MI Paste® Plus (Mint Flavor)

MI Paste Plus Mint is an over‐the‐counter topical dental paste by GC America designed to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. Its active ingredient is sodium fluoride 0.20% (w/w) – a standard anticavity concentration – combined with glycerin, xylitol, and a Recaldent® complex (CPP-ACP, a milk-derived casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate) to deliver bioavailable calcium and phosphate to the teeth. In practice, MI Paste Plus Mint is used after regular brushing as a “leave-on” remineralizing treatment. The fluoride acts with the CPP-ACP to rebuild weakened enamel (forming fluorapatite) and inhibit decay, while the minerals help fill in early lesions and block dentin tubules.

Uses (Indications)

MI Paste Plus Mint is used in preventive dental care. Although the FDA label simply states it “aids in the prevention of dental cavities”, in practice dental professionals recommend it for:

• Caries prevention: Helping to harden enamel and protect against new cavity formation (thanks to its fluoride content). It is ideal for patients at medium-to-high risk of caries (e.g. after orthodontics, with active decay, or poor oral hygiene).
• Enamel remineralization (“white spots”): Reversing early demineralization. MI Paste Plus supplies calcium and phosphate ions that rebuild enamel in chalky white-spot lesions (common around braces or after acid erosion).
• Sensitivity relief: Fortifying enamel and occluding exposed dentin tubules can reduce sharp pain from cold, heat, sweets, or acid. (Many users report less sensitivity with regular use.)
• Post-whitening or erosive protection: After professional bleaching or with dietary/acid erosion, it helps re-harden enamel and buffer acids. Stability of enamel is improved due to the extra minerals and fluoride.
• Dry mouth support: In patients with low saliva (xerostomia), MI Paste Plus provides some of the minerals missing from saliva, helping protect enamel from plaque acid.

Note: MI Paste Plus is a dental protective paste, not a medication for infections. It will not treat tooth decay once a cavity has formed (that requires a dentist) and does not affect viruses or systemic health.

How to Use (Directions)

Use MI Paste Plus Mint after your regular brushing routine. According to the product label, do the following:

• Brush and floss your teeth as usual with a regular fluoride toothpaste, then rinse your mouth lightly.
• Apply a pea‐sized amount: Dispense about a pea‐sized drop of MI Paste Plus Mint onto a clean finger (some people wet the finger slightly first).
• Spread on teeth: Gently rub the paste onto all tooth surfaces. Cover the upper teeth evenly, then the lower teeth. (You may also apply it with a clean toothbrush or in a custom tray if directed by your dentist.)
• Leave it on: Do not rinse immediately. Allow the paste to stay on your teeth for about 3 minutes. During this time the fluoride and calcium/phosphate are absorbed into enamel.
• Spit out excess: After 3 minutes, simply spit out any remaining paste. (If possible, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward to maximize its effect.)
• Frequency: Use MI Paste Plus Mint twice daily (morning and night) or as directed. Replace the cap after use to keep it fresh.

Children (6–12 years) should use only under a dentist’s guidance and with supervision (to minimize swallowing). The product is not for unsupervised use by children under 6.

Side Effects

MI Paste Plus Mint is very well tolerated by most people, as it acts only on the teeth. Possible effects are:

• Allergic reaction: The paste contains milk protein (casein) and paraben preservatives (hydroxybenzoates). If you have a known milk allergy or sensitivity to parabens, do not use this product. Signs of allergy can include rash, itching, hives, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. If any allergy symptoms occur, stop use immediately, rinse mouth, and seek medical attention.
• Mild oral irritation: A few users may notice slight gum or palate irritation or a pungent taste. MI Paste Plus is SLS-free and designed to be gentle, so these are uncommon. If oral irritation or sores develop, discontinue use and consult a dentist.
• Fluoride ingestion (overdose): Very large ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting or stomach pain (fluoride toxicity). Always use only the recommended pea-sized amount and spit it out. Keep the paste away from small children. If a child swallows a large amount of MI Paste Plus (far more than used for one brushing), contact Poison Control or seek medical care.
• No systemic effects: There are no known serious systemic side effects from normal use. If tooth sensitivity or discomfort worsens despite use of the paste, or if any new symptoms occur, stop use and see your dentist.

Precautions and Warnings

• Allergy: Do not use MI Paste Plus Mint if you have a sensitivity to milk proteins or to parabens (methyl/propyl/ethyl hydroxybenzoate).
• Children: Keep out of reach of children under 6. For ages 6–12, use only under a dentist’s advice. Ensure children spit out the paste and do not swallow it.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Because MI Paste Plus is used topically and spat out, minimal fluoride is absorbed. It is generally considered safe if needed during pregnancy or nursing. Still, tell your dentist or physician if you are pregnant or nursing before starting any new oral care product.
• Medical conditions: No special adjustments are usually needed for medical conditions, but inform your dentist if you have severe kidney disease or other conditions affecting minerals. MI Paste contains fluoride, so exposure should be accounted for if you use multiple fluoride sources.
• Drug interactions: None known (it is not a systemic drug). However, do not use other fluoride rinses or toothpaste at the same time to avoid excess fluoride.
• General: MI Paste Plus Mint is not a substitute for daily brushing/flossing and routine dental care. Continue regular dental visits.

Composition

• Active ingredient: Sodium fluoride 0.20% (w/w) – provides the anticavity (anticaries) action.
• Other active component: CPP-ACP (Recaldent®) – a milk casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate complex that delivers calcium and phosphate ions to the tooth surface.
• Inactive ingredients: Casein phosphopeptides-calcium phosphate complex, xylitol, glycerin, D-sorbitol, titanium dioxide (whitening agent), flavoring (mint), propylene glycol, phosphoric acid, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium saccharin, and parabens (methyl/ethyl/propyl-butyl hydroxybenzoate) as preservatives. (Notably, it contains no sodium lauryl sulfate and has low abrasiveness.)

Important Advice

• Use as directed: Always follow the product instructions or your dentist’s advice. Apply MI Paste Plus Mint after brushing and allow it to sit for the recommended time. Consistent use is key – even if sensitivity improves, continue using twice daily to maintain enamel protection.
• Oral hygiene: Continue to brush (with regular toothpaste) and floss daily. MI Paste Plus is an adjunct, not a replacement for routine hygiene.
• Storage: Store at room temperature with the cap closed. Do not freeze. Rinse the cap and nozzle if they become clogged.
• Check dental progress: If after a few weeks of use you notice no benefit (e.g. sensitivity persists or new decay appears), consult your dentist. This product helps prevent decay but cannot reverse a deep cavity; you may need professional treatment.
• Note on dosage: MI Paste Plus Mint is not an “antibiotic”; it does not cure infection. It is a preventive remineralizing treatment. Use only the pea-size amount – more is not better.
• Keep it away: As with any dental product with fluoride, keep the tube out of reach of children to prevent accidental swallowing.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general understanding only and does not replace professional dental advice. Always consult your dentist or dental hygienist for guidance on proper treatment and usage of dental products.