Remineralizing Toothpaste: Does It Work?
Table of Contents
- What Is Remineralizing Toothpaste
- Your Mouth's Remineralizing Process
- How Does Remineralizing Toothpaste Work
- Top 3 Remineralizing Toothpaste Brands
- References
Yes, remineralizing toothpaste can help to reduce thinning enamel.
Remineralizing toothpastes may be over-the-counter or prescription. The most effective of these toothpastes contains fluoride, which supports your enamel’s strength.
Your teeth naturally gain and lose minerals throughout the day, and your diet can improve this remineralizing process. Some people are more susceptible to thin enamel, so using a remineralizing toothpaste can help.
What Is Remineralizing Toothpaste?
You may worry about thinning enamel, especially if you have struggled with oral health problems in the past. To help combat future problems, your dentist may recommend a remineralizing toothpaste.
These toothpastes are effective at improving the strength of your teeth and reducing the risk of decay. Fluoride toothpaste is one of the most common types of remineralizing toothpastes, which can support excellent oral health and a smile you can love.
There are several brands of remineralizing toothpaste. Check to make sure a toothpaste contains fluoride as an active ingredient.
Your Mouth’s Natural Remineralizing Process
Your teeth gain and lose minerals every day, as your body processes the food you eat. Natural vitamins and minerals in your food, along with a vitamin supplement, can keep your teeth strong and healthy.
These common minerals can improve the strength of your teeth:
Calcium
Fluoride
Phosphate
Eating foods high in calcium and phosphate, and drinking fluoridated water, can help remineralize your teeth. Consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks can remove minerals from your teeth. Acids eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth feed on carbohydrates and secrete acids that become plaque, which can then become tartar.
Teeth will likely lose some minerals on their own, but if you eat a healthy diet, visit your dentist regularly, and keep a good oral hygiene routine, you are unlikely to cause significant damage to your teeth very quickly. Some people are more likely than others to experience thinning enamel due to mineral loss, so your dentist may recommend a remineralizing toothpaste in this case.
Any toothpaste products that guarantees to rebuild tooth enamel or makes any promises that seem too good to be true should be avoided.
How Does Remineralizing Toothpaste Work?
Your saliva is the number one way to remineralize your teeth, but you may find that you need additional help from a remineralizing toothpaste. Toothpastes that contain fluoride are the first approach to remineralizing your teeth.
Fluoride has been added to the water supply of many cities and towns across the United States because the remineralizing properties can reduce cavities and sensitivity. Fluoridated toothpaste will also help strengthen your enamel.
When you look for remineralizing toothpastes, check the ingredients list to be sure it contains fluoride. There may be some toothpastes that contain “natural” ingredients that may not properly remineralize your teeth. For example, if a toothpaste contains calcium, simply putting this mineral on top of your teeth is not the best way to remineralize your teeth.
3 Top Remineralizing Toothpaste Brands
Using the right remineralizing toothpaste is healthy for your teeth when you brush and floss twice per day. Here are some brands to try if you struggle with thinner enamel:
This brand is often recommended by dentists for their patients who have sensitive teeth and gums due to thin enamel. Sensodyne’s Pronamel line includes fluoride in a dentist-recommended amount to support healthier, brighter teeth.
This is a prescription-strength remineralizing toothpaste. Dentists have found that this toothpaste remineralizes a range of “lesions” in enamel, including deeper ones that other toothpastes may not reach.
This intensive cleaning toothpaste contains fluoride to keep your teeth mineralized, healthy, and white. It can also reduce gum sensitivity through the remineralizing process.
Other ways to remineralize your teeth include using a fluoridated mouthwash, balancing your diet, and taking vitamin or mineral supplements. Ask your dentist for recommendations on a fluoridated toothpaste that could work for you.