CHICAGO – October 11, 2023- A new clinical study published in the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP) scientific journal, Journal of Periodontology (JOP), evaluated the effectiveness of a new dentifrice – or toothpaste – containing 0.454% stannous fluoride and 2.6% EDTA as an anti-tartar agent to reduce plaque index and gingival index compared to other commercially-available fluoride-containing dentifrices.
Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontitis—or gum disease. It is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the gums, often caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gumline, and can lead to many symptoms including swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums. Enhanced oral hygiene practices, including utilization of a dentifrice (toothpaste or tooth powder) that could significantly lessen plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation, are desirable to prevent and treat gingivitis and potentially prevent progression to periodontitis.
Preventing periodontitis in the first place is crucial for patients’ oral health, systemic health, and financial wellbeing. Treating periodontitis once patients already have it costs significantly more than preventing it. Periodontitis negatively impacts oral health by loosening teeth, causing tooth loss, and other dental problems. Additionally, the latest research published in various journals including JOP suggests a link between gum disease and other health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, heart disease, and diabetes.
“A randomized double-blind clinical trial evaluating comparative plaque and gingival health associated with commercially available stannous fluoride-containing dentifrices as compared to a sodium fluoride control dentifrice” was conducted by Drs. Maria L. Geisinger, Nicolaas C. Geurs, Brian Novy, Joan Otomo-Corgel, Charles M. Cobb, Peter L. Jacobsen, Thair Takesh, and Petra Wilder-Smith. The research was conducted over a 3-month study period in a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study. Plaque, gingival inflammation, and sulcular bleeding in patients using one of five commercially available fluoride-containing dentifrices were evaluated.
The results of this clinical study demonstrate that “use of the innovative gel dentifrice with 0.454% stannous fluoride resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements in whole-mouth plaque levels and signs of gingival inflammation and bleeding when compared to other commercially available sodium and stannous fluoride containing dentifrices.”
AAP Vice President Dr. Maria L. Geisinger, who was part of the research team, stated, “The two main dental diseases we see in our patients—cavities (dental caries) and gum disease (periodontitis)—are initiated by bacterial plaque on our teeth and gum tissues. This makes the regular removal of such plaque critically important in the treatment and prevention of both diseases and highlights the need for dental healthcare providers to emphasize excellent oral hygiene and to make evidence-based recommendations for oral care products for our patients. Clinical and translational research focused on enhanced materials and technologies to improve oral hygiene can provide dental healthcare providers and dental patients tools to work together to treat disease and promote oral health!”
Read the JOP article here for more information regarding data, results, and findings.
About the American Academy of Periodontology
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) represents nearly 7,500 periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontics is one of 12 dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
