF] or Colgate® Maximum Cavity Protection [1.5% arginine, 1450ppm MFP]. Twice each treatment day they swished with their assigned dentifrice slurry. After each slurry treatment and two other times daily, subjects swished with 250 ml of orange juice over a 10-minute period (acidic erosive challenge). Enamel samples were measured for tooth surface loss using contact profilometry at baseline and Days 10.
Results: Thirty-four subjects (mean age 44.6 years) were randomized to treatment; 33 subjects completed the final study visit. At Day 10, the SnF₂ dentifrice provided a statistically significant (p<0.0001) 93.9% greater enamel loss protection versus the MFP/arginine dentifrice with estimated medians of 0.07 µm and 1.23 µm, respectively. The SnF₂ dentifrice resulted in greater than 10 times enamel protection versus the MFP/arginine dentifrice. Both dentifrices were well-tolerated.
Conclusions: A stabilized SnF₂ dentifrice provided superior protection against the progression of tooth enamel surface loss in situ after erosive challenge compared to a MFP/arginine dentifrice.