Comparison of NovaMin® and other Calcium Phosphate Technologies
NovaMin releases high levels of Ca2+ and P5+ into the oral environment, along with Na+ that increases oral pH, creating the ideal conditions for rapid tooth remineralization.
The silica containing Ca, PO and Na bind to the tooth surface.
The Na buffers the pH above 7 (the pH is needed to be above 7 to allow for the precipitation of crystals onto the tooth surface)
The NovaMin will release rapid and continuous deposition of a natural, crystalline hydroxyl-carbonate apatite (HCA) layer that is chemically and structurally the same as tooth mineral. No other man-made materials is known to directly lead to the formation of these crystals in the body. NovaMin has also been shown to have significant anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Clinically Proven Benefits
- Significant reduction of tooth sensitivity.
- Remineralization of acid erosion and abrasion.
- Inhibiting the development of dental caries.
- Significant reduction of gingivitis.
- Consumer noticeable whitening.
NovaMin has no fluoride and it really heals teeth by regrowing them with actual tooth material. I purchased mine from Oravive.
It does have some stuff in it that I question. One is sodium lauryl sulfate, but they are working on a formula without that.
The ingredients of Oravive intensive mineral therapy dentifrice are: Glycerin (usually bad in toothpaste, but might be good in this case), PEG-8 distearate, Silica, Calcium sodium phosphosilicate (NovaMin), Sodium Lauryl sulfate, Titanium dioxide, Aroma, Carbomer (aka carbamide peroxide a bleaching agent), and Potassium acesulfame sweetener.
They instructions say to brush, and spit, but don't rinse. Carbamide peroxide has some warnings, however, that were not included with the product. I'll ask them about this when I get time.
Oral: With prolonged use of oral carbamide peroxide, there is a potential for overgrowth of opportunistic organisms; damage to periodontal tissues; delayed wound healing; should not be used for longer than 7 days; not for OTC use in children <2 years of age
Otic: Do not use if ear drainage or discharge, ear pain, irritation, or rash in ear; should not be used for longer than 4 days; not for OTC use in children <12 years of age - umm
Acesulfame Potassium (K) was approved for use by the FDA as a safe artificial sweetener in July, l988. It is a derivative of acetoacetic acid. Unfortunately, several potential problems associated with the use of acesulfame have been raised. They are based largely on animal studies since testing on humans remains limited.
The findings showed the following:
Acesulfame K stimulates insulin secretion in a dose dependent fashion thereby possibly aggravating reactive hypoglycemia ("low blood sugar attacks"). Acesulfame K apparently produced lung tumors, breast tumors, rare types of tumors of other organs (such as the thymus gland), several forms of leukemia and chronic respiratory disease in several rodent studies, even when less than maximum doses were given. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, it was petitioned on August 29, l988 for a stay of approval by the FDA because of "significant doubt" about its safety. - sweetpoison
I can't recommend a product with these ingredients.
Yes, I should have asked to be certain about all the ingredients before purchasing, but we don't always have time to check everything out. The web site for Oravive lead me to believe that NovaMin was the only ingredient in Oravive IMT Tooth Conditioner. The product page I visited describes NovaMin but doesn't mention any other ingredients.
"Oravive IMT Tooth Conditioner uses natural mineral ions - calcium, phosphorus and sodium - to brighten, strengthen and desensitize your teeth. These are the same ions naturally found in saliva as the natural protection system for the mouth. You will see and feel healthy changes in your teeth and gums - and a more beautiful smile."
Only after a call to the company did I figure out that clicking in a certain image on their web site lead to the ingredient list. UPDATE: 10/23/08 The FAQ now includes the ingredients.
I did purchase over $60 in single use packets from Oravive. I don't care if it is sweet or not. It isn't worth the risk of cancer. How about pure NovaMin, can I just buy that? I contacted the company and was informed that they don't sell NovaMin alone, but they do provide it to researchers at no charge if they find the research interesting enough. I'd still like to make my own toothpaste with it.
