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

Abstract

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.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03970759.

Keywords: bioavailability; dentifrices; gingivitis; meta-analysis; stannous fluoride.