Nano-hydroxyapatite is a derivative of calcium phosphate that is naturally found in your teeth and bones.

While nHA has many medical applications, some dental professionals are interested in nano medical hydroxyapatite as a potential alternative to fluoride in nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste. 

In fact, studies suggest that it is a promising biomaterial for remineralizing and repairing tooth enamel surfaces.

This article explains everything you need to know about nano hydroxyapatite, from dental materials in oral care to function enhanced prosthetics.

Where Nano-Hydroxyapatite Comes From

Nanohydroxyapatite, also known as nHA, is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring calcium apatite found in your tooth enamel and saliva.

In vitro study after in vitro study shows that nano hydroxyapatite has high bioavailability.

This means that your body is able to use nano medical hydroxyapatite more easily than calcium phosphate.

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
• Anti-tumor effects: to safely treat of cancers without adverse effects
• 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.

Nano Medical Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes are being researched as a potential alternative to fluoride toothpaste.

Using a derivative of the mineral form already found in the human body, nano HA toothpaste promotes enamel remineralization and repairs small holes found in your dentin tubules.

Some studies suggest that nano medical hydroxyapatite might be a promising oral care ingredient in regenerative dentistry for remineralizing initial enamel lesions.

That being said, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.

Nano Medical Hydroxyapatite as an Alternative to Fluoride Toothpaste

In nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes, we use a synthetic version that replaces lost minerals in your teeth and bones, like calcium and phosphate ions.

These remineralizing capabilities of synthetic hydroxyapatite:

• Reduce teeth sensitivity
• Fight dental caries and tooth decay
• Promote oral health

Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Some studies suggest that n-HAP might be a more effective alternative for fighting dentin hypersensitivity than other methods used in regenerative dentistry, like:

• Fluoride
• Potassium nitrate
• Calcium apatite
• Calcium phosphate

Fight Cavities

Although n-HAP is not yet approved by the American Dental Association to fight cavities, some studies suggest that nano-hydroxyapatite particles might have the potential to: 

• Stimulate bone growth
• Repair small holes
• Support tooth enamel
• Slow tooth decay

More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Promote Good Oral Health

Through medical application, nano HA can make a significant difference in the health of your oral cavity.

Nano Toothpaste Benefits

Dental professionals love nano-hydroxyapatite as it is effective at preventing cavities and reducing tooth sensitivity.

By using nano HA, you'll get even more effective dentin remineralization than you would with calcium and phosphate alternatives. In fact, that's one of the biggest benefits of fluoride free toothpaste with nano hydroxyapatite.

Plus, preliminary research suggests that nano medical hydroxyapatite toothpaste might be safe for pregnant women. That same, more studies are needed to understand the safety of hydroxyapatite vs fluoride.

Of course, you do have the option of using nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride together if you prefer.

How to Use Nano Toothpaste

Nano medical hydroxyapatite is most effective when used in your toothpaste tablets twice a day, morning and night.

Follow these easy steps:

1. Pick up some NOBS Toothpaste
2. Open the jar and pop a NOB in your mouth
3. Wet your toothbrush
4. Brush gently and thoroughly for 2 minutes

This method will help keep your enamel surface bright white.

Plus, the nano-hydroxyapatite concentration in NOBS is effective to remineralize and repair your teeth.

Bone Grafts

For those with periodontal bone defects and in need of bone growth through periodontal surgery, nano-hydroxyapatite particles can be useful.

Bone grafts can be more successful using nano ceramics such as nano-hydroxyapatite in augmentation procedures.

Nano-hydroxyapatite bone graft combined with collagen membranes have shown to:

• Reduce periodontal probing depths
• Increase osseointegration
• Improve periodontal intrabony defects

Crown Bonding

Nano-hydroxyapatite has been found to improve the quality of dental cements used to permanently bond crowns.

Nano ceramics such as nano hydroxyapatite increases hardness compared to traditional glass ionomer cements.

The use of nano hydoxyapatite in restorative materials across dentistry will create a much more biocompatible environment compared to traditional products.

Drug Delivery Systems

Advancements in drug delivery systems have improved over the last century, and nano hydroxyapatite has been a special area of interest.

Nano-hydroxyapatite is the gold standard due to its similarity in structure to human bone.

The biocompatibility of nano hydroxyapatite makes it a unique contender when designing a drug delivery system.

It will continue to improve the advancement of treatment in disease.

Drug Carrier

Through surface receptor modification, nano hydroxyapatite has a positive impact on drug adsorption thanks to increased binding energy over more common substances like tinidazole.

This increase likely comes from the formation of calcium-oxygen bonds on the surface of the drug molecule.

Anti-Tumor Effects

Nano hydroxyapatite differential inhibits tumorous cell growth while sparing healthy cells. Studies show this effect is likely due to the release of Ca2+ ions through the degradation of n-HA which stems tumor proliferation.

Further, studies show that hydroxyapatite can be used to support initial stage cancer detection.

Wound Healing

Wound healing is a very delicate process and requires many factors such as cytokines, growth factors, vitamins, minerals, and various cells.

Nano HA has been shown to improve wound healing times in combination with cellulose and acetate. In vitro studies demonstrate that making a gel using nano HA causes wounds to heal and close significantly faster than without the gel.

Many studies show the importance of calcium in the wound healing process. By incorporating a nano HA gel, the dermal reconstruction process is enhanced.

This is a relatively new area of interest, and more studies are needed to explore the possible benefits of nano HA.

Surface Coating

Surface coatings have a wide range of application, from aviation to medical technology. Nano HA has become an area of interest as an ingredient in surface coatings for a few reasons.

Nano HA has been shown to reduce degradation of materials and prolong mechanical strength when used as a surface coating.

In the medical field, nano HA is used as a surface coating for artificial implants, such as dental implants. In this application, when nano HA is used as a surface coating, there is improved osseointegration leading to better clinical outcomes.

Scaffolding

In the medical field, scaffolds are a key elements in tissue engineering. This is a budding area in medical technology and can provide individuals with solutions that were previously unavailable.

People may experience bone defects due to malignant cancers, trauma, or congenital diseases. Seeking treatment for these defects has become easier with the advent of nano ceramics.

Nano HA is a frequently used scaffolding material due to its high mechanical strength, osteoconductive properties and bond strength. This technology is used to treat and correct bone defects from a variety of causes and diseases.

Nano Medical Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride

However, fluoride accumulation can contribute to neurogenerative disease and other negative health consequences.

Research suggests that nano medical hydroxyapatite might be a safer alternative for protecting teeth.

That being said, more studies are needed to fully understand its safety and effectiveness.

Nano Hydroxyapatite vs. Hydroxyapatite

Nano hydroxyapatite (nano-HA or nHA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) are both forms of the mineral hydroxyapatite, but they differ in terms of particle size, applications, and properties.

Natural vs. Synthetic

First, the nano hydroxyapatite in your toothpaste is likely synthetic nHA that was created in a laboratory through controlled chemical processes. Even though some people may be uncomfortable with synthetic materials, nano hydroxyapatite is safe and effective.

Similarly, synthetic hydroxyapatite is produced for various applications, including dental and medical uses.

However, hydroxyapatite can also be found naturally in human teeth and bones. Natural sources include animal-derived hydroxyapatite from sources like bovine bone or fish scales. 

Particle Size

Nano hydroxyapatite consists of nanoscale particles, typically with dimensions in the range of tens to hundreds of nanometers. Its small particle size allows for greater surface area and improved bioavailability.

This is why nano hydroxyapatite particles can be so advantageous in regenerative dentistry.

On the other hand, traditional hydroxyapatite consists of much larger particles than nano sized particles, typically in the micrometer range. While hydroxyapatite is still a fine powder, it does have a lower surface area compared to nano hydroxyapatite.

This is why hydroxyapatite toothpastes tend to be less effective than nano hydroxyapatite toothpastes.

