Is Nano Hydroxyapatite Better than Fluoride?
Yes, nano hydroxyapatite is better than fluoride in toothpaste.
While fluoride is an effective treatment for a number of dental issues, studies suggest that nano hydroxyapatite may be effective in addressing dental issues while posing fewer potential risks for systemic toxicity than fluoride
Certain populations, such as pregnant women and those at risk for dental fluorosis in particular will benefit from switching to nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste over fluoride toothpaste.
This article will explain everything you need to know about nano hydroxyapatite and its comparative efficacy to fluoride.
So, what are fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite in toothpaste?
Fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite are remineralizing agents commonly found in toothpaste.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral commonly used in oral care products. It helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the risk of acid erosion.
Nano hydroxyapatite, on the other hand, is a synthetic form of hydroxyapatite, a mineral naturally found in teeth and bones. It is used in toothpaste for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and fight hypersensitivity.
In comparing nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride, nano hydroxyapatite works equally as well as fluoride while posing fewer side effects.
How Fluoride Works
Fluoridated toothpaste works by depositing fluoride minerals back into your enamel. The two most common forms include:
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Stannous fluoride
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Sodium fluoride
Dentists typically prescribe fluoride toothpaste to build stronger cavity resistant teeth, but it is not the only effective treatment.
How Nano Hydroxyapatite Works
Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste works by depositing calcium and phosphate ions back into your tooth structure. This process is effective for:
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Strengthening your teeth
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Fighting sensitive teeth
In fact, nano hydroxyapatite is a material your body already makes.
Thus, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a biomimetic oral care agent that won't disrupt a healthy oral microbiome.
COMPARISON: FLUORIDE VS. NANO HYDROXYAPATITE
Dental professionals use fluoride and hydroxyapatite together or individually to control dental caries and for other regenerative dentistry practices.
Both hydroxyapatite and fluoride toothpastes are effective for:
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Fighting tooth decay
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Remineralizing initial caries lesions
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Preventing dental caries
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Soothing hypersensitivity
However, they work differently and have different implications for your holistic health.
MECHANISM
While fluoride toothpastes work by depositing fluoride ions into your enamel, fluoride free toothpaste with hydroxyapatite works by depositing naturally beneficial materials like calcium and phosphate ions into your enamel.
Since your enamel is already made of calcium and phosphate, among other materials, synthetic hydroxyapatite reinforces the existing tooth structure.
EFFICACY
Nano hydroxyapatite toothpastes are equally as effective as fluoride toothpaste.
Studies show there are no significant difference between the efficacy of nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste and fluoride toothpastes to remineralize initial enamel fissures.
SAFETY
Since nano hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring material that your body already makes, there are no safety or toxicity concerns.
On the other hand, fluoride is a controversial ingredient in dentistry for its role in negatively affecting fetal brain development and causing dental fluorosis.
AFFORDABILITY
Nano hydroxyapatite is a more expensive ingredient than fluoride. Thus, nano hydroxyapatite toothpastes tend to be more expensive than fluoridated toothpastes.
AVAILABILITY
Fluoride toothpastes are more widely available and can be found at any grocery store, drug store, or online. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste brands are less widely available and more likely to be found online than in retail stores.
IS HYDROXYAPATITE AS STRONG AS FLUORIDE?
No, fluoride is stronger and more resistant to demineralization than hydroxyapatite.
However, hydroxyapatite is still just as effective at remineralization and perhaps even better at soothing hypersensitivity because it's the natural material that your teeth are already made of.
So, while fluoride is renowned for its strength, hydroxyapatite stands out for its natural affinity with the teeth and its potential to excel in specific oral health aspects. That's why many people suggest that both nano hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite are better than fluoride.
Of course, you can always use nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride together in your oral care routine if you wish.
IS NANO HYDROXYAPATITE SAFER THAN FLUORIDE?
Research indicates that nano hydroxyapatite may be safe and non-toxic for use in oral care.
Unlike fluoride products, nHA is considered to be a safe treatment option in oral care. Fluoride has been shown to alter thyroid function, induce toxicity, and cause other systemic issues.
Therefore, hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets may be a more suitable option for you and your family.
NEURODEGENERATIVE 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.
PEDIATRIC SAFETY
Fluoride has been shown to be damaging to the growth and development of a fetus during pregnancy.
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.
BENEFITS OF NANO HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE
Nano hydroxyapatite treats many different dental conditions and is an ideal ingredient in your daily toothpaste.
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.
