Abstract
The purpose of many dental products, including toothpaste, is to promote remineralization on the surface of the tooth. In this study, aqueous calcium nitrate salt and potassium phosphate salt solutions were encapsulated into microcapsules and added to toothpaste. This approach provided the toothpaste with a source of calcium ions and phosphate ions, which became bioavailable upon the brushing and rupturing of the microcapsules in the toothpaste. The analysis of the release of calcium and phosphate ions upon brushing demonstrated that large amounts of both ions were being released. Additionally, fluoride ions continued to be released from the active ingredient (sodium fluoride) in the toothpaste. By demonstrating the release of calcium ions, phosphate ions and fluoride ions to the oral environment, this approach promotes the precipitation of calcium fluoride and calcium phosphate salts that could lead to remineralization. The results from the study show strong support that toothpaste which contains aqueous calcium containing microcapsules and aqueous phosphate containing microcapsules could help reverse the demineralization process and advance the remineralization process on the surface of the tooth.