Peer to Peer: Solving the SnF2 Problem

Stannous fluoride (SnF₂) has been used in toothpaste for several decades due to its effectiveness in caries prevention. In addition, SnF₂ offers antibacterial activity, leading to reduced plaque formation and lower risk for gingivitis, as well as occlusion of dentin tubules, decreasing hypersensitivity. However, traditional toothpastes containing SnF₂ have been known for their poor taste and propensity to stain due to oxidation of the tin from a 2+ state to 4+ state. This oxidation also leads to a decrease in the toothpaste’s clinical performance.

Traditionally, scientists have endeavored to increase the stability of SnF₂ in toothpaste formulations by reducing water content, adding additional stannous salts (such as stannous chloride) to act as a sacrificial source of stannous ions, or adding stabilizing agents. All of these approaches limit the effectiveness of the paste. Low-water formulations typically lead to poor esthetics, in addition to creating foaming and a negative taste and texture, which hurt patient compliance. The addition of sacrificial sources of stannous leads to increased risk of staining and poor taste.

Colgate-Palmolive has developed a break­through with respect to SnF₂ toothpaste formulations to effectively solve the problems associated with its use. The addition of zinc phosphate stabilizes the SnF₂ in the 2+ active state. This allows the development of a high-water formulation and eliminates the need for sacrificial sources of stannous. The resulting new toothpaste — Colgate Total^SF — provides a positive patient experience, which is critical for compliance.

Staining is a well-known byproduct of poorly stabilized stannous fluoride toothpaste. In a six-week stain removal clinical study, participants using Colgate Total^SF demonstrated statistically significant reductions in extrinsic stain of 17.5% at three weeks and 27.8% at six weeks, compared with regular fluoride toothpaste.¹ Rather than causing staining, Colgate Total^SF reduces staining when used regularly over six weeks.

Whole Mouth Health

Colgate Total^SF is an innovative toothpaste to help people achieve Whole Mouth Health. The formulation took more than a decade to develop due to the novel approach of stabilizing SnF₂ with zinc phosphate. The formulation has more than 40 patents and 86 patents pending, as well as a comprehensive clinical support dossier. The resulting toothpaste, Colgate Total^SF, provides patients with a pleasant user experience, reductions in bacteria on 100% of mouth surfaces, and protection against caries, plaque, gingivitis, calculus, stains, malodor and dentinal hypersensitivity.

REFERENCE

1. Li Y, Suprono M, Mateo LR, et al. Solving the problem with stannous fluoride: extrinsic stain. J Am Dent Assoc. 2019;150:S38–S46.

From Decisions in Dentistry. June 2019;5(6):8.