A recent supplement to the Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry features new findings on a stabilized stannous fluoride (SnF2) toothpaste formulation, highlighting its potential to improve multiple aspects of oral health. The research, supported by Colgate-Palmolive, investigated the efficacy of a novel formulation stabilized with nitrate and phosphates (SNaP) to address long-standing challenges in stannous fluoride delivery.
A Persistent Challenge in Oral Care
Stannous fluoride is widely recognized for its antibacterial, antiplaque, anticaries, and antigingivitis properties. However, its tendency to oxidize, thus reducing its therapeutic benefits, makes maintaining its efficacy in toothpaste formulations difficult. The research presented in the Compendium supplement is focused on a proprietary stabilization method using nitrate and phosphates that enhances the bioavailability of SnF2 while preserving its effectiveness over time.
"The development of a multifunctional SnF2 toothpaste stabilized by nitrate and phosphates is a breakthrough technology with the potential to improve oral health in individuals and populations," Cassiano Kuchenbecker Rösing, DDS, MSc, PhD, professor of periodontology at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, wrote in the supplement's introduction.
Clinical and Laboratory Evidence
The supplement compiles multiple studies evaluating the effectiveness of the SNaP formulation in key oral health areas:
- Antibacterial Effects: A study led by Colgate-Palmolive senior research scientist Brinta Chakraborty, PhD, demonstrated that the SNaP toothpaste significantly suppressed bacterial respiration and glycolysis in laboratory biofilms. Further in vivo research confirmed that the formulation reduced bacterial load on the tongue, cheeks, gums, and saliva 12 hours post-brushing.
- Plaque and Gingivitis Control: A 6-month randomized controlled trial found that the SNaP toothpaste provided superior plaque and gingivitis reduction compared to a conventional fluoride toothpaste. "A chemical agent helps the user control the dysbiotic biofilm in difficult-to-reach areas, which is a clear limitation of sole mechanical plaque control," Dr Rösing noted about the study led by Loma Linda University clinical professor Sean Lee, DDS.
- Dentin Hypersensitivity Relief: The SNaP formulation was shown to occlude dentin tubules effectively, reducing hypersensitivity pain within 7 days. In vitro studies showed the SNaP formulation occluded 86% of tubules, compared to 35% of tubules occluded by a potassium nitrate desensitizing toothpaste used as a control. In a randomized clinical trial, the SNaP formula demonstrated faster and more effective tactile hypersensitivity reduction compared with the control.
- Oral Malodor Reduction: In a 3-week clinical trial, participants using the SNaP toothpaste experienced a 32.7% reduction in overnight oral malodor, significantly outperforming the control group. Notably, 85.7% of participants achieved a "pleasant breath zone" rating after 3 weeks.
- Extrinsic Stain Removal: A separate study assessed the toothpaste's effectiveness in removing extrinsic stains, finding a 39.1% greater reduction in staining compared to a standard fluoride toothpaste after 6 weeks of use.
Implications for Dental Practice
The findings presented in the collection of studies demonstrated the potential of the SNaP formulation to enhance preventive oral care by providing sustained antibacterial effects, enhancing plaque control, and improving patient compliance. The supplement highlighted how the technology aligns with broader efforts to integrate oral health into overall systemic health initiatives.
"Active prevention, through the use of an advanced antibacterial fluoride toothpaste that not only offers cavity protection but also fights gingivitis, can play a pivotal role in reducing this burden by impeding the onset and progression of oral diseases," Dr Rösing wrote.
The full supplement, published in the November/December 2024 issue of Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, is available here.
