Stannous fluoride in dentifrice: an effective anti-plaque agent in the elderly?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine differences in plaque accumulation in elderly patients using two toothpastes, with either 0.2% sodium fluoride (NaF) or 0.4% stannous fluoride (SnF(2)), but otherwise identical.


BACKGROUND
The prevalence of denate elderly is increasing. Plaque both causes caries and is associated with an increased mortality rate in frail elderly patients with pneumonia. Therefore, the effective removal of plaque is important. Ingredients with an anti-plaque effect, such as SnF(2), that can be used in toothpaste, are effective in plaque inhibition


METHODS
Thirty-two frail elderly women, 82-98 years of age (mean, 88 years) and living in a residential home, participated in a double-blind crossover study. They brushed their teeth for 4 weeks with each toothpaste. Treatment outcome was a change in the plaque index (PI) on four anterior teeth and four molars.


RESULTS
anova showed statistically significant differences between the treatments (F = 4.21, p = 0.02). A post hoc test showed that SnF(2) produced a statistically significantly lower PI than did NaF.


CONCLUSIONS
SnF(2) in toothpaste may be effective in inhibiting plaque accumulation in the elderly.
Willumsen
Tiril
T
Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. tiril@odont.uio.no
Solemdal
Kirsten
K
Wenaasen
Marianne
M
Ogaard
Bjorn
B
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014002:Tin Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D014002:Tin Fluorides; D014100:Toothpastes; D012969:Sodium Fluoride