Episode 23

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Published on:

22nd Dec 2025

23: Brushing at the Wrong Time? – The Hidden Reason Enamel Keeps Getting Weaker with Dr. Rob Karlinsey

What if the most important protection for your teeth isn’t in your toothpaste at all, but in the salivary proteins you may be unknowingly stripping away every day?

In this episode, Dr. Rob and Tami explore a critical but often overlooked aspect of oral health: the salivary proteins that naturally protect teeth. The conversation focuses on the acquired enamel pellicle, a protein rich layer that forms on enamel within seconds and plays a key role in defense, remineralization, and microbial balance.

They discuss how aggressive cleaning products, chronic whitening treatments, and poor brushing timing, especially after acidic drinks, can unintentionally damage this protective layer. The episode compares fluoride based approaches with peptide based technologies, explains why some treatments underperform clinically, and highlights how respecting the mouth’s natural biology leads to better long term outcomes.

Key Topics Covered

  1. What the acquired enamel pellicle is and why it matters
  2. The role of salivary proteins in enamel protection and remineralization
  3. How aggressive whitening and cleaning agents can disrupt oral defenses
  4. Why brushing immediately after acidic drinks accelerates enamel wear
  5. Differences between fluoride based and peptide based treatments
  6. Why some peptide technologies fail in real world clinical studies
  7. How salivary proteins influence tartar formation and erosion risk
  8. The importance of timing, pH, and product choice in daily oral care
  9. Why stannous fluoride works synergistically with salivary proteins
  10. Practical strategies to protect enamel without over stripping it

Practical Takeaways

  1. Avoid brushing teeth immediately after acidic drinks like orange juice, soda, or energy drinks
  2. Allow saliva time to rebuild the pellicle layer before mechanical brushing
  3. Be cautious with chronic use of highly alkaline, fluoride free, or protein stripping products
  4. Understand that “cleaner” does not always mean healthier for enamel
  5. Choose products that work with salivary proteins rather than against them
  6. Recognize that enamel erosion is permanent and prevention is critical

📲 Connect with Dr. Rob (Robert L. Karlinsey, PhD)

🌐 Website: customdentalformulations.com

📄 Research Profile: Robert Karlinsey on ResearchGate

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About the Podcast

Dental Formulator's Playbook
The Dental Formulator’s Playbook is where science meets strategy in the world of oral health innovation. Hosted by Dr. Rob Karlinsey, a seasoned dental researcher and independent formulator, this podcast is your behind-the-scenes pass to what really goes into creating cutting-edge dental products.

Whether you're a dentist, a dental brand, or just someone curious about how toothpaste, rinses, and other oral care products are developed, you'll find practical insights and real-world takeaways in every episode. Dr. Karlinsey keeps it straightforward and engaging—no fluff, just clear, thoughtful explanations based on years of experience in the lab and the industry.

This show is all about helping dental professionals and product developers think differently, make better decisions, and stay ahead of the curve. If you care about science, results, and doing things the right way, you're in the right place.

About your host

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Robert Karlinsey

Dr. Robert L. Karlinsey is a scientist and formulator with almost 20 years’ experience in dental research. He earned a BS in Physics (University of Scranton) and PhD in Chemical Physics (Indiana University), with postdoctoral work in physical chemistry (Indiana University). As a visiting assistant research professor at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, his research led to an impactful encounter with Dr. George Stookey, and shortly thereafter, the formation of Indiana Nanotech, LLC (now known as Custom Dental Formulations, LLC), of which he spearheaded all research and small-scale manufacturing efforts. Dr. Karlinsey is the inventor of Nanotech’s functionalized tricalcium phosphate systems, which continue to help generate over $100MM in global product sales for a major dental manufacturer. As Principal Investigator, his work has received significant funding through Federal (National Institutes of Health), State (Indiana and Texas), and industry grants and contracts. His research in patented calcium phosphate technologies continue to help generate over $100MM in global product sales. Previously, Dr. Karlinsey has served as Chief Scientific Officer at Therametric Technologies, Inc, and adjunct professor of chemistry at the University of Indianapolis.

Dr. Karlinsey addresses clients’ needs in preventive and cosmetic dentistry, including fluoride- and fluoride-free remineralization, antiplaque/gum health, whitening systems, and more. He is actively involved in clinical and laboratory research designs and performance-backed, customized oral care formulation solutions. And, whenever possible, he favors natural, nature-derived, and/or sustainably sourced ingredients