47 comments:
First, I have to ask why you didn't look the ingredients up first, since they are all disclosed at oravive.com. Live and learn, I guess. :)
Second, you're most likely thinking of a different carbomer. "Carbomer" is also a generic name for synthetic polymers of acrylic acid used as emulsion stabilizers or thickening agents in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. They may be homopolymers of acrylic acid, crosslinked with an allyl ether pentaerythritol, allyl ether of sucrose, or allyl ether of propylene.
It's probably Carbomer 940, which passes straight through the digestive tract without being assimilated in any way.
Third, I notice "apparently" and "possibly" in the Acesulfame quote. Seems like pretty weak verbiage (although maybe those words have a different meaning in research circles, I don't know); I'd also like to see the data on increased risk, what dosages were given, etc...and if are there no more recent studies than those of 20 years or more ago.
Fourth, I would be more concerned with the propylene glycol, which has been linked to kidney damage.
Fifth, (regarding those last two points) I'm not much worried, since cancer and kidney disease is so easy
to cure by natural means(http://www.herbdoc.com)...but Dr Schulze and his students -including me - have yet to find a natural tooth-remineralization protocol, so for now, it'll have to do, followed by some cancer/kidney disease- preventative-and-curative protocols.
Oh, and Sixth, if you're that concerned about ingredients you could also try to find a local dentist who will give you Novamin (especially try holistic ones in your area). It may be expensive, bu tit sounds like it's worth it.
Hello, I have been searching myself to find products that will help remineralize teeth. I have been using sensodyne pronamel and armand hammer age defying toothpaste. I have definitely seen a difference after a weeks use, I must admit I am also using a mineralization power and mouth rinse from uncleharrys.com it was not very expensive from my standards and a little bit goes a long way. I am still looking for other products so I hope you will do an update on this topic. My dentist also says that increasing your calcium intake would not hurt and eating green leafy vegatables is a good idea. I became interested in teeth remineralization because I breastfeed my son who is 23 months old and still nursing and I noticed white spots on his teeth, I looked further and I saw a few pits in his teeth, I was scared so I research homeremedies to rejuvenate teeth and I came across remineralization of teeth and I got all excited because I did not have a very good visit at the doctors office with my 23 month old and I do not want to subject him to the suggested procedures. I have been using the pastes above on my teeth and my sons teeth along with a waterpik to massage his gums and remove residue below the gumline, it take the place of flossing, I was not aware that it is important to floss for a child so young but it works for me and my child and my husband has started the regime as well. I do see a need to do more research on the toothpastes I am currently using. My next purchase is going to be the Dr. Collins Restore Remineralizing toothpaste. I do not care how much it costs as long as it repair the teeth without a procedure at the Dentist. Have you tried anything else? If you have please send me an email Take care
Dr. Collins is made in China just thought you should know. Kim
Are you crazy? You can breast feed your child till 18 years and change milk with beer immedately after that. Or you can go with him on first date for last breast feeding? I think that you want psichic dependance on child to you, and your child always be with you and no other. That's sick! Sorry for your child.
I've been using novamin toothpaste for 2 years and I love it. My teeth have regrouped and have whitened 3x what they used to be. Cancer, fugetaboudit. White(er) teeth, I can smile again.
I have reactive hypoglycemia and I've been looking for answers. I didn't know that acesulfame can aggravate the symptoms. Thanks for this :)
I was doing some research on novamin and came across this page http://www.drugs.com/international/novamin.html. after that I researched amikacin on wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amikacin and It said this "Side effects of amikacin are similar to other aminoglycosides. Kidney damage and hearing loss are the most important effects. Because of this potential, blood levels of the drug and markers of kidney function (creatinine) may be monitored." I don't know If it is of any importance. maybe if it is an important ingredient.
James
The NovaMin you found is a completely different thing altogether -- its a drug marketed for horses (has nothing to do with teeth or this product). The NovaMin (R) in Oravive has a chemical name Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate and its a non-organic mix of calcium, sodium, phosphorus and silica (all of which naturally occur in teeth).
