Toothpaste that rebuilds enamel ?

LONDON: British scientists have developed a toothpaste that they claim contains a liquid form of calcium and can help in treating sensitive teeth by rebuilding the tooth enamel.

People with sensitive teeth experience pain and discomfort after consuming hot or cold food, liquid or breathing cold air. This problem often occurs when gums recede and the tooth roots are exposed. They are not covered by hard enamel, the protective outer layer of the tooth.

Arm and Hammer's enamel care toothpaste produced by Church and Dwight Co., the world's leading manufactures of a wide range of personal care, household and specialty products is said to contain a liquid form of calcium, the key component of tooth enamel.

The liquid calcium rebuilds the tooth by plugging microscopic gaps in the enamel. The repair stops dental nerves from becoming exposed thereby preventing pain, reported online edition of Daily Mail.

Dentist Graham Barnby, who tested the new product at his clinics in south England, said, "This is a unique product. Current toothpastes aimed at people with sensitive teeth simply mask the pain while this one solves the problem."

The toothpaste, which has been five years in the making, will be available in Britain by the end of this month at 3.49 pounds for a 75 ml tube before going on sale in the U.S.

The problem of dental sensitivity increases with age as teeth become more sensitive as a result of gum recession or erosion of the enamel by acidic food and drink.