What is ProNamel™?

ProNamel™ is a toothpaste marketed by Sensodyne® that provides protection against enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity. It works by strengthening tooth enamel and preventing future wear from the acids found in certain foods and beverages. ProNamel™ also provides the benefits generally expected in a toothpaste: removing plaque, freshening breath, and preventing cavities.

Many foods and drinks, such as fruits, vegetables, soda, coffee, and sports drinks, are very acidic, as determined by their low pH levels. The pH scale is simply a measure of the acidity of a substance, as compared with pure, neutral water (pH seven). Coffee has a pH of about four, and citrus fruits such as oranges have an even lower pH, about three. Substances with pH levels this low are considered very acidic, and frequent exposure can soften or even deteriorate the surface enamel of teeth, making them more susceptible to excessive wear, chipping, and sensitivity to hot and cold. While ProNamel™ is unable to restore teeth to their previous condition, it is effective in strengthening existing enamel.

The active ingredients of the toothpaste are sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate. Sodium fluoride has been proven effective in hardening the outer layer of enamel on teeth. In turn, the teeth become better protected against acids and future decay. The potassium nitrate found in ProNamel™ supposedly works to reduce existing tooth sensitivity, although its effectiveness has not been verified in clinical trials.

While no negative side effects have been associated with using ProNamel™, it does contain a controversial artificial sweetening agent known as saccharin. There have been concerns about the correlation between saccharin ingestion and the frequency of cancer in laboratory animals. There is no proof of a causal relationship between cancer and saccharin, however, and it is generally assumed that small doses are harmless to humans.

Sensodyne® recommends that ProNamel™ be used twice a day in conjunction with common oral hygiene practices, such as regular flossing and periodic trips to the dentist's office. They also suggest that people who suffer from sensitive teeth and enamel loss limit their consumption of acidic foods and beverages. People suffering from severe tooth decay or intense sensitivity problems should seek the guidance of a dentist before opting for an over-the-counter toothpaste such as ProNamel™.