Plaque-inhibiting effect in orthodontic patients of a dentifrice containing stannous fluoride

The present investigation was undertaken to study the plaque-inhibiting effect of a dentifrice containing stannous fluoride/stannous pyrophosphate during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. The test toothpaste was compared with sodium monofluorophosphate toothpaste and paste without fluoride and tin. When applied directly on the teeth, the test paste was found to reduce plaque growth significantly for 24 hours (P < 0.001). A double-blind cross-over designed study with twenty-one subjects showed statistically significant plaque inhibition after a 3-week test period on subjects showed statistically significant plaque inhibition after a 3-week test period on subjects showed statistically significant plaque inhibition after a 3-week test period on teeth with the appliances placed more than 1.5 mm. from the gingival margin (P < 0.01). Plaque reduction on teeth with the appliances placed close to the gingival margin was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). No statistically significant improvement in the gingival condition and no side effects were observed. It is concluded that because of its dual action on plaque and teeth stannous fluoride/stannous pyrophosphate toothpaste may be recommended as supplement to and not substitute for other forms of fluoride supplementation in this category of patients.