MI Paste Plus: Complete Guide for Tooth Care

What is MI Paste Plus?

MI Paste Plus is a water-based, sugar-free dental creme that contains RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP), a milk-derived protein complex with 900 ppm of sodium fluoride. This specialized treatment delivers bioavailable calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions at a 5:3:1 ratio, which makes it work exceptionally well for tooth remineralization. The active ingredients combine to create acid-resistant fluorapatite through remineralization and fluoridation processes.

Scientists at the School of Dental Science at the University of Melbourne, Australia developed the core component of MI Paste Plus – Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP). Research shows that milk and its derivatives protect teeth because of the casein protein, specifically the Casein Phosphopeptide component that carries calcium and phosphate ions. The combination with fluoride creates a powerful remineralizing agent that attaches to tooth surfaces, plaque, and surrounding soft tissues.

MI Paste Plus works differently from regular fluoride treatments. The product helps patients who face higher risks of dental caries or dental erosion. This treatment works great if you have xerostomia (dry mouth) from medications, systemic illness, or salivary gland disease. The paste also helps patients with orthodontic care, post-bleaching procedures, or those who need extra oral protection due to special needs.

MI Paste Plus works by:

• Buffering pH changes in plaque
• Impairing adhesion and growth of cavity-causing bacteria
• Remineralizing enamel lesions
• Optimizing fluoride transport and uptake in tooth enamel

You can get the product in five flavors: Strawberry, Melon, Vanilla, Mint, and Tutti Frutti. It comes in 40g tubes for professional and home use. Each flavor keeps the same therapeutic properties while letting patients choose their preferred taste.

Note that MI Paste Plus contains milk protein derivatives and hydroxybenzoates. Patients with allergies to these ingredients should not use it. Children under six years should avoid this product because its fluoride concentration exceeds 500 ppm.

MI Paste Plus marks a big step forward in preventive dental care and offers better protection than just fluoride treatments. The paste helps teeth remineralize affected areas and can eliminate white spot lesions with proper application. The product also helps with tooth sensitivity by blocking open dentinal tubules that cause discomfort from hot or cold stimuli.

How does MI Paste Plus work?

 

MI Paste Plus works through a unique calcium and phosphate delivery system that uses the specialized milk protein complex RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP). This complex carries calcium and phosphate ions as Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and creates an ideal environment where enamel can remineralize. The paste contains 900 ppm of a patented form of fluoride that works cooperatively with calcium and phosphate components.

The paste starts working when Casein Phosphopeptide (CPP) attaches to tooth surfaces, plaque, pellicle, and soft tissue around it. This attachment creates a reservoir of bio-available calcium and phosphate ions exactly where teeth need them. The CPP serves as a delivery vehicle that stabilizes calcium and phosphate in an amorphous form. This prevents them from crystallizing too early before they reach damaged enamel surfaces.

MI Paste Plus lifts calcium levels in saliva and dental plaque after application. These higher levels neutralize harmful plaque acids while providing raw materials needed for remineralization. This process stops enamel from breaking down and helps rebuild both surface and deeper layers of teeth.

MI Paste Plus differs from regular MI Paste because it adds fluoride to create a triple-action formula. The peptide combines with and stabilizes fluoride ions that interact with RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP). This combination provides ideal minerals to build fluorapatite – a stronger, more acid-resistant tooth mineral than natural hydroxyapatite. The paste releases calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions that teeth need to form this resistant fluorapatite through remineralization and fluoridation.

The scientific process involves these steps:

• CPP-ACP interacts with hydrogen ions on the tooth surface
• This forms calcium hydrogen phosphate, which can enter the tooth structure
• Inside the tooth, it consumes water produced during demineralization
• This reaction produces new enamel mineral, effectively removing subsurface defects

White spot lesions from cariogenic plaque can improve with MI Paste Plus. The paste provides targeted treatment that rebuilds subsurface areas quickly – usually within two to four weeks. The paste also blocks open dentinal tubules, which reduces tooth sensitivity.

MI Paste Plus contains milk-derived proteins that help prevent cavities from forming. Studies show that regular use maintains high calcium and phosphate levels over tooth enamel, which protects against acid attacks continuously.

