Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste better than fluoride at protecting your teeth and none of the nasty side effects or toxicity. Can hydroxyapatite toothpaste reduce your risk of tooth decay and strengthen your teeth?
Dr Rachel Hall Brisbane Holistic Dentist explains how hydroxyapatite toothpastes can help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your tooth enamel.
Recent research studies have shown hydroxyapatite toothpastes to be as if not more beneficial than fluoride-containing ones in the prevention of tooth decay.
What is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a type of calcium that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel and 70% of the dentin (the inner part) in teeth.
Hydroxyapatite makes up 60% of your bones.
The high hydroxyapatite concentration in tooth enamel is the reason it is so robust. It prevents tooth decay even though bacteria and acids are constantly attacking our teeth.
As you eat, drink, and live, your teeth constantly undergo demineralisation and remineralisation. That means they constantly dissolve and then reharden. If they dissolve more than they reharden you will get a cavity.
What is Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste?
Toothpaste or mouthwashes with hydroxyapatite help with the remineralisation process. Hydroxyapatite helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect teeth from decay.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to fluoride-based toothpaste.
Toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite can create a barrier on your tooth surfaces. This barrier protects teeth against the sugars and acids that wear away at your teeth.
Is Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Safe?
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is safe and beneficial for enamel.
Hydroxyapatite is naturally found in our bodies, it’s non-toxic. It’s ideal for children, pregnant women, and those with sensitive teeth.
Hydroxyapatite is also biocompatible. This means the body won’t reject it, and it will rarely cause irritation or allergic reactions.
It’s also non-abrasive, so it won’t damage your enamel.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is great for people at significant risk of developing cavities.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can trigger remineralisation without adding extra fluoride. It also removes the worry about the toxicity associated with higher quantities of fluoride.
How Does Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Work?
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste works by providing your teeth with the minerals they need to repair themselves.
When you brush your teeth with hydroxyapatite toothpaste, it helps replenish the minerals that have been lost due to acid erosion.
Demineralisation vs. Remineralisation
Tooth demineralisation occurs when your teeth lose minerals. The bacteria in your mouth thrive off the sugars in the foods and drinks you consume. They produce acids that eat away at your teeth.
Remineralisation is the repair process. Imagine it as re-hardening teeth that have become softened by those acids. Your body works to repair the enamel on the tooth surface and prevents mineral loss.
8 Benefits of Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
The hydroxyapatite in toothpaste is a synthetic form of the same substance.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste has several advantages:
1. Food Residue Removal
Like with any toothpaste, hydroxyapatite toothpaste allows you to physically sweep away the residue of food and bacteria lingering in your mouth.
2. Antibacterial Properties
Bacteria in the mouth can lead to tooth decay. They consume traces of the foods and drinks that linger in your mouth when you do not brush your teeth after a meal. As a result, they produce acids that can start dissolving tooth enamel, making them susceptible to cavities.
A 2017 study demonstrated that hydroxyapatite toothpaste creates a shield against bacteria. This makes your teeth more resistant to dental plaque.
Plus, the toothpaste helps fill in those small cracks or fissures that occur in your teeth during tooth demineralization, so the bacteria cannot move down into your teeth.
3. Decreased Tooth sensitivity
If you experience tooth sensitivity, hydroxyapatite toothpaste may help your teeth feel less sensitive as it strengthens your enamel.
4. Non-Toxic and Biocompatible
One of the biggest cons (and con) of fluoride toothpaste is that fluoride, in high doses, is a neurotoxicant. This means it is a toxin that affects the brain.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is biocompatible. Your body recognises it as a substance that belongs there.
The CDC discovered that most people use more toothpaste than they should. This is a significant issue regarding fluoridated toothpaste, which has hundreds of times more fluoride than that found in water.
5. Whitens Teeth
One of the benefits of using hydroxyapatite (HAp) toothpaste is an increased whitening effect.
While HAp does not adjust the polishing activity of the toothpaste, it incorporates a whitening element not otherwise found in standard toothpaste.
6. Good for the Oral Microbiome
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste helps defend your teeth from acid attacks by bacteria without adversely affecting your oral microbiome.
On the other hand, fluoride is bactericidal, killing bacteria in the mouth. Many oral care brands think that by removing bacteria, they are improving the mouth’s health.
However, the oral microbiome requires a decent balance of bacteria to function well and keep your mouth healthy.
Agents like chlorhexidine, triclosan, or alcohol may temporarily reduce bacterial overgrowth issues, but they can lead to other health problems over time.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste prevents acid attacks and won’t destroy your oral microbiome.
