Fact Checked

What Is Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste?

Written by Fernanda Elizalde

December 23, 2022

Medically Reviewed

By Dr. Greg Grillo, DDS

Your tooth enamel constantly demineralizes and remineralizes as you eat, drink, and go about your daily life.

Demineralization is the process by which minerals are lost from your teeth. Bacteria in your tooth surface thrive on the sugars in the foods and beverages you consume, producing acids that cause enamel erosion and lead to dental caries.

The repair process of enamel erosion is known as enamel surface dentine remineralization. Think of it as re-hardening your tooth enamel to improve dental health after the acids have softened them. Your body restores the tooth surface enamel and prevents naturally occurring mineral loss.

One way your enamel is repaired is when your saliva deposits minerals in the microscopic cracks left behind before they widen. These weak areas allow dental plaque and bacteria to enter, eventually leading to dental caries.

Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwashes can aid in the dentine remineralization process. A nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste (synthetic hydroxyapatite toothpaste) or other hydroxyapatite toothpaste can do the same for oral health.

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can create a barrier from dental caries forming on the surfaces of your teeth. This barrier protects your teeth from the sugars and acids that erode them.

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste


WHAT IS HYDROXYAPATITE AND NANO HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE?

So, first and foremost, what exactly is hydroxyapatite and nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste (synthetic hydroxyapatite), and why is it in many brand formulas?

Hydroxyapatite (HAp toothpaste) is a type of calcium that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel and 70% of your dentin in its natural state. The remainder of your enamel is made up of water, collagen, and other proteins.

Hydroxyapatite is also a major component of bones (60%). It has been used in bone research to help strengthen skeletal material and toothpaste. It is also promising for orthodontic restorations.

Its strength is due to the high HAp concentration in tooth enamel.

Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste (nHA) is a synthetic hydroxyapatite that accounts for 60 to 70% of human hard tissues, including bones, and up to 90% of tooth enamel. NASA developed it in 1970 for astronauts to help replenish minerals and mend enamel lost in the absence of gravity to maintain oral health.

HOW DOES HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE WORK?

Tooth demineralization happens when teeth lose minerals, causing a need for dentin remineralization with a nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste or mouthwash containing hydroxyapatite microclusters. The bacteria thriving in your mouth use sugars in the food and drink you consume. They then produce acids that erode your teeth and cause dental caries.

The repair process is dentine remineralization. Consider it re-hardening teeth that the acids have softened. Your body then works to repair the enamel on your teeth' surface and prevent mineral loss.

When the saliva fills in the small cracks left behind, your enamel repairs itself. This happens before they can grow larger and allow bacteria to enter, resulting in cavities.

Toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride or hydroxyapatite aid in dentin remineralization.

Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste can form a barrier on the surfaces of your teeth better than regular fluoride toothpastes. This barrier protects your teeth from sugars or acids that erode them, protecting dental health.

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HOW SHOULD YOU USE HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE?

Place a small ball-sized dollop of hydroxyapatite toothpaste onto your toothbrush and clean your teeth for two or more minutes. Use it precisely like any other fluoride toothpaste.

After brushing your teeth, avoid rinsing with water for the greatest effects. This keeps the hydroxyapatite toothpaste on your teeth for remineralization.

WHAT IS THE TASTE OF HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE?

Depending on the brand of toothpaste, hydroxyapatite toothpaste can taste like virtually anything. Snow's Morning Frost toothpaste, for example, offers a minty-fresh flavor.

On the other hand, Midnight Mist has a hydroxyapatite toothpaste taste that has a pleasant lavender mint flavor. Perfect for winding down at bedtime.

IS HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE EFFECTIVE?

Yes, hydroxyapatite toothpaste is effective at remineralizing teeth and dental caries prevention.

Your teeth are made up of multiple layers. On top is the hard outer coating known as enamel. Dentin is the hard tissue underlying that. When you go below the gums, another rigid material called cementum protects and covers the roots.

