Women brushing teeth with stannous fluoride toothpaste for strong enamel protection

What Is Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste?

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Fluoride plays a vital role in oral healthcare. It occurs naturally in water, soil and some food. Drinking fluoridated tap water in the early ages helps the teeth grow strong and healthy. Dentists often use topical fluoride gels to reverse early signs of tooth decay. Many oral care products, like toothpaste and mouthwash, contain fluoride. There are different types of fluoride such as sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate.

This article focuses on the benefits of stannous fluoride. Read on to see how it differs from other fluorides and how it promotes your oral health when used in a toothpaste. Gain insights on using it effectively with the right choice of toothpaste.

What is Stannous Fluoride?

It is worth understanding what is stannous fluoride and how it works towards keeping your smile healthy. Chemically known as tin(II) fluoride (SnF2), this compound is made of the elements tin (Sn) and fluorine (F). It is a white, odourless, crystalline compound that can dissolve in water. It is one of the fluorides used in dental hygiene products and treatment. It strengthens the tooth enamel and prevents decay and cavities. Moreover, it offers various preventative benefits compared to other fluorides.

How Does Stannous Fluoride Work?

To know how fluoride works, it is essential to look at the factors affecting tooth health. Tooth enamel, the hard outer tooth surface, can wear away from acid attack. The buildup of plaque (a sticky biofilm of bacteria) due to poor oral hygiene is the main reason. Bacteria feed on sugar residues, releasing acids that erode the enamel. Dental erosion can also occur from acidic food and drinks. As enamel weakens with the loss of minerals like calcium, dental caries or cavities develop. Here is how fluoride helps:

  • Fights harmful bacteria responsible for decay and caries.

  • Supports remineralisation (helps replace the lost minerals on the teeth from saliva).

  • Hardens the tooth surface, making the teeth resistant to decay and acid erosion.

The action of stannous fluoride goes beyond that of regular fluoride. It has strong antimicrobial properties that effectively fight bacteria, the major promoters of decay. This helps prevent plaque buildup along the gumline and reduces the risk of gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease). Besides, tin(II) fluoride helps reduce tooth sensitivity and stains.

What is Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste?

Different types of toothpaste with fluoride are available. A stannous fluoride toothpaste contains tin(II) fluoride as an active ingredient. Like regular fluoride toothpaste, it helps resist cavities. In addition, it improves your defence against various oral issues with consistent and daily use. 

What Makes Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste Effective?

Stannous fluoride toothpaste is effective in enhancing oral health and preventing problems. For instance, the Colgate Total Active Prevention toothpaste prevents 8 oral care issues, like cavities, plaque, gum problems, sensitivity and bad breath. It offers 24-hour antibacterial* protection, providing long-lasting preventative benefits against bacteria to help prevent oral care problems before they start. 

*2x daily brushing with 4 weeks continued use

Who Should Consider Using Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste?

A toothpaste with stannous fluoride benefits those who seek comprehensive oral care. Unlike ordinary formulations with limited action, a stannous fluoride formula like Colgate Total Active Prevention gives all-in-one protection. Here is whom and how it helps in particular:

  • Those prone to cavities: Strengthening the enamel; preventing enamel erosion and tooth decay.

  • People with sensitive teeth: Forming a smear layer over the exposed dentin (layer below the enamel); reducing the sudden pain when having hot or cold food.

  • Individuals with gum problems: Reducing bacteria and plaque buildup, lowering the risk of gum infection.

  • People struggling with bad breath: Inhibiting bacteria that release odorous compounds responsible for foul breath.

  • Adults and teenagers: Maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums with daily use.

Fight the root cause of oral care issues with Colgate Total, our most advanced formula with bioactive stannous fluoride.

Selecting the Right Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste

Given plenty of toothpaste choices, it can be overwhelming to find the one that works best for you. Picking the right stannous fluoride toothpaste lets you enjoy its full benefits without worrying about potential side effects. If you are unsure how to select, consult a dental professional for the right medical advice. Yet, here is a checklist you can consider while shopping:

  • Key features: Look for stannous fluoride among the toothpaste ingredients. Properties like enamel-strengthening and germ-fighting can make it an ideal choice.

  • Benefits: Check the label for benefits such as cavity protection, improved gum health, sensitivity relief, and fresh breath.

  • Flavour: If you have flavour preferences, look for a formula that features a flavour of your choice.

  • Seal of approval: Look for the seal of approval to make sure the product is approved by authorities, compliant with regulations and meets quality and safety standards.