7. Resistant to Acidic PH
The mouth’s PH should always be slightly alkaline to prevent inflammation and oral disease.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste helps teeth become more resistant to acidic pH in the mouth, which would otherwise break down enamel faster.
8. May Improve Gum Health
Using HAp toothpaste may help improve and strengthen gum and dental health in patients with gum disease. Improvements include dental plaque control, pocket depth reduction, and less bleeding gums.
What are the Side Effects of Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste?
There may be rare circumstances of someone experiencing an allergic reaction to hydroxyapatite toothpaste. However, there is no evidence to suggest a likelihood of experiencing any side effects from hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
A 2019 study demonstrated that toothpaste with hydroxyapatite is unlikely to irritate your teeth and mouth. It does not seem to pose any safety concerns.
Best Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Brands
- Davids Nano Hydroxyapatite Natural Toothpaste
- Gem
- Biomin
- Apagard Premio
- Moothpaste from MooGoo
I personally love the range of toothpaste from Gem and also Biomin.
We stock these at Evolve Dental Brisbane Holistic Dentist and our patients really appreciate having a non-fluoride toothpaste that really works.
Other Ways to Use Hydroxyapatite
Hydroxyapatite is a mineral found in the human body and is a main component of tooth enamel. It is also used in many forms as a dental product to help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
While hydroxyapatite toothpaste is one of the most popular forms of this mineral, there are other ways to get its benefits. Other forms of hydroxyapatite include:
- Hydroxyapatite mouthwash: This form of hydroxyapatite is a liquid that can be swished around the mouth for up to 30 seconds and then spat out.
- Hydroxyapatite gel: This form of hydroxyapatite is applied directly to the teeth with a brush or applicator.
- Hydroxyapatite dentifrice: This form of hydroxyapatite is a paste or powder that can be used like toothpaste.
Ways to Remineralise Teeth
Demineralised teeth can be a major problem, leading to cavities and other dental issues like sensitivity, chipping and wear of teeth.
Maintain Good Oral Health
The best way to remineralise teeth is to maintain good oral health. This means brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Additionally, you should visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Increase Calcium and Vitamin K2 Intake
Calcium is essential for remineralising teeth, so it’s important to ensure you get enough of it in your diet. Dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts are all good sources of calcium. You can also take a calcium supplement if needed.
Vitamin K2 helps transport calcium to the bones and I recommend taking a supplement to ensure adequate K2 intake.
Avoid Sugary and Acidic Food
Sugar and acid are two of the main culprits for demineralising teeth. This includes candy/lollies, soda, and citrus fruits. You should avoid them as much as possible to maintain teeth that are strong and healthy.
Use Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute in many fruits and vegetables. You can find xylitol in many sugar-free products, such as gum. One study showed that chewing xylitol gum can help remineralise teeth.
Risks of Demineralised Teeth
Demineralised teeth are a common problem that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Demineralisation occurs when the enamel of the teeth is weakened due to acid erosion.
Several factors, such as poor oral hygiene, acidic foods and drinks, and certain medical conditions, can cause it. If you have demineralised teeth, you must take extra care to protect them from further damage.
Common risks of demineralised teeth include:
- Increased risk of cavities — Demineralised teeth are more prone to decay and cavities due to weakened enamel.
- Sensitivity — Demineralised teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and sweet and acidic foods.
- Discolouration — Due to the exposed underlying dentin, demineralized teeth can look more discoloured or stained.
- Tooth loss — Demineralised teeth can become brittle and weak, leading to tooth loss.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is an effective and safe way to remineralise teeth and prevent cavities. It works by replacing minerals that have been lost due to acid erosion.
Using hydroxyapatite toothpaste will help you achieve strong, healthy teeth. However, you should still take other steps to maintain good oral health.
Holistic Dentist Brisbane
For all your dental health needs from routine checks and hygiene care, to safe amalgam removal and cosmetic smile enhancements Evolve Dental Holistic Dentist Kenmore in Brisbane has you covered.
Call us today 07 3720 1811 to find out how we can help you have a healthy smile for life.
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Dr. Rachel Hall
Rachel is the founder and principal dentist at Evolve Dental Healing with over 30 years experience, practising holistically since 2001. Not your typical dentist, Rachel is a passionate opinion leader, challenging convention to empower people to make better dental and health choices, helping thousands to have healthy natural smiles. A respected writer and presenter on holistic dentistry, health and wellness it is Rachel’s mission to revolutionise the way people look at their dental health.
