The average American consumes about 17 teaspoons of sugar a day. That’s nearly double the recommended limit proposed by the American Heart Association.
One of the many side effects of high sugar intake is how it affects your oral health. So, if you suffer from tooth sensitivity, yellow teeth, or teeth that seem translucent then you likely have enamel erosion.
The bad news is that once you’ve lost your tooth enamel, you cannot grow it back. However, there are products that can repair, patch, and strengthen the enamel you have left.
But finding the best enamel strengthening toothpaste is no easy task. Dozens of products claim to repair your enamel. It’s hard to know which ones are effective and which are not.
I’ve researched, tested, and gathered my results on enamel toothpastes and wrote it all in this easy to follow guide. These are the best options you have on the market today. Continue reading to find which of my top picks works best for you.
Table of Contents
- Comparison Table for the Best Toothpaste for Enamel
- The Top 10 Best Enamel Re-Mineralizing Toothpastes
- Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste
- Rembrandt Deeply White Fluoride Toothpaste
- Crest Gum & Enamel Repair Toothpaste Advanced Whitening
- Linhart Whitening & Enamel Strengthening Toothpaste
- Colgate Enamel Health Whitening Toothpaste
- Premier Enamelon Toothpaste Mint Breeze
- Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Fluoride Whitening Toothpaste
- Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste
- Now Xyliwhite Refreshmint Flavor
- TheraBreath Whitening & Fresh Breath Charcoal Toothpaste
- 6 Points to Remember When Choosing an Enamel Strengthening Toothpaste
- Final Thoughts
Comparison Table for the Best Toothpaste for Enamel
Toothpaste | Flavor | Best For | Fluoride | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sensodyne | Fresh Mint | Enamel + Sensitivity | Yes | Check Price |
Rembrandt | Fresh Mint | Enamel + Whitening | Yes | Check Price |
Crest | Mint | Enamel + Gums | Yes | Check Price |
Linhart | Mint | Enamel + Whitening | Yes | Check Price |
Colgate | Clean Mint | Enamel + Whitening | Yes | Check Price |
Premier | Mint Breeze | Enamel + Sensitivity | Yes | Check Price |
Hello | Fresh Mint | Enamel + Whitening | Yes | Check Price |
Regenerate | Mint | Advanced Enamel | Yes | Check Price |
Now | Refreshmint | Enamel + Whitening | No | Check Price |
TheraBreath | Mint | Enamel + Bad Breath | No | Check Price |
What is Enamel, and Can Toothpaste Actually Protect It?
Enamel is a tooth’s front-line defense against harmful, eroding acids, plaques and other substances. Think of it as a mineralized shield that envelops each of your teeth.
It’s the hardest substance in your body and protects your teeth from the decay that leads to cavities. It’s also partially translucent, which means it isn’t solely responsible for the color of your teeth.
Dentists consider enamel one of the most important parts of your teeth, because it protects the softer layers underneath. And because your body doesn’t make more enamel, once it’s gone your teeth are forever exposed to the harmful acids found in the foods and drinks you consume.
So, can enamel toothpastes restore the enamel you’ve lost over time? Well… yes and no.
Enamel toothpastes can’t create new enamel for your teeth. What’s lost is lost forever. But they can re-mineralize the enamel you still have. Toothpastes which contain enamel-like minerals, such as calcium phosphate, or helpful mineral-based fluorides, will strengthen your enamel.
You also need to keep good oral health practices as that’s the most important way to save the enamel you have left!
The Top 10 Best Enamel Re-Mineralizing Toothpastes
Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste
The original Sensodyne formula dates to 1961. It was the first desensitizing toothpaste to include strontium chloride, a chemical that blocked dentin tubules. The results were widely received in the dental industry as ground-breaking. Since then, Sensodyne has been the leading supplier of toothpaste for those suffering from sensitive teeth.
Their Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair formula combines everything they’ve learned in the past 50 years with sensitive teeth and added minerals to strengthen your enamel.
Although the Pronamel line of toothpastes contains different products, this is their strongest formulation of their re-mineralizing ingredients.
When used twice a day, the minerals penetrate deep into areas where erosion has led to weakened teeth. Another benefit of the Pronamel Intensive toothpaste is that it protects against acid-erosion, which is one of the leading causes of enamel degradation.
