Comparative Sensorial Responses of Higher/Lower Water SnF₂ Whitening Dentifrice Formulations

Objectives: A randomized perceptual study was conducted to evaluate sensorial responses for higher and lower water formulations of stannous fluoride whitening dentifrices.
Methods: A large study targeted dentate adult volunteers with a recent history of advanced dentifrice use. Internet-based screening was used to identify and qualify study participants. For a subset, eligible panelists were randomly assigned to one of two 0.454% SnF2 whitening toothpastes, which differed on silica, surfactants and other ingredients. One prominent difference involved water content: ~20% in a higher water (HW) variant (Crest® ProHealth™, Procter & Gamble Co.) or <2% in a lower water (LW) variant (Parodontax®, GlaxoSmithKline). Test products were dispensed in blinded tubes within a test kit that contained manufacturer’s information. Usage was at-home and unsupervised. After 2-weeks, sensorial responses were assessed on a 100-point scale. Changes versus baseline were assessed using paired-difference t-tests, and groups were compared using analysis of variance.
Results: A total of 328 panelists completed the 2-week use. Panelists exhibited considerable diversity in age (18-65 years), gender and ethnicity. Relative to baseline, both groups exhibited significant (p<0.001) reductions in malodor and stain. Taste ratings were 75 and 65 for HW and LW, respectively. Between-group comparisons significantly (p<0.05) favored HW over LW for taste, plus vectors relating to cleaning, gentleness and breath. Groups did not differ on perceived sensitivity relief. Similar outcomes for HW versus LW were observed among the subset (N=170) of panelists who reported gingival health concerns. Both whitening products were well-tolerated.
Conclusions: In a two-week head-to-head study of two 0.454% stannous fluoride whitening dentifrices, the higher water formulation exhibited superior taste, cleaning and other sensorial responses compared to a very low water formulation.