Journal of Dental Research, Vol 56, 709-715, Copyright © 1977 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Antiplaque potential of topical stannous fluoride
S. Hoffman, H. D. Tow and J. S. Cole 3rd
Sterile enamel samples treated by topical application of 10% stannous
fluoride were incubated with S mutans and S sanguis respectively and with a
mixed culture to which L casei had been added. The results were compared
with sterile nonfluoridated enamel samples subjected to the same
procedures. The parameters compared were postincubation pH values,
bacterial concentrations on the surfaces, and enamel surface alterations.
Stannous fluoride treated samples consistently yielded higher pH readings
than nonfluoridated samples; the concentration of microorganisms adhering
to the surfaces was conspicuously reduced on the pretreated enamel when
compared by scanning electron microscopy to untreated samples, as were
enamel surface alterations. These findings lend support to other recent
investigations which have shown that fluorides act in several ways to
inhibit cariogenesis in addition to reducing hydroxyapatite solubility.
