Why Most Toothpastes Can’t Repair Enamel (and What Can)
The problem with enamel erosion
Every day, our teeth face attacks from acidic food and drink, bacterial plaque, and even over-brushing. Over time this leads to enamel loss — causing sensitivity, cavities, and yellowing.
Here’s the kicker: once enamel is gone, it doesn’t naturally regrow. Unlike bone, enamel has no living cells to repair itself.
So where does that leave us? Traditionally, dentistry has focused on prevention rather than repair — protecting what enamel you have left, but not restoring what’s been lost.
Fluoride: protection, not repair
Fluoride is the most common active in mainstream toothpaste.
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How it works: Fluoride helps resist acid attacks by forming a harder, more acid-resistant layer on teeth (fluoroapatite).
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Limitations: Fluoride strengthens what’s there, but it doesn’t directly rebuild lost enamel. It’s protective — not restorative.
That’s why you can brush with standard toothpaste every day and still develop sensitivity, erosion, or cavities.
Why “everyday” toothpastes fall short
Most supermarket toothpastes are 95% filler: abrasives, foaming agents, artificial flavours, and stabilisers. Actives like fluoride are typically only 0.1%–0.3% of the formula.
This means:
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✅ They clean and freshen.
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✅ They help prevent decay.
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❌ They don’t rebuild enamel.
So if you already struggle with sensitivity or enamel erosion, you need more than just “everyday” protection. You need minerals back in the tooth.
Hydroxyapatite: the mineral your teeth are made of
Here’s the science: your enamel is 97% hydroxyapatite — a crystalline form of calcium and phosphate.
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When enamel erodes, those hydroxyapatite crystals dissolve.
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When you reintroduce hydroxyapatite, the minerals can integrate into the enamel surface — plugging microscopic holes, repairing weak spots, and reducing sensitivity.
Unlike fluoride, which modifies the surface, hydroxyapatite directly replaces what’s lost.
Toothpastes with hydroxyapatite: a step forward
Over the last decade, clinical studies have shown hydroxyapatite toothpaste to be as effective as fluoride at preventing cavities — and even better at reducing sensitivity.
That’s why Truthpaste created its 5% hydroxyapatite toothpaste:
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✅ Gentle daily remineralisation
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✅ Helps reduce sensitivity
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✅ Strengthens enamel over time
Most everyday toothpastes are designed to clean and protect, but they can’t truly repair enamel. Enamel — the hard outer layer of your teeth — doesn’t naturally regrow once it’s worn away. Fluoride, the main active in conventional toothpaste, helps strengthen what remains but doesn’t replace lost minerals.
That’s where hydroxyapatite comes in. Hydroxyapatite is the very mineral enamel is made of, and clinical studies show it can replenish weakened areas, reduce sensitivity, and restore surface smoothness. Toothpaste with hydroxyapatite offers a more advanced approach to protecting and repairing teeth, making it a powerful alternative to standard fluoride-based formulas.
Let customers speak for us
from 2031 reviewsI was introduced to Truthpaste by a friend as I have recently been diagnosed with numerous allergies. She treated me to the first bottle and little box too. The product suits me and I have no faults to find with it or complaints to make. I wish your product was on the shelf of the Preston Heath Food store but until then I will buy online. I will be purchasing my second bottle soon.
I purchased a bundle of truthpaste, mouthwash and dental floss.. I love how clean and fresh my mouth feel.. Definitely will continue buying. The dental floss works so much better than usual floss, no slipping or sore gums just does a really deep clean… Love these products..
To be here, you must have withdrawn from the idea, or at least been convinced, that fluoridated toothpaste bears a greater risk than reward to your overall health. Truthpaste is the best alternative option you can decide upon. All the rivals have a base oil which leaks from the jar and leaves a hard, crumbly, dry substance which has to be manually and continually remixed with water to be in any way shape of form useable. Truthpaste remains steadfast in its consistency throughout use and requires little intervention, in comparison to others. Also, continual use of other brands in this category of hydroxyapatite toothpastes leads to a build-up of a grey, gritty unwashable substance which ultimately leads to your electric toothbrush becoming clogged, Truthpaste is easily washed from all toothbrush types, making toothbrush maintenance a breeze. The short of it is just buy this brand of alternative hydroxyapatite toothpastes and you'll be satisfied.
Ps. Please make a kids version!
Enjoying using it and feeling the benefits. Will never go back to other brands
Have used both the truthpastes and love both of them, I now have my daughter partner and granddaughter using it, have searched and tried many non fluoride toothpastes before, this is the one I will be it using going forward for sure, thanks for making it I say!
Takes a little getting used to… but mouth feels clean and fresh. I’m happy using an ethical product that comes in packaging which can be recycled. Good stuff!
Thanks for a swift and pleasant transaction.
This is my second jar & I'm really enjoying using this toothpaste.
The occasional sensitivity I used to suffer from is totally gone.
Both my dentist and hygienist have commented on the difference they've noticed - that's a defite ringing endorsement for me.
This is the best stuff around! I love that it’s ethical, and works so well. If you try it you’ll not be disappointed
Really noticed a difference in teeth and gum health since using hydroxyapatite toothpaste no more sensitive teeth or bleeding gums even dentist said my teeth look good and I have had alot of problems with my teeth will not use anything else now
I have used the entire range on offer and find the products really good. My sensitive teeth has reduced a lot but occasionally get bouts. I then use the fluoride mouthwash for a few days which helps.
Love the toothpaste has helped my bleeding gums, dont like having to keep cleaning my sink when i spit out the toothpaste, does not wash away very well.
Fabulous all round. Great, clean ingredients, full transparency on product contents and quantity. Great packaging, feels like a proper clean every time. Also using the enamel repair powder, so i feel i am doing my best for my teeth.
This is a great product, tastes and smells great, coats and cleans the teeth a lot better than regular toothpaste and so glad I made the switch
I love these little tins of Truthpaste. They're ideal for travel and recyclable. No more plastic tubes!
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