Top Frequently Asked Questions - click on/off to reveal answer

What is the shelf life of MI Paste?

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

What is the active ingredient in MI Paste?

The active ingredient in MI Paste, RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is milk derived. RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is a complex of casein phosphopeptides (CPP) and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). Calcium phosphate is highly insoluble, however the peptides are able to maintain the calcium and phosphate in an ionic form, preventing the formation of insoluble calcium phosphate and therefore enabling calcium and phosphate ions to enter the tooth matrix and remineralize areas of hypomineralized enamel. Furthermore, the peptides bind to the surface of the tooth, and to the bacteria surrounding the tooth, presenting a reservoir of ionic calcium and phosphate at the tooth surface.

What purpose is the phosphoric acid serving? How much is in there and will it have any effect in demineralizing enamel?

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 to be able to get the most effective levels of remineralization. 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 but not as effective for the remineralization process.

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 (phosphoric acid is a recognized food additive and antioxidant) balancing between buffering and remineralization benefits. There is absolutely zero chance/potential for demineralization.

An orthodontic patient wants whitening however, the patient has decalcification on the anterior teeth, is it best to bleach first or use MI Paste initially?

An orthodontic patient wants whitening however, the patient has decalcification on the anterior teeth, is it best to bleach first or use MI Paste initially?

For some white spot lesions it may be necessary to first pre-treat the lesion before application of MI Paste. This pre-treatment may involve bleaching, acid etching or microabrasion. Recent research at the Dental School at the University of Melbourne has demonstrated that pre-bleaching is an effective pre-treatment for MI Paste application.

What are the ingredients in MI Paste?

All the ingredients in MI Paste, MI Paste Plus and GC Dry Mouth Gel are listed on the 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 mint, vanilla, strawberry, melon, tutti-frutti)

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 mint, vanilla, strawberry, melon, tutti-frutti)

What is a hydroxybenzoate allergy?
What sort of products contain hydroxybenzoate?
How would someone know if they are allergic to hydroxybenzoate?
Is hydroxybenzoate in food, sunscreen?
Is hydroxybenzoate a preservative?

Para-hydroxybenzoate is often called as Paraben and is widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, such as shampoos, lotions, toothpaste etc. They are 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: an antioxidant used in food preservation; the butylated product is the standard form of usage. Also used as a preservative in pharmaceutical preparations. Called also parabens. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3 ed. © 2007 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved /dd>

Why not use MI Paste/MI Paste Plus as a dentifrice?

The reason why you wouldn't want to use it as a dentifrice is because it is "sticky" which gives it the substantivity. Having the milk protein in it, with most toothbrushes, more of it will stick to the bristles of the brush than when you use the tray or finger technique.

The patient would be wasting too much product in the bristles of the toothbrush and not on the tooth surfaces. We want the patient to get the most use out of her tube of MI Paste. Also, most people rinse after brushing and again this would defeat the benefit of MI Paste.

I am not a dentist, my dentist prescribed MI Paste; can I buy it through my local pharmacy?

Yes, you now can purchase MI Paste through your local pharmacy as long as you have a prescription from you dentist and the prescription sheet from GC America.

Is MI Paste Plus safe To use in children?

Because 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.

CAUTION

MI Paste Plus contains 0.2% (900ppm) fluoride. It is not recommend for children under six.

It is not recommended for overnight application in children under 12.

Do not use on patients with a milk protein allergy (caesin IgE) and/or sensitivity to benzoate preservatives

Is it better to use MI Paste Plus or MI Paste in addition to fluoride varnish or 5000 ppm toothpaste for remineralization?

If I’m trying to remineralize a lesion in an esthetic area, I prefer MI Paste Plus. Adding too much fluoride to the process doesn’t result in faster or harder remineralization. When it comes to remineralization, less fluoride is better. A little fluoride acts as a sort of catalyst for remineralization, but too much causes the calcium and phosphate ions to precipitate prematurely.

What is the protocol with Chlorhexidine Gluconate and MI Paste?

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

What goes first? How long should a patient wait between applying Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX) and MI Paste and will they affect each others efficiency?

Both CHX and MI Paste adhere to the tooth surfaces, not sure if they effect each other. It is best to wait 2-3 hours after rinsing and applying MI Paste. As to which goes first the order is not the important factor just that there is sufficient time between applications.