These complex tissues are made up of a combination of inorganic and organic elements and a small quantity of water. This inorganic component is made up of calcium and phosphate ions, which combine to form strong hydroxyapatite crystals. Over time, your teeth lose minerals.

The crystals then allow teeth to withstand the damage caused by chewing, crunching, and grinding when you eat.

HOW CAN HYDROXYAPATITE BENEFIT THE TEETH?

Most inorganic compounds are composed of phosphate and calcium ions, forming strong hydroxyapatite crystals. The crystals in your teeth allow them to endure the stresses of:

CHEWING

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a synthetic form of the same material as bone, this keeps strong protecting them from chipping when chewing.

FOOD DEBRIS REMOVAL

As with any other toothpaste, you're physically brushing away the leftover food and germs in your mouth.

ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES

Bacteria can contribute to tooth decay. Bacteria prevents acid from destroying the enamel on your teeth by breaking down the residues of food and drink that linger in your mouth if you don't brush after eating.

BARRIER AGAINST BACTERIA

Research says this toothpaste can establish a barrier against bacteria to safeguard your teeth, giving them more resistance to plaque. And the toothpaste fills in the microscopic weak spots that form in your teeth during the demineralization, preventing germs from entering your teeth.

LESS SENSITIVITY 

Because it strengthens your enamel, hydroxyapatite toothpaste may help your teeth feel less sensitive if you have sensitive teeth.

IS IT SAFE TO USE HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE ON ENAMEL?

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is perfectly safe and suitable for your teeth.

According to a 2013 study, your dental enamel is the hardest substance in your body.

It is not, however, impenetrable.

Enamel can be eroded by the following:

  • Eating
  • Injuries
  • Aging
  • Other methods

You can't get enamel back once it's gone. Remineralization, on the other hand, can increase mineral content of the leftover enamel. This helps to strengthen the enamel.

Using hydroxyapatite toothpaste aids in the remineralization of your teeth. The hydroxyapatite is absorbed by your teeth and used to rebuild enamel.

A 2022 study showed that hydroxyapatite toothpaste was just as effective as fluoride toothpaste at preventing tooth demineralization and remineralization in the beginning stages of cavities.

According to the findings of the controlled study, hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be a beneficial ingredient in dental hygiene products for people at high risk of getting caries. This is because it can initiate remineralization without the addition of additional fluoride. It also alleviates concerns about the toxicity associated with higher levels of fluoride.

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SIDE EFFECTS OF HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE

There may be a few cases where someone has an allergic reaction. To date, however, no evidence using hydroxyapatite toothpaste will result in any adverse side effects.

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is unlikely to irritate teeth and the mouth. It does not appear to pose any safety concerns.

FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE VS. HYDROXYAPATITE

Compared to fluoride toothpastes, hydroxyapatite (in nano or micron particles) regularly performs similarly or better. For more than 40 years, it has been preferred over fluoride toothpaste in Japan.

These particles function in a different way than fluoride.

Fluoride does not replace minerals in your teeth; instead, it forms a new structure known as fluorapatite. Fluoride also instructs your enamel, via saliva, to efficiently absorb more calcium and phosphate, therefore improving tooth structure.

Above the tooth's surface, it forms its unique material called fluoridated apatite (fluorapatite), which protects against dental plaque acids.

Fluoride and hydroxyapatite both appear to delay or limit the growth of harmful germs in the mouth.

Hydroxyapatite can immediately rebuild the structure of your teeth that was lost during demineralization (which is constantly happening, mainly if you eat sugary, acidic, or carb-heavy foods). It fills the microscopic fissures in your enamel caused by brushing and other everyday wear and tear.

When you brush your teeth, HAp toothpaste can bind with plaque or bacteria, causing you to spit them out rather than allowing them to remain on the teeth.

Unlike fluoride toothpaste, which forms an exterior coating, HAp toothpaste penetrates your entire tooth to grow it from the inside out. One reason it's so effective for cavities is because it can reach the bottom of carious lesions where fluoride cannot.

