Stannous Fluoride Reduces EPS Production by Oral Biofilm Bacteria

Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS), excreted by biofilm bacteria, constitutes the glue that holds a biofilm together and moreover protects biofilm organisms against antimicrobial attacks. Interference in EPS production would therefore be a valuable tool in preventing dental plaque formation. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess effects of a stannous fluoride dentifrice on EPS production in vivo. Methods: Eight volunteers carried out standard oral hygiene with Crest® Regular dentifrice to establish a treatment and washout baseline (2 weeks) and then continued hygiene using Crest® Pro-Health™ (stannous fluoride – hexametaphosphate) dentifrice. After one week application, the entire dentition was sampled for plaque after refraining from all oral hygiene during 24h. Plaque was dispersed by sonication and immediately analyzed after Baclight live/dead staining and EPS was quantified using a phenol-sulfuric acid reaction according to Dubois. Results: During use of a standard dentifrice, the amount of EPS produced per mouth (430±248µg/mouth) as well as per biofilm bacterium (156±85x10-9 µg/bacterium was significantly (p<0.01, Student t-test) higher than during the use of a stannous fluoride containing dentifrice (163±56µg/mouth and 67±30x10-9µg/bacterium, respectively). Conclusions: Stannous fluoride dentifrice is effective in reducing bacterial EPS production in dental plaque.