Remineralizing Toothpaste: Uses, Benefits & Best Products

What is Remineralizing Toothpaste?

A remineralizing toothpaste promotes the natural repair of existing tooth enamel. Unlike regular toothpaste, it redeposits minerals into your teeth through a process called remineralization.

Our teeth are composed of several layers of dental tissue. The enamel is the hardest and outermost layer. It protects a softer inner layer known as dentin.

Acids can cause tooth enamel to demineralize or lose some of its minerals, exposing more sensitive layers. Strengthening tooth enamel will make it harder and less vulnerable to erosion.

Does Remineralizing Toothpaste Work?

Remineralizing toothpaste can work as long as enough enamel is on the teeth. The minerals in the toothpaste will bond with the weakened areas of your teeth and strengthen them.

A remineralizing toothpaste protects your teeth against chemical damage and prevents further demineralization. This all depends on the ingredients.

Other benefits of remineralized toothpastes include:

• Better dental health
• Reduced tooth sensitivity
• Prevention of dental caries

Research shows that remineralization encourages demineralized dental tissue to grow back to its original size.²

What Causes Enamel Mineral Loss?

Enamel mineral loss is caused by erosion due to a few factors, including:

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

When the tooth enamel loses minerals, it can change a tooth's function, sensitivity, and aesthetic quality. The tooth becomes weakened and develops white spots.¹⁰

What are the Most Effective Remineralizing Ingredients?

Dental experts usually recommend toothpastes containing calcium phosphate and fluoride.¹ These minerals play a key role in remineralization.

• Calcium phosphate — forms hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) immediately binds with teeth and repairs tooth enamel and dentin.
• Fluoride — forms into fluorapatite. It remineralizes teeth and speeds up HAP remineralization.

Remineralizing toothpastes may contain different variations of these ingredients, including:

• Stannous fluoride
• Calcium carbonate
• Nanohydroxyapatite (n-Ha)

Both nHa and fluoride have their strong points.

According to Dr. Katrina Zhao at Midas Dental, there are pros and cons to both n-HA and fluoride toothpaste. n-HA toothpaste is more effective in preventing cavities and has a more pleasant taste than fluoride toothpaste.

However, fluoride toothpaste is more effective in remineralizing teeth and protecting them from decay. Fluoride is also more likely to cause staining of the teeth than n-HA.

Which is Better: Hydroxyapatite or Fluoride (Fluorapatite)?

Fluoride has several advantages over hydroxyapatite, such as:

• Inhibits acid-producing bacteria
• Creates a more acid-resistant layer than HAP
• Decreases the solubility of teeth

Fluoride does not naturally occur in the body, unlike HAP, which makes up 95% of tooth enamel and 70% of dentin.² Fluoride is also associated with some health risks.

Studies show that fluoride can be toxic to the kidneys and nervous system. It can cause thyroid, bone, and reproductive health problems when ingested.³

5 Best Remineralizing Toothpastes 

Boka Ela Mint

Best Natural Toothpaste for Remineralization

Cost — starts at $10 for Travel Pack; Get 15% off with Code NewMouth
Flavors — Boka Ela Mint, Coco Ginger, and Lemon Lavender

Code NewMouth for 15% off

Why Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste is Our Top Pick

1. Most affordable non-fluoridated remineralizing toothpaste

You can buy a 4 oz tube of Boka toothpaste for $12 or two travel-sized 1.3 oz tubes for $10 with a one-time payment. 

Boka toothpastes are cheaper if you purchase them in packs of 2’s or 3’s. If you opt for a monthly subscription, you get a 20% discount plus free shipping.

2. Contains ingredients that are better than homemade toothpaste

Boka’s toothpastes contain natural ingredients that are 100% biocompatible and scientifically proven to work. Its main ingredient is nanohydroxyapatite (NHAP), a nano-sized form of HAP.

NHAP is not found in any homemade remineralizing toothpaste. It remineralizes teeth and prevents enamel erosion by binding with tooth enamel.¹

3. It safely and naturally whitens teeth

Boka’s remineralizing toothpaste contains sodium bicarbonate, a natural ingredient that can whiten teeth. It's basically baking soda, except Boka does not feel abrasive.

4. Boka’s natural toothpastes are sugar-free (and they taste great)

Boka uses natural ingredients such as lemon and peppermint essential oil for flavoring. Instead of artificial sugars, they use natural sweeteners like xylitol.

This gives you mildly flavorful toothpastes that aren’t too minty.

