Comparative efficacy of dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate + calcium glycerophosphate and non-fluoridated dentifrice: A randomized, double-blind, prospective study

Abstract

Background:The efficacy of fluoridated dentifrices in caries prevention has been well documented and research into various formulations continues for a more effective dentifrice. This study evaluated the anti-caries and anti-plaque efficacy of a dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate (1000 ppm) and calcium glycerophosphate, and compared it with a non-fluoridated dentifrice.Materials and Methods:A total of 595 school children (12–15 years) were divided into test (302 children) and control (293 children) groups. The test group used the dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate (1000 ppm) and calcium glycerophosphate, whereas the control group was given a placebo dentifrice. Oral examination for dental caries and plaque assessment was carried out at the start of the study and the children were followed up semiannually up to 18 months. Data were analyzed using repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by one-way ANOVA.Results:The values for decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) increased from baseline to 18 month examination from 4.43±2.03 and 4.67±2.25 (P=0.175) to 5.84±2.29 and 5.13±2.30 (P=0.001) for control and test groups, respectively. Similarly, the increase in decayed missing filled surface (DMFS) values were from 6.42±4.10 and 7.06±4.77 (P=0.082) to 8.64±4.51 and 7.92±5.07 (P=0.095) for test and control groups, respectively. The mean DMFT and DMFS values increased for both the groups; however, the increase was less in test group as compared to control group. The baseline plaque score reduced from 2.94±0.72 and 2.91±0.72 (P=0.679), respectively, for control and test groups to 1.33±0.46 and 0.91±0.38 (P<0.001), respectively, at 18 month examination.Conclusion:Results revealed that the test dentifrice was effective in inhibiting the progression of plaque and control of dental caries as compared to the placebo dentifrice.

Does dentifrice provide the necessary saturation of ions in oral fluids to favour remineralisation?

“…As shown, this could be realised only under an endogenous supply of the ions [34,35,51]. The concentration of the ions in the mixed saliva ought to exceed the concentration in the hydrate layer of enamel in order to provide an efficient process of diffusion from the surface of enamel [1,14].…”

“…These processes prove to be a consequence of the changes in mineral-organic of the plaque fluid and mixed saliva. However, the molecular composition of these substances can be altered due to the intake of special preventive drugs (endogenous prophylaxis) on the basis of calcium phosphates [16,17,20,30,31], in particular, the endogenous prophylactic calcium glycerophosphate [32][33][34][35]. The use of such preventive drugs can achieve optimal concentrations of calcium and phosphate in mixed human saliva, however, possible changes in composition have not been considered.…”