Effectiveness of Remineralizing Toothpaste on Tooth Decalcification

MI Paste is a topical paste formulated to reverse decalcified areas of enamel. It contains a milk-derived protein that supplements calcium and phosphate naturally contained in saliva. Calcium and phosphate replace lost minerals by infusing into the tooth\u27s surface via a process known as remineralization. The objective of this study was to treat patients with a regimen of acid-etching and MI Paste application to remineralize tooth enamel, as this may improve the appearance of decalcified areas by reducing white spot lesions. Eight patients with decalcified areas of enamel agreed to participate in this study during a four-week period in February 2009. The average participant was 22 years old, Caucasian, and female. They presented to the Dental Hygiene Clinic at Minnesota State University, Mankato for weekly five minute treatments for four weeks. One hundred percent of patients completed treatment (N=8). Homecare instructions given to patients included directly applying MI Paste to decalcified areas at least two times per day, with patients averaging 1.7 daily applications. Pre- and post-treatment photographs reveal 88% of patients demonstrated a decrease in decalcified areas of enamel, resulting in less noticeable white lesions. Seven of twenty-two decalcified areas appeared remineralized. Twelve percent of participants (N=l) did not comply with homecare instructions, resulting in no clinical improvement of decalcified lesions. Findings in this study suggest MI Paste has a positive effect on the appearance of decalcified areas of tooth enamel if patient completes recommended treatment and complies with homecare instructions