The effectiveness of an amine fluoride/stannous fluoride dentifrice on the gingival health of teenagers: results after six months.

The objectives of the present study included examining the effect of non-supervised tooth brushing with an amine fluoride/stannous fluoride (AmF/SnF2) dentifrice on gingival health of teenagers in a field trial over six months. Jerusalem high-school adolescents (246) participated in a double-blind study with a NaF dentifrice serving as control. No oral hygiene instruction or supervision was given. Examinations took place at baseline, three weeks, three months and six months. In all examinations, no differences were revealed for plaque levels. Other results indicated a consistent advantage for the AmF/SnF2 group. Gingival Index (GI) scores were significantly lower in the test group at the three month examination (GI = 0.85, compared to GI = 0.89; p = 0.036) and at the six month examination (GI = 0.72, compared to 0.78; p = 0.042) than among controls. Mean bleeding on probing scores were lower in the AmF/SnF2 than in the control group at the six month examination (0.53, compared to 0.63; p = 0.041). No side effects, including staining, were reported, nor found, among the AmF/SnF2 group. In addition to the well established caries preventive role of fluoride dentifrice, these data indicate an additional and important public health role of a AmF/SnF2 dentifrice, in preventing gingivitis.