What kind of toothpaste do you use? Most people know that daily brushing is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums between dental visits. But, what most people are unaware of is that not all toothpastes are created equal.
Hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste is an alternative to fluoride-based toothpaste that can assist with rebuilding your enamel—helping prevent tooth decay and providing other benefits you may be interested in learning about.
As your dental care team, we can recommend oral care products featuring biocompatible, protective ingredients like hydroxyapatite to help you keep your teeth free of cavities. Understanding the options available to you and your family is a critical part of becoming empowered in a way that will support you on your journey towards whole-body health, including a radiant smile.
What Is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral found in our bodies. It is nature’s solution to generating strong bones and protecting our teeth. It is the key ingredient that helps rebuild and strengthen our enamel (a process called remineralization) and bones and coincidentally is the reason that our enamel is the hardest substance in our body! Around 70% of our bone’s weight is hydroxyapatite generating the durability and strength we depend on for our overall health and wellness.
Hydroxyapatite is unrivalled at its primary job of protecting our teeth from cavities and erosion as shown by a study published by the National Library of Medicine as well as another published by the Korean Journal of Materials Research. You may find it interesting to know that NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) depends on hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste in space to help astronauts battle against teeth degeneration.
Hydroxyapatite is non-toxic and completely biocompatible with our bodies so it is a perfect ingredient to use in things like toothpaste and dental products.
Hydroxyapatite in Toothpaste
Despite the durability and strength of our protective enamel, it can be weakened and dissolved by acidic conditions in the mouth, introduced by eating starchy and sugary foods. Bacteria thrive on these types of foods and generate acidic conditions in the mouth that lead to enamel erosion and cavities and other internal health problems if not taken care of properly.
Our body’s natural defence against demineralization of our protective enamel is to allow our saliva to restore less acidic conditions in our mouths. Using hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be another effective tool to combat the adverse effects of bacterial buildup (also known as biofilm).
A recent study observed that toothpastes that contain hydroxyapatite help reduce plaque, minimize bleeding gums, and prevent bacterial buildup more effectively than fluoride! They also are effective at helping remove stains, plaque, and debris from your teeth by acting as a polisher, making it difficult for bacteria to deposit harmful accretions on teeth.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can also help remineralize enamel that has been eroded or worn down, restoring the protective layer over our teeth that our bodies depend on.
What are the Potential Benefits of Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste?
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can:
- Help with remineralization of demineralized enamel, protecting tooth dentin and our inner body from bacterial invasion and illness.
- Assist with decreasing tooth sensitivity allowing for more enjoyment of hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Protect against tooth decay and prevent cavities by filling in the small cracks in the enamel where bacteria can enter.
- Keep your teeth clean by acting as a polisher preventing plaque buildup and helping effectively remove plaque and food debris.
How Does Hydroxyapatite Compare to Fluoride?
You have likely heard of fluoride before—it has several similarities to hydroxyapatite, but they differ in their overall composition and remineralization capabilities. Fluoride is a mineral released from rocks that if not used carefully can cause harm because of its toxic properties. It is widely used in dental products sold over the counter at your local drugstore.
A study published by the Open Dentistry Journal states that fluoride depends on the presence of calcium and phosphates in our saliva to help with the remineralization of enamel and dentin. On the other hand, hydroxyapatite is a mineral found naturally in the human body that does not depend on calcium and phosphate ions in the saliva to help with enamel remineralization.
A 2019 study found that hydroxyapatite and fluoride toothpaste had similar results in assisting the remineralization process and preventing future decay. Because hydroxyapatite is natural and biologically compatible with our bodies, this toothpaste is ideally suited for use with young children who often can’t control the urge to eat or swallow toothpaste, as well as for the elderly who often battle with hyposalivation (lack of saliva).
In essence, hydroxyapatite toothpaste offers the same, and in many cases enhanced oral protection capability with no negative side-effects or risks common to traditional toothpastes.
Is Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Right for You?
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste may be ideal if you’re looking for a natural way to help you and your loved ones minimize biofilm (plaque) buildup, prevent enamel demineralization, prevent cavities or reduce tooth sensitivity. It’s essential to speak with your dentist about the options available to you so that you can find a toothpaste suited to your dental needs.
Ask Your Dentist About Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
The right toothpaste is vital for protecting your oral health between dental cleanings as well as for supporting your overall health. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can assist your body with the remineralization process, help prevent cavities, and be the key to a healthy smile.
Feel free to speak with us about your natural toothpaste options. Schedule an appointment with our dental professionals at Living Wellness Dental to get insights into options for obtaining elevated dental and overall health.
