Clinical effects of stannous fluoride dentifrice on peri-implant mucositis, plaque microbiome, and oxidative stress

Study Overview

This study looked at how effective a stannous fluoride (SnF₂) toothpaste is for treating peri-implant mucositis, a condition that causes inflammation around dental implants. The study lasted 4 weeks and involved 24 healthy participants.

Participants

Among the 24 participants, 19 had mucositis, while 5 did not and served as a comparison group. All participants used the same SnF₂ toothpaste twice a day.

Methods

The researchers assessed gum health and collected samples to measure inflammation and changes in bacteria in the mouth at the start and after 4 weeks.

Results

After 4 weeks, participants with mucositis showed:

A significant decrease in gum inflammation scores (63.4% reduction).
A major reduction in bleeding from gums (72.5% reduction).
A shift in the types of bacteria present, moving toward a healthier balance.
A decrease in markers related to inflammation and bacterial damage.

Clinical Significance

This study suggests that using SnF₂ toothpaste can effectively reduce signs of peri-implant mucositis and improve the overall health of the oral microbiome.

Practical Applications

Based on these findings, clinics can aim to:

Monitor improvements in gum health using specific measurable outcomes.
Set clear goals for reducing inflammation and improving oral health.
Utilize AI tools for tracking patient progress and treatment effectiveness.
Start with small pilot projects to see real-world impact before wider implementation.