This is a dentist recommended brand, with third-party results available to account for the re-mineralizing formula. It comes in Clean Mint and Extra Fresh flavors.
Get Sensodyne Pronamel at Amazon
Why I like This Toothpaste
I think the best part of Sensodyne’s Pronamel formula is that it remineralizes your teeth while also alleviating sensitivity. And often weakened enamel comes with sensitive teeth, so with this toothpaste you can relieve your achy teeth and re-build your enamel.
The exclusive blend of NovaMin and mineral-rich fluoride contain as much enamel protection as you’ll find without a trip to the dentist.
The Fresh Mint flavor isn’t overpowering and lasts on average the same as Sensodyne’s well-known Fast Relief formula. One thing I noticed is that the toothpaste is softer than other brands. But it isn’t drippy and it won’t fall off your toothbrush.
I recommend Pronamel for those that seek the newest in cutting edge oral care. This toothpaste achieves a hard to find balance between cavity protection, enamel re-mineralization, and sensitivity reduction.
What I Don’t Like
My one gripe with the Pronamel products is that they ship in smaller-than-average tubes, at 3.4 ounces, instead of the traditional 4 ounces. This is a minor gripe for an otherwise exceptional toothpaste.
Rembrandt Deeply White Fluoride Toothpaste
Rembrandt oral care was invented by a cosmetic dentist named Dr. Robert Ibsen. And his whitening formula was the first one ever invented in 1989. Most of the Rembrandt line focuses on whitening, but this formula has added enamel restoration.
This is a newly improved formula based on their leading whitening toothpaste. It includes dentist recommended fluoride to rebuild weakened enamel that’s eroded due to food-based acids.
Because it’s a Rembrandt toothpaste, they also included dental peroxide. This ingredient aids in the removal of stains that penetrate deep into your teeth.
The Deeply White formula also includes special micro-polishers that activate once the toothpaste foams up. They help to agitate and lift hard to remove surface stains.
The tetrapotassium pyrophosphates are another added mineral in this Rembrandt formula and the key ingredient to both shield and restore your tooth enamel.
Rembrandt recommends using their sonic toothbrush and whitening mouthwash if you have deep, tough stains.
Get Rembrandt Toothpaste at Amazon
Why I like This Toothpaste
Rembrandt’s toothpaste is another unique formula. Most whitening toothpastes might degrade your enamel. By adding re-mineralizing agents into their toothpaste, Rembrandt has effectively balanced out any possible side effects from their whitening ingredients.
The dental peroxide is a major plus here. You’ll notice that the toothpaste tube seems airy when you first open it. That’s because of the peroxide. It releases a small amount of gas, and the tube accounts for that addition.
The stain removal potential of this toothpaste will surprise you. And the micro-polishers get deep between teeth to lift plaque you can’t see with your eyes.
I recommend Rembrandt’s Deeply White toothpaste for those that require deep whitening to remove coffee and tea stains as well as restoring weakened enamel.
What I Don’t Like
Again, this is a toothpaste that’s smaller than average. But you get a lot of value in the tube, so I think it’s worth it, regardless of the container’s size. Some customers may not want peroxide. Do your research and find out for yourself.
Crest Gum & Enamel Repair Toothpaste Advanced Whitening
Crest’s history dates to 1954, when they went by the name Fluoristan because the toothpaste contained a type of fluoride. The original formula was patented by a team of scientist from Indiana University.
Today, the Crest brand houses over 20 other brands and products, from Oral-B toothbrushes and Scope mouthwash.
This triple pack gum and enamel repair formula also boasts advanced whitening. You get three tubes of toothpaste, adding up to 12 ounces. That’s more than enough to last you over a year.
Crest believes that the root of most oral health problems rests in the inadequate care of the gums. This formula actively treats gum-related issues to help reverse gingivitis.
The ingredient list includes activated foaming agents so the toothpaste can better slip between teeth and remove plaque. And the stannous fluoride re-mineralizes weakened enamel while eliminating plaque at the same time.
Crest’s Gum and Enamel Repair toothpaste is mint flavored and comes with an ADA seal of approval.
