A 24-Hour Dental Plaque Prevention Study with a Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice Containing Hexametaphosphate

Recently, a novel antibacterial fluoride dentifrice containing stannous fluoride and sodium hexametaphosphate (Crest ® PRO-HEALTHTM) was introduced. A digital plaque image analysis (DPIA) technique was used to quantify in situ plaque formation in a population carrying out a phased intervention protocol that included: (1) an initial treatment regimen including toothbrushing with standard sodium fluoride dentifrice in conventional bid brushing, (2) a second treatment regimen where a modified hygiene regimen was applied using standard sodium fluoride dentifrice including a period of 24 hours of non-brushing, and (3) a third treatment regimen where the 24-hour non-brushing regimen was continued using the antimicrobial stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice. The quantitative evaluation of plaque formation was assessed in morning measurements following either standard evening hygiene (treatment period 1) or 24 hours since brushing (treatment periods 2 and 3). Post-brushing plaque measurements were also taken in each treatment regimen. Sixteen subjects completed all three treatment regimens with no side effects or oral complaints. Morning plaque coverage in treatment period 1 was 13.3%. Plaque coverage significantly increased in treatment period 2 when pre-bedtime brushing was discontinued, with 24-hour growth covering 18.4% of the dentition. Intervention of the antimicrobial stannous fluoride/hexametaphosphate dentifrice in treatment period 3 provided significant inhibition of plaque regrowth over 24 hours (15.2% coverage, a 17% reduction vs. sodium fluoride dentifrice control). These results support the strong retention and lasting antimicrobial efficacy of high stabilized stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrices.