The effects of bioavailable gluconate chelated stannous fluoride dentifrice on gingival bleeding: Meta‐analysis of eighteen randomized controlled trials

Aim To estimate gingivitis effects of a bioavailable gluconate chelated 0.454% stannous fluoride (SnF2) family of dentifrices in adult subjects versus positive (triclosan) and negative (NaF or MFP) controls when used ≤3 months. Materials and methods A meta‐analysis evaluated bioavailable gluconate chelated SnF2 dentifrices versus a negative or positive control for gingival bleeding. Results In 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2,890 subjects assessing SnF2 paste versus a negative or positive control, the average number of bleeding sites was reduced by 51% and 31%, respectively. The average change (95% CI) in number of bleeding sites was −16.3 (−27.8, −4.9) versus the negative control and −3.6 (−5.4, −1.8) versus the positive control. Subjects with localized or generalized gingivitis had 3.7 times better odds (95% CI [2.8, 5.0]) of shifting to generally healthy using SnF2 versus a negative control and 2.8 times better odds (95% CI [2.1, 3.9]) of shifting to generally healthy using SnF2 versus a positive control. The individual study risk of bias was deemed to be low in all categories of bias. Conclusion This meta‐analysis demonstrates significant gingivitis benefits of bioavailable SnF2 dentifrices when used ≤3 months versus positive (triclosan) and negative (NaF or MFP) controls.