Get Crest Enamel Repair at Amazon
Why I like This Toothpaste
Everyone knows the Crest brand. And I think people either gravitate towards it or stay away because it’s a big name with lots of weight in the industry.
But I’d argue that with all their knowledge and research Crest has the potential to deliver a good product. This one contains their standard stannous fluoride, which they’ve been using since the 1950s.
This is not a new technology in the dental landscape. So, the remineralization found in this toothpaste isn’t as profound or exciting as other brands.
I think this toothpaste is perfect for those that need to see the ADA seal before they buy a toothpaste. It’s also a great tooth whitening option. The mind flavor lasts, and you’re getting a good deal with three tubes for a reduced price.
What I Don’t Like
While great for a combination of whitening and enamel strengthening, those that need deep enamel restoration may want to choose another option.
Linhart Whitening & Enamel Strengthening Toothpaste
The Linhart family contains three generations of dentists, dating back to 1979. All three generations are renown in their specific fields, including cosmetic dentistry. After years of noting a lack of quality in tooth whitening toothpastes, they launched their Linhart brand in 2007.
This Linhart toothpaste contains their patented Linamel formula. It comprises three key ingredients. Theobromine is a cocoa bean extract and it strengthens enamel. Naturally occurring fluoride to re-mineralize and protect teeth from the acids found in food. Last, xylitol which prevents tooth decay that weakens enamel.
Another interesting ingredient in Linhart’s toothpaste is aloe vera. They claim it soothes and heals gums caused from daily chewing and brushing, both of which are abrasive.
The toothpaste has a refreshing mint flavor. And although it has whitening agents, the company promises that they do not interfere with the remineralization of weakened enamel.
The tube contains 3.5 oz of toothpaste and ships with their seal of quality from over 40 years of experience in the dental field.
Why I like This Toothpaste
First off, the packaging with this product inspires the quality I found within the formula. It’s creative and new and that’s exactly what you need from a product with just over a decade in the industry.
Their key ingredients do a lot of the work here. I found that the aloe vera in particular helped in soothing my mouth after brushing. If you notice bleeding or sore gums after brushing, this is a great option.
Because those of us that suffer from enamel degradation often have sensitive teeth, I found the Linhart toothpaste to be a great product. The combination of theobromine and fluoride instilled confidence in me. I knew that the Linhart formula was strengthening my enamel as I brushed. And the whitening agents reduced the yellowing of my teeth from coffee stains.
I recommend this brand for those that desire professional level whitening and enamel care. Anyone with sensitive teeth would be wise to consider this brand, too.
What I Don’t Like
Not an ADA approved toothpaste. But according to Linhart, they argue the ADA isn’t worth applying to. So, depending on who you believe, the ADA seal may or may not matter.
Colgate Enamel Health Whitening Toothpaste
Who hasn’t heard of Colgate? Apparently, no one. According to Colgate’s Wikipedia page, it’s the only brand in the world that’s purchased by more than half all households. That’s more than Coca-Cola. They were the first brand of toothpaste sold in plastic tubes, a trend started in New York, 1896.
They designed this version of their formula specifically for enamel protection and strengthening, with a secondary additive for whitening.
Using fluoride and other ingredients, this toothpaste replenishes calcium that’s been lost to acid wear and sugars from daily food consumption. Fluoride also makes this toothpaste anti-cavity and enables whitening.
And the included micro-polishers lift and remove germs while also polishing the enamel you have left. This also makes it harder for plague and germs to stick and build up on your teeth.
This is a minty fresh formula and ships in a three pack for a total of 16.5 ounces of toothpaste, which is over a year and a half’s supply.
Why I like This Toothpaste
I think this is the perfect option for those that need gentle whitening and potent enamel protection. As a Colgate toothpaste, you get the added assurance of the ADA seal of approval, too.
The minty flavor is mild, but it lasts well into the afternoon. I also noticed the paste feels grainier than some of my other picks. This may be because of the added polishers and foaming agents.
Many users claim Colgate’s Enamel Health toothpaste strengthened their enamel well enough to reduce the transparency of their most affected teeth.
Although the toothpaste doesn’t claim to be formulated for sensitive teeth, it seems to reduce mild sensitivity problems.
Overall, I like this toothpaste. It’s perfect for strong enamel restoration and whitening.
