BioMin® Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth & Enamel Protection: Full Review

Fed up of having to avoid ice-cold drinks and really sweet foods because of tooth sensitivity? Well, BioMin^® toothpaste “Armour for Teeth” could be the answer. Not only is it clinically proven to effectively relieve hypersensitivity in teeth; it also provides long-lasting protection against enamel-eroding acids.

BioMin toothpaste is available with or without fluoride, and they also have some yummy flavours for kids, so you can keep the whole family's teeth strong and healthy. But before you buy it, perhaps you want to know a bit more about the ingredients and how it works.

In this BioMin toothpaste review, we will look at what makes this product different to all the other sensitive toothpastes out there, so you can decide whether it's worth a try. We feature some real user reviews for the adult variants – BioMin F and BioMin C – and for BioMin for Kids toothpaste.

So, get ready to be informed!

What is BioMin toothpaste?

BioMin toothpaste has a special formula that provides relief from hypersensitivity while also releasing minerals to strengthen and protect tooth enamel.

To understand why this matters, we need to look at what's going on in your mouth every day. When you eat or drink, especially if there is sugar involved, your teeth get coated in plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on those sugars and emit acids. Acidic conditions in your mouth are not good for tooth enamel; without proper oral care, it can start to wear away. Although your saliva helps neutralise acids, it can't always keep up with regular snacking.

When you use BioMin, it's like you are giving your mouth a helping hand with keeping acids off your teeth and re-building minerals that have been lost from your enamel. Bioactive particles in the toothpaste bond with tooth enamel to strengthen the tooth structure, fight acid erosion and block tiny holes (exposed dentin tubules) which are responsible for tooth sensitivity.

This toothpaste is made by BioMin Technologies Limited, and the technology comes from award-winning research conducted between Queen Mary and Imperial College London.

The exact details of how it works involve a bit of science, but the following video explains the basics:

Here's a quick overview of what each of their toothpastes does:

• BioMin F: A low-fluoride toothpaste that protects teeth for up to 12 hours and relieves sensitivity. The first and only toothpaste to receive Oral Health Foundation approval for both relief from sensitivity and remineralisation.
• BioMin C: A fluoride-free toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
• BioMin F for Kids: Based on the same BioMin F technology, it contains 40-60% less fluoride than regular kids' toothpastes but uses it more effectively. Available in melon and strawberry flavours and suitable for ages 3+.

You can buy BioMin in some high-street stores and online, including on Amazon. Check prices now or continue reading for more product information and BioMin toothpaste reviews.

BioMin ingredients

The main ingredient in BioMin toothpastes is a bioactive glass which bonds with tooth enamel and mimics the way the body naturally reacts when you consume acidic foods and drinks. Using glass in toothpaste might sound like a strange thing to do. Wouldn't it scratch your gums and enamel? And what if you accidentally swallowed it?

Well, bioglass is already used in many medical applications, including in teeth fillings. And when it is used in toothpastes, the particles are tiny – too small for you to even know they are there. In BioMin toothpaste, the bioactive glass particles are about a tenth the width of a human hair. Not only does this mean it has a low abrasiveness score (RDA of 68), but also that the particles can penetrate damaged tooth enamel and fill exposed tubules.

Watch the short documentary below for more information about how bioglass is used in the human body (or skip to 3:30 for the bit about toothpaste):

The specific ingredients differ slightly in the fluoride and non-fluoride versions of this bioglass toothpaste, so let's take a look at these in more detail.

BioMin F toothpaste

BioMin F toothpaste addresses two problems which the majority of Brits suffer with at some point in their lives: tooth sensitivity and mineral loss in enamel. Often the two come hand-in-hand, and mineral loss can make teeth more susceptible to decay.

The fact that this toothpaste is the only one so far to have gained approval from the Oral Health Foundation for both relief from sensitivity and remineralisation says a lot about how effective it is.

“Tooth sensitivity and enamel loss can cause many people a great deal of pain. For those looking for a toothpaste which combats sensitivity and enamel demineralisation, BioMin F is a good and effective option.”

-Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation

Here is a full list of BioMin F ingredients:

Glycerin, Silica, PEG 400, Fluoro Calcium Phospho Silicate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Titanium Dioxide, Aroma, Carbomer, Potassium Acesulfame.

The fluoride concentration is below 550ppm, much lower than the 1450ppm which is standard for most adult toothpastes in the UK. So why does BioMin get such high acclaim when its fluoride content is well below the recommended level?

Well, the problem with regular toothpastes is that the fluoride is an added ingredient. Although the concentration starts out high, as soon as you've finished brushing, it gets washed away by your saliva and anything you eat or drink. Within two hours it has lost all effectiveness.

