Ever tried "tooth mousse"? If you've got sensitive teeth, you might want to.

Image via iStock. 

Let’s talk about my favourite oral hygiene product of the century: GC Tooth mousse.

I started using tooth mousse because my teeth are super sensitive, and since I have, they are so much better. So I feel I need to spread the word about this magical mousse.

“GC Tooth mousse was developed in Melbourne, by Prof Eric Reynolds at the Melbourne Dental School,  University of Melbourne. It contains the major milk protein, casein, which helps stabilise calcium and phosphate into a bioavailable form, and they are the building blocks of our teeth” Dr Priya Lal, a Melbourne based dentist says.

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Why you might need it.

One of the main reasons people use tooth mousse is to restore mineral balance in the oral environment. The casein (milk protein) stops the calcium and phosphate binding together and becoming less effective, so these mineral ions can heal the damage at the early stages of decay and to some extent, erosion.  

Decay is caused by a  number of bacteria in our mouth using sugar as energy and creating acid as a by-product, so we need to consider all of the upcoming advice in the context of developing a healthy diet and good brushing and flossing.

The early stages of decay (before a hole develops) can be healed if the causes of decay are reversed. Traditionally we have used fluoride in the water and toothpaste, however the work of fluoride is limited by the amount of bioavailable calcium and phosphate around, and this is where Tooth Mousse is useful.  The calcium and phosphate, with the help of fluoride, replace the lost mineral from the early decay, so help rebuild the enamel that was once there.

Sensitivity is usually caused by exposure of the second layer of tooth, the dentine, at the neck of the tooth. Sensitivity tends to occur when the diet is acidic, or the saliva is not as good as it should be. Tooth Mousse provides calcium and phosphate ions to seal off the exposed dentine.

"It can also be used to help treat dry mouth. If you have dry mouth, you don't have much saliva buffering the enamel, and so tooth mousse can offer your teeth more protection; however as the Tooth Mousse is quite thick, adding a little water to your mouth after rubbing it around helps even more."

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Tooth mousse can also be used to prepare beforehand for dental treatments such as bleaching. It can also restore the balance after procedures such as tooth whitening, professional cleaning, and periodontal care.

"It is great for pre and post teeth bleaching. It will make them less sensitive." Dr Priya says.

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Dr Priya explains that it can also be used for those suffering from morning sickness and reflux. Because the acid from your stomach can dissolve your teeth, rubbing tooth mousse on your teeth after morning sickness/reflux, will help to protect your teeth from erosion. 

However if morning sickness is quite severe, using the product before the sickness occurs should be even more effective, as it can directly protect the tooth surface.  If morning sickness does occur, don’t brush your teeth straight away, as this can wear away the demineralised enamel and dentine – rinse with water or milk, and apply Tooth Mousse.

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How to use it.

Dr Priya recommends that tooth mousse is applied at night, after you have brushed your teeth, but before you floss.

"Use a clean finger and smear it on the teeth, you can also use a cotton bud to do this if you prefer. Dentists can also make people a custom tray, that you can swipe the tooth mousse onto and then put into your mouth and wear for around 15 minutes."

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Because tooth mousse is derived from the milk protein, casein, it is not suitable for people with lactose intolerances. Speak to your dentist before using tooth mousse to find out if it's right for you.