What I Don’t Like
Some may dislike the gooey, slightly grainy texture of this toothpaste. It doesn’t drip off your toothbrush, but you may notice that it’s less dense than other brands. However, this doesn’t affect your cavity protection or enamel restoration.
Premier Enamelon Toothpaste Mint Breeze
Premier is a family-owned business going back four generations, to 1913. They’re a renown brand in the dental industry and are recommended by dental professionals in 75 countries.
Their Enamelon toothpaste is low abrasive and contains stannous fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent plaque buildup which most often leads to cavities.
This formula contains no SLS, gluten, or dyes. So, it’s perfect for consumers that regard these agents as less than ideal for their oral health.
Enamelon equally promotes remineralization of teeth and inhibits the demineralization that occurs from excessive acids and sugars.
The formula contains ingredients that prevent gingivitis and actively reduce any bad breath and gum disease that already exists.
The company also claims that Enamelon soothes discomfort from abrasion and rough brushing techniques. And daily brushing with the product builds up a barrier often lacking in sensitive teeth to things like heat and cold.
Why I like This Toothpaste
Enamelon is a great alternative to the big brands, like Crest and Colgate. They really care about their customers, and it shows in their toothpaste.
This is a mild tasting and fast acting enamel toothpaste. I like that it has low abrasion properties. That’s a big deal for people trying to re-mineralize their enamel. High abrasion toothpastes can do more harm than good.
The stannous fluoride is a crucial ingredient. You don’t really have an enamel toothpaste without some kind of fluoride or fluoride-like ingredient.
I also like that it contains no SLS and gluten. Many toothpaste products use gluten and dyes to cover up the fact that the toothpaste is naturally a strange color, like mildew green.
Overall, I’d recommend this toothpaste for consumers that need a grit-free toothpaste that focuses primarily on enamel remineralization.
What I Don’t Like
Because the company is rather unknown in some parts of the world, opting for a brand with packaging that’s not the most eye-catching can put some consumers off. Just know that what is inside the tube matters, and this stuff works well.
Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Fluoride Whitening Toothpaste
Hello Oral Care strives to be the toothpaste company you can count on like a good neighbor. They’re transparent and promote cruelty-free products that contain no unwanted chemicals. In 2017 they were listed as one of the top toothpaste companies to watch.
This activated charcoal toothpaste whitens without the use of peroxide. It contains mostly all-natural ingredients and aims to be as sustainable as possible.
The activated charcoal is made from bamboo and gives the toothpaste its black color. But scrubbing your teeth with their black paste, you’ll notice a pronounced difference in your smile‘s luster.
Charcoal has many added benefits over traditional toothpastes. It naturally cleans and protects enamel without being too abrasive and its whitening methods are much better for the environment.
As a detoxifying toothpaste, your mouth will feel fresh and clean without the use of paraben or sulfates. The added coconut oil revitalizes your oral biome and keep your breath fresh throughout the day.
Last, Hello’s toothpaste ships in a 4-ounce tube and has a fresh mint flavor.
Why I like This Toothpaste
If you’re a vegan or into natural health products, Hello Oral Care is a great company to stand behind. They’re unique in the toothpaste industry for their environmental awareness, transparency, and standards.
While charcoal doesn’t remineralize enamel the same way that fluoride does, there have been anecdotal reports by dental professionals stating that charcoal can help weakened enamel.
I’ll admit that using a black toothpaste confounds the senses at first. But you get used to it. The whitening results are impressive. Just make sure to rinse your sink thoroughly as the charcoal can stain a white basin.
The paste is more viscous than regular brands because it lacks the chemical fillers that thicken the paste. But I think it’s great for consumers that require mild enamel restoration and want to use an all-natural product.
What I Don’t Like
Some customers won’t like how thin this toothpaste is. It doesn’t fall off your toothbrush, but it can drip if you aren’t paying attention. Use just a pea-sized amount, and always clean your wash bowl after brushing!
Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste
Regenerate is an offshoot of Unilever, the British-Dutch transnational consumer goods company that manufactures products like Dove, Knorr, and Lipton.
This is one of their new brands and was founded after the invention of an exciting formula, discovered by British dental professionals less than five years ago.
