Fact Checked

Does Remineralizing Toothpaste Work?

Written by Fernanda Elizalde

January 30, 2023

Medically Reviewed

By Dr. Greg Grillo, DDS

You may already be aware that tooth enamel cannot be restored after it’s gone. However, you may be surprised to learn that remineralizing toothpaste can boost the mineral content of existing tooth enamel.

The goal of remineralization is to help strengthen the whole tooth. It also supports weak areas and reduces tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. Selecting the right product to achieve the most effective outcome is critical.

WHAT CAUSES MINERAL LOSS IN ENAMEL?

Demineralization occurs when your enamel loses calcium and other minerals. It's a natural process that happens continuously.

The bacteria in your mouth make acids anytime you eat or drink something that includes sugar or starch. These acids erode your tooth enamel. Simultaneously, minerals in saliva such as calcium and phosphate, as well as fluoride (from toothpaste, water, etc.), repair and replace lost minerals. This stage of the process is known as remineralization. This back-and-forth keeps your mouth balanced.

LED Electric Toothbrush

Mineral loss can sometimes be so great that it cannot be restored naturally. This is usually caused by eating sugary foods or having inadequate dental health care. Calcium leaching might also cause it. The body utilizes tooth enamel to compensate for a calcium deficit elsewhere, which is common in osteoporosis patients.

Enamel loss is caused by tooth erosion due to several factors, including:

  • Age
  • Gastric acid (from acid reflux)
  • Acidic foods
  • Excessively abrasive toothpaste

benefits of remineralizing toothpaste


WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A REMINERALIZING TOOTHPASTE?

Although we consider our teeth permanent structures, their mineral building blocks (mainly calcium phosphate) are constantly changing, with some building blocks departing and other building blocks entering to replace them.

If more building blocks leave than return, you have porous tooth enamel (the super-hard outer layer), which is more vulnerable to tooth decay germs. This net mineral loss is referred to as tooth demineralization.

Is it possible to reverse tooth demineralization? 

Yes! Remineralization is the process of encouraging additional mineral building blocks to restore porous enamel and moderately degraded areas on your teeth. And it is a tried-and-true technique. This is fantastic news since natural teeth are better looking, stronger, and last longer than even the best fillings (plus, you are saved from the discomfort of drilling and filling cavities).

If your teeth are prone to decay, remineralizing toothpaste for cavities is beneficial. A high-quality remineralizing toothpaste effectively supplies remineralizing chemicals to your teeth while also preventing decay.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF REMINERALIZING TOOTHPASTE?

Remineralizing toothpaste strengthens each tooth's outer layer. It promotes the absorption of minerals deep into tooth enamel, where existing damage may be healed. This is referred to as remineralization.

Calcium, potassium, and fluoride are active constituents in remineralizing toothpaste. These minerals are necessary for maintaining strong and white teeth. Fluoride levels in remineralizing toothpastes are higher than in regular toothpaste.

Food and drink acid can erode your teeth over time. Teeth enamel is strengthened with remineralizing toothpaste, making teeth less prone to erosion, discoloration, and cavities.

WHAT EFFECT DOES DEMINERALIZATION HAVE ON YOUR TEETH?

If left unchecked, demineralization can negatively influence your oral health. Because demineralization weakens tooth enamel, it increases your chances of getting cavities. Furthermore, it may discolor and irritate your teeth.

White patches may emerge from time to time, which is frequently the first indicator of tooth enamel degradation. If you've found something wrong with your teeth, it's critical that you have them checked out and treated as soon as possible.

CAN I REMINERALIZE THE ENAMEL ON MY TEETH?

You certainly can! As already said, remineralization is a natural process. It is critical to note that tooth enamel cannot be restored after damage, but it may be reinforced if weakened. That is the goal of remineralization.

You can do several things to prevent or stop demineralization, especially if you catch it early. Fluoride toothpaste treatment, diet management, and probiotic bacteria supplementation are all excellent possibilities. These items restore minerals to your teeth and either replicate or improve the natural process.

WHAT ARE THE BEST REMINERALIZING INGREDIENTS?

Dentists typically recommend calcium phosphate and fluoride toothpaste.

These minerals are essential for remineralization:

  • Calcium phosphate: hydroxyapatite is formed. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) binds to teeth immediately and strengthens tooth enamel and dentin.

  • Fluoride: Fluoride is converted into fluorapatite. It helps to remineralize teeth and accelerates HAP remineralization.

Remineralizing toothpaste may contain varying amounts of these ingredients, such as:

  • Calcium carbonate
  • Nano Hydroxyapatite
  • Stannous fluoride

WHICH IS MORE EFFECTIVE, HYDROXYAPATITE OR FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE?

Fluoride has several advantages over hydroxyapatite, including:

  • Acid-producing bacteria are inhibited.
  • HAP produces a more acid-resistant layer.
  • Teeth solubility is reduced.

