The effects of bioavailable gluconate chelated stannous fluoride dentifrice on gingival bleeding: Meta-analysis of eighteen randomized controlled trials

Aim To estimate gingivitis effects of a bioavailable gluconate chelated 0.454% stannous fluoride (SnF2) family of dentifrices in adult subjects versus positive (triclosan) and negative (NaF or MFP) controls when used <= 3 months. Materials and methods A meta-analysis evaluated bioavailable gluconate chelated SnF2 dentifrices versus a negative or positive control for gingival bleeding. Results In 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2,890 subjects assessing SnF2 paste versus a negative or positive control, the average number of bleeding sites was reduced by 51% and 31%, respectively. The average change (95% CI) in number of bleeding sites was -16.3 (-27.8, -4.9) versus the negative control and -3.6 (-5.4, -1.8) versus the positive control. Subjects with localized or generalized gingivitis had 3.7 times better odds (95% CI [2.8, 5.0]) of shifting to generally healthy using SnF2 versus a negative control and 2.8 times better odds (95% CI [2.1, 3.9]) of shifting to generally healthy using SnF2 versus a positive control. The individual study risk of bias was deemed to be low in all categories of bias. Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrates significant gingivitis benefits of bioavailable SnF2 dentifrices when used <= 3 months versus positive (triclosan) and negative (NaF or MFP) controls.