With BioMin F, the fluoride is chemically bound to the calcium and phosphate in BioMin particles. When the particles mix with saliva they form fluorapatite, which sticks to the tooth surface and provides fluoride protection for up to 12 hours. Think of it like the hare and the tortoise: slow and steady protects your teeth for longer.

BioMin F for Kids

Tooth decay in children is a big problem in the UK. It's important to minimise sugary snacks and brush their teeth twice a day: once in the morning and again before bed. Regular dental checkups are also key. But for those days when you forget to brush or they have more treats than usual, using a remineralising toothpaste for kids can give an extra layer of protection.

With the same formula as the adult toothpaste, BioMin F for Kids releases a steady, low-level amount of fluoride for up to 12 hours after brushing. It contains almost half the amount of fluoride as many kids' toothpastes, which is reassuring if you're worried about dental fluorosis.

BioMin F for Kids is intended for ages 3+. Children should use a pea-sized amount and not rinse with water after brushing because that washes away the important toothpaste ingredients. Children under 3 can also use it as long as they weigh at least 10kg. They should use only a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) and teach them not to swallow it.

After age 6, children can switch to adult toothpaste, although they may prefer to stick with the melon or strawberry one for a while! The younger product testers on our team gave these kids' toothpastes a big thumbs-up for taste and texture.

BioMin C toothpaste

Most dental professionals and organisations recommend using fluoride toothpaste, but some people prefer to avoid this ingredient. That's why BioMin has also developed a fluoride-free version, BioMin C toothpaste.

BioMin C ingredients are almost identical to BioMin F, except that the fluoride is replaced by chloride:

Glycerin, Silica, PEG, Chloro Calcium Phospho Silicate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Titanium Dioxide, Flavouring, Carbopol, Potassium Acesulfame.

This formula produces hydroxyapatite which actually works to cover the teeth more quickly than fluorapatite. However, it doesn't give the same resistance to acid as BioMin F.

If you're suffering from sensitive teeth and want a non-fluoride toothpaste that's scientifically proven to work, BioMin C is a great choice.

BioMin F vs C

So, here's a quick recap of the difference between the various BioMin toothpastes:

BioMin vs Sensodyne

You have probably already heard of Sensodyne, a brand of toothpaste which is also made specifically for people with sensitive teeth. Perhaps you have even tried it and are wondering what the difference is between Sensodyne and BioMin.

Well, the two products address sensitivity in more or less the same way. The active ingredient in Sensodyne Repair and Protect toothpaste is NovaMin, a bioglass containing calcium and phosphate. When activated by saliva, it forms a hydroxyapatite-like layer that covers and penetrates enamel. As with BioMin, it essentially blocks the exposed dentin tubules which cause sensitivity.

The main difference is in how the toothpastes release fluoride. With BioMin F, the fluoride is a part of the main ingredient whereas with Sensodyne Repair and Protect, soluble sodium fluoride is added in. What this means is that BioMin F releases fluorapatite which is ten times more resistant to acid attack than hydroxyapatite. As the fluoride is released over a much longer time period (between 10 and 12 hours), it protects your teeth for longer.

In addition, the particle size of BioMin is smaller than that of NovaMin. This means BioMin is able to penetrate smaller areas and is also less abrasive on teeth.

So, in short, Sensodyne is effective at relieving sensitivity but BioMin F can be even more effective, and is a better choice if you want longer-lasting protection from cavities too.

Where to buy BioMin toothpaste in the UK

There are various BioMin toothpaste stockists around the UK, but it can be hard to find in high-street stores like Boots. Since you're already online, it's easy to buy BioMin toothpaste on Amazon. Here, you can buy a single tube just to try it out or purchase a larger quantity to make it more cost-effective.

Choose one of the following according to the quantity you would like:

• BioMin F – 1 tube
• BioMin F – 2 tubes
• BioMin F – 4 tubes
• BioMin F – 8 tubes (best value)
• BioMin C – 1 tube
• BioMin C – 4 tubes
• BioMin C – 8 tubes (best value)
• BioMin F for Kids

A single tube should last for about a month if used as directed. The adult variants come in 75ml tubes and the kids' toothpaste in 37.5ml tubes.

BioMin toothpaste reviews

BioMin has received glowing endorsements from dentists and hygienists across the UK, who have tried it themselves and seen positive results in their patients.

Our product testers found BioMin F pleasant to use with a minty taste that's not too strong. Here are some of their comments:

“I wouldn't say I have very sensitive teeth, but I have one tooth with a ridge near the gumline which was painful to touch. After a few days of using BioMin F, I realised there was no pain at all when I ran my finger across it!”

“It takes a while to get used to swishing the toothpaste around in your mouth after brushing instead of spitting it straight out. After two weeks of using it, I still forget sometimes.”