Why is MI Paste Plus used in orthodontic care?

MI Paste Plus is a vital part of orthodontic care because it helps with a big challenge – protecting dental health from enamel demineralization. This paste works in two ways: it stops new white spot lesions (WSLs) from forming and reduces existing ones during bracket treatment. Clinical studies showed that MI Paste Plus decreases existing white spot lesions by 53.5%. Patients who used placebo treatments saw their lesions increase by 91.1% during the same time.

The paste’s power comes from its special mix of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and 900 ppm fluoride. This combination creates perfect conditions to deposit fluorapatite into enamel, which protects areas near orthodontic brackets from demineralization. The milk protein casein phosphopeptide keeps amorphous calcium phosphate stable until it turns into fluorapatite when it meets fluoride.

MI Paste Plus’s work in orthodontic care happens in several ways. CPP blocks oral bacteria from sticking to the enamel’s saliva-coated hydroxyapatite. It stops streptococci from attaching and changes dental plaque’s microbial makeup, which reduces harmful bacteria like oral Actinomyces. The paste doesn’t just rebuild enamel – it also controls bacteria that cause demineralization.

Clinical studies have tracked the paste’s specific effects on different tooth surfaces. MI Paste Plus works especially well to reduce white spots on gingival surfaces, where plaque builds up most during orthodontic treatment. The tooth surface and dental plaque get more calcium and fluoride ions, which stop acid production. Phosphate ions help balance plaque pH changes. CPP-ACP and fluoride work better together than either one alone.

Orthodontic patients should follow these steps:

• Use MI Paste Plus daily in prefabricated fluoride varnish trays for 3-5 minutes
• Put it on at night after brushing and let it dissolve overnight
• Keep using it throughout orthodontic treatment

Clinical trials back up these benefits. A key study with fifty patients compared MI Paste Plus to a placebo paste. Results showed the paste prevented white spots while the placebo did nothing. Yes, it is clear from clinical evidence that MI Paste Plus works alongside traditional fluoride treatments to protect enamel during orthodontic care.

What are the benefits of MI Paste Plus?

MI Paste Plus provides benefits beyond simple oral hygiene and offers specialized protection for many aspects of dental health. The unique composition of bioavailable minerals and fluoride creates targeted solutions for common dental problems.

Helps prevent white spot lesions

Clinical trials show MI Paste Plus substantially reduces white spot lesions (WSLs) on tooth surfaces. Patients using MI Paste Plus saw a 53.5% reduction in existing white spot lesions, while those using placebo products had a 91.1% increase in lesions during the same period. The paste changes the visual opacity of white spots into a more natural tooth-like translucency. This works because the paste knows how to deposit calcium and phosphate directly onto demineralized areas and restore mineral balance.

Reduces tooth sensitivity

Relief from dental hypersensitivity comes quickly with MI Paste Plus through protein binding and calcium phosphate compounds settling onto dentin surfaces. The process blocks open dentinal tubules and stops the transmission of pain-causing stimuli. The paste creates a protective barrier over vulnerable areas that helps patients with sensitivity after professional cleaning, whitening procedures, or general thermal sensitivity.

Supports enamel remineralization

MI Paste Plus delivers calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions in the ideal ratio of 5:3:1 and creates perfect conditions for remineralizing weakened enamel. Mineral supersaturation stays maintained over tooth surfaces. The collaborative effort between CPP-ACP and fluoride forms acid-resistant fluorapatite that strengthens tooth structure.

Buffers oral acids

The paste neutralizes acids in the oral environment by raising calcium and fluoride ion levels in saliva and dental plaque. Cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus find it harder to grow and stick. Phosphate ions help buffer plaque pH changes and reduce the demineralization process.

Improves dry mouth symptoms

MI Paste Plus helps maintain proper mineral balance in saliva if you have xerostomia (dry mouth). The paste works great for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or taking medications that reduce salivary flow. Clinical studies prove that applying it twice daily improved salivary buffering capacity in chemotherapy patients.

What do studies say about MI Paste Plus?

