Ingredient composition and toxicological assessment of commercially available pediatric remineralizing dental gels: a cross-sectional market survey

Background Remineralizing dental gels are widely used in pediatric dentistry for the management of early enamel lesions and white spot lesions. Considering the increased likelihood of accidental ingestion in children, evaluation of the ingredient composition and potential toxicological concerns of these products is important. This study aimed to analyze the ingredient composition of commercially available pediatric remineralizing dental gels and assess their potential toxicological implications. Materials and methods A cross-sectional market survey was conducted between September 2025 and January 2026. Pediatric remineralizing dental gels commercially available in Türkiye were identified through major retail supermarkets and online marketplaces. Ingredient lists were obtained from product labels and verified using manufacturers’ official websites. A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect to identify published evidence regarding the functional roles and toxicological properties of each ingredient. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate ingredient frequencies, and an exploratory hazard classification framework was applied to compare ingredient hazard profiles. Results Seven pediatric remineralizing dental gel formulations were analyzed, revealing 29 unique ingredients. The most frequently detected ingredients were water, glycerin, xylitol, and flavoring agents (85.7%). Most ingredients were classified as having low hazard, whereas CPP-ACP, sodium fluoride, propylene glycol, parabens, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate were classified as moderate hazard. Titanium dioxide was the only ingredient classified as high hazard. Cumulative hazard scores ranged from 11 to 25. Conclusion Most ingredients identified in commercially available pediatric remineralizing dental gels exhibited low literature-based hazard profiles; however, certain compounds were associated with reported allergenic or irritative concerns. These findings highlight the importance of considering overall ingredient composition when selecting pediatric remineralizing products and support the need for continued evaluation of their safety profiles.