Objective: Stannous ion is a divalent metal cation with antimicrobial properties. It has been used in the oral cavity, most commonly delivered in the form of a dentifrice, for treatment and prevention of plaque and gingivitis. The objective of this research is to evaluate the time-course fate of total tin in saliva and dental plaque. Methods: 20 generally healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Baseline saliva and plaque samples were taken after one week of acclamation using a sodium fluoride dentifrice. Subjects then rinsed with an experimental 0.454% stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice slurry for 60 seconds. Saliva samples were collected at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 minutes, 2, 3, 4.5, and 6 hours post rinsing. Supergingival plaque samples were collected using a sterile plastic curette at 15, 30, 60 minutes, 2, 3, 4.5, and 6 hours post rinsing. Sample times and quadrants were evenly distributed across the subjects to ensure proper statistical representation of these parameters. Samples were assayed for total tin content and simultaneously modeled using an unusual two compartment model. Results: The concentration of tin in saliva dropped rapidly immediately after dentifrice slurry administration. The plaque tin profile indicated that the oral surfaces were readily charged with tin during administration. There was a small additional accumulation after administration. The plaque tin levels changed very little over the course of 6 hours. Modeling indicates that there is an obvious kinetic relationship between saliva and plaque compartments and that tin is very well retained in and slowly released from plaque into saliva. Additionally, both compartments were simultaneously loaded during administration. Conclusion: Tin is cleared from saliva rapidly but very well retained in gingival plaque. The prolonged retention of tin in dental plaque offers the basis for its anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis benefits

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