Patient guide
Remineralization, Fluoride, Hydroxyapatite & Early Tooth Decay
Compare fluoride, fluoride-free options, nano-hydroxyapatite, MI Paste, and Curodont for prevention and selected early, non-cavitated tooth decay.
Reviewed by Scott Schmidhauser, DMD
Before a cavity breaks down the tooth surface, early mineral loss may sometimes be managed with prevention, remineralization, closer monitoring, or another minimally invasive treatment.
What is remineralization?
Enamel is constantly exposed to cycles of mineral loss and mineral gain.
Saliva, home care, diet, fluoride, calcium and phosphate availability, cavity-causing bacteria, dry mouth, and other factors can influence that balance.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a well-established cavity-prevention tool and is available in many toothpastes and professional products.
Canobie Dental offers fluoride options and makes recommendations based on cavity risk, age, oral health, and patient preference.
Fluoride-free options
Patients who prefer a fluoride-free approach still need an effective cavity-prevention plan.
Options may include nano-hydroxyapatite products, appropriate calcium/phosphate products, diet and home-care changes, and other preventive strategies based on the patient's risk.
Fluoride-free does not automatically mean better or safer for every patient.
Nano-hydroxyapatite
Hydroxyapatite is a mineral related to the mineral structure of teeth.
Nano-hydroxyapatite is used in several modern toothpastes and can be a fluoride-free home-care option for some patients.
Canobie Dental does not present hydroxyapatite as categorically superior to fluoride.
MI Paste
MI Paste is a fluoride-free calcium-and-phosphate tooth cream that uses a milk-derived protein.
MI Paste Plus is a related product that also contains fluoride.
Tell us about a milk-protein allergy before using these products.
Curodont
Curodont is an in-office option for selected early, non-cavitated tooth decay.
It uses peptide-based technology to support mineral movement within weakened enamel. It is not a replacement for a filling once a tooth has developed structural breakdown that requires restoration.
The right approach depends on the tooth and the patient
There is no single remineralization product that is best for everyone.
The useful question is what is happening to the tooth, why the patient is at risk, and which combination of home care, products, in-office treatment, and monitoring makes sense.
Next step
Plan a visit to our Newport office
Canobie Dental is accepting new patients. View appointment information or call with questions.