The relative anticaries effectiveness of three fluoride-containing dentifrices in Puerto Rico

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Cariology
• Preventive Dentistry

Background:

• Dental caries remains a significant public health issue, necessitating effective preventive strategies.
• Fluoride dentifrices are a cornerstone of caries prevention, but optimal concentrations and formulations are continually investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the anticaries effectiveness of a high-dose sodium fluoride (NaF) dentifrice, a stabilized stannous fluoride with sodium hexametaphosphate (SnF2-HMP) dentifrice, and a low-dose NaF dentifrice against a standard 1,100 ppm F NaF control.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year randomized clinical trial involving 955 children (mean age 10.6 years) assigned to four dentifrice groups.
• Caries assessment included visual-tactile examination (DMFS) and radiographic evaluation at baseline, 12, and 24 months.
• Adherence was monitored through supervised brushing sessions, with analysis focusing on participants attending at least 60% of sessions.

Main Results:

• The high-dose NaF (2,800 ppm F) and SnF2-HMP (1,100 ppm F) dentifrices demonstrated statistically significant reductions in caries compared to the 1,100 ppm F NaF control group.
• No statistically significant difference in caries increment was observed between the low-dose NaF (500 ppm F) group and the control group.
• These significant differences were observed by one examiner after 1 year and by both examiners after 2 years.

Conclusions:

• High-concentration NaF and stabilized SnF2-HMP dentifrices offer superior anticaries efficacy compared to standard fluoride dentifrices.
• Low-dose NaF dentifrices may not provide additional benefits over standard concentrations for caries prevention in this population.
• The findings support the use of higher fluoride concentrations or specific formulations like SnF2-HMP for enhanced caries control.