Consumer reviews

Hop over to Amazon and you'll see that the BioMin toothpaste reviews are mostly positive, with some amazing ‘before and after' stories. Many users comment that they had tried another popular brand without any results, but within a few days of using BioMin F their sensitivity has disappeared.

“I have very sensitive teeth. This is the best toothpaste I’ve had, much better that the high street ones.”

-Mrs H Rolt, Amazon reviewer

“I suffered badly with my teeth aching due to over sensitivity. Tried other well know tooth sensitive brands which didn’t work. Within three days Of using morning and night, the pain had gone. This toothpaste is incredible! Would highly recommend!”

-Mand Broom, Amazon reviewer

However, some people don't feel that it's worth the higher-than-average price tag. “Tastes great but I can't say it's any better than Sensodyne toothpaste just a lot more expensive,” says one review of BioMin, while another user comments that she uses it every other day, alternating with a cheaper one. Others think it is definitely worth the price for the results it delivers:

“I had been using Sensodyne, which I found was doing nothing to help my sensitive teeth. This, however does the job. More expensive than an average toothpaste – and worth every penny.”

-Bill, Amazon reviewer

“If you have sensitive teeth you MUST buy this product. Having used several of the market leading brands of sensitive toothpaste with varying effect, my tooth sensitivity got so bad (using the most well known sensitive toothpaste) that hot, cold and any pressure at all on the tooth was excruciating. It was constantly throbbing. I have now been using BioMin F for about ten days and my tooth has got better every day to the point now where it is barely sensitive at all! I can chew peanuts, drink hot coffee or soup and hardly notice a thing, and this has been improving every day and after only ten days it is almost normal. Incredible. It's bit more expensive than other toothpastes but if you have sensitive teeth it is worth every penny, it is nothing short of a miracle!”

-Miss A C Harris, Amazon reviewer

How to use

You know how to brush your teeth, but there are a couple of things you might need to do differently to get the most out of BioMin. Here's what the manufacturers recommend:

• Brush before breakfast and last thing at night
• Use about 1cm of toothpaste or a pea-sized amount for kids aged 3-6 years old)
• Tilt the brush at a slight angle and gently brush the outer, inner and biting surfaces of your teeth using short up-and-down strokes
• Be sure to reach right to the back of your mouth and other tricky spots
• Brush for two minutes, then swish the remaining foam around in your mouth for a further 30 seconds before spitting it out
• Don't rinse with water or mouthwash after brushing – this washes away the active ingredients in the toothpaste before they can get to work
• Avoid acidic drinks like coffee and fruit juice for 30 minutes after brushing.

An electric toothbrush with smart technology can help you see whether you're brushing your teeth properly too. But a manual brush will still do the job well, as long as you're using the correct technique. When it comes to brushing kids' teeth, letting them choose a baby or kids' toothbrush with fun colours or characters on it can help with compliance.

BioMin has also created special colouring sheets featuring ‘Bino’ the friendly dinosaur, and a brushing chart to encourage children to brush twice a day. Download them from BioMin's website to get your kids on board with their brushing!

Conclusion

The patented technology used in BioMin toothpaste is not only designed for people with sensitive teeth; pretty much anyone can use it and benefit from stronger, protected tooth enamel. Because of the way BioMin F toothpaste releases fluoride steadily over time, the concentration is less than half that of most adult toothpastes in the UK. However, if you'd prefer to avoid fluoride altogether, you can go with BioMin C. With special flavours for kids too, you can keep the whole family's teeth protected with BioMin.

We hope this BioMin toothpaste review has helped you understand more about the product. If you'd like to give it a try, it's convenient to buy on Amazon, either as a single tube or in a better-value multipack.

Many people who have been suffering from hypersensitivity notice an improvement within just a few days, so it's certainly worth considering if this is something you experience.

FAQs

Does BioMin toothpaste contain SLS?

Yes, all BioMin toothpastes contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), an ingredient that helps the paste foam up and gets between your teeth. If you prefer SLS-free toothpaste, see these natural toothpaste recommendations.

Is BioMin tested on animals?

No; no animal testing has been used in the development of these products. In addition, BioMin toothpastes are vegan-friendly as they contain no animal-derived products.

Is BioMin a whitening toothpaste?

No, BioMin toothpastes are not specifically designed for whitening teeth, but some people notice their teeth appear brighter, whiter and feel cleaner with regular use. If you really want whiter teeth, you could use BioMin alongside a teeth whitening kit. Alternatively, you could try one of these whitening toothpastes instead.

Where can you buy BioMin toothpaste in the UK?

BioMin toothpaste is available in some high-street stores and dental practices, but it isn't widely stocked yet. You may find it easier to purchase online, where prices may be lower too. Click here to view BioMin's product range on Amazon.