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Toothpastes may transiently alter salivary calcium

Three fluoride formulations produced distinct calcium patterns immediately after brushing, but differences disappeared within 60 minutes.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • October 5, 2026

  • 4 min

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Clinical Report: Toothpastes may transiently alter salivary calcium

Overview

This study evaluated the short-term effects of different fluoride toothpaste formulations on total salivary calcium levels. Results indicated that while significant differences were observed immediately after brushing, these effects diminished and were no longer statistically significant after 60 minutes.

Background

Understanding the impact of toothpaste formulations on salivary calcium is important for assessing their effects on oral health. Salivary calcium plays a role in enamel remineralization and overall dental health. This study contributes to the evidence regarding the biochemical effects of commonly used toothpaste products.

Data Highlights

ToothpasteCalcium Concentration (ppm)Time Point
Parodontax18.81Immediately after brushing
Dentalux36.57Immediately after brushing
Sensodyne37.70Immediately after brushing
Parodontax35.8230 minutes
Dentalux39.1530 minutes
Sensodyne39.7430 minutes

Key Findings

  • Different fluoride toothpaste formulations produced varying total salivary calcium concentrations immediately after brushing.
  • Parodontax showed significantly lower calcium levels compared to Dentalux and Sensodyne immediately after brushing.
  • By 60 minutes, no statistically significant differences in salivary calcium levels remained among the three toothpaste formulations.
  • The study did not find any significant effect of treatment sequence on salivary calcium levels.
  • Limitations included the measurement of total salivary calcium rather than ionized calcium and the focus on a single brushing episode.

Clinical Implications

The transient changes in salivary calcium levels following the use of different toothpaste formulations may not have sustained relevance.

Conclusion

The study highlights the short-lived nature of the effects of fluoride toothpaste on salivary calcium levels.

Related Resources & Content

  1. PLOS One, Short-term effects of different toothpaste formulations on total salivary calcium: A randomized crossover study, 2023
  2. inside dentistry — Intraoral evaluation of mineralization of cosmetic defects by a toothpaste containing calcium, fluoride, and sodium bicarbonate.
  3. inside dentistry — Enamel mineralization by calcium-containing bicarbonate toothpastes: assessment by various techniques.
  4. inside dentistry — MI Paste and MI Paste Plus with RECALDENT (CPP-ACP)
  5. ADA News — Some “enamel regenerating” toothpastes may worsen tooth erosion
  6. Home Oral Care | American Dental Association
  7. Short-term effects of different toothpaste formulations on total salivary calcium: A randomized crossover study | PLOS One

Original Source(s)

Toothpastes may transiently alter salivary calcium

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • October 5, 2026

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