SnF2 in toothpaste as plaque inhibitor in fragile elderly women

Objectives: The prevalence of elderly with their own teeth increases. The prevalence of exposed root surfaces, abutments, fixed prosthodontics and hyposalivation due to medications enhances caries risk. Plaque causes both caries and periodontal disease and effective removal of plaque is utterly important. Ingredients with anti-plaque effect like SnF2 that may be used in toothpaste can be an easy applicable method for plaque inhibition. The aim of this study was to examine differences in plaque accumulation in elderly patients comparing two toothpastes, one with 2% sodium fluoride (NaF) and the other with 0.4% stannous fluoride (SnF2), otherwise identical. Methods: 32 fragile elderly women 82-98 years (mean 88 years) living in a residential home participated in a double blind cross- over study. They brushed 4 weeks with each toothpaste. Treatment outcome was change in the plaque index in 4 front teeth and 4 molars. Results: ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between the groups (F= 4.21, p= 0.02). Post hoc showed SnF2 to give statistically significant lower plaque index than NaF. Conclusion: SnF2 in toothpaste may be effective to inhibit plaque accumulation in elderly.