They call it NR-5 technology. It’s clinically patented and claims to restore or regenerate enamel by using the same minerals found in the enamel.
NR-5 contains calcium silicate and sodium phosphate. During brushing these minerals bond with your teeth and restore lost enamel.
More than just re-mineralize, the Regenerate toothpaste can help prevent enamel erosion caused by excessive acids and sugars that are found in soft drinks and sweet foods.
The toothpaste comes in a light mint flavor. It has a low abrasion rating, and it’s formulated to be gentle on gums. Aside from its focus on enamel, the toothpaste also protects against tooth decay and gingivitis.
Why I like This Toothpaste
This toothpaste is relatively new to the dental world and there isn’t much real science to back up their claims. But the initial reports are very impressive.
I think this is a fantastic option for those with more serious cases of enamel erosion. It’s also perfect for anyone that wants to jump start their enamel protection. Their NR5 technology seems to work best with the beginning stages of enamel wear.
Brushing with this toothpaste twice a day isn’t different from any other product. It tastes great and isn’t overly gritty. If you want extra protection, Regenerate also sells a serum you apply to your teeth after brushing and soaks into your enamel.
Based on the potential of this brand, I think the price is worth trying it. You’ll be spending more than your average toothpaste but the benefits for some users seem to be worth it.
What I Don’t Like
Aside from the price there’s really no reason not to try this toothpaste for enamel remineralization. It tastes good and it’s easy to use. The 3.7-ounce tube is roughly average for a toothpaste, too.
Now Xyliwhite Refreshmint Flavor
Now Foods is an Illinois-based health food company that’s family run by the Richard family. They began in the 1960s when the health food craze was in its infancy. Today, they’re an institution in the natural foods industry, providing inexpensive alternatives to the big supermarkets.
And their Xyliwhite toothpaste stands as a testament to that family history. This 4-pack is not only great for enamel but one of the cheaper options on the list.
Now Foods formulated this toothpaste with the purest ingredients, free of chemicals known to cause irritation like SLS. Many of the ingredients, in fact, are vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Although free of many of the agents found in traditional toothpastes, Xyliwhite foams just as good, if not better. So, switching from the big-name brands doesn’t mean your brushing experience has to change.
Another great benefit of using Now’s Refreshmint toothpaste is that it’s fluoride free. Instead, they use xylitol, a natural sweetener. It’s known in the health industry as a safe alternative and avoids the harmful side effects of fluoride.
Why I like This Toothpaste
No health food brand has as good a reputation as Now Foods. I included their toothpaste because of its strong customer following and healthful ingredients.
The one thing I must mention with this toothpaste is that it doesn’t contain fluoride or any remineralization ingredients. But it has xylitol. And many dentists have been writing positive things about its ability to act like fluoride.
So, even without the strong chemicals found in some of my other picks, this toothpaste can help to restore your enamel. If you require more than mild to average enamel repair, I’d recommend trying another brand.
But for those of you that have noticed the thinning of your enamel in places and want to try a great alternative product, you can’t go wrong with Now’s Xyliwhite. It whitens teeth and tastes great, too.
What I Don’t Like
No fluoride or remineralization ingredients other than xylitol. It should work well for most consumers, but if you’ve been told to purchase a strong enamel restoration toothpaste then consider other options.
TheraBreath Whitening & Fresh Breath Charcoal Toothpaste
TheraBreath was founded by the nation’s leading halitosis expert, Dr. Harold Katz. He believed that modern toothpastes lacked the ingredients required to combat bad breath. And he was right. Today, TheraBreath is often listed as one of the top 5 oral care companies in the country.
This whitening charcoal formula is their newest addition to a strong lineup of toothpastes. It uses Dr. Katz’s patented Oxy-8 technology found in all their toothpastes plus the added benefit of charcoal and aloe vera.
Oxy-8 is an oxygenating compound clinically proven to give you fresh breath for 24 hours.
The activated charcoal reaches between teeth and naturally lifts and removes plaque away from the gumline. All the whitening power in this toothpaste also comes from the natural charcoal. No harmful bleaches and whitening compounds here.
This is a detergent and foaming agent-free formula. That means its gentle and won’t irritate sensitive mouths or people with sensitive skin.
