Solving the problem with stannous fluoride: Extrinsic stain

Background: This article highlights a stabilized stannous fluoride (SnF₂) dentifrice that, in addition to being efficacious against caries, gingivitis, and dentin hypersensitivity, demonstrates high-performing stain prevention and removal efficacy.

Methods: An in vitro stain prevention model evaluated the efficacy of Colgate Total^SF containing 0.454% SnF₂ and 1% zinc phosphate compared with Crest Pro-Health Whitening Power (The Procter & Gamble Company) and a nonabrasive SnF₂ gel. L*, a*, and b* values were measured to assess whiteness comparing untreated and stained teeth, and with statistical analysis. A stain removal clinical study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, 2-cell, parallel-group design using Colgate Total^SF and nonwhitening regular fluoride toothpaste. Participants were instructed to brush twice daily for 6 weeks and were examined for Lobene Composite Stain Index scores, with statistical analysis used at a significance of P < .001.

Results: In an in vitro stain prevention study, Colgate Total^SF performed 26% and 35% better than a competitor paste and nonabrasive SnF₂ gel, respectively. In a clinical study, Colgate Total^SF use showed statistically significant extrinsic tooth stain reductions by 17.5% (3 weeks) and 27.8% (6 weeks) relative to regular fluoride toothpaste. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions: The results indicate that the stabilized Colgate Total^SF performed statistically better than other SnF₂ pastes in an in vitro study, and statistically better than a regular fluoride toothpaste in a clinical study.

Practical implications: Colgate Total^SF offers an SnF₂-based therapeutic dentifrice with notable performance in stain prevention and removal.