A smart solution for stronger teeth

Nearly one in three (31%) adults in the UK has tooth decay. Tooth extractions are the biggest reason for hospital admissions for children under six.  

While the widespread addition of fluoride in toothpaste since the 1950s has undoubtedly reduced rates of tooth decay, its powers remain limited given that saliva washes most of it away within 10 minutes of brushing.  

Research at Queen Mary, led by Professor Robert Hill (Institute of Dentistry) in collaboration with Professor David Gillam and the School of Engineering and Materials Science’s Dr Karin Hing and Professor Andy Bushby, developed an award-winning ‘smart’ toothpaste additive. Commercialised in 2015, BioMin coats teeth with a long-lasting and responsive layer of protection against decay, that also significantly reduces sensitivity. 

The research team’s spinout company, BioMin Technologies, sells BioMin-containing toothpastes to customers directly and licenses the product to toothpaste manufacturers across the globe. They are now exploring how BioMin could be added to other dental products.  

Research

Hill, Gillam, Hing and Bushby combined their expertise in dentistry, chemistry and biomaterials to build a world-leading understanding of bioactive glasses for dental care. 

Bioactive glass materials were first developed to repair bones. The Queen Mary team developed a new bioactive glass formulation for teeth, BioMin, which dissolves in saliva to release calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions that form a protective layer of fluorapatite. 

These ‘smart’ glasses dissolve almost ten times faster when the mouth becomes acidic (at pH5) – helping it return to a healthy state (pH7). Further, the fluorapatite obstructs dentinal tubules (microscopic channels), reducing hypersensitivity and blocking bacteria. 

Improved dental health for patients  

BioMin forms  a protective layer which blocks the microscopic channels that cause sensitivity. Independent clinical trials show BioMinF – a toothpaste produced by the research team’s company, BioMin Technologies – is more effective than other leading sensitivity toothpastes. 

In 2019, the Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards named BioMinF the UK’s best oral sensitivity relief provider. In 2021, the respected Global Health & Pharma Magazine voted BioMin the ‘Best Dentine Hypersensitivity Relief and Protection Product Manufacturer’ for the UK, citing consumer surveys that indicate 70% of users have reduced sensitivity after two weeks of use. A third of these respondents report a complete loss of symptoms. 

BioMin’s slow, 12-hour release of fluoride matches the average time between brushings. It further counters harmful, acidic conditions in the mouth as they arise, and which occur after we consume certain foods and drinks.  

Commercial impacts: a global market for BioMin toothpastes 

Hill and Gillam launched a spin-out company, BioMin Technologies Ltd, in 2014 to market toothpastes containing BioMin.  

The company also sells and licences BioMin to other dental product companies, including India’s two biggest pharmaceutical companies, enabling more patients to benefit globally. Recent partners include Abbott, Dr Reddy’s, Sun Pharmaceuticals and Scanderra. Since 2020, an estimated 3 million+ tubes of BioMin toothpastes have been sold every year in 30+ countries across the globe.  

Partners can be assured of the products’ competitiveness and claims through BioMin’s: 

• patents  

• accreditation from the Oral Health Foundation for sensitivity reduction and remineralisation 

• medical device approval in Europe, the US, China, Canada and Australia 

• clinical trial results 

BioMin Technologies see strong potential for the bioactive glass in a range of products beyond toothpaste, including dental varnishes, adhesives and fillings. 

The research team  filed a new international patent in 2021 that promises to reduce the cost of the material significantly and increase its use. 

Supporting dental practitioners 

BioMin Technologies have gathered evidence of dentists and hygienists routinely using BioMin toothpastes to enhance their services to patients.  

As low- or no-fluoride toothpastes, they appeal to patients who prefer to avoid fluoride. Many dental practices sell the toothpastes to patients, further supporting their revenue. 

Feedback from practitioners includes: 

“We now use and recommend [BioMin] routinely within the practice for postoperative sensitivity, alongside whitening, and as an everyday toothpaste. The hygienists use it as part of their protocol when carrying out GBT (guided biofilm therapy).” - Principal dentist, Surrey. 

“It is our top selling toothpaste, both for those with sensitivity and those who want an effective general toothpaste.” - Dental hygienist, Buckinghamshire. 

“Many of my patients prefer to be treated holistically, and tend to be reluctant to use high fluoride pastes. BioMinF is perfect because it offers better protection with less fluoride.” - Dental hygienist, Cambridgeshire. 

BioMin Technologies have gathered evidence of dentists and hygienists routinely using BioMin toothpastes to enhance their services to patients.  

As low- or no-fluoride toothpastes, they appeal to patients who prefer to avoid fluoride. Many dental practices sell the toothpastes to patients, further supporting their revenue. 

Feedback from practitioners includes: 

“We now use and recommend [BioMin] routinely within the practice for postoperative sensitivity, alongside whitening, and as an everyday toothpaste. The hygienists use it as part of their protocol when carrying out GBT (guided biofilm therapy).” - Principal dentist, Surrey. 

“It is our top selling toothpaste, both for those with sensitivity and those who want an effective general toothpaste.” - Dental hygienist, Buckinghamshire. 

“Many of my patients prefer to be treated holistically, and tend to be reluctant to use high fluoride pastes. BioMinF is perfect because it offers better protection with less fluoride.” - Dental hygienist, Cambridgeshire. 

Key takeaways

• BioMin’s advanced support for preventative dental healthcare is significant in the face of staggering rates of decay-related tooth extractions, stretched government healthcare spending and dwindling access to NHS dentists. 

• BioMin has even more potential to prevent poor dental health. Further investment and partnerships would support its addition to products beyond toothpaste, notably: varnishes, adhesives, fillings, remineralising cements, prophy pastes and air abrasives. 

• Hill and Ferranti Wong are now exploring these wider applications. With a Barts Charity Grant they are developing a BioMinF varnish that parents can apply to their children’s teeth at home.