Finally, compared to fluoride toothpaste, HAp results in smoother, whiter teeth because it fills fissures and rebuilds the internal structure. It raises the microhardness of previously demineralized lesions noticeably.

If you're still using fluoride toothpaste, switching to HAp toothpaste is a good idea if you're susceptible to fluoride toxicity. This includes pregnant women, children, and those commercially exposed to fluoride.

ALTERNATIVES TO TOOTH REMINERALIZATION

Hydroxyapatite or fluoride toothpaste can help remineralize your teeth, making the teeth stronger and healthier.

However, there are other techniques to prevent demineralization. Consider the following strategies:

Keep hydrated: If you don't have access to a toothbrush, drink water to rinse your mouth.

Reduce your sugar consumption: Consume less sugar to provide food for bacteria.

Stop drinking juice: Do you enjoy juice? Citrus fruits and liquids contain acids and sugar that can be damaging to your teeth. Drink juice in moderation, and then clean your teeth.

Chew sugar-free gum: To enhance the flavor of sugarless gum, xylitol, a form of sugar alcohol, is commonly used. According to a 2014 study, xylitol can promote tooth remineralization. Also, xylitol may also help prevent cavities formation. If you don't like gum, you could try a hard candy containing xylitol instead.

Reduce your dairy consumption: Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk or other dairy products. However, you may need to look for other calcium sources or consume with meals.

Consume calcium supplements: Take calcium to strengthen your teeth.

Use probiotics: While more studies are needed, a 2013 review suggests that probiotics may aid in the fight against bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Avoid dry mouth: If you have a dry mouth, consult a doctor about how to treat it. 


SUMMARY

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste reduces tooth sensitivity by filling the tubules, which are tiny routes to the nerves in the teeth. The fewer tubules exposed, the less sensitive and uncomfortable you will feel to touch, food, and temperature. As an added benefit, remineralization helps reduce sensitivity over the long term.

FAQS

HOW DOES HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE WORK?

Squeeze a pea-sized quantity onto your toothbrush and clean your teeth for at least 2 minutes, just as regular toothpaste.

After brushing, do not rinse with water for the best effects. This keeps the hydroxyapatite layer on your teeth for maximum remineralization.

IS THERE ANYTHING BAD WITH HAP TOOTHPASTE?

Using HAp toothpaste has no recognized adverse effects. People may be allergic to this toothpaste in rare situations. However, this is usually due to other chemicals in a whole toothpaste formulation, not the HAp itself.

WHAT IS THE FLAVOR OF HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE?

HAp toothpaste may taste like almost anything, depending on the brand. Snow has a minty, organic taste to it.

Other additives affect these flavors, such as xylitol or other sweeteners, essential oils, or other tastes.

CAN HYDROXYAPATITE REVERSE CAVITIES?

While fluoride also protects against tooth decay, it lacks calcium and phosphate. These minerals are present in hydroxyapatite and dental enamel, which aids in tooth decay prevention. Hydroxyapatite works in the background to prevent cavities from developing or progressing.

IS IT BETTER TO UTILIZE FLUORIDE OR HYDROXYAPATITE?

Because hydroxyapatite toothpaste is less abrasive than fluoride toothpaste, it may be an excellent choice if your teeth are sensitive. Hydroxyapatite can aid with sensitivity and cavity prevention. Hydroxyapatite is highly advantageous to your teeth due to its remineralizing characteristics.

Do dentists recommend hydroxyapatite?

Dentists recommend hydroxyapatite toothpaste for several reasons, including its ability to stimulate bone growth, remineralization and biocompatibility. These characteristics have made it a popular ingredient in dental and other products and treatments. 

Some advantages of using hydroxyapatite are as follows: 

  • Teeth become whiter, more translucent, and smoother
  • Pain relief
  • Reduced tooth sensitivity

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