Frequently Asked Questions

Here a few common questions concerning MI Paste. Be sure to print this page out and take it with you the next time you visit your dentist to help determine if MI Paste is right for you.

When did MI Paste come into use?
GC America’s parent company, GC Dental, first introduced MI Paste in late 2002 in Australia. It quickly became a favorite with dental professionals around the world because it’s a safe, effective way to treat a variety of oral health conditions.

What are some of the conditions MI Paste can treat?
MI Paste is ideal for treating such conditions as:
• Reversing tooth sensitivity and restoring enamel gloss after whitening procedures
• Relieving dry mouth caused by certain medications
• Reducing high oral acid levels from excessive soft drinks
• Reversing tooth sensitivity before and after professional cleaning
• Reducing high oral acid levels – sometimes a consequence of pregnancy
• Buffering acids produced by bacteria and plaque
• Regular conditioning during orthodontia treatment, during and after bands and brackets have been removed, to prevent and reverse white spot lesions
• Providing a topical coating for patients suffering from erosion, caries and conditions arising from Xerostomia

How fast does MI Paste work?
The speed of MI Paste’s effectiveness depends on each individual’s situation and specific clinical usage. For example, in a simple after-whitening procedure relief should be possible within two minutes after application, while a five-minute application would suffice when used before or after ultrasonic prophylaxis or root planing. Reversing white spots will take 2-3 months of twice-daily, at-home applications.

Why is saliva so important to good oral health?
Saliva is the body’s natural oral defense system. It protects teeth and soft tissues, flushes bacteria and food away from the teeth, and reduces enamel abrasion. Its buffering ability helps neutralize acids to restore normal pH levels, and it replenishes the calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions that remineralize the enamel. With a lack of saliva or too many acid-producing bacteria, a mineral imbalance can occur that leads to increased caries risk.

What is Minimum Intervention dentistry?
Simple yet effective, Minimum Intervention (MI) dentistry is the modern medical approach to the management of caries. It treats the symptoms of a disease rather than the cause so that surgical restoration may be the last course of treatment rather than the first. MI dentistry features three guiding principles:
• Identify and assess any potential caries risk factors early
• Prevent caries by minimizing or eliminating those risk factors
• Restore the tooth and protect against further damage through the use of bioactive materials

Does MI Paste play a part in Minimum Intervention dentistry?
MI Paste fits in perfectly with today’s Minimum Intervention approach. It restores the minerals that strengthen tooth enamel, reduces sensitivity and buffers plaque acid to create a healthy oral environment.

Can MI Paste be used as a toothpaste substitute?
MI Paste should be used in addition to regular brushing with toothpaste. MI Paste does not contain cleaning agents or fluoride, so it should not be considered a toothpaste replacement.

Is MI Paste safe for people with lactose intolerance and milk allergies?
MI Paste’s active ingredient, RECALDENT (CPP-ACP), is a milk-derived protein and should not be used by anyone with milk protein allergies. However, it is safe to use by those who are lactose-intolerant. All other ingredients in MI Paste are safe to use.

How many times a day should MI Paste be applied?
MI Paste should be applied twice daily after brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. If possible, leave any residual MI Paste in the mouth overnight to provide additional protection.

What time of day is best for applying MI Paste?
MI Paste with RECALDENT (CPP-ACP) works by binding to teeth, plaque and oral soft tissue, which then raises the salivary levels of calcium and phosphate. This means it works best at night when applied before bedtime since the salivary clearance rate is low while sleeping. For those undergoing more intensive treatment, an application in the morning and one at night is sufficient.

How does MI Paste taste?
Terrific! And, it comes in five delicious flavors: Mint, Strawberry, Melon, Tutti Frutti and Vanilla.