Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is an oral care product containing hydroxyapatite, a mineral naturally found in teeth and bones, typically as an alternative remineralizing agent to fluoride.

It is used to promote oral health by:

• remineralizing enamel

• reducing tooth sensitivity

• and preventing tooth decay.

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is known for its ability to strengthen and repair tooth enamel and is often considered a natural alternative to fluoride-based toothpaste. For best results, you can brush with it twice daily for two minutes just like you do with regular toothpaste.

In this article, I'll explain everything you need to know about hydroxyapatite toothpastes and why they're such a great option to include in your daily oral care routine.

What is hydroxyapatite?

Hydroxyapatite (also referred to as simply "HA") is a naturally occurring mineral that is the primary inorganic component of human teeth and bones.

It is a crystalline structure composed of calcium and phosphate ions, making it a vital component of the hard tissues in our bodies. In fact, hydroxyapatite gives our teeth and bones their strength and hardness.

In the context of teeth, hydroxyapatite is a key component of tooth enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth surface. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and it protects the underlying dentin and pulp of the tooth.

Hydroxyapatite is also used in various dental and medical applications, including dental implants, bone grafts, and as a biomaterial in orthopedic surgery.

Further, in toothpaste, it has restorative properties that are not limited to its protective barrier alone; it also contributes significantly to the remineralization process, aiding in the repair of microscopic enamel imperfections that are invisible to the naked eye.

What are hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets?

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste and hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets are both oral care products that use hydroxyapatite to remineralize teeth and promote overall oral health.

At a high level, hydroxyapatite toothpaste has a traditional toothpaste texture and format. This is probably the most similar type of toothpaste that you're familiar with. With hydroxyapatite toothpaste, you dispense about a pea-sized amount onto your toothpaste and brush just like you would with regular toothpaste.

On the other hand, hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets are a dehydrated form of hydroxyapatite toothpaste, compressed into a small tablet form. This chewable toothpaste is compact, eco-friendly, and it reduces plastic waste.

To use toothpaste tablets, you simply chew one until it dissolves into a traditional, foamy toothpaste. Then, you brush your teeth with that paste as usual for two minutes morning and night.

While hydroxyapatite toothpaste and hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets are similar, toothpaste tablets offer benefits like:

• convenience for travel

• increased sustainability

• fewer ingredients and preservatives

• and reduced risk of allergy due to fewer ingredients.

Plus, toothpaste tablets are also mess-free and waterless, so you can easily throw them in your carry-on bag unlike regular toothpaste, and they won't make a mess.

How does hydroxyapatite toothpaste work?

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste works through its ability to stimulate a process called remineralization. In toothpaste, hydroxyapatite particles restore and strengthen our tooth enamel by depositing calcium phosphate ions.

You see, when our enamel is exposed to acids produced by the bacteria that naturally live in our mouths or dietary acids/sugars, it can become demineralized. This leads to weakened enamel, tooth sensitivity, and tooth decay. If left untreated, that tooth decay can progress into full blown dental caries.

Since hydroxyapatite is a biometric compound and closely mimics the natural mineral composition of our teeth, it is easily able to remineralize enamel and protect us from all kinds of dental issues.

Studies also show that hydroxyapatite toothpaste can prevent plaque buildup which can otherwise lead to tartar development and cavities. Further, more research suggests that hydroxyapatite can also whiten teeth as the remineralization process may remove surface stains.

Benefits of Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets are making waves for all of the incredible benefits they offer for your teeth. Here in this section, we'll explore 6 of the most important ones.

Remineralization and Tooth Decay Prevention

Nano hydroxyapatite functions to strengthen 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 radiant smile!

Cavity Prevention

While hydroxyapatite does not have the same FDA approval for dental caries prevention as fluoride and you cannot remineralize a cavity once it has fully formed, studies show that nano hydroxyapatite does indeed help remineralize initial caries lesions.

This process can stimulate bone growth leading to reduced chances of developing decayed enamel.

Reduces Teeth Sensitivity

Even beyond caries prevention, hydroxyapatite is an effective desensitizing agent. Research shows 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 acidity, temperature, and sugar.

