Clinical study on the effect of amine fluoride/stannous fluoride on exposed root surfaces

The aim of this study was to assess the remineralizing effect of an amine fluoride (AmF)- and stannous fluoride (SnF2)-containing toothpaste and mouthrinse on exposed root surfaces. A total of 44 adults participated in the 20-week, double-blind study and were grouped as follows: (1) 20 participants (mean age 45.7 years) used an AmF/SnF2 experimental toothpaste plus AmF/SnF2 (Meridol) mouthwash, and (2) 24 participants (mean age 48.8 years) used an NaF-containing toothpaste and mouthrinse. Root caries index (RCI) and root surface scores were determined by a modified method of Katz (J Dent Res, 1984). RCI mean values showed decreases of approximately 47% in the AmF/SnF2 group, and 10% in the NaF group. With respect to root caries scores, the number of persons with decreased softened (non-carious) surfaces between the baseline and control examinations was statistically significant (p less than 0.05) in the AmF/SnF2 group but not significant in the NaF group. A statistically significant difference (p less than 0.05) in the results of the groups favored the AmF/SnF2 subgroup. Thus, the data point to a possible remineralizing effect of topically applied AmF/SnF2 on softened root caries surfaces.