MI Paste has a shelf life of 2 years from date of manufacture. Each tube is marked with an expiration date.

Based on the known average Ca and PO₄ concentrations in saliva and plaque fluid, the critical pH for tooth enamel is reported to be between 5.2 and 5.5.

The purpose of the phosphoric acid is to buffer the CPP-ACP. MI Paste is an exceptionally good buffer of acid yet we still need the formulation to be relatively neutral. The final pH of MI Paste is around 7.8 (slightly alkaline), without the phosphoric acid it would be higher (more alkaline) which is helpful for buffering an acidic mouth.

Phosphoric acid is used to adjust the pH of MI Paste to get it close to neutral instead of alkaline (basic).

The percentage composition of phosphoric acid is < 00.3% (ie less than .3 of one percent) so it is very small. You can imagine it is more added as a formulation "tweak" to ensure the optimum performance.

All the ingredients in MI Paste and MI Paste Plus are listed on the product's box and tube.

MI Paste: pure water, glycerol, CPP-ACP, D-sorbitol, CMC-Na, propylene glycol, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, xylitol, phosphoric acid, flavoring, zinc oxide, sodium saccharin, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, magnesium oxide, guar gum, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, butyl p-hydroxybenzoate (available in 5 flavors: melon, mint, strawberry, tutti-frutti and vanilla).

MI Paste Plus: pure water, glycerol, CPP-ACP, d-sorbitol, CMC-Na, propylene glycol, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, xylitol, phosphoric acid, sodium fluoride, flavoring, sodium saccharin, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, butyl p-hydroxybenzoate (available in 5 flavors: melon, mint, strawberry, tutti-frutti and vanilla).

Para-hydroxybenzoate is often called a paraben and is widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, such as shampoos, lotions, toothpastes and etc. It is also used as food additives. Parabens are considered to be safe, but can cause skin irritation or dermatitis on some individuals with paraben allergies.

Hydroxybenzoate is an antioxidant used in food preservation; the butylated product is the standard form of usage. It is also used as a preservative in pharmaceutical preparations. Para-hydroxybenzoate is often called a paraben and is widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, such as shampoos, lotions, toothpastes and etc. It is also used as food additives. Hydroxybenzoate is often called a paraben. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3 Ed. © 2007 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

MI Paste and MI Paste Plus are available with a prescription through:

Since MI Paste Plus contains a level of fluoride similar to that of adult strength toothpastes, there are issues when the material is ingested either accidentally or deliberately in children because of their low birth weight. Ingestion of a pea-size amount (0.5mL) of MI Paste Plus will contribute 0.45mg of fluoride ion to the daily fluoride intake. In young children (up to six years of age), use of MI Paste Plus is contra indicated because it may increase the risk of dental fluorosis. Children aged six years and above can use both standard (adult strength) toothpaste (1000ppm) and MI Paste Plus without an increased risk of dental fluorosis.

• MI Paste Plus contains 0.2% (900ppm) fluoride; it is not recommended for children under the age of 6
• It is not recommended for overnight application in children under the age of 12
• Do not use on patients with a milk protein allergy (caesin IgE) and/or sensitivity to benzoate preservatives

It is suggested to wait 2-3 hours after rinsing with antimicrobial rinses, such as Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX) or Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) before applying MI Paste. Chlorhexidine Gluconate adheres to the tooth surface just as MI Paste.