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 2063 reviewsStrong taste but I feel it’s really doing the job. Thanks x
I was so happy when I came across this brand that are plastic free, non toxic and do a hydroxyapetite toothpaste!! Out of the Truthpaste flavours, this one and the fennel are my fave. They clean my teeth brilliantly. Yes they’re more expensive than your average toothpaste but the credentials of this brand are worth it. Hopefully will see them stocked on shelves in shops in the near future!!
Great product so far, its only been a few days so time will tell.
Truth paste is my got to brand now.
Does everything I need it to. I feel my teeth and gums are getting what they need. Worth it!
It's wonderful and awesome. Cleans really well and keeps your mouth clean for longer hours than regular paste. It's wondersome!
Received a sample pot with my last order. Same great attributes as it's peppermint cousin but the citrus flavour made it really different. It seemed really odd for a toothpaste not to have a peppermint flavour but odd doesn't mean bad. The citrus flavour seemed more gentle, even indulgent. Begs the question - should it have a matching citrus flavour mouthwash???
Very happy to see the launch of this flavour both of us thought it was a really nice
I will definitely be ordering this product together with the citrus & fennel charcoal flavour both all really nice
I really like the minty hydroxyapatite version, but this one is preferred by my children and also its just nice for a flavour change. Ongoing I think I will buy both.
I tried this as a sample and really liked the taste, will definitely order in a jar, plus it is helping my sensitive teeth and improving my overall health of teeth
So, like other posters, a small sample of the citrus truthpaste was included in my main order.
Loved the no foam, as I believe foam equals chemicals.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the taste, but I did, so the prospect of a normal sized version is welcome.
I have used non fluoride tooth care for some years, I purchased mine at reasonable cost at Asian stores.
However this was my very first experience of hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Right from the initial tooth cleaning ritual, I could feel the difference.
I actually felt like I had that clean result after a hygienist session.
I actually wanted to smile, instead of bringing my hand to my lips when chuckling 🤭 👎/😁👍
I am aware that this trurhpaste isn’t cheap to buy,
BUT….
not much product is needed compared to conventional toothpastes.
I also thought it was more hygienic to NOT put the toothbrush head into the tin of paste, instead choosing to use a very small spatula to take half a pea sized amount (it’s quite a thick texture) to place it with directly onto my teeth, or onto the toothbrush.
Then before turning my electric toothbrush on, I spread the paste across all surfaces of my teeth, then I turn the brush on to proceed brushing each section, in turn.
That way, I feel all of my teeth get an equal distribution of the paste.
I think I kinda treat the truthpaste as a precious recipe to be treated with respect, hope that doesn’t sound daft 🤪
I am an older adult, and I use my teeth cleaning time to simultaneously perform my squats, and I count my squats on each section of teeth cleaning, so my legs get toned and strong at the same time.
So I exit the bathroom with squeaky clean teeth, fresh mouth, and stringer legs each time.
I hope my review is useful, as I although I do leave reviews/feedback, it’s not usually as detailed and enthusiastic as this one.
THANK YOU Truthpaste for providing a thick tasty zingy paste that I enjoy and can see and feel the difference with.
I got a free sample of the orange Truthpaste with a larger order recently. I like it, nice change from mint. I slightly prefer the charcoal, orange and fennel but I don't think it has the hydroxyapatite - you'd need to check that (sorry!) The little tins are great for travel too.
One word it is the truth I’ve tried other proclaimed organic fluoride free toothpaste a this one beats them hands down. It has eased recurring symptoms and issues I had with my mouth. Thank you so much x
Too early to mention about its benefits to my teeth. But, I really like it. Easy to use, great taste and my teeth feel very clean afterwards.
Ultra FA-N-T-A-S-T-I-C. A wonderful fresh feeling and taste in the mouth. Teeth
look gleaming after use. Thank you Truthpaste.
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