In regards to Potassium Acesulfame its used in soft drinks. That doesn't make it good, of course, but you would have to swallow the entire tube of toothpaste to get even close to what is in one can of diet soda. If you're like most people you spit out 95% of the toothpaste, so ingestion is pretty trivial.
"23 month old"? You mean "toddler". Poor kid is going to grow up disturbed.
Their website says an all natural version (one with "all natural" ingredients) is coming soon. I would encourage folks to sign up to be notified when it is available to show interest in and demand for this all natural version of the product. Click the "Get Info" button to give them your e-mail address to be notified. http://www.oravive.com/products_revitalizing_paste_gel.php
I live in Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
hopeing this can be ordered Direct and
not on line. Also if this makes it to
the stores, please let me know which stores
would be selling this produce.
Good for you for continuing to nurse your child. I saw other comments that are obviously ignorant of the long term health benefits of nursing past two years of age so please ignore them. Human milk is loaded with antibodies and naturally fights bacteria, so your child's teeth could be much worse if you were NOT nursing.
You're being a great mother. I just wanted you to know. The commenters below should do a little research instead of thinking tv sitcom jokes are facts. It's embarrassing.
Dr Collins is now made in the USA.
Novamin is patented an no one can else can manufacture or use it. In fact Novamin has been purchased by GSK and Oravive will be discontinued once they sell out of their remaining stock.
Thanks Colin, Do you think another Novamin product will result?
I just went to the 3M site to look at the list of ingredients on the MSDS product safety disclosure. http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=SSSSSuUn_zu8l00xM8txmxmGPv70k17zHvu9lxtD7SSSSSS--
Doesn't say anything about acesulfame K. Wonder if its still there and not listed, or if it's been removed.
That's completely idiotic.
I bought Oravive with NovaMin in Hong Kong many years ago - bottom line was that it worked, my teeth surface felt smoother and more even after a few brushes. Sadly i can't buy this in Australia, and now Oravive is no longer made.
Hey! I hope people still use this site. I just had some microabrasian on my teeth (that is removing the top layer of the tooth to remove white spots without actually having to go so far as to need dental bonding or fillings)and the results were great but one of my teeth looks a little clear. Does NovaMin rebuild enamel and will make that white again? I keep getting the run around with what remineralization of the tooth is and I only want to know if the clear part of the tooth like mostly everyone has at the bottom of their teeth will regain color with the use of NovaMin? Thanks so much, I hope to hear from you soon!
Effective April 30, 2010, Oravive (www.oravive.com) has permanently closed its website!!! End of discussion. What's that about???
Please do not take extra calcium. It does not do ANYTHING to help your bones or teeth (unless possibly when applied to the teeth topically). What it can do is elevate levels of calcium in the blood and create deposits in tissues and joints that later manifests as arthritic style inflammation. If you want to build your bones, take strontium not calcium. There has never been a study proving calcium builds strong bones. That is dairy industry social engineering at its finest. For confirmation of this information, google David Wolfe.
I am also interested in novaMin. My son has 2 small cavaties on the bottom of his molars. Will or can this remineralize them?
I contacted Burt's Bees and they said their toothpaste has NovaMin. I wonder how much. Is it enough to do something or just for show. I know Cr. Collins has 5%.
It's my understanding that the discontinuation of availability of Oravive is that it is manufactured in China, which has a very questionable record of safety in their production practices, plus China still uses "forced" labor in some factories. However, the Novamin formula is reported to be available in 3M's sensRx, Dr. Collins Restore and all Burt's Bees toothpastes. The question raised above as to the percentage of Novamin in the Burts' Bees toothpaste is worth investigating. While I generally like BBs products and recommend them, I am always concerned when the ingredients listed seem less than transparent as in this case. Perhaps, as has been mentioned, because Novamin is a proprietary product, BBs is using a similar hydroxyapetite product — or perhaps they are indeed using Novamin (since when I did a search within their own web date base "Novamin" turned up all 6 toothpaste products) and question whether their natural products customer base might find a patented product "unnatural" and therefore did not want to list it outright. Either way, there does appear to be decent evidence that Novamin has a positive effect on strengthening and protecting certain portions of the teeth.
