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 1904 reviewsI wanted a more natural toothpaste and thought I’d try truthpaste and am pleased to say that it lives up to all my expectations and more, it leaves a lovely fresh taste in the mouth.
I wouldn’t use any other toothpaste! We simply do not need toxic chemicals in our oral care routine, I’ve used natural products for years and never have any tooth issues so the proof is in the pudding as far as I’m concerned!
Brilliant my teeth have never felt so fresh, clean and healed. Thank you and flouride free.
After a few days of following the instructions I looked at my teeth in the mirror and was shocked to see that my teeth were whiter. 🙏👌
This floss is very effective. It's thicker and grippier than other flosses, so it gets the job done thoroughly.
This mouthwash is the best I have tried. It really cleanses and has a great taste. It is strong without being overpowering. I will be sticking to this in the future.
These are the perfect size for travel; in a child friendly tin and pocket sized so we won’t ever be without! Love the new hydroxyapatite toothpaste the most!
I love all of my Truthpaste products and the Bamboo Charcoal Floss is the best floss I’ve ever used. I actually feel it’s not only cleaning my teeth efficiently, but it’s also helping them to stay healthy. I ordered the original and the two refills. Will do so again, soon. Thanks guys!
I bought this for my grand children. One age 2 and the other 15. They both like it and are happy to use. Especially my older grand daughter when I explained about all the lovely ingredients.
Like mint flavour and teeth feel clean
I’ve been using this powder for a few weeks now and can honestly say it’s making a positive difference.
Very refreshing mouth wash
I’m really pleased with my toothpaste, I’ve had most of the flavours now and love them, I also tried the mouthwash, which I loved but sadly broke the bottle dropping it on the bathroom floor. I also have the floss, which is great but the best thing about it all was the reaction from my dental hygienist, she was most impressed with my teeth and gums, my teeth are usually badly stained - too much black coffee, but for the first time there were no stains at all and my mouth is super healthy, I’m not going to lie, going fluoride free I was worried about the dentist reaction and also the impact on my oral health but I’m thrilled to report fantastic improvements all round. Thanks Truthpaste.
My receding gums have improved and the gaps on my gums have tightened.
My teeth feel clean and are less stained(happy side effect).
Love the flavours.
Would love a product to help with coated tongue.
Seems to be lessening my sensitivity so far, so happy to give a positive review.
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