NovaMin is the brand name of a particulate bioactive glass

Bioactive glass

Bioactive glasses are a group of surface reactive glass-ceramic biomaterials and include the original bioactive glass, Bioglass. The biocompatibility of these glasses has led them to be investigated extensively for use as implant materials in the human body to repair and replace diseased or damaged...

 that is used in dental care products for Remineralisation of teeth

Remineralisation of teeth

Remineralisation of teeth is a process in which minerals are returned to the molecular structure of the tooth itself. Teeth are porous allowing fluids and demineralisation beneath the surface of the tooth. When demineralised, these pores become larger...

. It was developed and patented by NovaMin Technology, Inc.. The active ingredient is the inorganic chemical calcium sodium phosphosilicate.

NovaMin delivers silica and ion

Ion

An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge. The name was given by physicist Michael Faraday for the substances that allow a current to pass between electrodes in a...

ic calcium

Calcium

Calcium is the chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It has an atomic mass of 40.078 amu. Calcium is a soft gray alkaline earth metal, and is the fifth-most-abundant element by mass in the Earth's crust...

, phosphorus

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the chemical element that has the symbol P and atomic number 15. A multivalent nonmetal of the nitrogen group, phosphorus as a mineral is almost always present in its maximally oxidized state, as inorganic phosphate rocks...

, and sodium

Sodium

Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal and is a member of the alkali metals; its only stable isotope is 23Na. It is an abundant element that exists in numerous minerals, most commonly as sodium chloride...

, which are necessary for bone and tooth mineralization.

How it works

NovaMin particles bind to the tooth surface and, when the particle comes in contact with saliva and water, react with the water to release calcium and phosphate ions. These ions are protected by glass particles so that they can be delivered to specific locations rather than as a liquid solution. Sodium ions in the particles exchange with hydrogen cations, which allows the calcium and phosphate ions to be released. A calcium phosphate layer then forms and crystallizes as hydroxyapatite, a form of hard and strong mineral in teeth. The physical occlusion of dentinal tubules

Dentin

Dentine is a calcified tissue of the body, and along with enamel, cementum, and pulp is one of the four major components of teeth. Usually, it is covered by enamel on the crown and cementum on the root and surrounds the entire pulp...

 results from both the hydroxyapatite layer and the residual Novamin particles.

The chemical reaction that leads to hydroxyapatite is:

5Ca²⁺ + 3PO₄^3– + OH^– → Ca₅(PO₄)₃(OH)

Products Containing NovaMin

• OSspray Sylc Therapeutic Prophy Powder http://www.osspray.com (US & EU)
• OSspray Sylc SmarTip Prophy System http://www.osspray.com (US & EU)
• NUPRO Sensodyne Prophylaxis Paste with NovaMin, used in professional teeth cleaning by dentists and hygienists for cleaning, stain removal and sensitivity relief
• Sensodyne NUPRO Professional Toothpaste with NovaMin, dentist-dispensed toothpaste with 5,000 ppm Fluoride and NovaMin for use at home
• Sensodyne Repair & Protect
• Sultan Topex Renew Paste
• DenShield (EU/Asia)
• Dr. Collins Restore Toothpaste (US)
• Nanosensitive hca (EU)
• Oravive No longer available as of 30 April 2010
• SensiShield (EU)
• SootheRx (US/CDN) No longer available as of 30 June 2011
• Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste (US)
• SHY-NM, (India)
• Vantej , (India)
• Odontis-Rx (Brazil)
• X-Pur Tooth Revitalizing Paste (Canada)

Although some products are sold only through dentists, other products are available in stores or via Internet sales.

Acquisition of Novamin by GSK

Novamin were acquired by GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline plc is a global pharmaceutical, biologics, vaccines and consumer healthcare company headquartered in London, United Kingdom...

in May 2010 for $135 million.