The way pronamel toothpaste works is by having a fluoride optimized formulation which allows it to protect, repair, strengthen, & reduce teeth sensitivity. All of these benefits are derived from the toothpaste having fluoride and also being sodium lauryl sulfate free.
Table of contents:
Pronamel benefits
The benefit of using pronamel is for its enamel protective effect, hence why it is called "pronamel". There are 4 alleged benefits according to Haleon, the makers of Sensodyne Pronamel.
Benefits of using pronamel:
Fluoride optimized.
Strengthens acid weakened enamel.
Protects acid weakened enamel.
Defends against acid erosion.
Although they don't list it, the toothpaste is also anti-sensitivity since all that is a benefit for all sensodyne products including this one.
All of the enamel benefits for pronamel are due to a combination of it being a fluoride-based toothpaste and also being SLS-free. The fact that it lacks sodium lauryl sulfate helps it enhance the anti-cavity effects of fluoride.
Studies have shown that sodium lauryl sulfate in toothpaste decreases the bioavailability of fluoride in the mouth when brushing. In other words, your teeth take up less fluoride when SLS is present thus reducing the efficacy of fluoride.
The major benefit of pronamel is that all of their toothpastes are SLS-free.
How pronamel toothpaste works
The enamel benefits from pronamel are all derived from it being a fluoride based toothpaste. These benefits get further enhanced by it being SLS-free which helps to maximize the effects of said fluoride.
Essentially pronamel toothpastes are able to exert a stronger anti-cavity effect since there is no SLS interfering with it. As a reminder, we will review the benefits of having fluoride in toothpaste.
Fluoride benefits:
Inhibition of demineralization. Fluoride converts the tooth mineral, hydroxyapatite into fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid erosion. It reduces the critical pH (when the enamel dissolves) from 5.5 to 4.5
Enhancement of remineralization. Helps repair enamel by reversing small cavities (incipient lesions). Fluoride draws in calcium/phosphate from oral environment to help rebuild demineralized tooth structure.
Inhibition of bacterial activity. Fluoride is toxic to bacteria and reduces their activity.
Defends against acid erosion. Forms a calcium-fluoride like layer over the enamel which dissolves first in the presence of acid thus sparing the enamel. This layer also serves as a reservoir for calcium and phosphate ions.
When it works
Incipient lesions. Pronamel can repair the enamel but only for very small cavities that are still located in the enamel.
Gum recession. Teeth sensitivity from a receding gum line can be desensitized with this toothpaste. It usually helps to reduce and alleviate some of the discomfort.
The symptoms for these conditions can be adequately managed at home by using toothpaste. Although if you need help, you should contact your dentist.
When it doesn't work
Cavitated tooth. A cavity with a literal hole in the tooth cannot be repaired by toothpaste, these will require fillings.
Cracked tooth. A tooth that is split in half or any other direction cannot be repaired by pronamel.
Exposed nerve. Exposed nerves from a missing filling or restoration requires professional treatment and not at home remedies like sensitive toothpastes.
Dental abscesses. An infection cannot be fixed with toothpaste.
In conclusion, there are some dental conditions which must be treated by a dentist.
How long does it take pronamel to work?
Depending on which pronamel benefit, it can take a day to months before it starts working.
Pronamel benefit | When it starts workingWhen it starts working |
|---|---|
Strengthens enamel | 1 week |
Protects enamel | 1 day |
Repairs enamel | Weeks-Months |
Anti-sensitivity | 2 weeks |
In conclusion for you to reap the full benefit of this toothpaste you will have to brush with it at least twice a day for months to come. Once you stop using this toothpaste, you will lose its effect. The same goes for any other fluoride toothpaste.
Pronamel vs Sensodyne
Both pronamel and sensodyne were made for people who suffer from chronic teeth sensitivity. The main conceptual difference between the two is that the sensodyne is marketed towards sensitivity only while the pronamel is sensitivity plus strengthening teeth.
Although according to our dentists in Long Island City, the best enamel repair toothpaste is the pronamel intensive enamel repair. It has a couple of additional ingredients which make it a rockstar in preventing cavities.
Takeaway
Pronamel works by being SLS-free which makes it fluoride optimized thus maximizing the effects of sodium fluoride in its formulation. If it was fluoride-free, the SLS-free part would be inconsequential.
The main takeaway is that fluoride is good for your teeth and using a toothpaste which enhances its effect will provide enhanced benefits.
