Randomised in situ Study on the Efficacy of a Tin/Chitosan Toothpaste on Erosive-Abrasive Enamel Loss

Tin is a notable anti-erosive agent, and the biopolymer chitosan has also shown demineralisation-inhibiting properties. Therefore, the anti-erosive/anti-abrasive efficacy of the combination of both compounds was tested under in situ conditions. Twenty-seven volunteers were included in a randomised, double-blind, three-cell crossover in situ trial. Enamel specimens were recessed on the buccal aspects of mandibular appliances, extraorally demineralised (6 x 2 min/day) and intraorally treated with toothpaste slurries (2 x 2 min/day). Within the slurry treatment time, one-half of the specimens received additional intraoral brushing (5 s, 2.5 N). The tested toothpastes included a placebo toothpaste, an experimental NaF toothpaste (1,400 ppm F-) and an experimental F/Sn/chitosan toothpaste (1,400 ppm F-, 3,500 ppm Sn2+, 0.5% chitosan). The percentage reduction of tissue loss (slurry exposure/slurry exposure + brushing) compared to placebo was 19.0 +/- 47.3/21.3 +/- 22.4 after use of NaF and 52.5 +/- 30.9/50.2 +/- 34.3 after use of F/Sn/chitosan. F/Sn/chitosan was significantly more effective than NaF (p <= 0.001) and showed good efficacy against erosive and erosive-abrasive tissue loss. This study suggests that the F/Sn/chitosan toothpaste could provide good protection for patients who frequently consume acidic foodstuffs. Copyright (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel