The stain prevention efficacy of two tooth whitening dentifrices.

An 8-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group clinical study was conducted to assess the extrinsic stain prevention efficacy of three commercially available dentifrices: 1) a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride with copolymer, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base (Product 1); 2) a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride, baking soda and peroxide, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base (Product 2); and 3) a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Product 3). After the collection of baseline stain scores by a trained examiner and a subsequent oral prophylaxis, 126 volunteers were randomized to one of the three treatment groups (balanced for composite extrinsic stain scores). Throughout the 8-week treatment period, subjects brushed their teeth twice daily with their assigned dentifrice. At baseline, 4-, and 8-week evaluations, extrinsic dental stain was measured on the facial surfaces of the six maxillary anterior teeth and on the facial and lingual surfaces of the six mandibular anterior teeth using the Lobene Index. A total of 120 subjects completed the study. No adverse events were reported, and subjects who discontinued the study did so for reasons unrelated to the dentifrices. At the 4-week evaluation, composite stain scores were statistically significantly lower (P < .05) for both Product 1 (44.9%) and for Product 2 (34.6%) relative to Product 3. At the 8-week evaluation, composite stain scores were statistically significantly lower (P < .05) for both Product 1 (28.4%) and for Product 2 (29.6%) relative to Product 3. The results of this clinical study demonstrate that both dentifrices, one containing 0.234% sodium fluoride with copolymer, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base; and one with 0.243% sodium fluoride with copolymer, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate in a silica base are more effective in preventing natural extrinsic stain formation on teeth as compared with a marketed control dentifrice.