The new Sensodyne toothpaste contains NovaMin. What is this and how does it work?
DG: NovaMin is elegantly simple: sodium, calcium, phosphorus and silica are the base but the structure is unique and the fact that it actually participates in forming a biomimetic layer of a biological hydroxyapatite is different from any other ingredient that’s used to treat dentine hypersensitivity.
So although the material is elegantly simple, the reactions that it goes through are complex and a result of a specific composition - particle size, the formulation of the dentifrice to carry those particles to the dentine surface. There’s nothing else out there like that.
Why is it so effective?
DG: There are a number of reasons. The first is that that formation of the biological hydroxyapatite is a very natural process. The NovaMin releases calcium and phosphate ions, the sodium’s buffering the pH and the layer that is formed is close to natural enamel crystals.
The second reason is that the process occurs over a period of time – NovaMin is not just a static particle which we are trying to attach to the surface of the dentine. The reaction process of NovaMin allows the particle to attach to the surface and continually release the calcium and the phosphate over a period of hours and days so you have this natural repair. This process is similar to that with natural saliva, which when dentine is not exposed, will generally keep the enamel in good shape because you have a constant source of calcium and phosphate.
The third reason is that the particles chemically bond to the surface so they remain at that surface, and they physically occlude the dentine tubules. This creates a combination mode of action that really keeps this as an immediate and a continuous form of protection against sensitivity.”
What is it that makes NovaMin resistant to oral challenges?
DG: The chemical makeup of NovaMin is very simple. Four elements: sodium, calcium, phosphorous and silica. There are no unusual organic components to it, and if you think of the body as one big chemical engine we’re producing chemical reactions all the time: nerve transmissions, the Krebs cycle that keeps us energetic and moving; NovaMin is just adding the right chemicals in the right environment to work with the body so it’s really adding to what the body does.
How is it different to other products?
DG: NovaMin is the only compound that actually reacts and participates in the formation of a natural biological apatite on the dentine surface. Other technologies will either help to nucleate whatever is present in the saliva to form some mineral
compound or they’re already calcium phosphate type compounds which just physically sit at the surface. While NovaMin initially blocks the tubules, the reactivity which occurs over a long period of time, over days, continues to build a natural biological apatite-like layer and there’s nothing else out there that is like that.
Is the layer that is formed by NovaMin permanent?
DG: The layer that forms will give essentially continuous relief as long as you continue to use the product. If you use the product for a while and then you stop, eventually the layer will wear off. It is ultimately, like natural enamel, subject to acid challenges so people who drink a lot of coffee, a lot of wine, acidic foods, things that are highly acidic eventually would wear out that layer because it is just like a natural biological apatite. However continued use will keep repairing that layer so that
you will have essentially a resolution of the dentine hypersensitivity.