Why I like This Toothpaste
There’s a lot to like in this new formula by TheraBreath. As a natural product, you get great oral cleaning and protection without the use of chemical whiteners.
The downside to this is you also have no fluoride or re-mineralizers. Like other charcoal toothpastes, there’s evidence they can restore enamel. But the data isn’t comparable to the stuff found in products with fluoride.
I think this TheraBreath toothpaste works well. It has a slightly off-brown color which is unusual. But that could be the added aloe era, I’m not sure.
It tastes great and in combination with a good oral hygiene it could help you restore enamel.
I recommend this toothpaste for natural product aficionados. Plus, I think those with mild enamel restoration needs that want a whitening toothpaste that uses charcoal as its main ingredient will like it.
What I Don’t Like
Although a great toothpaste for bad breath, it’s not ideal for true enamel restoration. Those with above average enamel remineralization needs should look elsewhere. But if you need basic enamel care and whitening this is a healthy option.
6 Points to Remember When Choosing an Enamel Strengthening Toothpaste
Choosing a toothpaste may seem like an easy process, but you can quickly feel overwhelmed by the choices on offer. To help you decide, I’ve listed my top 6 tips for picking the perfect enamel restoring toothpaste. Read it over and keep the salient ideas in mind as you make your final decision.
-
Taste
Regardless of what your toothpaste brand claims it can do, the one thing you’ll notice more than anything else is the taste. Because we have unique experiences and taste buds your perfect tasting toothpaste is yours alone.
Just because a toothpaste says it’s mint doesn’t mean its the same mint as other brands. There’s a spectrum of mint flavors that ranges from spicy to mild.
I do my best to explain how each of the toothpaste’s tastes. Using my experience as a reference, try to pick a product that fits your own preferences.
-
American Dental Association (ADA) Seal
Anytime you plan to use products that contain strong chemicals like fluoride, it’s best to choose ones that have the ADA seal of approval. The ADA does their own research and testing on the products they approve.
With an ADA seal, you know that the product meets their strict requirements that are set by a panel of dentists and dental professionals. But joining the ADA list of approved toothpastes is voluntary. So, some of the products on my list don’t have the ADA seal.
-
Ingredients
I know that reading a toothpaste ingredient list reminds one of translating the dead sea scrolls, but there’s some things to look out for in all that jargon.
You want to avoid a long list of ingredients in your toothpaste. Pay attention to things like food coloring, sweeteners, and propylene glycol.
Also, make sure your toothpaste has fluoride. While many believe fluoride to be harmful, the opposite is true. It’s important in the remineralization process and recommended by doctors.
-
Secondary Effects
Other than enamel restoration, what do you want from your toothpaste? Because most of the products listed above do more than just re-mineralize teeth. Your secondary effects include whitening, cavity control, and sensitivity reduction.
I recommend purchasing a toothpaste that focuses on two effects. That way, you know the formula has a potent remineralization ingredient that isn’t diluted by other ingredients. Like the saying goes, jack of all trades, master of none!
-
Brand
Certain brands are known in the toothpaste industry for certain things. For example, Sensodyne is world renown for its sensitivity formula.
When choosing a toothpaste, research and choose a brand that doesn’t just suit your needs. You want to buy from a brand you trust and agree with its founding principles.
I’ve included a wide variety of brands in my list and made sure to let you know the brief history of the brand to help you decide.
-
Consult Your Dentist
If you’re worried about purchasing a toothpaste with whiteners or think your enamel is in rough shape, then see a dentist prior to buying.
Most likely your trip to the dentist will alleviate your worried mind. Rarely does one’s inner turmoil reflect reality. But on the off chance you suffer from enamel degradation, your dentist can offer you options that you may not be able to purchase over the counter.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, my list of the best enamel repair toothpastes helped you find the right product. Although they all differ, I made sure to only pick the toothpastes that contained the crucial ingredients to re-mineralize and strengthen your enamel.
But toothpaste will only go so far. Your best defense against enamel erosion is a proper oral health routine. You must floss and brush twice a day. Healthy gums mean strong teeth.
Also, give the toothpaste time to work. Don’t lose hope after a week. Some products listed above take upwards of three weeks to notice the effects!
Related Articles: