Anti-Erosion Properties of a Stabilized Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice

Abstract

Dental erosions are non-carious damages of hard dental tissues, resulting from their dissolution by the action of acids, whose presence in the oral cavity is not associated with the metabolic activity of cariogenic bacteria. Erosion losses are initiated on the enamel surface, and lack of control over their progress leads to the gradual destruction of dental tissues. The problem of the occurrence of dental erosion is increasingly present in the Polish population. An alarming intensification of this phenomenon can be found among adolescents and young adults. Due to the complex etiology of erosive lesions, new methods are sought to enhance the protective potential of dental tissues against erosive factors. New formulations of dentifrice with stannous fluoride stabilized with sodium hexametaphosphate are generating particular interest. The several years of presence of these products on the Polish market have provoked us to undertake studies evaluating their effectiveness in various areas of dental problems. This paper reviews literature reports on the effect of SnF2-containing toothpastes in reducing the occurrence of erosive lesions. Results indicate that dentifrice with stabilized formula of fluoride, tin, and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is more effective in protecting the enamel from erosion when compared with toothpastes containing other fluoride compounds. Prolonged application of formulation included SnF2 gradually increase the dental tissue resistance to acid attack.