Background: The efficacy of fluoridated dentifrices in caries prevention has been well documented
and research into various formulations continues for a more effective dentifrice. This study evaluated
the anti-caries and anti-plaque efficacy of a dentifrice containing sodium monofluorophosphate
(1000 ppm) and calcium glycerophosphate, and compared it with a non-fluoridated dentifrice.
Materials and Methods: A total of 595 school children (12–15 years) were divided into test (302
children) and control (293 children) groups. The test group used the dentifrice containing sodium
monofluorophosphate (1000 ppm) and calcium glycerophosphate, whereas the control group was
given a placebo dentifrice. Oral examination for dental caries and plaque assessment was carried
out at the start of the study and the children were followed up semiannually up to 18 months. Data
were analyzed using repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by one-way ANOVA.
Results: The values for decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) increased from baseline to 18 month
examination from 4.43±2.03 and 4.67±2.25 (P=0.175) to 5.84±2.29 and 5.13±2.30 (P=0.001) for
control and test groups, respectively. Similarly, the increase in decayed missing filled surface (DMFS)
values were from 6.42±4.10 and 7.06±4.77 (P=0.082) to 8.64±4.51 and 7.92±5.07 (P=0.095) for
test and control groups, respectively. The mean DMFT and DMFS values increased for both the
groups however, the increase was less in test group as compared to control group. The baseline
plaque score reduced from 2.94±0.72 and 2.91±0.72 (P=0.679), respectively, for control and test
groups to 1.33±0.46 and 0.91±0.38 (P<0.001), respectively, at 18 month examination.
Conclusion: Results revealed that the test dentifrice was effective in inhibiting the progression of
plaque and control of dental caries as compared to the placebo dentifrice.

 Source: Dental Research Journal

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