What Is Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste?

What is Stannous Fluoride?

You may wonder what is stannous fluoride and why it is used in oral care. Chemically known as tin(II) fluoride, it is a compound widely used for its oral health benefits. Toothpaste, gels and mouthwashes with stannous fluoride are available over the counter. The stannous fluoride formula (SnF2) indicates its composition as a compound of the elements Tin (Sn) and Fluorine (F). Tin is a natural element found on the earth’s crust and is obtained as tin dioxide. 

Most of you may know of sodium fluoride as a popular toothpaste ingredient. However, the specialities of tin(II) fluoride make it vital in preventive oral care. Like other types of fluorides, it helps prevent tooth decay and dental caries. Besides, clinical studies note its additional benefits for oral health. It helps prevent gum disease and reduces tooth stains. Additionally, it relieves sensitive teeth and gums and helps stop and reverse dental lesions.

What Does Fluoride Do?

Fluoride plays a crucial role in supporting oral health. It strengthens the enamel, the hard outer surface of teeth, to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste while brushing twice daily. The use of fluoridated tap water promotes cavity-resistant teeth at an early age. Despite being the hardest substance in the body, tooth enamel can wear away. Acids from bacterial action, diet or stomach are the common culprits. While they can damage the enamel, saliva and fluoride help protect it. Here is how:

• Amidst poor oral hygiene, plaque (a colourless biofilm of bacteria) builds up on the tooth surface and along the gumline. If not cleaned regularly, it hardens to tartar, letting more plaque stick on.

• Plaque bacteria feed on sugary residues and release acids that erode the enamel. Acidic foods and drinks can also cause enamel erosion. Loss of minerals weakens the enamel, leading to dental caries. 

• Saliva helps repair the damage by supplying essential minerals like calcium. Fluoride promotes this remineralisation and helps reverse early signs of decay. It strengthens and protects the enamel, preventing cavities from forming. 

What is Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste?

A stannous fluoride toothpaste is designed for advanced dental care and protection. Its active ingredient is tin(II) fluoride, which has antimicrobial properties. Besides resisting cavities, its regular use offers long-term prevention of various oral problems. Stannous fluoride dentifrices have proven oral healthcare benefits in clinical trials. If you are wondering which toothpaste contains stannous fluoride, Colgate Total Active Prevention is an ideal example. Here is a breakdown of how it works  and its benefits:

How Does Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste Work?

A stannous fluoride toothpaste like Colgate Total Active Prevention gets to the root cause of oral issues—bacteria. It offers 24-hour antibacterial protection*, actively preventing 8 oral health issues including gum problems, plaque, tartar, sensitivity, enamel, erosion, stains^, bad breath and cavities before they start. Besides, the stannous ions in the formula are bioactive, ensuring long-lasting benefits.

Benefits of Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste

Stannous fluoride uses in oral care are based on its ability to fight bacteria and protect your teeth and gums. It helps resist enamel decay and cavities. Besides, it helps prevent gum problems, sensitivity and tooth stains. This makes stannous fluoride toothpaste a valuable addition to your daily oral care. For instance, Colgate Total Active Prevention offers a range of benefits that you do not want to miss:

• Strengthens enamel: Promotes strong teeth and remineralisation of enamel. This helps resist daily attacks from acidic food & drinks, helping prevent enamel erosion.

• Resists cavities: Stannous fluoride makes the tooth surface more resistant to bacterial acids. This helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.

• Fights bacteria: Fighting bacteria in the mouth helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup. This lowers the risk of gum problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease.

• Relieves dentinal hypersensitivity: It covers the exposed dentin (layer below the enamel) in a smear layer. This shields the dentinal tubules from external stimuli and prevents sudden pain from hot, cold, or sweet food.

• Prevents tooth stains: It removes surface stains and prevents further staining. Stannous fluoride stain removal action is 39% more than non-whitening fluoride toothpaste. Regular use helps you maintain a brighter, cleaner smile.

*with 2x daily brushing with 4 weeks continued use
^extrinsic stains

What is the Difference Between Stannous Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride?

Both are fluoride compounds commonly used in dental healthcare. They are used in toothpaste formulations and topical fluoride treatment by dentists to reverse early decay. However, there are some key differences, including their composition. The difference between stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride also reflects how they benefit oral health. Here is how they differ:

• Sodium fluoride (NaF): Made of sodium and fluorine. It is often included in toothpaste and community water. It mainly focuses on strengthening the enamel to prevent cavities and decay.

• Stannous fluoride (SnF2): Made of tin and fluorine. Besides preventing decay and cavities, it fights bacteria, reduces biofilm and helps prevent gum disease. It relieves tooth sensitivity and reduces stains on teeth.

Unlike other fluorides, stannous fluoride offers more than just cavity protection. It supports oral health by fighting the root cause of oral issues, like bacteria and plaque. Like a toothbrush, a mindful choice of toothpaste is vital for a healthy smile. A toothpaste with stannous fluoride can actively prevent cavities, gum problems, sensitivity, and stains with daily use. In addition, regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups are essential for long-lasting oral health.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can stannous fluoride help with sensitive teeth?
   Yes, stannous fluoride helps reduce sensitivity. It forms a protective barrier over the exposed dentin and blocks the pain signals. It helps prevent external stimuli of hot, cold or sweet food or drinks from reaching the nerves in the tooth pulp and causing sensitivity pain.

2. Can I use stannous fluoride toothpaste daily?
   Yes, stannous fluoride toothpaste is ideal for daily use. Stannous fluoride strengthens and protects the enamel, making the toothpaste safe for regular use. Besides, it helps relieve sensitivity pain by covering the exposed dentin. It also protects you from oral issues by getting to the root cause.

3. Does stannous fluoride prevent gum disease?
   Yes, stannous fluoride helps fight harmful bacteria and reduce plaque buildup which are the major causes of  gum problems. Using a stannous fluoride toothpaste regularly can help reverse initial stages of gum disease and reduce swelling in the gums.