Stannous fluoride in dentifrice: An effective anti-plaque agent in the elderly?

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine differences in plaque accumulation in elderly patients using two toothpastes, with either 0.2% sodium fluoride (NaF) or 0.4% stannous fluoride (SnF2), but otherwise identical. Background data: The prevalence of denate elderly is increasing. Plaque both causes caries and is associated with an increased mortality rate in frail elderly patients with pneumonia. Therefore, the effective removal of plaque is important. Ingredients with an anti-plaque effect, such as SnF2, that can be used in toothpaste, are effective in plaque inhibition Materials and methods: Thirty-two frail elderly women, 82-98 years of age (mean, 88 years) and living in a residential home, participated in a double-blind crossover study. They brushed their teeth for 4 weeks with each toothpaste. Treatment outcome was a change in the plaque index (PI) on four anterior teeth and four molars. Results: ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between the treatments (F = 4.21, p = 0.02). A post hoc test showed that SnF2 produced a statistically significantly lower PI than did NaF. Conclusion: SnF2 in toothpaste may be effective in inhibiting plaque accumulation in the elderly.