My personal experience with Oravive is that it has whitened my teeth, after only about a week's use, in a way that is clearly better than anything else I have ever tried. Furthermore, my teeth end up feeling squeaky clean each and every time I use it. The weird things about Burt's Bees' toothpaste are that: 1. The toothpaste itself is thick, syrupy, sticky and difficult to use; 2. Even the "Whitening" variety doesn't whiten my teeth that well; 3. The ingredients lists for both the "Whitening" and the "Multi-care" toothpastes are identical, a fact that makes absolutely no sense. When I phoned Burt's Bee and asked about the ingredients lists, the representative made light of the issue, claiming that just because the ingredients on the labels are the same, that doesn't mean that the formulas are the same. Sic!
Are the ingredients in a different order? If not then they're lying through their teeth! (pun partially intended)
Lying through their teeth. . . the ingredients on the Burt's Bee's Fluoride Free WHITENING toothpaste and Fluoride Free MULTICARE formula are 100% identical (i.e. same ingredients in the very same order). Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that Burt's Bees was sold to CLOROX in 2003, and Burt got the short end of the deal. (See the ugly story at: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/01/the_back_story.php) I've decided to stick to another brand. Oravive was, in my opinion, the best; now I'm going to try Dr. Collin's.
Blake,
I'm a dental professional, and to my knowledge, you may find it challenging to find a topical product that will increase the opacity of the incisal (biting) edge of your teeth. If the surface is not too thin, you may get results with custommade trays filled with something like MI paste or NovaMin. Still, it wouldtake repeated applications, and possible the introduction of a mild dentist applied acid to creat a receptive surface.
Reading some of the messages above has reminded me of how much misinformation is out there. I noted a lot of fear-based comments, and just plain ignorance diguised as fact. NovaMin is good stuff, I hope it re-appears in some readily available products.
So if Novamin is patented and no one has rights to use it, how come it exists in DR collins toothpaste?
Did any of you who used Novamin and got teeth whitened in a week ever stop to think it is because this Oravive is too abrasive? Novamin is dangerously abrasive and should be taken off the market. And, there is no independent research that proves it prevents cavities, cures gingival inflammation or treats sensitivity. Emphasis is on "independent research". All research out there is by people with a vested financial interest--this stuff should be discontinued by the FDA
I've used Dr Collin's Restore Toothpaste for about 1.5 years. Novamin isn't abrasive as far as I can tell, but the formula that Oravive created with it might.
I will tell you one thing. It did help my sensitivity issues a ton. Not sure on the whitening, I didn't notice any real difference there, as Dr Collin's sells another toothpaste for whitening; I never bought that one.
Unfortunately, since GSK bought Novamin, they are effectively off the market, and most likely, indefinitely.
I hate it when company's buy out a competitors superior products, just to SHELF them for good. Cisco loves doing this too. We probably won't ever see a Novamin product again. I can't believe this is happening too.
I suppose I can't blame the creators for selling out. $135 million bucks now is a lot of money, especially back in 2009. But who knows how many people like me will now suffer for decades because they cashed out?
There should be a law against buying and sitting on useful technology or cures. Imagine what would come out if there was.
Movie idea: There are rumors... A network of underground cities, connected by tunnels. ... inhabitants 50 years ahead of the surface technology, or 100 years ... or 1000. The best stuff... energy, food, toys, weapons, heath care, all improved constantly by the brightest minds. They call us the Surfers-- the surface dwellers--the shallow, superstitious, short term thinkers. We are their cattle. They scan us at airports, collect our DNA... They watch and orchestrate world events. The UFOs, the abductions, it's them.
Dr. Xe, a researcher in 2011, tracking the disappearance of a cure for dental cavities discovers much more: A genetically enhanced human race, highly organized, curious, careful and cunning. Occasionally compassionate?
