Stannous Fluoride Vs Sodium Fluoride Toothpaste [5 Key Differencess]

For maintaining good dental health and oral hygiene, brushing teeth daily and using suitable toothpaste is crucial. However, since the dental care marketplace has a range of toothpaste options, choosing the one that can suit you right becomes overwhelming. 

The American Dental Association suggests that toothpaste must contain Fluoride as an active ingredient. As per ADA, toothpaste with Fluoride prevents tooth decay and remineralizes tooth enamel. Fluoride, by now, is a well-known toothpaste ingredient, but what’s confusing people is choosing between Stannous and Sodium Fluoride. 

The two common Fluoride found in toothpaste is Stannous Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride. Both are chemical compounds and have been there in our toothpaste for decades now. But which one is better?

Join us in this article, and let’s find out which is better, Stannous Fluoride or Sodium Fluoride. To get better insights, we will also discuss the benefits, differences, and drawbacks of both these Fluoride compounds. Ensure you read until the end to get the most out of it. 

An Overview of Stannous Fluoride, its benefits, and potential side effects

Stannous Fluoride is a chemical compound that we have, also known as tin(II) fluoride. Stannous Fluoride helps in preventing and treating tooth decay while adding to your overall dental health. It is commonly used as an active ingredient in a range of dental care products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss. 

Stannous Fluoride is there in our toothpaste for over 6 decades now. It aids in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. Stannous also helps kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce tooth sensitivity. Using toothpaste with Stannous fluoride regularly helps in keeping both teeth and gum healthier for a long. 

However, besides a range of benefits, using Stannous fluoride regularly also have its potential drawbacks. Individuals who use this compound regularly experience issues like tooth discoloration and staining. Some individuals even find the strong taste of Stannous Fluoride unpleasant while brushing. It leaves a gritty feeling in the mouth, making the entire experience of brushing teeth weird.

However, with both benefits and drawbacks, Stannous Fluoride is reportedly a safer ingredient to have in your daily dental care products. Some individuals might experience more disadvantages, but while addressing a larger audience, this compound is passed. However, individuals who are skeptical about using Stannous fluoride in their dental care routine can consult with their dentists. 

Despite these potential drawbacks, stannous Fluoride is generally considered safe for use in oral care. 

An Overview of sodium fluoride, its benefits, and potential side effects

Sodium fluoride, on the other hand as well is a chemical compound that is most commonly a part of most of the toothpaste that you may have used. Sodium Fluoride is made up of sodium and fluoride ions. This compound is present there in a maximum number of toothpaste and mouthwash to prevent tooth decay. It, in fact, is there in your water supplies. 

Sodium Fluoride is known for its ability to prevent cavities in your teeth. When you use toothpaste with Sodium Fluoride, it aids in remineralizing and strengthening tooth enamel. This results in making your teeth more resistant to decay. Sodium Fluoride also aids in reducing acid production, which is a common occurrence by bacteria in the mouth. This acid production can contribute to cavity formation; however, Sodium Fluoride washes down any such possibilities.

Not only your dental health, but Sodium Fluoride is also beneficial for your muscular health. When used in the treatment of osteoporosis increases bone density and reduces the risk of fractures. The compound treats weak and brittle bones.

But again, with a range of benefits, Sodium Fluoride also has its fair share of potential drawbacks. Though it is a very useful compound for your dental health but high levels of fluoride ingestion can result in dental fluorosis. This condition can lead to white spots or streaks on the teeth. Ingesting a high amount of Sodium Fluoride can also cause Skeletal fluorosis. The said condition can cause joint pain and stiffness while affecting bone health. 

In addition, the presence of Sodium Fluoride in your tap water supply too can lead to certain health complications. It is known for leading to health problems like thyroid dysfunction and cognitive impairment. There aren’t many studies to support the claim; however, the risks associated cannot be denied as well. 

Sodium Fluoride, however, will always remain a valuable compound in our toothpaste. Despite the risks of its potential drawbacks, ADA approves its usage. In fact, ADA approves only toothpaste that contains Fluoride in them. 

Stannous Fluoride Vs. Sodium Fluoride Toothpaste- Points of Comparison

Here are some points of comparison that set Stannous Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride apart:

• Chemical composition

Stannous Fluoride is a chemical compound made up of tin and Fluoride. At the same time, Sodium fluoride is a compound made up of Sodium and Fluoride.

• Stain prevention and Sensitivity

Stannous Fluoride can prevent teeth staining, especially the one that is caused by eatables. However, Sodium Fluoride doesn’t help in stain prevention.

• Antimicrobial properties

Both Stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride have antimicrobial properties that can prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth. However, the antimicrobial properties in Stannous fluoride are higher.

• Side effects

Stannous Fluoride doesn’t have any major side effects, but it may stain the tongue and can cause temporary taste alteration. Whereas Sodium fluoride is dentally safe, it, when ingested in high doses, can prove toxic.  

• Cost

 Toothpaste with Stannous fluoride is expensive, whereas Toothpaste with Sodium fluoride is affordable. 

Stannous Fluoride vs. sodium fluoride- Which is better?

Stannous Fluoride and sodium fluoride are the two most common active compounds you can find in the found in the ingredients list of your toothpaste. Both these ingredients have nearly the same properties and benefits as they prevent tooth decay and promote oral health. 

However, toothpaste with Stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride can have a range of differences as well. The point of comparison between them both makes them ideal for individuals with different dental health concerns. 

Individuals who suffer from more bacterial growth in the mouth can opt for toothpaste with Stannous fluoride. Such toothpaste will also prevent teeth staining caused by food, beverages, and tobacco and lead to better teeth and gum health. However, if you are particular about the taste of toothpaste, the one with Stannous fluoride isn’t the best for you. This compound can also lead to staining of the tongue. 

Whereas individuals who suffer from problems like tooth decay can go for toothpaste with Sodium fluoride. These toothpaste does not contain the same level of stain prevention and antimicrobial properties, but they are effective for maintaining good dental health. Until and unless you have any specific dental issues in particular, sticking with an ADA-approved Sodium fluoride toothpaste will do the job. 

Wrapping up…

However, overall the ultimate choice between stannous Fluoride and sodium fluoride toothpaste depends upon one’s dental health. It will always be a thoughtful step to consult a dentist before choosing the right toothpaste for yourself. A dental professional will be able to suggest the best depending on your specific oral health needs.