A review of the effects of stannous fluoride on gingivitis

• Published in: Journal of clinical periodontology Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 1 - 13
• Main Authors: Paraskevas, S., Van Der Weijden, G. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Munksgaard International Publishers 01.01.2006
• Subjects: Dental Plaque - prevention & control; Dental Plaque Index; Dentifrices - therapeutic use; Dentistry; gingivitis; Gingivitis - prevention & control; Humans; Mouthwashes - therapeutic use; Periodontal Index; plaque; review; stain; stannous fluoride; tin fluoride; Tin Fluorides - therapeutic use; Tooth Discoloration - therapy
• ISSN: 0303-6979; 1600-051X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2005.00860.x

Aim: To review the literature on the effects of stannous fluoride on gingivitis. Material and Methods: The Medline and cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched up to August 2005 to identify appropriate studies. The primary outcome measure was gingivitis. Results: Independent screening of titles and s of 542 papers resulted in 36 publications (inter‐reviewer ê score of 0.76), out of which 15 papers finally fulfilled the criteria of eligibility. For SnF2dentifrices, a statistically significant reduction in gingivitis was noted in comparison with control (weighted mean difference (WMD) of 0.15 (gingival index) and 0.21 (gingivitis severity index) (test for heterogeneity p<0.00001, I2=91.1% and p=0.03, I2=80.1%, respectively)). With regard to plaque reduction inconsistent results existed. On using the plaque index no differences were found, whereas meta‐analysis of the Turesky index provided a WMD of 0.31 (p=0.01, test for heterogeneity p<0.0001, I2=91.7%). Because of insufficient data, a meta‐analysis for SnF2mouth rinse and dentifrice/mouthrinse formulations was not performed. Conclusions: The use of SnF2 dentifrices results in gingivitis and plaque reduction when compared with a conventional dentifrice. The precise magnitude of this effect was difficult to assess because of a high level of heterogeneity in study outcomes.