5. It can protect against cavities

Xylitol inhibits mouth bacteria from producing acids and polysaccharides. It allows Boka toothpaste to prevent plaque, dental caries, and tooth decay.¹

Pros

• Most affordable natural toothpaste
• Remineralizes and whitens teeth
• Protects sensitive teeth and prevents tooth decay
• Three flavor options: Ela Mint, Coco Ginger, and Lemon Lavender
• Vegan, gluten-free, and paraben-free organic toothpaste
• Does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and artificial colors
• Toothpaste comes in a BPA-free tube
• Zero-waste packaging (does not come in a box)
• Ships to the U.S., Canada, and select countries worldwide

Cons

• NHAP is not as widely studied as HAP
• Screw-style lid is not as convenient to use as a flip lid
• Sometimes runs out of stock
• Free shipping is only available for subscribers or orders over $25
• Not approved by the American Dental Association (ADA)
• May contain allergens. Products are made in shared facilities where peanuts, eggs, dairy, sunflower, and other tree nuts are processed.
• Not as eco-friendly as Elims Reflection Toothpaste

Elims Reflection

Most Sustainable Remineralizing Toothpaste

• Cost: Starts at $14 for 4 oz.
• Flavors: Elims Lavender Vanilla Mint and Pineapple Orange Mint

Why Choose Elims Reflection Toothpaste

Elims is a non-fluoridated toothpaste with the same benefits as Boka. It has NHAP as an active ingredient, xylitol as a sweetener, and sodium bicarbonate as a teeth whitener.

It also contains natural ingredients and flavors such as peppermint oil and other essential oils. Elims toothpaste is the “greener” option.

While Boka comes in a plastic BPA-free tube, Elims uses a 100% recyclable tube of sustainably grown sugarcane. It has a box, which adds waste, but it’s made of recycled paper pulp that’s also recyclable.

Elims Reflection toothpaste is reasonably priced. You can buy one 4 oz. tube for $14 and two for $26. Subscribers also get 10% off plus free shipping.

Pros

• Reasonably priced alternative to fluoride toothpaste
• Remineralizes tooth enamel using NHAP and calcium carbonate
• Fights tooth sensitivity and decay
• Whitens teeth with a combination of baking soda and coconut oil
• Vegan, gluten-free, and paraben-free
• Free from SLS and artificial colors
• Has a flip-top cap, which makes it easier to open than Boka
• ASTM-certified product (low carbon emissions)

Cons

• Despite different flavors, Elims toothpastes have a strong mint taste
• Does not ship outside the U.S.
• No information on possible allergens
• Lacks American Dental Association (ADA) approval

Rembrandt Intense Stain

Best All-In-One Remineralizing Paste

• Cost — starts at $3 for 3.5 oz.
• Flavors — mint

Why Choose Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste

Rembrandt Intense Stain has a gentle formula that cleans and whitens teeth without causing gum irritation or sensitivity. Its active ingredient is sodium fluoride, which is commonly used in other dental products.

The fluoride in the formulation strengthens tooth enamel by eventually creating a protective layer over your teeth. This can come from regular use.

Aside from fluoride, the toothpaste uses hydrated silica as a gentle abrasive. This allows the toothpaste to remove stubborn stains from wine, coffee, and tobacco.

Pros

• Non-peroxide teeth whitener (does not irritate teeth or gums)
• Visibly whitens teeth after one week of use
• Prevents tooth sensitivity
• Gentle enough to be used every day
• Uses dentist-approved ingredients
• Uses lauryl glucoside, which is a mild surfactant

Cons

• No flavor options
• Only recommended for adults
• Must be used carefully (cannot be swallowed)
• No American Dental Association (ADA) approval

3M Clinpro 5000

Best Prescription Fluoride Toothpaste

• Cost — varies; usually starts at $14 per 4 oz.
• Flavors — vanilla mint

Why Choose 3M Clinpro 5000 Toothpaste

3M Clinpro 5000 is a good choice if you prefer fluoride toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Clinpro 5000 is a prescription-strength dental health toothpaste that fights cavities.

