For 30 years, a team of Tulane University scientists led by Theodent's lead researcher Tetsuo Nakamoto, DDS, has been conducting experiments to develop the Rennou formula, the active component of which is theobromine. It is an alkaloid obtained from the fruit of the chocolate tree.
Experiments by scientists have proven the positive effect of theobromine on enamel and that it effectively eliminates its hypersensitivity. The alkaloid stimulates the synthesis of hydroxyapatite crystals, which are the main components of enamel, dentin and tooth root cement, resulting in the restoration of hard tissues, which become stronger and less sensitive to acids formed after eating.
Theodent pastes (Theodent) clean plaque well. They do not contain fluorine, an excess of which can provoke serious pathological processes in the body.
Features of the composition
Theodent dental products contain the following substances as active ingredients:
- Theobromine . This compound strengthens enamel, has an antimicrobial effect, and activates the synthesis of hydroxyapatite crystals in the body. It replaces fluoride, which is part of other oral hygiene products.
- Calcium acetate increases the content of Ca ions in the body.
- Sodium hydrogen phosphate promotes the absorption of calcium and the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals.
- Glycerin has a positive effect on the gums, improves their trophism, and prevents dehydration.
- Stevia extract has a sweetish taste, so it is used as a sweetener.
- Due to the vanilla and cocoa extracts , the products have a pleasant smell.
- Peppermint oil relieves inflammation and has a refreshing and disinfectant effect.
- Xylitol prevents the occurrence of caries, it also stops the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and neutralizes acids in the oral cavity.
- Xanthan is a natural polysaccharide. It is used as a stabilizer; the substance retains moisture and prevents the paste from drying out.
- Titanium white is a natural abrasive. The substance gently cleanses tooth enamel. In addition, it is a natural dye that makes teeth whiter.
- Citric acid kills pathogenic microorganisms and prevents rotting of soft tissues.
- Sorbitol has an antimicrobial effect.
- Hydrogenated silica gives the dental product a creamy texture.
- Sodium benzoate inhibits the growth of yeast and mold fungi.
- Finely dispersed soda cleans plaque and gently polishes the enamel without scratching it.
- Sodium lauryl sarcosinate has surfactant properties. It is used as a foaming agent. It is a natural analogue of sodium laureth sulfate.
We got around to telling you about one fairly advertised Theodent toothpaste, which went on sale in the iHerb store (USA) in 2015. The remarkable thing about this paste is that advertisers claim that the paste is capable of restoring tooth enamel in the initial stages of caries. And the second point is that in Russia this paste is sold “only” for 2800 rubles, which is equivalent to 35-40 dollars at the price in the iherb store ($10.89), with shipping less than 15 dollars. And if you use a coupon for a $5 discount on your first order, then it’s less than 10. Last year, the store ran a 20% discount promotion on beauty products, which included toothpastes, so I bought it for about $8. Well, at the same time, for the New Year there was a promotion with 30% discounts on toothpastes, at which I bought another tube for a little more than 7 dollars. I note that the vast majority of reviews on the store’s website were left by Russian-speaking customers.
Packaging and composition
The paste comes in a very beautiful box, on which the necessary information about the product is written in golden letters. Abundant advertising information can be seen by reading the pdf file on the Russian website. From the educational point of view there is the composition of the paste and what each of its components is used for.
The main emphasis is on the Rennou formula, the key component of which is theobromine, as well as calcium acetate, sodium hydrogen phosphate. Theobromine is a substance obtained from cocoa beans, designed to replace fluorides. Cocoa extract strengthens enamel and has antibacterial properties, and is also a catalyst for the formation of its own hydroxyapatite crystals. Calcium acetate restores positive calcium balance. Sodium hydrogen phosphate serves as a buffer for calcium absorption and accelerates the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals. Other Ingredients: Glycerin, Stevia Extract, Vanilla and Cocoa Extracts, Peppermint Oil, Xylitol, Xanthan Gum, Titanium Dioxide, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Silicon Dioxide, Sorbitol, Baking Soda, Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate, Sodium Benzoate. It is claimed that pasta with this composition can be eaten and not even get poisoned. As if there is even a corresponding certificate.
There is a barcode on the end of the box, as well as the expiration date of the paste.
Tube
The tube itself also has, as some authors of smartphone reviews put it, a chic appearance.
In this case, this appearance is worth 10 dollars. The same expiration date is indicated on the seam of the tube as on the box. In addition, I will pay attention to the white stripe perpendicular to the seam. Adherents of Rocks toothpaste or some other toothpastes may believe that the color of the strip indicates the percentage of naturalness of the contents. “White color is evidence of complete naturalness.” In fact, this strip helps the machine determine the place where the seam needs to be drilled. To make it clearer to the machine, the color of the strip should contrast with the main background - white on dark, dark on white. The cap that blocks access to the paste is difficult to remove. And in the first week of use it was broken (I didn’t take pictures of this moment).
Paste
The paste itself is white.
