Can I use nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride together?
Yes, you can use nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride together.
Both nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride toothpaste are used by dental professionals to remineralize initial carious lesions and strengthen tooth enamel.
However, these substances work via separate mechanisms and have different impacts on your overall health.
This article will explain everything you need to know about hydroxyapatite toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, and whether you can use them together.
Fluoride vs. Hydroxyapatite
Dental professionals use fluoride and hydroxyapatite to control dental caries and for other regenerative dentistry practices.
In fact, both fluoride and hydroxyapatite toothpaste are effective at remineralizing initial caries lesions and strengthening tooth enamel.
That being said, both substances work differently and have different implications for your oral health.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste is considered the gold standard in caries remineralization and reducing tooth sensitivity.
Interestingly, fluoride is not a natural substance that your body already makes, unlike nano hydroxyapatite.
When fluoride remineralization occurs, your toothpaste deposits fluoride minerals back into your tooth enamel. This can be effective for:
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Strengthening your teeth
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Fighting sensitive teeth
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Reducing caries incidence
However, certain groups of people should avoid fluoride toothpaste. For example, pregnant women require different fluoride concentrations as compared to other demographics.
This is because fluoride can be harmful to a growing fetus and has been shown to have neurotoxic effects. Multiple studies show there is a negative impact on the intelligence tests in children when pregnant mothers consumed fluoride.
Types of Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpastes typically contain active ingredients like sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride. These ingredients deposit fluoride ions into your teeth and are used as treatment for an initial enamel lesion.
Other Fluoride Treatments
Other treatments that incorporate fluoride include:
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Fluoride varnish
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Prescription grade mouth rinses and toothpastes
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Fluoride gels
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Fluoride foams
In addition, many dental products used in dental offices contain fluoride such as cements for dental crowns and veneers.
Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Nano hydroxyapatite is a unique tool used in regenerative dentistry and caries prevention.
Synthetic hydroxyapatite toothpastes work by depositing calcium and phosphate ions back into your tooth surface and promoting teeth remineralization.
Similar to fluoride toothpaste, hydroxyapatite toothpaste is used by dental professionals to treat cavities and fight sensitive teeth.
Unlike fluoride toothpaste, nano hydroxyapatite is a natural substance already found in your teeth and bones.
Therefore, nano hydroxyapatite does not exhibit negative effects like fluoride toxicity and is safe to be used by pregnant women and children.
Hydroxyapatite and Fluoride
Both hydroxyapatite and fluoride toothpaste can:
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Inhibit demineralization and caries development
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Remineralize early caries
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Fight sensitive teeth
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Prevent tooth decay
However, the fluoride concentration is many major toothpaste brands is not suitable for pregnant women, unlike hydroxyapatite.
Is hydroxyapatite better than fluoride?
"Better" is a relative term. Both HA and fluoride toothpastes are effective for strengthening enamel and dentine remineralization.
Fluoride-free toothpaste with nano hydroxyapatite is likely the best option for most people depending on their dental care needs as it has fewer systemic effects than fluoride toothpaste.
On the other hand, higher fluoride concentrations may be prescribed to patients by dental professionals for particularly bad dental caries and multiple initial caries lesions. Fluoride is typically recommended for dental caries prevention.
Comparative Efficacy
Both fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste are effective at supporting good oral health through:
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Reducing teeth sensitivity
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Promoting enamel remineralization
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Dental caries prevention
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Supporting the oral microbiome
Further, studies show both compounds have similar comparative efficacy for lesion depth reduction and inhibiting enamel caries progression.
Reducing teeth sensitivity
Studies show that both fluoride toothpaste and nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste are effective at reducing dentin hypersensitivity.
Enamel Remineralization
Remineralization assessment shows that hydroxyapatite has about the same fluoride effectiveness with minimal, if any, statistically significant difference. This makes it a great alternative to anyone concerned about toxicity.
Preventing dental caries
Both fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste are effective at surface zone remineralization which can result in caries reduction.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste may be safer for preventing dental caries in children to avoid inducing dental fluorosis via fluoride toothpaste.
Impact on oral microbiome
Both hydroxyapatite and fluoride toothpaste work by impacting bacteria in your mouth.
While fluoride toothpaste can reduce initial bacterial colonisation, fluoride free toothpaste in hydroxyapatite inhibits bacteria's ability to bind to your teeth and form dental plaque.
Both mechanisms support good oral health.
System Toxicity
Non fluoride remineralization systems based in nano hydroxyapatite do not exhibit the same toxicity shown with fluoride toothpaste.
Safety for Pregnant Women
Unfortunately, studies show that fluoride exposure during pregnancy is associated with lower IQ in children. Therefore, it is best practice for pregnant women to switch to nano hydroxyapatite toothpastes over fluoride toothpastes.
Neurological Disease
Fluoride is under suspicion for its role in neurological disease. For example, in this randomized controlled clinical trial, fluoride toothpaste was associated with adverse effects of children's' neurological development.
How does hydroxyapatite toothpaste work?
