Yes, research suggests that nano hydroxyapatite may help prevent cavities by remineralizing tooth enamel.

Because it's same substance your teeth and bones are made of, synthetic hydroxyapatite has proven to be effective at tooth enamel remineralization, thus preventing cavities.

This article will explain everything you need to know about nano hydroxyapatite, how it prevents dental caries, and its role as an alternative to fluoride in oral care.

What is nano hydroxyapatite?

Thanks to its function as a biocompatible mineral, nHA has many uses in medicine, including the ability to stimulate bone growth.

One of the most popular uses comes from regenerative dentistry, in the form of nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste.

How does nano hydroxyapatite prevent cavities?

Because it is made from the same materials your teeth are made of, studies show that nHA 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 toothpaste to prevent this erosion and to improve your oral health overall. That said, while nano hydroxyapatite can fight tooth decay, you cannot remineralize a cavity once it has already formed.

What is a cavity?

Also known as dental caries, cavities are small holes in your teeth that represent enamel erosion.

Cavities are formed by a specific bacteria that eats away at your enamel, and this bacteria is fed by acid and sugar.

Enamel is integral to your tooth structure, and demineralized enamel opens your body to infection and disease.

By replacing lost minerals like calcium and phosphate through a synthetic version, such as nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, you can improve your oral health and avoid disease.

Can nano hydroxyapatite reverse cavities?

No, nano hydroxyapatite cannot reverse cavities once they have already formed, nor can any other remineralizing agent, including fluoride.

While you cannot reverse a cavity once it has formed, evidence suggests that nano hydroxyapatite is successful at preventing tooth decay and healing demineralized enamel through this remineralization process.

Essentially, hydroxyapatite toothpaste acts as a sort of "protective shield" over teeth, supporting the repair of damage and preventing new damage from forming.

Therefore, while we can say that nano hydroxyapatite stimulates remineralization and can reverse the initial stages of cavity formation, we cannot say that nano hydroxyapatite reverses full-blown dental caries.

If you're dealing with cavities, we recommend setting up an appointment with your local dentist for treatment instead of trying to reverse it at home.

Different Nano Hydroxyapatite Uses

While nano-hydroxyapatite was first patented for use in toothpaste by Sangi Co Ltd in 1978, it also has many different applications, such as:

• Nano medical hydroxyapatite toothpaste: to promote a healthy enamel surface area
• Bone grafts: to reconstruct periodontal bone defects
• Crown bonding: to reinforce glass ionomers
• Drug delivery systems: to improve medication bioavailability
• Wound healing: to speed up the healing process by introducing calcium
• Surface coating: to improve clinical outcomes associated with artificial implants
• Scaffolding: to treat and correct bone defects

These nano hydroxyapatite uses play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes across various medical fields. Its biocompatibility and ability to mimic bone and enamel make it highly valuable in dentistry and regenerative medicine.

Benefits of Nano Hydroxyapatite

Beyond preventing cavities, there are many benefits of hydroxyapatite in dental products.

Non Toxic

Hydroxyapatite is considered biocompatible with the human body as it is a naturally occurring material found in teeth and bones. Research suggests that it may be used in oral care with minimal side effects, but individual experiences may vary. 

Comparative Efficacy to Fluoride

Some studies have indicated that nano hydroxyapatite toothpastes may be effective at remineralizing teeth, showing comparable results to fluoride in certain cases.

While more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy of nano hydroxyapatite in comparison to fluoride, nHA is a great alternative.

Additionally, certain populations that require lower fluoride concentration such as pregnant women should consider switching to a fluoride free toothpaste.

Fights Teeth Sensitivity

Research suggests that nano hydroxyapatite may help reduce teeth sensitivity, though individual results may vary. 

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.

Promotes Dentin Remineralization

Hydroxyapatite works by depositing natural minerals back into your teeth through a process called enamel remineralization. Remineralization is essential for a healthy mouth and protects against tooth loss.

Supports Oral Microbiome

A healthy mouth has a unique environment of bacteria in it. Nano 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:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Chlorhexidine
• Sodium lauryl sulfate

These ingredients contribute to issues like dry mouth and sensitive teeth. Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste protects your mouth from these negative effects.

Protects Gums

Nano hydroxyapatite has unique antibacterial properties unlike fluoride toothpastes. By selectively killing off certain strains of bacteria that disrupt your mouth, nHA protects your teeth against gum disease such as gingivitis.

Makes Teeth Strong

In fluoride-free toothpaste, 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!

Prevents Hyper-Calcification of Teeth

Excessive use of fluoride products in oral care causes the discoloration of your teeth through a condition called dental fluorosis.

Avoid fluoride toothpaste and switch to a better remineralizing toothpaste, such as one with nano hydroxyapatite, to keep your teeth bright white.

Protects Against Free Radicals from Teeth Whitening

Certain dental products such as hydrogen peroxide can cause tooth sensitivity through the creation of free radicals.

Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste fights against this mechanisms and prevents tooth decay by remineralizing your enamel without disrupting your oral microbiome.

