Choosing the right toothpaste is always a struggle. It is vital to understand our needs and select a toothpaste that compliments all of our needs. It is common knowledge that toothpaste contains a lot of chemicals that are intended to keep our teeth healthy and clean. Stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride are two of the most common chemicals found in different kinds of toothpaste.
Stannous Fluoride vs Sodium Fluoride
The main difference between stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride is that stannous fluoride fights the cavity, strengthens the enamel, prevents tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath. Meanwhile, sodium fluoride strengthens the enamel, attacks the cavity, and is not effective against anything else. Sodium fluoride does not take care of the microbial, bacterial, and hypersensitivity issues of the teeth and mouth.
The chemical stannous fluoride is used widely in toothpaste. This is one of the most effective chemicals that can be used in tubes of toothpaste. Stannous fluoride is effective against tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath, apart from fighting cavities and strengthening enamel. It is a common active ingredient found in toothpaste.
The chemical sodium fluoride is also widely used in toothpaste, especially in the United States. It is effective against cavities and strengthens the enamel region. Apart from the usage in toothpaste, sodium fluoride is approved by the United States to be used in the fluoridation of community water in the region.
Comparison Table Between Stannous Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride
| Parameters of Comparison | Stannous Fluoride | Sodium Fluoride |
| Formula | The chemical formula is SnF2. | The chemical formula is NaF |
| Uses | It is used in toothpaste. | It is used in toothpaste and fluoridation of community water in the US. |
| Effectiveness | It fights cavities, strengthens enamel, prevents bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth decay. | It fights cavities and strengthens enamel. |
| Antibacterial | It is far more effective as an antibacterial agent. | It is less effective as an antibacterial agent. |
| Anti-hypersensitivity | It acts as an anti-hypersensitivity agent. | It is not an anti-hypersensitivity agent. |
What is Stannous Fluoride?
Our tubes of toothpaste contain a lot of important chemicals and ingredients to keep our teeth, enamel, and mouth clean and healthy. One of the crucial common active ingredients found in toothpaste is the chemical Stannous Fluoride. It is also a common ingredient found in mouthwashes too. The benefits of this chemical are several.
To start with, stannous fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It plays a significant role in fighting off and reducing cavities, strengthens the enamel region, fights against gingivitis, prevents tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and the decaying of tooth. Stannous fluoride is an all-rounder in the area of oral protection and healthiness.
Fluorides, in general, have the ability of fighting cavities and strengthening enamels. This is a reason why all the tubes of toothpaste and mouthwashes use the chemical fluoride in them. The American Dental Association provides the ADA seal of acceptance only to the kinds of toothpaste that contain this chemical. Stannous fluoride is recognized by the ADA as an effective agent.
The formula of the chemical stannous fluoride is SnF2. Recent studies have also confirmed that stannous fluoride is the most effective agent of antimicrobial or antibacterial and anti-hypersensitivity. With several benefits of the chemical, it is no surprise to find stannous fluoride in oral protection.
What is Sodium Fluoride?
The chemical sodium fluoride is also a famously known chemical used in oral protection. Our toothpaste contains a lot of ingredients to keep our mouth, teeth, and enamel strong and healthy. Sodium fluoride is one of the most common active ingredients found in toothpaste. It is used in mouthwashes too.
To start with, sodium fluoride is an inorganic compound. The formula of this chemical sodium fluoride is NaF. It is used in toothpaste and mouthwashes for its efficiency as an oral protective agent. Sodium fluoride is effective in fighting off and reducing cavities. It also prevents tooth decay and strengthens the weak enamel region.
As a common fluoride, it has the ability of fighting cavities and strengthening the enamel region. Unlike stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride is more than just a chemical used in toothpaste and mouthwashes. This chemical is also used in the fluoridation of the community water in the United States. Fluoride salts are also added to the municipality water to maintain dental health.
Recent studies have shown that it is not as effective as an agent of antibacterial and anti-hypersensitivity. Though it is not as effective as stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride has its benefits too. It is also used in medical imaging and as a cleaning agent.
Main Differences Between Stannous Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride
- The chemical formula of stannous fluoride is SnF2. The chemical formula of sodium fluoride is NaF.
- Stannous fluoride is used in toothpaste and mouthwashes. Apart from toothpaste and mouthwashes, sodium fluoride is used in medical imaging, metallurgy, as a cleaning agent, and fluoridation of the community water in the United States.
- Stannous fluoride fights off cavities and strengthens the enamel, and prevents tooth decay. Sodium fluoride fights off cavities and strengthens the enamel.
- Stannous fluoride prevents diseases like gingivitis and bad breath. Sodium fluoride is not effective against these issues.
- Stannous fluoride is an all-rounder in the area of dental protection. Sodium fluoride has very limited abilities in maintaining dental health.
Conclusion
It is essential to be aware of the differences between chemicals like stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride. As these chemicals are a part of our daily lives, one must choose the toothpaste that complements our needs and expectations. Choosing toothpaste according to our needs can help in ensuring and maintain dental health.
Stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride are two common active ingredients found in toothpaste and mouthwashes. Stannous fluoride is an all-rounder as it has several benefits, like fighting cavities and preventing diseases like gingivitis. Sodium fluoride is not as effective as the former, but it can provide basic oral protection.
References
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051X.2005.00860.x
- https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400507