Toothpaste

A naturally white apatite mineral called hydroxyapatite (hydroxylapatite) forms a nanoscale hexagonal prismatic crystalline structure in the body out of calcium and phosphate ions that makes up about 97% of tooth enamel, 70% of dentine and the majority of bone. The smallest units are nanoscale crystals called nano-hydroxyapatite, which break down easily, whenever teeth are exposed to abrasion and acidity, whether from foods or bacteria. If not promptly replaced, this can result in permanent demineralisation, leading to tooth decay. A few toothpastes are enriched with hydroxyapatite supplements, though particles found in ordinary hydroxyapatite toothpastes are too large to be effective. However, when at the precise 20-50nm particle size used in MEGASONEX® toothpaste, these enamel rods are a perfect fit for refilling the holes in the crystal structure. As they replace the crystals that were broken or demineralised, they make enamel strong, smooth, white and shiny. As it is difficult to synthesise, it doesn’t come cheap, so is rarely used even in high-end toothpastes, let alone at the concentration or particle size MEGASONEX® toothpaste uses, but we feel it is worth the cost, because without it there is no comparison.

A naturally sweet gummy substance found in apples, pears and peaches, sorbitol is a plant-derived humectant that helps to keep the toothpaste moist and soft. In contrast to humans, cavity causing bacteria find sorbitol completely inedible despite its sugary taste, which is why it is a common ingredient in mouthwashes and sugar-free chewing gum.

A clear syrupy liquid starring as fake tears on Hollywood celebrities’ faces, glycerine is a humectant that gives the toothpaste a smooth gel texture, prevents it from drying out and provides a touch of natural sweetness without nourishing the sugar addicted oral bacteria that cause decay in the mouth.

Water serves as the solvent required to bind the powdery ingredients of the formula together into a squeezable toothpaste. Every drop of water we use has achieved ratings of pharmaceutical grade purity.

Silica is a glassy natural silicate mineral that is one of the principal components of fine white porcelain. As silica is very hard, ordinary silica is often used as an abrasive in toothpastes. However, not all forms of silica are created equal. Unlike ordinary toothpastes which use coarse grit silica, we use fumed silica… infinitesimally small solidified droplets of silica formed during an advanced vaporisation process reaching several thousand degrees. Rather than scratch and abrade, these particles are used to provide body to the toothpaste and allow it to shine the surface of the teeth to a slick gloss.

A natural sweetener that occurs in various fruits, xylitol has a taste similar to sugar, though milder by comparison. Unlike sugar, which feeds harmful oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, research has shown that xylitol can actually starve them to death. Another of the benefits of toothpaste with xylitol is that, upon exposure to saliva, xylitol absorbs heat in an endothermic reaction that leaves your mouth feeling cool and refreshed.

This ionic salt, commonly used as a food additive, helps to prevent calculus (tartar) formation. Calculus is a form of plaque that becomes hard as rock as calcium and magnesium ions crystallise it. By precipitating these ions out of saliva in a double replacement reaction, tetrasodium pyrophosphate helps to keep calculus from ever forming. It has other advantages as well. It also serves as a thickener, emulsifier and pH buffer.

A very gentle natural surfactant derived from coconuts, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is a much milder alternative to controversial soapy foaming agents like SLS, which can trigger an allergy leading to aphthous ulcers (canker sores). Even a tiny amount provides just enough foaminess to improve the cleaning action of the toothpaste and leave the mouth feeling clean and refreshed, without excessive lather.

This naturally shiny mineral has a flaky, pearlescent appearance, and is used to give high-end makeup like lipstick, lip gloss and eyeshadow its shimmery sparkle. When ground to a powder and added to toothpaste, it helps to gently buff the surfaces of the teeth to a fine polish, leaving them looking glossy and feeling smooth.

The whitest naturally occurring mineral known to science, titanium dioxide is best known as an active ingredient in sunblock and a whitening pigment in cosmetics and skim milk. This chalky white substance not only whitens our toothpaste but also lends its dazzling whiteness to your teeth by momentarily adhering to them, making them appear whiter.

This hypoallergenic natural thickener, derived from vegetables and plants, is commonly used to make foods like ice cream rich and as a dietary fibre nutritional supplement. We use it to increase the viscosity and smoothness of the toothpaste. It also serves as a binder that helps to keep the compounds from separating out. Another benefit is that it helps to lower the crystallisation point of the toothpaste, so that it is better able to withstand freezing temperatures during shipping.

The molecule that gives citrus fruits like limes their tart flavour, citric acid is a weak acid with antimicrobial properties. It is also a natural pH buffer which means it helps to ensure that the toothpaste’s pH levels stay neutralised.

In order to deal with the harsh taste of high concentrations of nano-hydroxyapatite in a way other ingredients cannot, we use a minute amount of this sweetener, which is able to counteract the bitter, soapy aspects of hydroxyapatite’s flavour. Saccharin has not only been safely used as a calorie free diet sweetener for more than a century, but has also had a long history of use in the dental industry as, unlike sweeteners like sugar, it does not nourish harmful cariogenic bacteria.

A curated blend of pure botanical essences infuses a mild yet refreshing mint flavour into the toothpaste. It’s carefully balanced to be strong enough to cleanse the palate and leave a cool and fresh minty sensation in the mouth, but never sharp so it doesn’t affect your taste.

Rather than use fluoride which merely hardens remaining enamel by chemically altering it, nano-hydroxyapatite can actually rebuild enamel and restore teeth to their naturally healthy state. While fluoride is safe in quantities occurring in natural foods and trace amounts are sometimes added to drinking water, larger amounts of fluoride are another matter. Due to its toxicity and the potential to lead to chronic conditions like fluorosis, which can cause unsightly permanent stains on teeth and other health problems, fluoridated products are highly regulated by government authorities dealing with poisonous substances and fluoridation is even banned outright in certain countries. By comparison, hydroxyapatite naturally occurs in the mouth and is so safe you can eat it. For these reasons, our products never contain fluoride.

Because it is optimised for the rapid bristle movements of a power toothbrush, there is no need to rely on harsh soapy foaming agents for lather like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which may lead to aphthous stomatitis (canker sores or aphthous ulcers) in some individuals.

Many people instinctively read labels on every box of food they eat, checking the ingredient list carefully to avoid preservatives, yet fail to question whether the toothpastes they use include these exact same ingredients. Thanks to the high-tech films in our long life packaging and careful formulation, we found a way to make toothpaste just as effective and long-lasting without relying on parabens or any other preservatives.

We do not use controversial microparticle and nanoparticle additives like microbeads, colloidal metals or charcoal, nor do we use any form of plastic as ingredients.