Ceram Helps GlaxoSmithKline to Compare Fluoride Penetration of Sensodyne with Competitive Products
Introduction
Dental erosion is an increasing side effect of modern diet. Acidic foods and drinks lead to acid erosion of the tooth enamel, leaving dentine exposed and the possibility of pain and sensitivity.
The GlaxoSmithKline Sensodyne product range has been specifically developed to provide extra protection against these effects. Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste contains a fluoride treatment which is designed to accelerate repair and remineralisation of the tooth enamel.
The Challenge
Ceram was asked to design a series of tests to compare the extent of fluoride penetration from Sensodyne Pronamel and competitive oral products based upon Dynamic Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (DSIMS).
An important aspect of the protocol was to test a large sample set in order to provide a solid statistical basis for conclusions.
What Ceram Delivered
Visualisation of the fluoride penetration was achieved using DSIMS imaging (Fig. 1).
The cross-sectional images for a range of commercial products were compared. The images illustrated that the highest level of fluoride penetration was achieved using Sensodyne Pronamel.
The degree of fluoride incorporation also correlated with the extent of re-hardening of surface soft enamel. The re-hardening of surface soft enamel findings were determined in an earlier microhardnesss study.
Value to the Client
Ceram’s results provided an excellent scientific platform to support marketing campaigns for the Sensodyne product range.
Monitoring the extent of fluoride incorporation provides important feedback for product formulation to optimise patient protection.