Because it is made from the same materials your teeth are made of, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste prevents cavities by filling in your enamel with calcium and phosphate to restore and strengthen your teeth.
A standard diet with acid and sugar will slowly eat away at your enamel. Without intervention, your enamel erodes and cavities form.
Dental professionals use nano hydroxyapatite paste to preventing this erosion and to improve your oral health overall.
Benefits of Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Remineralization and Tooth Decay
Nano hydroxyapatite functions to strength your enamel surface and increase the mineral density of your teeth. This process makes your teeth stronger and glossier while also decreasing your chances of tooth decay, leading to a beautiful smile!
Prevent Cavities
By depositing nanoscopic calcium phosphate ions, nano hydroxyapatite functions to strength your enamel surface and increase the mineral density of your teeth.
This process can stimulate bone growth leading to reduced chances of developing carious enamel.
Reduced Sensitivity
Even beyond caries prevention, synthetic hydroxyapatite is an effective desensitizing agent. Studies show that it is a safe material for reducing dentin hypersensitivity.
By depositing minerals into the protective layer of your teeth, hydroxyapatite toothpaste can make a significant difference in your ability to tolerate temperature, acidity, and sugar.
Healthy Oral Microbiome
A healthy mouth has a unique environment of bacteria in it. Synthetic hydroxyapatite is essential to reduce the growth of bad bacteria while sparing the good bacteria that protect your teeth.
Additionally, there are many common agents in oral care that can disrupt your microbiome, such as:
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Hydrogen peroxide
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Chlorhexidine
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Sodium lauryl sulfate
These ingredients contribute to issues like dry mouth and sensitive teeth. Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste protects your mouth from these negative effects.
Fights Gum Disease
Nano hydroxyapatite has unique antibacterial properties unlike fluoride toothpastes. By selectively killing off certain strains of bacteria that disrupt your mouth, synthetic hydroxyapatite protects your teeth against gum disease such as gingivitis.
Reduced Chance of Dental Fluorosis
Excessive use of fluoride products in oral care causes the discoloration of your teeth through a condition called dental fluorosis.
By switching to a more natural formula, such as nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, you can reduce your chances of messing on your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydroxyapatite better than fluoride?
Hydroxyapatite is as effective as fluoride toothpaste. It is better for pregnant women as it does not have cause fluoride toxicity in fetuses.
How does fluoride affect hydroxyapatite?
When consumed, fluoride modifies the hydroxyapatite chain found in enamel and turns it into fluorapatite. Fluorapatite contains a fluoride ion, and makes the tooth more resistant to demineralization, creating a protective mechanism against forming initial caries lesions and helps prevent dental caries.
Is nano-hydroxyapatite as effective as fluoride?
Yes, nano hydroxyapatite is as effective as fluoride at remineralizing carious lesions.
Is hydroxyapatite more effective than fluoride?
Hydroxyapatite is as effective as fluoride at remineralizing enamel subsurface lesions without causing any system toxicity.
Can nano hydroxyapatite reverse cavities?
Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste can reverse initial caries lesions and protect against future dental caries. This is accomplished by nourishing the tooth enamel with the minerals needed to stay healthy and mineralized.
Regular use of nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste will provide the tooth with proper calcium and phosphate and aid in preventing dental caries in an effective way similar or greater than fluoride toothpastes.
Does hydroxyapatite toothpaste work?
Yes, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste works. It is effective at remineralizing initial caries lesions and reducing dentin hypersensitivity.
Do you really need 10% nano hydroxyapatite in toothpaste?
No, you don’t necessarily need 10% nano-hydroxyapatite in toothpaste. Studies show that 5% nano-hydroxyapatite is optimal for effectively remineralizing teeth and strengthening enamel. It provides excellent protection without the need for higher concentrations.
Nano Hydroxyapatite and Fluoride: Why Choose Both?
Using toothpaste that contains both hydroxyapatite and fluoride in your daily oral care routine allows you to benefit from the strengths of these effective ingredients. This combination provides comprehensive protection against cavities, sensitivity, and enamel erosion.
Should you rinse after using hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
No, you should not rinse your mouth immediately after using hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Rinsing can wash away the beneficial ingredients, reducing their effectiveness in strengthening enamel and preventing cavities. Instead, it's best to avoid rinsing for at least 30 minutes to allow the hydroxyapatite to adhere to your teeth and provide maximum protection.
Can you use hydroxyapatite and fluoride at the same time?
Yes, you can use hydroxyapatite and fluoride together, as they can complement each other in promoting dental health. Hydroxyapatite helps remineralize and strengthen enamel, while fluoride offers additional protection against cavities and decay. However, it's advisable to alternate their use or consult with a dentist to determine the best approach for your oral care routine.
Can I use hydroxyapatite toothpaste every day?
Yes, you can use hydroxyapatite toothpaste every day as part of your regular oral hygiene routine. It is safe for daily use and helps to remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel, reducing the risk of cavities and sensitivity. Incorporating it into your routine can enhance overall dental health without the risks associated with overuse of fluoride toothpaste.