Healthy Oral Microbiome

A healthy mouth has a unique environment of bacteria in it. Using hydroxyapatite is helpful to reduce the growth of bad bacteria while sparing the good bacteria that protect your teeth. 

Fights Bad Bacteria

Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, unlike fluoride toothpaste, has unique antibacterial properties. By selectively killing off certain strains of bacteria that disrupt your mouth, synthetic hydroxyapatite protects your teeth and gums.

Prevent Dental Fluorosis

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

Therefore, switching to a more natural formula, such as nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help preserve the beauty of your smile.

Hydroxyapatite vs Fluoride Toothpaste

We often see hydroxyapatite and fluoride being used in toothpaste formulations, but how do these ingredients truly perform, and how do they differ from one another?

Let's walk through some of the differences between hydroxyapatite vs fluoride.

Mechanism of Action

Hydroxyapatite and fluoride both fight dental enamel erosion, but they do so via different mechanisms.

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste works by forming a new layer of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the tooth, which integrates into the natural tooth structure, strengthening and remineralizing it.

Meanwhile, fluoride toothpaste works by reacting with the saliva in your mouth to create fluorapatite, a substance that helps prevent tooth decay by promoting remineralization of tooth enamel.

Efficacy

Fluoride has long been the gold standard in dentistry for its efficacy in reducing caries due to its capability of integrating into the tooth enamel and fighting off the harmful bacteria that causes dental plaque.

However, a recent study indicates that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is equally, if not more, effective in remineralizing initial enamel carious lesions and reducing the formation of plaque.

Another study from 2023 concluded, "[hydroxyapatite toothpaste] is not statistically inferior to fluoride toothpaste."

Safety

While both fluoride and hydroxyapatite toothpaste are generally safe for daily use, there are certain considerations for each.

For instance, overconsumption of fluoride, especially in young children, could lead to dental fluorosis, fluoride toxicity, and more.

On the contrary, nano hydroxyapatite is biomimetic and safe as it is already a substance naturally present in our teeth, which makes it less likely to cause any harm when use.

Side Effects

While, both types of toothpaste are generally considered safe for regular use, excessive ingestion of fluoride can potentially lead to fluorosis - a condition that causes discoloration or spotting on the teeth.

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste, being an biomemetic substance, does not have known side effects because it's a compound your body already makes (remember, your teeth and bones are made of hydroxyapatite). 

Because hydroxyapatite toothpaste side effects are minimal, they're a great tool for pregnant women and children to use.

Therefore, considering factors for these both hydroxyapatite and fluoride toothpastes offer unique benefits.

The decision to choose one over the other often boils down to personal oral care needs and your dentist advice.

So, is hydroxyapatite toothpaste better than fluoride toothpaste?

Yes, hydroxyapatite can be considered better than fluoride as it offers similar benefits without the associated toxicity.

It provides the advantages of fluoride, such as cavity protection, sensitivity reduction, and enamel remineralization, but without the potential harm linked to fluoride ingestion.

Hydroxyapatite is non-toxic and safe enough to swallow, unlike fluoride, which can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis if overexposed.

That's why choosing hydroxyapatite can be a safer and better alternative for oral care.

However, it is always recommended to consult with a dental professional for personalized recommendations.

Hydroxyapatite vs Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes

 

Nano hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite are both forms of the same compound, but they differ slightly in efficacy and benefits.

In fact, one paper from 2023 even stated, "Compared to HA, nHA is found to have superior properties such as increased solubility, high surface energy and better biocompatibility. This is due to the morphological and structural similarity of nanosized hydroxyapatite particles to tooth hydroxyapatite crystals."

Because nano hydroxyapatite particles are much smaller than hydroxyapatite, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is more effective at:

• preventing tooth decay

• strengthening teeth

• soothing hypersensitivity

• and whitening teeth and reducing discoloration.

Essentially, because hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are so small, they're better able to integrate into the tooth structure and remineralize enamel.

Therefore, in comparing hydroxyapatite vs nano hydroxyapatite, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste provides increased oral hygiene benefits over hydroxyapatite toothpastes.

Is hydroxyapatite safe?

