What is Kids' Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste? A Dentist Explains
Kid's hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a unique spin on oral care that substitutes safe nano hydroxyapatite instead of fluoride.
Fluoride-free toothpastes with hydroxyapatite are the best for:
- Preventing tooth decay
- Remineralizing teeth
- Fighting gum disease
Plus, they often come in yummy flavors to help instill good habits early by making brushing fun!
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids.
What is nano hydroxyapatite?
Nano hydroxyapatite is a natural alternative to fluoride, and it has become the gold standard in fighting cavities in Japan since 2013.
Nano hydroxyapatite, also known as nHA, is a synthetic version of calcium phosphate, a naturally occurring mineral that helps with teeth remineralization.
In fact, it is commonly found in remineralizing toothpastes!
Because our enamel is made up of 97% hydroxyapatite, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is crucial to remineralizing our teeth.
In fact, it's widely used as an additive in restoring teeth and bones and is now popularized in orthopedics, dentistry, and osteopathy.
Is nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste safe?
Yes, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is safe.
While nanoparticles have previously been scrutinized for safety, evidence suggests that they are safe at up to 10% nano hydroxyapatite concentration in toothpaste.
Not to mention, the inclusion of nano hydroxyapatite particles in toothpaste may offer an alternative to fluoride, which has been associated with toxicity concerns in some cases!
Benefits of Nano Hydroxyapatite for Kids
Formulated for Sensitive Taste Buds
Natural toothpastes for kids are formulated with gentle ingredients that are safe for sensitive tissues in a developing mouth.
Typically, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is SLS-free and paraben free and comes with a kid-approved taste instead of the traditional minty flavor.
It may also include ingredients like hydrated silica, cellulose gum, or calcium carbonate to improve the texture of the paste.
Because kids are more likely to swallow toothpaste, these toothpastes are often leave out ingredients that might be harmful if ingested.
Remineralization
Did you know that in order to be effective, your toothpaste needs to remineralize teeth?
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 beautiful smile!
Cavity Prevention
By depositing nanoscopic calcium phosphate ions, nano hydroxyapatite strenghtens 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.
Sensitivity Reduction
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.
A Healthy Oral Microbiome
A healthy mouth has a unique environment of bacteria in it, and 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.
Gum Disease Prevention
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 with your smile.
The Bottom Line: Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste for Kids
Kids toothpaste with hydroxyapatite is a better alternative to traditional fluoride toothpaste.
Nano hydroxyapatite has benefits like:- Strengthening your kid's teeth
- Preventing tooth decay
- Reducing sensitivity
Plus, by using nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, you can prevent your child from developing dental fluorosis.
Sounds like a win-win, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydroxyapatite toothpaste safe for kids?
Yes, hydroxyapatite toothpaste is safe for kids. In fact, since our enamel is already made of 97% hydroxyapatite, it makes the most sense to use hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids!
What is the best hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids?
The best hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids is NOBS Jr. by biöm.
What age can you use hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
Once your child starts developing teeth, it's safe to begin using a hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Typically, this occurs around 1-2 years of age.
Is nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste safe for toddlers?
Yes, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is safe for toddlers. In fact, since our enamel is already made of 97% hydroxyapatite, it makes the most sense to use hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids!
What are the side effects of hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
Because our teeth are already made of 95% hydroxyapatite, there are no known side effects of using hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
What toothpaste is safe for a 2 year old without fluoride?
NOBS Jr. is a safe and effective fluoride-free toothpaste for kids.
Why can't toddlers have fluoride toothpaste?
Fluoride toothpastes can cause conditions like dental fluorosis which leave unsightly discoloration patterns on your teeth. Since this condition is most likely to occur in childhood, it's best to start your kids with a hydroxyapatite toothpaste instead.
Are toddlers supposed to have fluoride-free toothpaste?
Yes, toddlers can use fluoride-free toothpaste with nano hydroxyapatite. In fact, nano hydroxyapatite has been proven to be just as effective as fluoride at preventing tooth decay.
Should toddler use fluoride-free toothpaste?
Yes, toddlers should use fluoride-free toothpaste with nano hydroxyapatite. In fact, nano hydroxyapatite has been proven to be just as effective as fluoride at preventing tooth decay.
Is hydroxyapatite safe for toddlers?
Yes, hydroxyapatite is safe for toddlers. In fact, since our enamel is already made of 97% hydroxyapatite, it makes the most sense to use hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids!
What do dentists think about hydroxyapatite?
Many dentists recommend using hydroxyapatite as an alternative to fluoride in natural toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay and sensitivity.