The effect of stannous and sodium fluoride on coronal caries, root caries and bone loss in rice rats

Sixty rice rats (Oryzomys palustris) were divided by littermate into 3 groups of 20 each. The 3 groups received either SnF₂ (1000 parts/10⁶ F), NaF (1000 parts/10⁶) or double-distilled water (control). Test solutions were topically applied to molar teeth, twice daily, for 7 days. All rats were also provided with double-distilled drinking water and diet 2000 ad libitum. Experiments ended after 9 weeks. Alveolar bone loss, root and coronal caries were recorded and scored. SnF₂ significantly reduced bone loss (p < 0.05), but NaF did not. Root caries was significantly different in all 3 groups (p < 0.05). SnF₂ and NaF both reduced coronal caries significantly (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control. However, the fluoride groups were not significantly different from each other. SnF₂ may influence root caries via remineralization and an antimicrobial effect of the stannous ion.