Comparison of effect of SnF2 and NaF mouthrinses on caries incidence, salivary S. mutans and gingivitis in high caries prevalent adults.

The effect of SnF2 and NaF mouthrinses were compared in subjects initially selected because of their high caries prevalence and high levels of salivary S. mutans. Subjects rinsed twice a day with either SnF2 or NaF (200 ppm F-). Subjects in both groups continued to be caries active during the course of the study. However, at the first year examination subjects rinsing with SnF2 had less S. mutans/ml saliva, a lower caries incidence and less gingivitis. After 2 yr the S. mutans levels in the SnF2 rinsing group remained significantly less. Both caries incidence and gingivitis were lower in the SnF2 group after 2 yr but the difference was not significant.