Tooth stain during 2 years' use of chlorhexidine- and fluoride-containing dentifrices

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride upon the stain-inducing capacity of chlorhexidine. Ninety-one children, 13 years of age, volunteered for the experiment. Three test dentifrices were used, containing 0.1% NaF, 0.1% NaF + 2% chlorhexidine, and 2% chlorhexidine respectively. The experiment was carried out as a double-blind test, and the degree of staining was recorded after 1 and 2 years. Four methods were used for stain scoring. The results after 1 year showed that chlorhexidine induced less stain when applied together with fluoride than when applied alone. After 2 years this difference disappeared, indicating that fluoride only retarded chlorhexidine-induced staining of teeth.