We have all been using fluoride toothpastes for years. Fluoride provides excellent protection for tooth enamel. However it is problematic if consumed in excess of regulated amounts and so there are a growing number of fluoride-free toothpaste brands on the market.
But there is a healthy alternative:
Introducing Hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Hydroxyapatite Is a naturally occurring compound also known as calcium phosphate or calcium apatite. (No, it is not a craving for Oreo-like cookies; remember Hydrox?) In fact, our bodies have large amounts of hydroxyapatite in them already. The enamel in our teeth is naturally made up of 97% hydroxyapatite, the dentin in our teeth contains 70% hydroxyapatite, and it makes up 60% of the chemical composition of our bones, so we have a lot of naturally occurring hydroxyapatite already. Hydroxyapatite toothpastes substitute the additive fluoride with hydroxyapatite.
How does hydroxyapatite toothpaste work?
Much like fluoride, hydroxyapatite works by remineralizing the enamel and dentin in our teeth. Demineralization is caused by acids, sugars and bacteria. They demineralize the enamel, especially in the tiny abrasions and crevasses of our teeth. When demineralization is greater than remineralization the result is tooth decay. Both hydroxyapatite and fluoride are very effective at remineralizing our teeth. Whereas fluoride remineralizes our teeth with another compound known as fluorapatite. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste remineralizes the enamel with the same compound already present in our enamel and dentin.
What are the benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
Actually there are several benefits to consider.
- Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can prevent and even heal cavities. Studies have revealed that hydroxyapatite is effective at preventing tooth decay through remineralization of enamel. It is also effective at reversing decay and increasing the micro-hardness of our enamel. In Japan, where hydroxyapatite has been an additive in toothpastes for over 40 years, studies show that it shrinks areas of tooth decay and forms a harder enamel to better protect our teeth.
- It may actually make our teeth look whiter. Even without whitening agents added, hydroxyapatite polishes and remineralizes our teeth with our own natural compound creating a smoother and whiter appearance to our teeth.
- It is biocompatible and non-toxic. Hydroxyapatite mimics the naturally occurring compounds in our bodies. This means that we are very unlikely to have any adverse reaction when using it. Fluoride on the other hand is a neurotoxin in large doses. This could be a problem for children who brush with fluoride toothpastes and use more toothpaste than is suggested. No such problem exists with hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
- Hydroxyapatite toothpaste helps teeth become more resistant to acidic pH in the mouth. Our mouths should have a slightly alkaline pH. This best serves the health of teeth and gums and helps teeth resist decay. We eat acidic foods and drink acidic beverages. Using hydroxyapatite toothpaste helps our teeth enamel to be more resistant to the damaging effects of acid erosion
This all sounds great but are there side effects?
That’s what’s so cool about this compound; because it is found naturally in the very teeth it is used to clean and polish, our bodies recognize it as natural. This means there are no side effects to using hydroxyapatite toothpastes. In very rare occasions there have been allergic reactions to these toothpastes but they are typically caused by other additives in the toothpaste.
Micro-hydroxyapatite toothpaste or Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
Both of these toothpastes are exceptionally good at remineralizing our teeth. The difference is the size of the particles of hydroxyapatite in the toothpaste. Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste was developed by NASA in 1970 and used by astronauts in space. In 1978 a Japanese company purchased the patent and began producing it. Most of the tests of this product come from these 40 years of production and use in Japan. Because nano-hydroxyapatite is a synthetically produced form of hydroxyapatite there have been questions about it’s possible side effects. However, testing has not shown any significant side effects but has shown incredible success in remineralizing teeth, increasing the microhardness of tooth enamel, and creating a healthy oral microbiome with enamel that is resistant to bacteria without killing them and upsetting the balance. Part of the benefit of the nano-hydroxyapatite rests in its tiny size which is capable of remineralizing the smallest spots, cracks and crevasses preventing tooth sensitivity. The drawback with nano-hydroxyapatite is that, because it is synthetic, regulations only allow it to be used in toothpaste at up to a 10% solution. Micro-hydroxyapatite toothpaste uses naturally occurring hydroxyapatite which is larger in size and can be used in higher percentages.
What is the best nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
With Poppits now adding hydroxyapatite to its toothpaste formula we have become one of only a few commercial options in the U.S. and around the world. Our toothpaste pods contain hydroxyapatite and are the best product for your oral care and for the planet!
