There is provided a magnesium phosphate gel comprising water as a dispersing phase and phosphate ions (PO43−), a divalent cation, and sodium ions (Na+), wherein the divalent cation is magnesium (Mg2+) or a mixture of magnesium and calcium (Ca2+), the mixture comprising up to 30% by weight of calcium based on the total weight of the mixture. Methods of making and manufacturing this gel are also provided.