Scientific research shows mixed results for MI Paste Plus in multiple clinical studies. Researchers mainly looked at how well it works to prevent and treat white spot lesions.

2011 clinical trial results

A groundbreaking 2011 prospective randomized controlled trial showed clear benefits of MI Paste Plus. This double-blind study with fifty orthodontic patients revealed the MI Paste Plus group had a 53.5% reduction in enamel decalcification index scores over three months. The research team took photographic records in a light-controlled environment to track white spot lesions. They used a scoring system from 0 to 6 to measure caries or cavitation levels.

Comparison with placebo

The results showed stark differences when compared to placebo treatments. Placebo groups saw a 91.1% increase in white spot lesions during the same three-month period. Three-way ANOVA statistical analysis confirmed major differences in product/time interactions and product/surface interactions (P<0.05). These results show MI Paste Plus stops new lesions from forming and reduces existing white spots.

Surface-specific effects

The paste’s effectiveness changes based on tooth surface location. Results were especially good on gingival surfaces, where patients using placebos typically got worse. The team found that incisal surfaces had higher enamel decalcification index scores than mesial, distal, and gingival surfaces whatever the treatment.

Limitations of current research

Long-term studies tell a different story. A 12-month follow-up randomized controlled trial with 51 patients found no real difference between MI Paste Plus and control groups. Both groups saw better enamel lesions over time (P<0.001), which suggests teeth might naturally remineralize no matter which paste patients use. Some researchers point out that patient compliance issues affected study results.

How to use MI Paste Plus effectively

The right application technique makes MI Paste Plus work better. You can get optimal results both at the dental office and at home.

Using trays vs. direct application

Custom tray application gives complete coverage and dental professionals prefer it for in-office treatments. You should first rinse the tray under running water, then put a generous layer into the tray and apply it to your teeth. The paste works great with direct application too – just use a pea-sized amount with a clean finger, cotton swab, or interproximal tooth cleaning brush. Using your finger at home is the quickest way, particularly to reach those tricky spots between teeth.

How long to leave it on

Your teeth need minimum of 3-5 minutes of contact with MI Paste Plus. The paste works best if you leave it on your teeth overnight, letting it dissolve slowly. Most clinical protocols suggest keeping the paste in your mouth as long as you can, with 3-5 minutes as the minimum time.

When to avoid rinsing or eating

You should spit out extra paste after application but skip rinsing. Let any remaining paste naturally fade away. The paste needs at least 30 minutes without food or drink after you apply it. Some protocols suggest waiting up to an hour before eating to get the best results.

Frequency of use

MI Paste Plus works best with twice-daily applications. Some conditions might need more frequent use – orthodontic patients typically use it throughout their treatment. Your dental professional can help determine the right frequency based on your individual risk factors.

FAQs

1. How should MI Paste Plus be applied for maximum effectiveness? 

Apply a pea-sized amount to clean teeth using your finger, a cotton swab, or an interproximal brush. Leave it on for at least 3-5 minutes, or overnight for best results. Avoid rinsing, eating, or drinking for 30 minutes after application.

2. Can MI Paste Plus be used as a regular toothpaste? 

No, MI Paste Plus is not a substitute for toothpaste. It should be applied after brushing and flossing with your regular toothpaste, typically just before bedtime.

3. How often should MI Paste Plus be used? 

For optimal results, apply MI Paste Plus twice daily. However, frequency may vary based on individual needs and professional recommendations. Some patients, such as those undergoing orthodontic treatment, may need to use it throughout their entire treatment period.

4. What are the main benefits of using MI Paste Plus? 

MI Paste Plus helps prevent white spot lesions, reduces tooth sensitivity, supports enamel remineralization, buffers oral acids, and improves dry mouth symptoms. It’s particularly beneficial for patients with high cavity risk or those undergoing orthodontic treatment.

5. Is MI Paste Plus suitable for everyone? 

While MI Paste Plus is beneficial for many, it’s not recommended for children under six years old due to its fluoride concentration. It also contains milk protein derivatives, so it’s contraindicated for individuals with milk protein allergies. Always consult with a dental professional before use.