MI Paste® (Mint Flavor)

MI Paste® is a topical tooth crème by GC America, formulated with Recaldent (CPP-ACP, a milk-derived casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate complex) to help remineralize enamel. The mint-flavor version is essentially MI Paste Plus in mint taste. It contains 0.20% sodium fluoride (anticavity agent) and bioavailable calcium and phosphate from CPP-ACP. Unlike ordinary toothpaste, MI Paste is used after brushing to deliver minerals and fluoride to teeth. It strengthens weakened enamel, helps reverse early decay (“white spots”), and can reduce tooth sensitivity by flooding the teeth with minerals and occluding dentin tubules.

Uses (Indications)

MI Paste Mint is indicated for dental maintenance and preventive care, not for treating illness. Its uses include:

• Caries prevention: Sodium fluoride in the paste helps prevent cavities by strengthening enamel. CPP-ACP supplies calcium/phosphate to bolster fluoride’s effect.
• Enamel remineralization: Ideal for early (non-cavitated) lesions such as white spot areas on teeth. The milk protein complex delivers minerals needed to rebuild enamel. (Dentists often recommend it after braces or whitening to restore enamel lost to demineralization.)
• Sensitivity relief: CPP-ACP can help occlude (block) exposed dentin tubules, reducing sensitivity. Many users report reduced ache from hot, cold, or sweet stimuli after regular use.
• Post-whitening care: Helps strengthen enamel after professional bleaching, when teeth may be temporarily softer or more sensitive.
• Dry mouth support: Beneficial for patients with low saliva (xerostomia), since saliva normally supplies minerals; MI Paste provides those minerals topically.

Note: MI Paste will not cure cavities once they are into dentin (only a dentist can do that), and it has no effect on viruses or systemic health. It should only be used as directed for dental protection.

How to Use (Directions)

MI Paste Mint is used after brushing with a regular fluoride toothpaste. For adults and children 12 years and older, the typical instructions (from the official label) are:

• Brush your teeth as usual with your regular toothpaste, then rinse your mouth lightly.
• Dispense a pea-sized amount of MI Paste Mint. The label suggests applying the paste with a clean finger (or a toothbrush) directly onto the tooth surfaces.
• Coat the upper and lower teeth evenly. (Some patients smear it on the whole palate/teeth or just the fronts.)
• Do not rinse or spit immediately. Leave the paste on the teeth for about 3 minutes (as recommended) to allow minerals to absorb.
• After 3+ minutes, you may spit out the excess. Ideally wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking to let the fluoride and minerals work.

Side Effects

MI Paste Mint is generally very well tolerated, as it acts only on the teeth and isn’t swallowed in large amounts. Possible side effects include:

• Allergic reaction: Since MI Paste contains milk protein (casein) and parabens (hydroxybenzoates), it can trigger allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals. Signs include rash, itching, swelling (especially of face/tongue/throat), or breathing difficulty. If any allergic symptoms occur, stop use immediately and seek medical help.
• Oral/mucosal irritation: A few people may experience mild mouth or gum irritation or “burning” when using MI Paste, though it is SLS-free and formulated to be gentle. If irritation occurs, discontinue until you consult a dentist.
• Fluoride overload (very rare): Swallowing large quantities of the paste can cause nausea, vomiting or stomach upset (due to fluoride). Always use only a pea-sized amount and spit it all out. If a child swallows more than of a normal use, contact Poison Control or see a doctor.
• Unchanged symptoms: If sensitivity, cavities, or lesions do not improve after 4–6 weeks of use, see your dentist – the product might not be sufficient alone.

There are no systemic drug interactions (MI Paste acts topically). It does not interfere with other medications when used as directed.

Use MI Paste Mint twice daily (morning and bedtime) or as your dentist advises. Store at room temperature with the cap closed.

If a child under 12 needs it (for high cavity risk or sensitivity), a dentist should recommend and supervise it. Because MI Paste contains fluoride, children ages 6–12 should use only a pea-sized amount and be watched to ensure they spit it out. It should not be used in children under 6 (and is kept out of reach of young kids).

Precautions and Warnings

• Allergy check: Do not use MI Paste Mint if you have a known allergy to milk proteins (casein) or parabens. The product label explicitly warns against use in such cases.
• Children: Not for unsupervised use by young children (under 6). For ages 6–12, use only if advised by a dentist, in a pea-sized amount, and supervise to minimize swallowing..
• Fluoride content: Because it contains fluoride, avoid swallowing and avoid using other fluoride rinses/toothpastes at the same time to prevent excess.
• Medical conditions: Very few restrictions, but inform your dentist if you have severe renal disease or any condition affecting mineral balance (MI Paste is unlikely to pose a problem, but your doctor may advise monitoring).
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: MI Paste is a topical dental product with minimal systemic absorption. Generally it is considered safe (Category C/B) but discuss any dental products with your ob-gyn or dentist if you are concerned.
• Not a substitute for dental care: Continue regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. MI Paste Mint helps protect against decay but does not replace professional treatments.

Composition

• Active ingredient: Sodium fluoride 0.20% (w/w) – provides anti-cavity protection.
• Other key ingredients: Casein phosphopeptides-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) – the Recaldent® complex – which supplies calcium and phosphate to remineralize enamel. Mint flavoring gives the toothpaste its taste. It also contains glycerin, sorbitol, parabens (preservatives), xylitol, etc. (This formula is SLS-free and low-abrasion.)
• What’s not in it: Unlike some gel desensitizers, MI Paste Mint does not contain potassium nitrate. It also contains fluoride (unlike plain MI Paste without “Plus”).

All ingredients are listed on the package. (Notably, MI Paste Mint does contain a milk-derived protein, so again do not use if you have a milk allergy.)

Important Advice

• Use exactly as directed by the label or your dentist. Even if tooth sensitivity improves quickly, continue routine use for the recommended duration to maximize enamel rebuilding.
• Finish the application: If you are instructed to use it for 1–3 months, do so fully. Stopping early may let enamel weaknesses return.
• Avoid excess swallowing: Spit out the paste after use. If a child swallows an unusually large amount, contact Poison Control immediately.
• Storage: Keep the tube capped and store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
• Check-in with dentist: If you experience any worrying symptoms (allergic reactions, persistent sores, increased sensitivity), stop use and consult a dental professional.

Bottom line: MI Paste Mint is a gentle, clinician-recommended toothpaste/crème used to enhance enamel repair and reduce sensitivity. It is not an antibiotic or systemic drug – it won’t treat infections – but it is a helpful preventive dental aid. Always consult your dentist or hygienist before starting or stopping any oral therapy.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general understanding and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Always follow guidance from a qualified dentist or dental hygienist regarding dental products.