Yes, hydroxyapatite, alongside its smaller cousin nano hydroxyapatite, is safe to use in toothpaste. In fact, research indicates that nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste may have fewer safety concerns compared to fluoride toothpaste.

Nano hydroxyapatite particles and hydroxyapatite particles do not induce toxicity the way overconsumption of fluoride can. This is particularly important for certain populations such as:

• pregnant women

• children

• people prone to tooth decay and cavities

• people who live in environments with high fluoride concentrations in the water

Therefore, choosing nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets can be your ideal step toward a safer and more effective oral care routine.

Is hydroxyapatite toothpaste suitable for kids?

Yes, hydroxyapatite (hap) toothpaste is suitable for kids. In fact, nano hydroxyapatite is considered by many dentists as a better alternative to fluoride for children for a number of developmental and physical reasons.

For example, some researchers suggest hydroxyapatite is a promising solution early childhood caries. Further, a meta analysis concluded that, "biomimetic hydroxyapatite-containing, fluoride-free oral care products are effective in reducing dental decay, especially in children."

Finally, another study using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System concluded, at the end of a year-long trial, that hydroxyapatite toothpaste was not inferior to a fluoride control toothpaste.

Summary: Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a dental care product gaining popularity for its unique properties and potential benefits.

Hydroxyapatite, a mineral naturally found in our teeth and bones, is the main ingredient in this type of fluoride free toothpaste. It works by adhering to the surface of our teeth and forming a protective layer.

This layer helps remineralize tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to acid erosion. Hydroxyapatite can also reverse tooth decay in its early stages.

Additionally, hydroxyapatite toothpaste is known for its ability to reduce tooth sensitivity, making it an awesome choice for individuals with sensitive teeth.

Of course, one of the key advantages of hydroxyapatite toothpaste is its appeal to those of us seeking a natural toothpaste alternative to fluoridated toothpaste.

Overall, hydroxyapatite toothpaste provides a natural and biocompatible toothpaste option that can help maintain good oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hydroxyapatite toothpaste good for your teeth?
Yes, hydroxyapatite toothpaste is beneficial for your teeth. It contains a natural mineral that strengthens enamel, reduces sensitivity, and promotes enamel remineralization. It's considered a safe alternative to fluoride toothpaste, making it suitable for those with fluoride sensitivities. Overall, using hydroxyapatite toothpaste can contribute to maintaining good dental health when combined with regular brushing and dental care routines.

Which toothpaste has hydroxyapatite?
NOBS Toothpaste Tablets contain hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral that offers long-term tooth protection and effective remineralization and whitening benefits. The tablets are formulated with nano hydroxyapatite, which serves as a safe fluoride alternative, reducing potential risks associated with prolonged use during tooth brushing. The effectiveness of NOBS Toothpaste Tablets is on par with leading toothpaste brands, and they offer a sustainable, user-friendly alternative to traditional toothpaste.

What is the difference between fluoride and hydroxyapatite toothpaste?When it comes to differences, hydroxyapatite toothpaste utilizes a natural mineral found in teeth and bones to strengthen enamel directly. It repairs minor defects, promotes remineralization, and forms a protective layer on teeth. While fluoride toothpaste works by remineralizing enamel and inhibiting demineralization, it carries the risk of dental fluorosis if ingested excessively. Therefore, hydroxyapatite toothpaste offers a safer and more natural alternative for maintaining dental health, especially for those with fluoride sensitivities or concerns about fluoride intake.

Does hydroxyapatite regrow enamel?
No, hydroxyapatite does not regrow enamel because enamel is not a living tissue. However, hydroxyapatite can help remineralize enamel by replenishing minerals and repairing minor defects, strengthening and restoring the enamel's structure. Remineralization is the process of restoring minerals to the enamel, which can help reverse early stages of tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel, promoting overall dental health.

What are the disadvantages of hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
There are no known disadvantages of hydroxyapatite toothpaste. In fact, there are no concerns or side effects of nano hydroxyapatite in toothpaste. Research states that there is no literature reporting any systemic or adverse effects of hydroxyapatite containing toothpastes. That's why many people are turning to nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste as a safe, non-toxic alternative to fluoride toothpaste.