They are: The Underlords.
Coming soon ...
As posted by Xeno at the top o the page on October 11, 2008:
"NovaMin releases high levels of Ca2+ and P5+ into the oral environment, along with Na+ that increases oral pH, creating the ideal conditions for rapid tooth remineralization. . . The NovaMin will release rapid and continuous deposition of a natural, crystalline hydroxyl-carbonate apatite (HCA) layer that is chemically and structurally the same as tooth mineral. No other man-made materials is known to directly lead to the formation of these crystals in the body."
I was of the opinion that it's the remineralization process described above that is so effective at whitening. Yours is the first mention I hear that Novamin may be abrasive. In contrast to Orvive's ingredients, those in professional whitening gels (i.e., carbamide peroxide, potassium nitrate and fluoride) sound lethal.
My objective isn't a Tom Cruise smile. In today's appearance conscious society, I would simply like my teeth to look more white than yellow. It seems unfair that I walk around looking as if I have a "smoker's smile" when I have never been a smoker.
Perhaps it's a matter of "pick your own poison." In my sustained opinion, Oravive® was the absolute best. I have tried Burt's Bees®, which is supposed to contain Novamin, and it's a complete waste (grade D); I have tried Dr. Collins RESTORE® , which is supposed to contain Novamin, and it's okay, but not great (grade B). Dr. Collins all White Whitening Toothpaste contains Xylitol, Peroxide and Sodium Monofluorophosphate and it comparable to Supersmile and Britesmile Whitening Toothpaste; thus it may not have any bearing on this discussion. Nevertheless, no other brands of toothpaste so far come close to Oravive®. Oravive® is/was in a class of it's own -- way ahead of the rest.
Thanks for the tips! I still have some oravive around. I've used 3% peroxide for whitening teeth. Also kills bacteria. Just put it on your toothbrush and brush with it. It is a weak acid that will remove stains. Don't drink it and stop if it makes your mouth sore. Cheap and not so dangerous, since our bodies make it in small amounts. Read the label, and don't use if it is more than 3% or says not for internal use.
I was searching for oravive to purchase and found this site. I did not know they stopped production. I have used it for years. I had read about Novamin being developed as a product for bone repair. That article mentioned because it is faster to get approval for toothpaste, Novamin was going to be marketed in toothpaste, and I located Oravive.
1. Oravive rapidly changed the biting edges of my teeth from translucent to opaque. I used to be able to see the shadow of a finger placed behind my front teeth, along the lower edge
2, Oravive quickly eliminated tooth sensitivity, to hot, cold and even touch
3. I had tea and coffee stains on my rather yellowed teeth.
Oravive returned my teeth to white by apparently overlaying these stains, not by bleaching. They look excellent, and they look like young teeth
I am very disappointed Oravive has stopped production. They never mass marketed the product, which would have been a sensation as a desensitizer. Instead they tried to make it a specialty item to be sold by dentists. Now I am afraid I will not find a satisfactory replacement. Burt's Bees product has botanicals, which I avoid. I just want novamin, some flavorings, and whatever fillers required to make it into a paste. Unfortunately a tube lasted a long long time and perhaps that was the problem.
Oravive also used to be made in China, but switched to the USA. That does not mean the ingredients were not made in China. There is no way to verify if Dr Collins produces an American paste from Chinese compounds
I am at a loss. Glaxo SK is a decent company, but are they going to mass market or make this product a hard-to-get? I assume their primary interest is R&D for bone repair
Thanks for the info on this product. Sigh
I have to agree with Ewem, and I will continue to keep in touch with this web site in case -- by any miraculous turn of events -- Oravive ever resurfaces (perhaps under a different name?). Meanwhile, I have taken Xeno's advice and tried brushing with 3% hydrogen peroxide for whitening teeth. I have to admit that I am experiencing a slight improvement with the H3O2 -- way better than any of the toothpastes (besides Oravive) that I have tried; and I have tried them ALL. The H3O2 even helps make my teeth feel impeccably clean; so that's a plus. Thanks for this simple suggestion, Xeno! I'm surprised I never thought of it before.