REDUCING DENTAL HYPERSENSITIVITY
Studies suggest that nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is effective at reducing dentin hypersensitivity within three months of usage. Further, an 8-week study concluded hydroxyapatite toothpaste is an effective treatment for hypersensitivity when used twice daily.
PREVENTING DENTAL CARIES
Demineralized enamel leaves you open to development cavities. Both fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste are effective at surface zone remineralization which can result in caries reduction.
Further, hydroxyapatite toothpaste might be a safer option for preventing dental caries in children in order to reduce the risk of dental fluorosis associated with fluoride toothpaste.
SUPPORTING ORAL MICROBIOME AND PREVENTING DISEASE
Research suggests hydroxyapatite inhibits the ability of harmful bacteria to bind to your teeth and form dental plaque. Over time, this helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
DO DENTISTS RECOMMEND HYDROXYAPATITE?
Yes, dentists recommend nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste for daily use.
Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets offer various dental benefits and may pose fewer toxicity concerns compared to fluoride.
TEETH SENSITIVITY
Nano hydroxyapatite is an effective treatment for dental hypersensitivity.
REMINERALIZATION
Remineralization assessment shows that hydroxyapatite has about the same fluoride effectiveness with minimal, if any, statistically significant difference.
This makes remineralizing toothpaste with hydroxyapatite great alternative to anyone concerned about toxicity.
REVERSING CAVITIES
Nano hydroxyapatite has been shown to reverse small cavities and prevent new cavities from forming.
IS NANO HYDROXYAPATITE TOOTHPASTE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste could be a suitable option for many individuals, as it may have fewer systemic effects compared to fluoride toothpaste, according to certain studies.
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.
PREGNANCY
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.
Thus, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is more suitable for expectant and nursing mothers.
HYPERSENSITIVITY
Since it's a natural substance already found in your teeth and bones, nano hydroxyapatite reduces sensitive teeth effectively by filling in the small holes that your standard diet bores into your teeth over time.
If you deal with sensitivity or consume a diet high in acidity or sugar, you will benefit from switching to nano hydroxyapatite.
CAVITIES
Many people prone to cavities should consider nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste as their first line of defense.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is used by dental professionals to treat cavities as it is highly effective to remineralize tooth structure.
ENVIRONMENT
If you live in an area with a higher fluoride concentration, switching to nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help reduce your changes of developing any neurotoxicity of other negative systemic effects associated with fluoride.
Nanohydroxyapatite vs Fluoride: IS NHA BETTER THAN FLUORIDE?
Yes, nano hydroxyapatite is better than fluoride. Evidence suggests that nano hydroxyapatite may be a promising alternative to fluoride in addressing dental issues.
Further, research indicates that nano hydroxyapatite may be as effective as fluoride in treating various dental conditions, while potentially having fewer associated adverse health outcomes such as dental and skeletal fluorosis.
Individuals of different age groups, including children, expectant mothers, and the elderly, may find benefits in using nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite?
Fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite are both used in toothpaste for remineralization and preventing cavities. Fluoride deposits fluoride ions, while hydroxyapatite toothpaste deposits naturally occurring calcium and phosphate ions. Both are effective against tooth decay, but nano hydroxyapatite doesn't have the risk of toxicity associated with excessive fluoride consumption.
Is nano hydroxyapatite as effective as fluoride?
Yes, studies suggest that nano hydroxyapatite is equally effective as fluoride in remineralizing initial enamel fissures, reducing tooth sensitivity, and preventing dental caries. It may provide comparable efficacy without the potential adverse health effects associated with fluoride.
Can I use nano-hydroxyapatite and fluoride together?
Yes, using nano-hydroxyapatite and fluoride together is generally safe and can be beneficial for oral health as both ingredients contribute to remineralization and help prevent cavities. Combining them can provide a comprehensive approach to dental care.
Plus, studies suggest that combining fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite can serve as an alternative preventive method for safeguarding the enamel around orthodontic brackets from demineralization.
Should you rinse after using hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
No, you should not rinse after brushing with nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste as this can wash away the beneficial minerals that have been deposited on your teeth. Just simply spit out the excess toothpaste without rinsing immediately after brushing. Allowing the hydroxyapatite to remain on your teeth for some time can enhance its effectiveness in strengthening enamel and promoting oral health.
How long to leave hydroxyapatite on teeth?
We recommend leaving hydroxyapatite on your teeth without rinsing for at least 20-30 minutes after brushing. This allows the beneficial minerals to work effectively in strengthening enamel and promoting overall oral health.