
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 1867 reviewsI’ve been round the houses on a plastic free toothpaste alternative. The litmus test for whether it’s good is whether the kids are okay using it. With this one, they are. I have a bit of sensitivity, which this one helps with.

Love this natural toothbrush, my teeth feel really clean after brushing.

This product has made a huge impact on calming my tooth sensitivity. Easy to use, tastes good and really works. Highly recommended.

My teeth are so happy with this toothpaste. I love the flavour too. And they have become much cleaner/whiter. Unfortunately, I swapped this for the Hydroxyapatite toothpaste and have ended up with very sensitive teeth, so I have gone back to this one!

First time using this and I love it. Along with the hydroxyapatite toothpaste and enamel repair powder I feel my teeth are whiter and stronger.

Been using every night and I’m pleased with it so far

At night I put truthpaste on my brush then dip into the enamel repair mask and in the morning my teeth feel clean it’s truly amazing. I’m sure my teeth are stronger

I've been using it for some time and I love it!
I also bought the travel size, and it's really good for short trips.

Lovely fresh taste and really makes your mouth feel clean. Really like this toothpaste. Makes teeth feel clean afterwards and the jar seems to last ages. I’ve only just started my second jar. So great valve for money too

Lovely fresh taste and really makes your mouth feel clean.

Ooooh this is a fantastic product! After the first use I noticed a difference in the sensitivity. It feels odd brushing something on your teeth and not rinsing but it’s definitely worth it and you do get used to it.
I definitely recommend this great product, and of course, it’s planet friendly and sustainable. What could be better!

I’ve used the toothpaste and hydroxyapatite toothpaste before so I was keen to try the new Enamel Repair Mask. I’ve only been using it for a few days but if it’s like the other products the results will be excellent. I have a lot less sensitivity and no more bleeding gums. Love the mouthwash too.

I use everyrhing because it’s all good and ethically and sustainably great the best part is that it’s natural and everyrhing works better than anything else I’ve tried before.. sticking with this brand !

I’ve been using the mouthwash for a few months now and it’s good stuff 👍 strong and feels like it works. It’s good to know it has friendly bacteria and all natural ingredients

I've been using this for about a week and my sensitivity has improved a lot. My teeth appear whiter too. Would recommend.

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