Its two active ingredients are fluoride and tricalcium phosphate. Studies show that using them together provides better remineralization than fluoride alone.¹ 3M Clinpro 5000 is one of the few remineralizing toothpastes that are scientifically proven to work.⁶

Pros

• Affordably priced for a prescription toothpaste
• Contains prescription-strength fluoride (5,000 ppm)
• Vegan and gluten-free
• Does not contain lactose, sucrose, or azo dyes
• Approved by the American Dental Association (ADA)
• Backed by scientific studies

Cons

• You have to see a dentist for a prescription, which adds to the total cost
• Contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which causes canker sores in some people
• Must be used carefully (cannot be swallowed or used more than once a day)
• Only available in one flavor

Sensodyne Pronamel

Best Prescription Fluoride Toothpaste

• Cost — varies; usually starts at $6 for 3.4 oz.
• Flavors — peppermint, mint, and clean mint

Why Choose Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste

Sensodyne Pronamel is an entire line of toothpaste that remineralize teeth. You can choose from eight variants:

• Multi-Action — whitens teeth, freshens breath, and promotes oral health
• Daily Protection — prevents cavities and freshens breath
• Fresh Breath — gives you extra-fresh breath
• Intensive Repair Whitening — repairs enamel erosion and whitens teeth
• Intensive Enamel Repair — reverses and protects against enamel damage
• Strong & Bright — strengthens teeth and removes teeth stains
• Mineral Boost — promotes tooth enamel remineralization
• Gentle Whitening — remineralizes and whitens teeth

While some options provide more benefits than others, each Pronamel toothpaste can remineralize teeth. So if you want the best remineralizing toothpaste that’s affordable, contains fluoride, and has American Dental Association (ADA) approval, Sensodyne Pronamel is your go-to.

Pros

• Most affordable remineralizing fluoride toothpaste
• Can be purchased online and over-the-counter
• Plenty of options to choose from
• Has ADA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• Only has minty flavors
• Non-vegan toothpaste

Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations

Methodology

The NewMouth editorial team analyzed dozens of products available today to determine the available products.

Our evaluation and recommendations are based on:

• Dentist input and experience - 30% of total score
• Our own testing experience - 25% of total score
• Effectiveness - 15% of total score
• Ease of use - 15% of total score
• Affordability and value - 15% of total score

Our Qualifications

1. Dental Experts

NewMouth is a leading and trusted online resource for dental information, including product recommendations, primary dental care, at-home oral health care, orthodontics, procedures, costs, and more.

We have a dedicated team of medical writers, expert researchers, licensed dental professionals, and medical reviewers who create and oversee every piece of content published on our site. 

2. Extensive Research and Testing

Our recommendations are determined by:

• Consulting with our in-house dentists
• Spending hours researching the full range of products available 
• Reading through hundreds of customer reviews from multiple sources
• Testing some of the products listed in this article 
• Reading through research papers on the safety and efficacy of these oral care methods

3. Comprehensive Review Process

After extensive research and product testing, this article also underwent an intensive review process:

1. The article was reviewed and fact-checked by two in-house editors 
2. One of our in-house dentists reviewed the article for accuracy 
3. The article is updated and reviewed again regularly to ensure pricing, product details, and other specs are up-to-date

Tips for Choosing the Right Remineralizing Toothpaste

Here are a few things that can help you choose the right remineralizing toothpaste for you:

Decide if You Want Fluoride Toothpaste

You have to decide whether you want fluoridated or non-fluoridated toothpaste. Remember that the American Dental Association (ADA) only approves toothpastes with fluoride as the main ingredient.

Dentists also recommend using fluoride toothpaste because it's one of the key ingredients for remineralizing teeth. However, if you're allergic to the ingredient, there are fluoride-free remineralizing toothpastes too.

Get Your Dentist's Recommendation

Talk to your dentist about your dental health. If you have mild enamel erosion, they might recommend toothpastes that you can purchase online or over the counter.

Your dentist might prescribe a prescription toothpaste in more severe cases. You may even need dental fillings if there are visible cavities and enamel damage (like broken teeth).

Keep Your Allergies in Mind

Check the toothpaste for ingredients that can trigger allergies and food sensitivities. Keep in mind that natural products are not always the better choice. They might contain fruits and essential oils that you may react to.

Some of these toothpaste ingredients, like cleaned powdered egg shells (calcium powder), coconut oil, and clove essential oil, can potentially remineralize teeth.^7,8,9 But the effectiveness of ingredients like bentonite clay is not yet proven.

Note: It’s not recommended to make toothpaste using homemade recipes. Homemade toothpaste only contains trace minerals. In small amounts, these ingredients may not produce enough remineralizing effects.

Summary

Tooth enamel can lose some of its minerals, resulting in demineralization. The teeth become more sensitive, and you may experience some discomfort or pain.

When that happens, remineralizing toothpaste can encourage the natural repair of your existing tooth enamel. Fluoride and calcium phosphate are two of the key ingredients in an effective remineralizing toothpaste.

NewMouth recommends Boka Ela Mint toothpaste. But it's always a good idea to get your dentist's recommendation first before buying remineralizing toothpaste.