Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

Scratches were made to the depth of the upper dermis on the abdomen of rabbits. The scratches were covered by patch tests for 18 hours with solutions of stannous fluoride or stannous chloride. Both these substances produced a destructive reaction with intraepidermal polymorphonuclear leukocyte pustules occurring on each side of the scratch. Stannous fluoride was destructive at lower concentrations than stannous chloride. When these substances were patch tested over non-traumatized tissue, no tissue damage occurred. It is suggested that stannous fluoride and stannous chloride may interfere with the enzymes of inflammation. Salts of fluoride, iodide, nickel, arsenic, and mercury are known occasionally to produce a pustular reaction when used to patch test humans.

Excerpt:

We believe that the metals and halogens that produce pustule along the scratch are damaging the body’s defenses against the mediators of inflammation and are therefore exaggerating the early cellular phase of inflammation… Dentrifices (toothpastes) are not made for prolonged contact with tissue; however, even brief exposure might influence preexisting oral pathology. Further clinical observations on the effects of fluoride dentrifices on oral inflammation are indicated.”