Does MI Paste Help With Sensitivity After Whitening?
Short answer
It may. GC, the manufacturer, lists sensitivity before and after tooth whitening as one of the uses for MI Paste, and states that its active ingredient can help decrease dentin hypersensitivity. MI Paste is made from a milk protein, so it must not be used by anyone with a milk protein allergy.
What is MI Paste?
MI Paste is a tooth creme that you apply to your teeth after brushing and leave on. You still brush with your normal toothpaste first. Its active ingredient is RECALDENT, also written CPP-ACP, which GC describes as a milk-derived protein that releases calcium and phosphate onto the teeth.
Why would it help after whitening?
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most commonly reported side effects of peroxide whitening, and it is usually short lived. GC states that RECALDENT can help decrease dentin hypersensitivity, and lists "sensitivity before and after tooth whitening" among the uses for MI Paste.
This is the manufacturer's stated use. It is not a guarantee that it will remove sensitivity for every person.
How do you use MI Paste?
- Brush your teeth first with your regular toothpaste.
- Put a pea sized amount on a clean, dry finger or a cotton swab.
- Spread it along the gum line of your upper and lower teeth.
- Leave it on for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Spit out any excess if you need to.
These steps follow a patient teaching sheet from Children's Wisconsin hospital.
Do you rinse MI Paste off?
No. The Children's Wisconsin sheet says not to rinse your mouth after applying it, and not to eat or drink for 30 minutes, so the creme stays in contact with the teeth.
When is the best time to use it?
At bedtime, after brushing. The hospital teaching sheet directs patients to use it daily at bedtime, leave it on the teeth and go to bed. For use around whitening, GC lists both before and after whitening.
Does MI Paste have fluoride?
No. MI Paste supplies calcium and phosphate. GC makes a separate version with added fluoride.
Can I use MI Paste if I am lactose intolerant?
GC's warning is about milk protein, which is a different thing from lactose intolerance: do not use MI Paste if you have a milk protein allergy or an allergy to hydroxybenzoates, a type of preservative. If you are not sure which one you have, ask your doctor or dentist first.
If you have an allergic reaction, GC's direction is to stop using it, rinse your mouth with water, and seek medical advice.
Sources and evidence
- GC America, MI Paste product information: ingredient, listed uses, allergy warning.
- Children's Wisconsin, "MI Paste Instructions" patient teaching sheet: steps, not rinsing, bedtime use.
- "What to Know About Whitening: Side Effects", continuing education course CE491 for dental professionals: how common whitening sensitivity is.
Related questions
Is MI Paste a toothpaste?
It is used after brushing, not in place of it. Brush with your normal toothpaste first, then apply MI Paste.
Can I use MI Paste every day?
Yes. The hospital teaching sheet above directs daily use at bedtime.
How often can you use whitening trays?
Once a day during a course, then occasional touch-ups. See the full answer.
Relevant products
General information only, not dental or medical advice.