When using it, I did not feel any strange inclusions or calcium tastes, like some other pastes. According to my feelings, there is a light sweetish vanilla-mint taste. The neck of the tube is narrow and not round like others. The paste is applied to the brush in a thin layer. It seemed to me that it did not foam at all. No bubbles come out of your mouth, there is no feeling of freshness like after mint pastes. I cannot estimate how long the freshness remains in the mouth after brushing your teeth, since this effect, as already noted, is not pronounced. Since the pasta is expensive and generally “super-duper”, I tried to get the most out of it. He brushed his teeth thoroughly. I did not see any noticeable whitening effect. I can’t say anything about the effect on the gums, since after a month and a half of use there were no unpleasant sensations that required special attention.
Well, is it an advertising gimmick? Yes, that’s almost true, if not for one “but” that sowed the seed of doubt towards criticism. I have a small area on one of my teeth with damaged enamel. Not white. And either from more active cleaning, or indeed from this paste, part of it became light. Moreover, I did not erase the tooth. At the same time, the microscopic black dot on the neighboring tooth did not become smaller.
Summary
To summarize the impressions, we can say that the paste has a pleasant sweetish vanilla taste; if there is a whitening effect, it is hardly noticeable.
It does not foam compared to most other toothpastes. The packaging and tube of paste look attractive, but the cap is very inconvenient to remove, and besides, it is easy to break. What could not be completely confirmed or refuted is the remineralizing effect, the possibility of restoring enamel. Let me also remind you that for those who still want to try, it is better to make a purchase in the iherb store, and not in a Russian store four roads away. For those who have not previously made purchases in this store, here is a link to detailed instructions.
Clean and healthy teeth for you. Have a pleasant and useful shopping!
Overview of the brand's assortment
The Theodent line of toothpastes is represented by the following products.
Theodent Kids - paste for children
Theodent Kids is designed specifically for children from 3 to 8 years old.
It contains theobromine as an active substance. This remedy is suitable not only for preventing the appearance of carious cavities, but also for treating them in the early stages. With regular use, the active components of the paste stop the pathological process, and it remains in the white spot stage.
The effect of its use is noticeable after 1 week. When applied to the teeth, the paste completely covers the exposed dentinal tubules; with daily use of the product, enamel hypersensitivity disappears. In addition, the active substances help strengthen hard tissues. They gently polish the enamel, so that the surface of the teeth will remain smooth and shiny throughout the day. The product does not contain fluorine and compounds hazardous to health such as triclosan, sodium laureth sulfate and parabens.
Products for adults
Theodent Classic paste is designed for sensitive teeth. It has a mint-vanilla flavor and a pleasant creamy structure. With regular use, it prevents the appearance of caries, restores enamel, and reduces its hypersensitivity. It also does not contain dangerous compounds, so it can be swallowed.
Theodent 300 is a premium product for the care of hard dental and periodontal tissues. During cleaning, its active components fill the micropores of the dentin, resulting in thickening and restoration of the enamel.
Denta Seal filling paste
Scientists did not stop there, they went even further and developed a paste that seals damaged enamel, as well as initial caries in the form of roughness and the stain stage, and blocks the progressive process. It also contains hydroxyapatite, but works slightly differently. When brushing your teeth, the substance penetrates into the cracks and depressions that provoke the development of caries and fills them, blocking further destruction of the enamel. During the examination, the dentist will be able to identify where the enamel is real and where it is artificial. It is noteworthy that this “microfill” does not disappear over time and continues to protect the tooth from the development of carious formations. Of course, the paste cannot fill large cavities, so if there are obvious signs of caries, you need to go to the doctor. But filling microcracks and preventing disease is easy.
Buyers' opinion
Consumer reviews of Theodent toothpastes are not as clear as the manufacturer promises.
I bought Theodent Kids toothpaste for my child because I noticed that dark spots had appeared on his temporary teeth. They brushed her teeth morning and evening for a month. The spots are gone. Only a slight yellowish coating can now be seen on the enamel.
The paste is designed specifically for baby teeth. It has a pleasant chocolate taste and, most importantly, it can be swallowed, as it does not contain dangerous compounds. Of course, it’s not cheap, but I’m happy with the result, so we’ll continue to clean with it.
Marina, 29
I have hypersensitivity of tooth enamel. I bought Theodent Classic paste. I really liked it, its taste is pleasant, the sensitivity of the enamel has decreased, now it does not react so sharply to cold, hot, sour and sweet. Teeth became stronger.
Anastasia, 21
An ordinary paste, there are much better and cheaper products on sale.
Oleg, 35
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of Theodent products include the following:
- all remedies eliminate hypersensitivity within a week;
- makes teeth whiter;
- removes carious spots at the initial stage;
- can be used before and after professional teeth cleaning and whitening;
- children's toothpaste has a chocolate taste, which most kids like and therefore they enjoy brushing their teeth;
- the company's products do not contain toxic substances, so they can be swallowed and will not cause harm to health;
- the pastes do not need to be washed off, which is especially convenient if there is no water nearby;
- the composition does not include highly abrasive substances, so no damage to the enamel is observed when using the product;
- have a GRAS safety certificate
Among the disadvantages, one can note the high cost.