Support Restorative and Regenerative Dentistry Practices

Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste complements other oral care, such as orthodontics, well.

For example, braces are food traps and collect plaque and debris. Brushing with hydroxyapatite toothpaste will prevent damage from food getting stuck underneath braces.

Does hydroxyapatite heal cavities?

No, hydroxyapatite does not heal cavities because you cannot remineralize a cavity once it has already formed. 

Cavities are the result of structural damage to the enamel, due to the demineralization process caused by bacteria producing acids in the mouth. Unfortunately, cavities create permanent holes in our enamel, and we cannot repair that naturally.

Once a cavity has formed, you will need to see a dentist for a professional treatment such as dental fillings.

That said, to prevent the development of cavities in the first place and reverse tooth decay, we can take measures such as brushing twice daily with nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste and flossing with expandable floss before bed.

Can remineralizing toothpaste heal cavities?

No, remineralizing toothpaste cannot heal cavities once they have already formed. While remineralizing agents like nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride are effective at reversing demineralization and tooth decay, they cannot heal cavities.

Cavities represent structural damage to the tooth, and they can't be healed at home. Unfortunately, if you're suffering from a cavity, the best course of action is to visit your local dentist for a professional treatment. 

Yes, teeth can remineralize with the help of certain remineralizing agents.

Nano Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride

Nano hydroxyapatite is making its way into the mainstream as an alternative to fluoride in toothpaste. Both ingredients work similarly to remineralize your teeth, but they have different systemic effects on the body.

Fluoride Toothpaste

During brushing, fluoride attaches to your enamel and makes the enamel more resistant to breakdown. It is scientifically proven to be effective an remineralizing initial enamel lesion, and is considered to be the initial treatment option for sensitive teeth and severe cavities.

However, it is not a natural mineral that your body already makes like nano hydroxyapatite is.

Fluoride minerals are foreign bodies, and cannot be considered non toxic like nano hydroxyapatite can.

Safety Concerns with Fluoride

Fluoride has been shown to be damaging to the growth and development of a fetus during pregnancy.

Additionally, fluoride has been shown to alter thyroid function, induce toxicity, and cause other systemic issues.

Is nano hydroxyapatite safe?

Yes, nano hydroxyapatite is safe and non toxic.

Studies show that nHA is considered to be a safe treatment option in oral care.

Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste effectively prevents against tooth decay and tooth sensitivity without the same risks that come with fluoride toothpastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does nano hydroxyapatite fix cavities?
Nano hydroxyapatite has been shown to reverse small cavities and prevent new cavities from forming.

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.

Can nano hydroxyapatite heal deep cavities?Deep cavities are very unlikely to be remineralized, and should be removed by a licensed dentist. It is important to take care of cavities before they grow too large, as it could result in a life threatening dental infection.

What does nano hydroxyapatite do for teeth?
Nano hydroxyapatite is considered to be a remineralizing agent for tooth enamel, replacing lost minerals which lead to cavities.

What do holistic dentists use to fill cavities?
Holistic dentists use safe bio-compatible materials like porcelain and composite to fill cavities. They do not use amalgam (silver) fillings as they contain mercury and have been shown to cause negative health effects.

How do you permanently stop cavities?
Cavities can be permanently stopped by following a diet rich in nutritious foods, having healthy saliva production, and using a remineralizing toothpaste that contains nano hydroxyapatite.

Can teeth remineralize?
Yes, teeth can remineralize. This process involves restoring lost minerals to the enamel, mainly through nano hydroxyapatite or fluoride exposure and proper oral care, which helps strengthen and repair minor damage.

Can I remineralize a cavity?
Small cavities in the first layer of enamel can be remineralized. When a cavity becomes remineralized, it is considered to be "arrested" and not active.

Can your teeth be immune to cavities?
Teeth are never truly immune to cavities, but they can be a very unlikely event with proper diet, oral hygiene and remineralization. Diets that are low in acid and sugar will help make you more resistant to getting cavities.

How did they fill cavities in the old days?
Traditional methods of filling cavities involve using silver fillings, known as amalgam restorations. This is accomplished by removing the cavity from the tooth using dental tools, and placing a premixed capsule of amalgam. The metal starts out soft and pliable, molding into the shape of the cavity later becoming hardened.

How can I remineralize my cavities naturally?
Natural remineralization methods are best achieved by having healthy saliva. Saliva contains many nutrients and minerals to nourish your teeth, and when using nano hydroxyapatite this remineralization process is further enhanced.

What is the healthiest dental filling?
The healthiest dental filling is no filling, but many of the modern materials used today are shown to be compatible with our bodies. Porcelain and resin composite are used in many modern dental offices and are a great solution to treating dental cavities.

Can Tooth Decay Cause Bad Breath?
Yes, tooth decay can cause bad breath. When cavities form, bacteria break down food particles, producing foul-smelling compounds. The decayed tooth material can also harbor these bacteria, worsening the odor. Proper dental care and treatment of cavities can help eliminate bad breath caused by tooth decay.