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Writer's pictureDavid Chen, DDS

CORE Ingredients In Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpastes

Updated: May 13

All of the different types of Sensodyne Pronamel toothpastes contain a subset of identical ingredients in their formulation. I like to refer to this subset as the core/base ingredients for all of the pronamel toothpastes since they're present in every one of their product lines.


5 Pronamel toothpastes
5 Pronamel toothpastes

The various pronamel product lines will often add an additional 1-3 inactive ingredients to the formulation to give it an extra benefit. Otherwise the active ingredients as well as the general benefits for these toothpastes remain the same.


I'll be discussing what the function and purpose of all these toothpaste ingredients are as well as the perceived benefits that they provide.


Table of contents:


 

Active Pronamel Ingredients

All pronamel toothpastes use the same two active ingredients, potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride. That is without fail and with no exceptions to the rule.


Pronamel active ingredients label
Pronamel active ingredients label

These two ingredients provide the bulk of the toothpaste effects and benefits.


Potassium nitrate

The purpose of potassium nitrate in toothpaste is to desensitize teeth which helps to relieve dentin hypersensitivity.


How potassium nitrate reduces sensitivity:

  1. Toothpaste supplies an excessive amount of potassium ions to the nerve.

  2. Too much potassium will reverse the natural concentration gradient.

  3. The gradient reversal prevents the firing of action potentials.


crest depolarization repolarization with potassium nitrate
Credit: Crest

Ultimately, since the tooth nerve is unable to generate action potentials, no sensitivity signals will be fired. The end result is all discomfort and sensitivity will be blocked.

Hydrated SilicaHydrated Silica

Sodium fluoride

The purpose of having sodium fluoride in toothpaste is for its anti-cavity effects. Yes, all pronamel toothpastes have fluoride in them.


critical ph of hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite
Credit: Adam hellen

Benefits of fluoride on teeth:

  • Inhibits demineralization. Fluoride will replace the hydroxyl group of hydroxyapatite (tooth mineral) and convert it to fluorapatite. This new mineral is more resistant to acid dissolution.

  • Enhances remineralization. Demineralized tooth structures will readily incorporate fluoride which in turn draws in calcium and phosphate. The combination of all three minerals will repair damaged enamel.

  • Inhibits bacterial activity. It is actually toxic to bacteria and the presence of it will inhibit bacteria.


In layman's terms, the above three benefits equate to enamel protection and enamel repair. Yes, it can even reverse and stop small cavities. If fluoride was removed from the pronamel formulation, they wouldn't be able to call themselves the enamel protection specialists.


 

Inactive Pronamel Ingredients

The inactive ingredients in the pronamel toothpastes are more important than most people realize. People mistakenly believe that since it is labeled as "inactive" it must not provide any effects nor benefits but that couldn't be further from the truth.


inactive ingredients label pronamel intensive repair
inactive ingredients label

Inactive toothpaste ingredients either have direct effects or they act as modulators for the active ingredients. In the case for pronamel, it happens to be the differentiating factor among all of their toothpastes.


Inactive Ingredient

Toothpaste Effect

Water

Solvent


Base

Sorbitol

Sweetener


Moisture retention

Whitening abrasive


Thickener

Glycerin

Humectant

PEG-8

Squeezability

Surfactant/Detergent


Foaming agent

Flavor

Taste

White colorant


Opacifier


Mild whitening abrasive

Xanthan Gum

Thickener

Sodium Saccharin

Sweetener

pH adjuster


Deacidification


Hopefully that gives you a more comprehensive understanding of how these ingredients work and how they benefit you. As a side note, the cocamidopropyl betaine is what gives the pronamel toothpaste a bitter taste.


 

Excluded Ingredient

Every single pronamel toothpaste is SLS-free meaning it does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. While there are many benefits to including it, excluding it can also provide benefits as well.


SLS detergent micelle formation
Credit: Science on the Shelves

Benefits of having SLS in toothpaste:

  • Foaming agent. Most of the foaming while brushing comes from SLS. That is why toothpastes without it don't foam very much.

  • Effective cleaning. It is a very effective detergent that will remove food, plaque, and stains from your teeth. For historical context, this ingredient was used as an engine degreaser for WWII planes.


Benefits of excluding SLS in toothpaste:

  • Maximizes fluoride efficacy. Studies have shown that having it in toothpaste will interfere with enamel fluoride uptake. Therefore excluding it is more beneficial from a tooth decay prevention standpoint.

  • Reduces mouth drying. Some people find that the detergent is too harsh and may strip the natural oils from their mouths.

  • Minimizes canker sores. Allegedly it can potentially make canker sores worse but the research is mixed.


In my opinion, the primary reason that pronamel does not use sodium lauryl sulfate is to help maximize the efficacy of fluoride. I believe that it is all due to this fact that they proclaim themselves as the "specialist in enamel protection."


 

Takeaway

The core ingredients in sensodyne pronamel toothpastes are all the same regardless of which product line you're using. This specific formulation is what gives them all an anti-sensitivity and enamel protective features. That contributes to why it tends to cost more.


It is the reason that they're known as the specialist in enamel protection. Aside from that, the different types of pronamel will include a few additional inactive ingredients in order to give them a slightly different effect. That is basically what makes their various product lines somewhat different.


That is all that our dentists in Long island City have to say about this. Choosing the right toothpaste is an important part of preventative dentistry.

David Chen 200 x 200.jpg

About the author: Dr David Chen, DDS

Hello, I'm Dr Chen and I'm an actively practicing dentist in Long Island City, NY. I graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2016 but prior to going to dental school I was already working in the dental field. It's been more than a decade since I first got to know dentistry and let me tell you, time flies by quickly. Since then I've developed a fondness for writing, which is how this all got started!

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Medical Disclaimer:

This blog is purely meant for information purposes and should not be used as medical advice. Each situation in your mouth is unique and complex. It is not possible to give advice nor diagnose any oral conditions based on text nor virtual consultations. The best thing to do is to go in person to see your dentist for an examination and consultation so that you can receive the best care possible.

The purpose of all of this oral health information is to encourage you to see your dentist and to inform you of what you may expect during your visit. Due to the unfortunate nature of dentistry, there isn't really any true home remedies that will get rid of dental problems. Roughly 99.99% of them require in-person intervention by a healthcare professional.

Hint: That is the reason why you can't eliminate seeing dentists in your life!

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