If you’re passionate about natural health and sustainability, chances are you’ve already made the switch to a more natural toothpaste. But if you’ve been hearing a lot about remineralising tooth powder and wondering what that means, let’s dig into it—naturally, of course.
What does remineralising mean?
Remineralisation is the natural process where minerals in saliva (such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride if you've consumed it) can be redeposited on the tooth surface, helping to maintain enamel strength. It’s your body’s natural way of maintaining enamel strength—especially when your enamel is softened by acids in food or from bacterial activity.
First though, it's important to be aware…
⚠️ In Australia, “remineralising” is a therapeutic claim, which means that any toothpaste or tooth powder that promises to rebuild enamel must be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
So, most toothpaste brands don’t claim remineralisation for regulatory reasons. But, you can still be smart about ingredients that may help support your body's natural remineralisation process.
Let’s look at what to keep an eye out for.
Ingredients that support healthy, strong enamel
To help care for your enamel and maintain a healthy oral environment, look for a tooth powder or paste that includes some of these:
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate | Supplies calcium for enamel |
| Hydroxyapatite | A natural mineral that mimics tooth enamel, alternative to fluoride. Learn more under the FAQ below. |
| Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) | Neutralises acid and supports pH balance |
| Xylitol | Reduces decay-causing bacteria and promotes saliva |
| Phosphate compounds (e.g. calcium glycerophosphate) | Provides phosphate known for enamel strength |
| Trace minerals (e.g. magnesium, zinc) | Support mineral balance and enamel health |
Compare the natural options at Biome
You’ll find a wonderful range of natural toothpaste and tooth powder options at Biome. Here’s how some of our favourite natural oral care products stack up for remineralisation support:
| Product | Calcium Source | Phosphate Source | Hydroxyapatite | Baking Soda | Xylitol | Trace Minerals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Hisham’s Vital Teeth Serum | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Grin Strengthening Toothpaste | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Love Beauty Foods Tooth Powder | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Redmond Earthpaste | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Georganics Mineral-Rich Toothpaste | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Dr Hisham’s Whitening Powder | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Oh Gigi Organic Tooth Powder | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
✔️ |
Wrap up
While most toothpastes can not claim to remineralise unless registered, you can still choose one with mineral-rich ingredients that can help maintain a healthy mouth and support your body's natural enamel defences.
Best all-rounders at Biome for healthy mouth, gums and enamel?
Dr Hisham’s Vital Teeth Serum (and Baby Teeth Serum) and Dr Hisham’s Whitening Powder are packed with the most supportive ingredients, including hydroxyapatite, xylitol, and calcium phosphate.
Grin Strengthening Toothpaste is a great simple option with hydroxyapatite and xylitol.
🌱 And of course, every product at Biome is chosen for its natural, ethical formulation—free from synthetic nasties and hidden plastics. So don't overlook our other popular natural tooth care options, each with their own benefits:
Love Beauty Foods - tooth powder, made in Australia
OhGigi - tooth powder, made in Australia
Georganics Tooth Tablets, made in UK
🦷 Frequently Asked Questions – Natural Toothpaste & Remineralising Tooth Powder
Q: Can you rebuild tooth enamel?
A: Your body can partially repair enamel through a natural process called remineralisation, but it cannot fully rebuild lost enamel once it's gone.
Here’s how it works:
- Your saliva contains calcium, phosphate, and sometimes fluoride (if you've consumed it).
- These minerals can remineralise and strengthen weakened enamel in the early stages of decay—before a cavity forms.
- However, if enamel is completely worn away or a cavity develops, your body can’t regenerate it, because enamel doesn’t contain living cells.
Q: Is there such a thing as a natural fluoride?
A: Not exactly. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, but the fluoride used in commercial dental products is typically a synthetic compound like sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride. While it’s proven to help prevent cavities, many people prefer fluoride-free products for personal or health reasons.
If you're looking for a natural alternative, ingredients like hydroxyapatite, xylitol, and calcium carbonate can support your enamel without synthetic fluoride. Hydroxyapatite, in particular, is a form of calcium phosphate that mimics natural tooth enamel.
Q: Can natural toothpaste really protect and strengthen my teeth?
A: Many natural pastes and powders use ingredients that are known to support your mouth’s own defence mechanisms. Look for calcium-rich minerals, xylitol (which reduces harmful bacteria), and baking soda to help neutralise acids.
Hydroxyapatite is a well-studied mineral that closely resembles tooth enamel and is included in some fluoride-free formulas to support a healthy mouth.
Q: What is hydroxyapatite and why is it in toothpaste?
A: Hydroxyapatite is a mineral that makes up the majority of our tooth enamel and bones. In toothpaste, hydroxyapatite is a biocompatible mineral that mimics the structure of natural tooth enamel and is used in some toothpaste formulations to support enamel care and reduce sensitivity.
Q: Are these pastes safe for kids?
A: Most natural toothpastes and powders at Biome are free from fluoride, SLS, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic preservatives, making them gentler for children. However, always check the label and consult with your dentist for young children under age 6. Many families love options like Grin and Dr Hisham's for kids.
Q: Will these toothpaste powders foam like regular toothpaste?
A: Not usually. Natural toothpaste powders and pastes often don’t contain synthetic foaming agents like SLS, so they won’t foam the same way. But that doesn’t mean they’re not working! They clean effectively without the bubbles—and that’s a good thing if you're avoiding harsh detergents.
Q: Can I use tooth powder if I have sensitive teeth?
A: Yes—especially those with ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite and calcium phosphate, which are often chosen by people looking for relief from sensitivity and to support overall enamel care. Always patch test a new product if you’re unsure, and look for gentle formulations without strong essential oils or abrasives.
Q: How do I use a tooth powder?
A: Dip a damp toothbrush into the powder or sprinkle a small amount onto your brush. Gently brush as normal for 2 minutes. You can rinse afterwards—or some people prefer to leave a small residue on the teeth to keep the minerals working longer.
Q: Are your products TGA registered for enamel repair?
A: No, the natural toothpaste and tooth powders we offer do not carry therapeutic claims, such as "enamel repair" or "remineralisation". However, they do contain ingredients that are known to create a healthy oral environment for your body’s natural remineralisation process.
🦷 How fluoride remineralises teeth
Fluoride is one way to remineralise tooth enamel—and it's the most widely used method in conventional dentistry.
- Attracting calcium and phosphate ions in your saliva to the tooth surface.
- Helping form fluorapatite, a harder and more acid-resistant version of enamel.
- Slowing down or even reversing early stages of tooth decay.
- Making enamel more resistant to acid attacks from food and bacteria.
Is fluoride the only way?
While fluoride is effective and well-studied, it's not the only option. Many people now seek fluoride-free alternatives due to personal, health, or environmental concerns.
Alternatives that support oral health include:
- Hydroxyapatite (a naturally occurring mineral and enamel match)
- Calcium phosphate compounds like calcium glycerophosphate
- Xylitol, which reduces decay-causing bacteria and supports mineral absorption
- Baking soda to neutralise acids that soften enamel
Natural options like hydroxyapatite are rising in popularity and show promising results, especially for people seeking fluoride-free dental care.
Ready to try a more natural path to oral hygiene and health?
Browse Biome’s full collection of natural toothpaste and tooth powders here »
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information in this blog post is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. In Australia, any product that claims to remineralise enamel or repair tooth decay is considered a therapeutic good and must be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The natural oral care products mentioned here do not carry therapeutic claims and are not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Always consult your dentist or healthcare professional for personalised advice.
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