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The Story behind Mineraldent

Despite the multitude of varieties of oral hygiene products on the market today, one thing is certain: Our toothpastes and mouth rinses could do more. Playing a pronounced proactive role in the maintenance of optimal oral health which result in better overall health, too.

The idea for this unique formula for oral hygiene started with a conversation with one of Dr. Abbate’s patients, Murray Liberman in 1991. Mr. Liberman was working on a line of all-natural healing ointments derived from the singular blend of 34 naturally-occurring minerals found in mineral water from the Michigan Basin. The mineral water had already achieved a far-ranging, century-old reputation as possessing remarkable health benefits, and had been favorably assessed by the scientific community as far back as 1927, when it was evaluated by the then nationally-reknown Dr. John W. Meyer.

Dr. Abbate considered the potential for a new dentifrice combining recognized decay-preventive agents with the healing power of natural minerals.

He recognized that optimal health benefits could be derived from these minerals through oral administration, owing to the mouth’s vascularity and consequent ability to absorb them quickly and effectively. Blended with the decay preventive properties of fluoride as well as a non fluoride formula, these minerals could serve as the foundation of entirely new and markedly improved form of oral hygiene products.

As a result, Dr. Abbate developed Mineraldent - a precise blend of approved traditional toothpaste ingredients with properties extracted from the abundant, super-potent Michigan Basin mineral water. The result is an effective dentifrice with broad appeal to an increasingly health-conscious consumer market.

Convinced of the toothpaste formula’s health merits and market potential, Dr. Abbate formed “Mineraldent, Inc.” Trademark work is complete for the United States, and will be extended to other suitable countries. The patent search is complete, confirming that Mineraldent is a unique and patentable product. US Patent number 6,372,198 B1.

Further Research

Dr. Abbate began the Mineraldent research process with a consultation with Dr. George Stookey, a nationally esteemed expert on dental hygiene products based at the Oral Health Research Institute at Indiana University who indicated that the modern scientific community had yet to recognize potential healing properties or health benefits derived from trace minerals. Subsequently, Dr. Stookey and his staff were retained to test the efficacy of Mineraldent according to the standard protocols for Food and Drug Administration and American Dental Association Approval. Mineraldent had already proven its safety and efficacy to Dr. Abbate through his own personal use of the product; his observation was that the toothpaste effectively desensitized tissues around a troublesome permanent retainer, as well as reducing inflammation and plaque formation. Furthermore, a female patient suffering with a hepatic oral lesion achieved substantive relief following three days’ use of the product, stating that the lesion had “totally disappeared.”

Formal testing for FDA and ADA approval was undertaken by Dr. Stookey and Dr. Bruce R. Schemehord, Director of Contract Research at Indiana University. At present, completed testing includes:

1. Antibacterial Activity of a Dentifrice - Chris H. Miller, Ph.D., Principal Investigator. This test utilized Mineraldent, Crest Cool Mint Gel, sterile water, a control dentifrice, and Peridex (a prescription rinse) in a comparative analysis. The test result was that Mineraldent tested the same as Crest, and that the only substance displaying significant antibacterial properties was Peridex, which contains Chlorahexedene. Mineraldent intends to overcome the product’s deficit in antibacterial properties through natural means.

2. Relative Dentine Abrasion of Dentifrices - Bruce Schemehorn and Adrienne Zwart, investigators.This test utilized the ADA recommended procedure for evaluating dentifrice abrasivity, utilizing two ADA reference materials as comparisons. The brushes used were those specified by the ADA, with a brush tension of 150g. 1500 strokes were used in a sandwich design. The results displayed similar relative abrasion value between Mineraldent and many products currently on the market, and abrasion values were well within ADA and FDA limits.

3. Rat Plaque Test (Results Pending) The rats’ teeth will be infected with plaque. Two ADA standard dentifrices will be used in comparison to Mineraldent. It is expected that Mineraldent will prove acceptably effective, as the product contains 1000 ppm Monosodium Fluoro Phosphate, the active ingredient in all major toothpastes for this particular test.

FDA and ADA approval tests yet to be conducted include:

1. Fluoride Stability, Fluoride Release, and Fluoride Availability. In this battery of tests, Mineraldent’s MFP fluoride formulation should remain stable, release properly, and be readily available. MFP fluoride was chosen over common stannous fluoride owing to its compatibility with the calcium present in the mineral water, which has a tendency to bind with stannous fluoride, rendering it inactive. MFP fluoride works well both with the naturally-present calcium and the dentifrice’s calcium carbonate abrasive system.

2. Effect of Experimental Dentifrices on Caries Formation in the Rat. The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of Mineraldent on dental caries in rats. The four testing groups will be comprised of a positive control, a negative control, a 250 ppm fluoride dose, and Mineraldent. Mineraldent’s 1000 ppm MFP content (stannous in most cases) is the industry standard for this particular test; the assumption is that Mineraldent it will display appropriate therapeutic value.

With the completion of these tests the toothpaste is considered FDA approved; in a strict sense, further testing is not absolutely necessary. However, prior to taking further steps pursuant to ADA approval, a meeting between an ADA board headed by Cliff Whall, D.D.S., and the Mineraldent Team — Drs. Stookey, Schemehorn, and Abbate — will take place as a means of clarifying the conclusions drawn by the research and securing a commitment on the part of the ADA regarding the granting of the ADA stamp of approval for the product, as well as ensuring that no reservations exist pertaining to the 34 mineral content.

The final two tests necessary for ADA approval are:

1. Fluoride Bioavailability and Remineralization/Demineralization Study. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of fluoride dentifrices in: A) Promoting enamel fluoride uptake; B) Promoting lesion remineralization; and C) Diminishing subsequent demineralization. Mineraldent’s fluoride content should ensure passage of this test.

2. Sound Enamel Fluoride Uptake Study. This study’s purpose is to determine the effect of Mineraldent upon promoting fluoride uptake into sound enamel vs. enamel with a cavity. The battery of tests is based upon the proper release of sufficient quantities of stable fluoride, not peroxide or baking soda or other common toothpaste ingredients.

Conclusion

Mineraldent, Inc. maintains a firm belief in the healing properties of the natural minerals found in the well, which over the course of years have proven to be anti-inflammatory, have topical analgesic properties and able to aid the healing process upon absorption. It is the company’s position that the marketplace place provides the most fertile proving ground for Mineraldent’s efficacy—the same legions of health-conscious consumers who for generations have attested to the beneficial properties of these minerals. The addition of natural antibiotics promises to aid in the treatment and prevention of gum disease.

Mineraldent has secured a commitment from a local toothpaste manufacturer to produce the final product. Given proper levels of funding, this patented, wonderful product can be on store shelves and in consumers’ medicine cabinets within a matter months.

Mineraldent, Inc. intends to produce the finest natural toothpaste and oral hygiene products in the marketplace, and to prove our products’ worth in the most meaningful manner possible: By, fostering improved oral health in our satisfied customers.

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