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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Remineralization? Remineralization is the process of replacing the essential minerals lost from teeth by demineralization. Like bones, tooth enamel is constructed from crystals of calcium phosphate. Demineralization occurs when the bacteria that are normally found in the mouth use the sugars and carbohydrates from the food we eat to produce acids that dissolve the tooth structure, depleting it of calcium and phosphate. Remineralization occurs when the level of calcium and phosphate is increased in the tooth structure, promoting strong, healthy teeth. The demineralization and remineralization process is continuous and can be influenced by diet, saliva and oral hygiene. What is RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP)? RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is an ingredient derived from casein, part of the protein found in cow's milk. It promotes the remineralization of tooth enamel. How does RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) work? RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) maintains essential minerals (calcium and phosphate) in a soluble form that is able to penetrate the enamel of the tooth. It also binds to the surface of the tooth, and to the bacteria surrounding the tooth, presenting this soluble calcium phosphate at high concentration and promoting remineralization of the enamel subsurface. What products contain RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP)? At this time, RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) has been launched in sugar-free chewing gum by the Adams division of Cadbury Schweppes (Trident White in the USA, Trident Xtracare in Mexico, Trident Recaldent in Thailand and in Recaldent and Recaldent Kids in Japan) and in a product available from dentists (known as GC Tooth Mousse in most parts of the world, and as MI Paste in the Americas and Japan) by the Japanese multinational dental products manufacturer GC Corporation. Will RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) be available in other products like toothpaste and mouthwash? Work is currently underway to develop a range of products containing RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP), including toothpaste and mouthwash. It is hoped that such products will be launched in the near future. Where are products containing RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) available?
Sugarfree chewing gum containing RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is available in the following places:
RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is milk derived. What if I'm lactose intolerant? RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is milk derived, and therefore not recommended for people with milk allergies. RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is digestible by people with lactose intolerance. Does RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) replace fluoride? Is RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) better than fluoride? Can RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) be used with fluoride? Fluoride, which is commonly found in toothpaste, works to strengthen tooth enamel and protect it from the acid produced by plaque bacteria in the mouth. It does this by combining with the calcium and phosphate in saliva and remineralizing the tooth enamel, but with a form of calcium phosphate crystal that is more resistant to the plaque acid. Therefore, a supply of calcium and phosphate is essential for fluoride to work effectively. Studies have shown that RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) will actually improve the effect of fluoride. This isn't really surprising, since RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) provides an excellent source of soluble calcium and phosphate, and fluoride requires calcium and phosphate to work. So, rather than being better than fluoride, or replacing fluoride, RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) and fluoride work together to rebuild and strengthen tooth enamel. What is Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) and how can RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) help to manage it? Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. This means there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Causes of Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) include:
Because there is less saliva to cleanse the teeth and gums, you not only suffer the discomfort of a dry mouth, you are also at greater risk of cavities and gum disease. One way to manage dry mouth is to chew sugarless gum or suck sugarless mints with RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) as they can stimulate saliva flow. RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) also provides calcium and phosphate in a form that has been proven to remineralize, or repair, tooth enamel. |
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