A randomized clinical study to evaluate the effect of an ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice on extrinsic dental stain

To investigate the stain-removal efficacy of an experimental ultra-low abrasivity anti-sensitivity dentifrice containing sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) and a cocamidopropyl betaine/sodium methyl cocoyl taurate detergent system.

This was a single-center, examiner-blind, randomized, parallel-group study. Extrinsic dental stain was assessed on the facial surfaces of the six maxillary and six mandibular anterior teeth and the lingual surfaces of the six mandibular anterior teeth using the Macpherson modification of the Lobene Stain Index (MLSI). Treatments were: ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice [5% w/w KNO3, 5% w/w STP, 1,100 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride; relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) ~10; n=54]; moderate abrasivity fluoride dentifrice (1,100 ppm fluoride as sodium monofluorophosphate; RDA ~68; n= 57); higher abrasivity daily-use whitening dentifrice (1,100 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride; RDA~137; n= 57). Subjects brushed for 1 minute, twice daily, for 8 weeks.

Mean total MLSI [ Area × Intensity (A×I) ] change from baseline score at Weeks 4 and 8 was significant (P< 0.0001) for all groups. At Week 8, for the ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice versus the moderate and higher abrasivity dentifrices, mean total MLSI (A×I) scores (P< 0.0001), along with MLSI endpoints in facial, lingual, and interproximal regions (P= 0.0035 to P< 0.0001), favored the ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice. Dentifrices were generally well-tolerated. The ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice containing 5% STP reduced extrinsic dental stain more effectively than moderate or higher abrasivity dentifrices.

The ultra-low abrasivity, anti-sensitivity dentifrice containing 5% STP reduced extrinsic dental stain more effectively than moderate or higher abrasivity dentifrices, and is thus suitable for patients with sensitive teeth who wish to control extrinsic dental stain.