Randomized controlled trial of 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice to treat gingival bleeding.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a highly bioavailable 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice on established gingival bleeding over a 3-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. In total, 100 adults with mild-to-moderate gingivitis and an average of 15 bleeding sites were assigned to either the stannous fluoride or regular control pastes for at-home use. Of these, 99 received study treatment and 97 completed the study. RESULTS: The stannous fluoride group experienced 50% to 74% reductions in bleeding sites relative to baseline or the control, differing significantly (P < 0.001) at all time points. Most subjects in the stannous fluoride group (94%) had measured improvements in bleeding, and nearly one half completed treatment with one or no bleeding sites. CONCLUSION: These study results suggest that incorporation of this 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice into daily oral hygiene maybe expected to yield less gingival bleeding at subsequent dental check-ups, and therefore reduce the risk of progressive periodontal disease.