Fluoride does not occur naturally in the body, whereas HAP accounts for 95% of tooth enamel and 70% of dentin.

Fluoride toothpaste is also linked to several oral health risks if ingested.

Studies have shown fluoride to be toxic to the kidneys and nervous system. It can cause thyroid, bone, and reproductive health issues when consumed.

best remineralizing toothpaste


WHAT IS THE BEST TOOTHPASTE FOR REMINERALIZATION?

Brushing with remineralizing toothpaste regularly is one of the most effective ways to strengthen tooth enamel. The best strengthening tooth enamel toothpaste contains calcium phosphate, stannous fluoride, or other forms that can aid in the remineralization and strengthening of tooth enamel.

When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, your tooth enamel absorbs a small amount of fluoride, which replaces lost minerals. The existing tooth enamel becomes stronger and more resistant to decay over time. Fluoride-treated tooth enamel is always stronger than untreated teeth. So remember that. Also, keep in mind that remineralizing toothpaste does not treat cavities. But it does assist in avoiding them!

Assume your tooth enamel has lost some of its minerals. In that case, you have several options for help, primarily if you treat it right away. Furthermore, it is simple to obtain and apply a therapeutic paste. Remember that a sugary diet or a lack of oral hygiene can cause tooth enamel to deteriorate. So, look after your teeth!

Also, if you have white spots, discolored teeth, or sensitive teeth, consult your dentist about the possibility of tooth enamel erosion. The key is remineralizing to avoid further damage and decay as soon as possible. If you do this, you will be on your way to healthier and happier teeth.

SNOW TOOTHPASTE - DESIGNED WITH SENSITIVE TEETH IN MIND

SNOW offers two kinds of toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite: one for use in the morning, named Morning Frost, and one for use at night, called Midnight Mist. Both have a lot in common, including the following characteristics:

  • Includes hydroxyapatite: Hydroxyapatite helps strengthen your tooth enamel.
  • Long lasting: Each tube lasts up to one month when used twice daily. Therefore if you buy the duo, each tube should last two months.
  • Pure ingredients: Snow toothpaste is manufactured with all-natural components free of fluorides and sulfates.
  • Gentle: Designed to be gentle on tooth enamel.
  • No testing on animals
  • Made in the USA: Snow toothpaste is  proudly manufactured in the United States. 

Snow Whitening Toothpaste


CONCLUSION

Demineralization occurs when tooth enamel loses some of its trace minerals. Your teeth become more sensitive, and you may feel discomfort or pain.

When this occurs, remineralizing toothpaste can aid in the natural toothpaste repair of your existing tooth enamel. Fluoride and calcium phosphate are two essential ingredients in remineralizing toothpaste.

FAQS

DOES REMINERALIZING TOOTHPASTE WORK?

Although remineralizing toothpaste can help strengthen your teeth, it cannot regenerate enamel or reverse cavities. Toothpaste containing calcium phosphate, stannous fluoride, or similar fluoride forms can help remineralize tooth enamel if there is enough to build on.

HOW LONG DOES REMINERALIZING TOOTHPASTE TAKE TO WORK?

Within 3 to 4 months, remineralizing toothpaste begins to strengthen teeth considerably. Tooth sensitivity to warmth and cold should diminish after a few weeks of usage. Brushing for at least 2 minutes twice daily will get the optimum effects of remineralizing toothpaste.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO REPAIR CAVITIES USING REMINERALIZING TOOTHPASTE?

Remineralizing toothpaste can be used to remove minor cavities. However, it may be prudent to seek the advice of a dentist, particularly if you are experiencing discomfort or tooth sensitivity in a specific tooth. Bacteria in cavities can spread and develop, producing irritation and illness. If you feel you have a cavity, see a dentist immediately before it grows larger or becomes infected.

WHICH REMINERALIZING TOOTHPASTE IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE?

The extent of your tooth damage may influence how fast you get improvements from any remineralizing toothpaste. Remineralization of your teeth is a time-consuming procedure. Consult a dentist about the suitability of using over-the-counter prescription toothpaste for your specific needs. Brushing for at least two minutes each time can assist in accelerating results.

CAN REMINERALIZING TOOTHPASTE HEAL CAVITIES?

Once a cavity has formed beyond the enamel, you cannot reverse it. However, you can restore your enamel before it undergoes remineralization, which takes about three to four months to take effect: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and baking soda: With a toothpaste formulated to remineralize enamel, you can start treating gum disease, tooth decay and enamel caries while it is still in its early stages.

CAN YOU MAKE HOMEMADE REMINERALIZING TOOTHPASTE?

There are methods of making homemade remineralizing toothpaste to rebuild tooth enamel. There are homemade toothpaste recipes online to remineralize teeth enamel with an essential oil such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, clove essential oil baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, calcium powder, and other essential oils remineralizing toothpastes. However, the best method is to buy the best remineralizing toothpaste.