Ewem,
Since you had good results with Oravive, do you know what percentage of NovaMin was in it? Was it more than Dr. Collins Restore toothpaste?
Linlee
I have some SEALED Oravive toothpaste that I would be willing to sell if anyone is interested. I just bought too much and will never go through it all. Just leave a comment and I will list it on Ebay.
To Terrybeach:
I would like to buy Oravive. Please let me know when you can list it on Ebay. Thanks.
i am interested in buying your oravive thpaste
I would like to buy your Oravive to try. Please let me know when you can list it on ebay. Thanks.
Forgot to give my e-mail, sorry iliketwins@gmail.com
Just tried some more of my stored supply of the no longer produced Oravive. It definitely makes my teeth feel good and smooth after just one use. I think I can stretch mine out for a decade or so. I use it only when I have tooth sensitivity, which is rarely. When I use it, I am also using the Probiora formula mints (probiotic mints with good bacteria that fight off the cavity causing bacteria s. mutans.) I've spent about $60 on these mints, but this is less than I would spent on my copay for a dental visit and this way I don't have to spend the time and money or get the shots and the drill. Get some pro-biotic mints before they suffer the same fate as Oravive with Novamin.
Wow... That GSK bought NovaMin really sucks. This probably means they will purposely prevent NovaMin products from being produced (at least outside denstist offices). This way, Sensodyne still controls the anti-sensitivity toothpaste market. As most here know, Sensodyne is not very effective, and GSK knows it.
The one thing that gives me hope is the fact that Colgate Sensitive (the Exact same product as Sensodyne but cheaper and tastes better) is a really viable competitor to Sensodyne. If Colgate can pull consumers away from Sensodyne, GSK may pull out NovaMin products to lure them back. Even then, it will take awhile for them to develop a new product.
Novamin is back, under the Sensodyne brand. Let's hope this Sensodyne doesn't also continue to contain the lovely ingredient that kills nerve endings, potassium nitrate.
http://blogohj.oralhealthjournal.com/2011/03/gsk-announces-new-novamin-containing-dental-formulation-for-sensitive-teeth.html
Also, given all the carcinogenic fragrances and other substances in soap, I doubt it's a good thing to be putting your mouth.
See the Environmental Working Group's cosmetic safety database (which actually contains a wide range of personal care products).
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/product/172975/Ivory_Bar_Soap%2C_Simply_Ivory/
Dr. Judd's protocol also includes taking about 1/5 teaspoon (1 gram) monosodium phosphate daily, dissolved in a glass of water. This, he says helps "reenamelize" the teeth and bones, which leach slightly with water over decades and lead to holey teeth and holey bones. Others, however, like Dr. Andrew Weil, point out that phosphorus is highly reactive and is never found in its free form it nature. Weil recommends getting phosphorus from diet alone as excessive intake of phosphorus (or phosphate supplements) may worsen conditions like heart disease, pancreatitis, rickets, osteomalacia (softening of bones), high blood pressure, and liver and kidney disease. Moreover, excessive phosphate intake can result in hyperphosphatemia (high blood phosphorus levels) which can lead to potentially serious electrolyte imbalances and even death. Yikes!
Dr. Judd's recommendation for unilaterial phosphate supplementation may thus be a bit too cavalier. I'm still brushing with bar soap -- that seems harmless enough -- but I'm steering clear of monosodium phosphate supplementation. It's a great idea in relation to only the teeth or bones alone, perhaps, but it doesn't seem healthful in terms of the entire system.
this has been shown to be false... glycerin does no such thing
actually, glycerin has antimicrobial properties and kills bacteria and is good for your teeth
Wow! Thanks for the great news, Former Oravive User! Novamin in Sensodyne toothpaste sounds like a winner to me. I'm going to be on the lookout. Can't wait!
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