Benefits of Stannous Fluoride for Teeth

Various clinical trials note the benefits of stannous fluoride dentifrices, like toothpaste. They are based on the ability of tin(II) fluoride to fight germs and strengthen the enamel. It gets to the root cause to actively prevent issues before they arise. This makes it a valuable addition to your daily oral care with a series of benefits that you do not want to miss:

  • Enamel-strengthening: Helps remineralise and protect the enamel. This makes it resistant to bacterial acid attacks and enamel erosion.

  • Cavity-resistance: Tin(II) fluoride makes the tooth surface resistant to daily acid attacks. This helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.

  • Germ-fighting: Inhibiting bacteria in the mouth helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup. It also helps reduce bad breath and prevent gum infections.

  • Dentin hypersensitivity relief: Pain from hot or cold food strikes when the dentin is exposed. Tin(II) fluoride covers and shields the dentin tubules from external stimuli, relieving the pain.

  • Reduction of tooth stains: Removes surface stains and avoids further staining; helps you maintain a cleaner, brighter smile.

Stannous Fluoride vs. Sodium Fluoride

Both are fluoride compounds widely used in oral healthcare. They are used in dental care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Dentists use them in fluoride treatments to treat early signs of decay. However, they differ in their chemical composition and benefits for oral health. Here is how:

  • Sodium fluoride (NaF): Contains sodium and fluorine. It is often added to community tap water in regulated amounts and products like toothpaste. The compound focuses on protecting and strengthening the enamel to prevent cavities and decay.

  • Stannous fluoride (SnF2): Contains tin and fluorine. It prevents decay and cavities and fights bacteria, the root cause of problems. Tin(II) fluoride helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease and bad breath. It relieves tooth sensitivity and reduces staining of teeth.

How to Use Stannous Fluoride for Best Results

Using tin(II) fluoride in toothpaste is the best way for safe and effective results at home. Dental professionals may use the compound to treat teeth prone to or showing signs of early decay. This highlights the importance of regular dental visits. The following tips can help you get the best out of a stannous fluoride toothpaste:

  • Choose the right toothpaste: Select a proprietary toothpaste with tin(II) fluoride as the key ingredient, such as the Colgate Total Active Prevention. Or else,your dentist can provide you with the best recommendations.

  • Brush twice daily: Brush your teeth using the toothpaste twice a day for two minutes, in the morning and before bed. Using a pea-sized amount of the toothpaste is ideal.

  • Use a soft toothbrush: This helps avoid enamel wear and allows the fluoride to coat the teeth effectively.

  • Avoid rinsing immediately: Ideally, spit while you brush and rinse at the end; letting the fluoride stay a tad longer on your teeth.

  • Floss once daily: Cleaning between the teeth using dental floss removes hidden plaque and dirt; supporting the effectiveness of fluoride.

  • Watch your diet: Limiting sugary and acidic food and drinks that promote decay complements the action of fluoride to protect your teeth.

Stannous fluoride enhances your oral care regimen by offering more than just cavity protection. It gets to the very cause of oral issues, checking dental issues before they emerge. Regular use of the right tin(II) fluoride toothpaste can provide the all-in-one oral care you seek. On top of that, proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits help you enjoy the long-lasting benefits of fluoride for a healthy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is stannous fluoride better than sodium fluoride?
    Yes. While both these fluorides help prevent cavities, stannous fluoride helps prevent plaque, sensitivity and gum inflammation too. It offers better oral health protection and is more effective at fighting bacteria than sodium fluoride.

  2. Can you use stannous fluoride toothpaste every day?
    Yes, stannous fluoride toothpaste is ideal for daily use. Stannous fluoride helps remineralise the enamel, making it strong and resistant to acid erosion. This makes the toothpaste safe for regular use. It also reduces tooth sensitivity and prevents oral care issues by inhibiting the root cause.

  3. Who should use stannous fluoride toothpaste?
    Stannous fluoride toothpaste is particularly beneficial for people with higher risk of tooth decay and cavities, gum problems and sensitivity. It is also ideal for anyone looking for comprehensive oral health protection.

  4. Is stannous fluoride toothpaste safe?
    Yes, stannous fluoride toothpaste is safe when used as directed. It is enamel-safe, strengthens and protects the enamel, and reduces sensitivity. It enhances your defence against cavities and other oral issues. The use of proper brushing techniques and the right toothpaste with a seal of approval is important.

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