Biocompatibility

Experts agree both nano hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite are safe and biocompatible substances that closely resemble the natural mineral composition of our teeth and bones.

Applications

Nano hydroxyapatite is most popular for its use in dental products, thanks to its benefits of oral biofilm management, preventing tooth decay, and soothing hypersensitivity. This is because it has a particularly small particle size which allows it to penetrate and remineralize tooth enamel effectively.

Similarly, hydroxyapatite is also used in dentistry but not as commonly as nano hydroxyapatite.

Both nHA and HA have a broad application range, including:

• orthopedic and dental implants
• bone grafts
• and other various medical applications.

In particular, dental professionals use nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste as a better alternative to fluoride.

Remineralizing Properties

Nano hydroxyapatite is well-known for its remineralizing properties. In fact, it's one of the best treatments for tooth decay and sensitivity.

Remineralization is essential for maintaining the integrity of our teeth and is a continuous, natural repair mechanism to restore minerals to the tooth enamel.

While hydroxyapatite toothpaste can also be effective for remineralization, studies suggest that it is not as effective as nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste.

Aesthetic Benefits

Nano hydroxyapatite is known for its ability to improve your smile, including benefits like:

• whitening teeth
• reducing discoloration
• and improving the glossiness and hardness of teeth.

In contrast, research suggests hydroxyapatite toothpaste may not be as effective as nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste in providing these aesthetic benefits.

Safety

Because of their biomimetic nature, both nano hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite are generally considered safe for various applications, including use in toothpaste.

In particular, experts suggest that nano hydroxyapatite has low toxicity and minimal risk of adverse effects.

Does toothpaste with hydroxyapatite restore enamel?

Yes, toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite has been shown to effectively restore enamel and promote remineralization. 

Studies indicate that nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) can penetrate the enamel structure, filling in microscopic defects and enhancing the mineral content of the teeth. For instance, research published in the Journal of Dentistry demonstrates that nHA toothpaste significantly improves enamel remineralization compared to fluoride toothpaste, particularly in early demineralized lesions.

Another study found that nHA not only restores mineral content but also promotes a smoother enamel surface, which can reduce plaque accumulation and enhance overall oral health. Additionally, a research concluded that hydroxyapatite-based products are effective in remineralizing enamel and may serve as a viable alternative to fluoride for individuals looking to avoid fluoride exposure.

Overall, the evidence supports the use of toothpaste with hydroxyapatite as a beneficial option for restoring enamel and maintaining dental health, making it a promising addition to oral care routines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste safe for pregnant women? 
Yes, some studies suggest that medical hydroxyapatite could be a safer alternative to fluoride toothpaste for pregnant women.

Is nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste better than fluoride toothpaste?
Yes, medical hydroxyapatite is a far safer alternative to fluoride toothpaste. Make NOBS your first nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste - your tooth enamel will thank you!

Is nano hydroxyapatite safe for children?
Yes, nano hydroxyapatite is safe in oral care for the whole family. In fact, it is already naturally occurring in the human body in your bones and teeth!

How does nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste work?
Nano HA toothpaste works by depositing minerals back into your teeth. This oral care mechanism supports your tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay through a process called remineralization.

Is nano hydroxyapatite good for sensitive teeth?
Yes, nano hydroxyapatite reduces teeth sensitivity and protects your tooth enamel. Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by exposed dentin, the inner layer of the tooth. nano hydroxyapatite works by filling in the gaps of the dentin tubules which improve sensitivity duration and intensity.

What does nano hydroxyapatite mean? 
Nano Hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral that makes up around 60-70& of our bones and around 90% of our tooth enamel. It was first synthesized in the 1970's by NASA to replace lost minerals in space that occurs due to the lack of gravity. There are many natural sources of hydroxyapatite but nano hydroxyapatite is artificially created using nano technology and has a wide range of therapeutic applications in the medical and dental fields.

Is nano hydroxyapatite safe? 
Nano hydroxyapatite is safe for human use and consumption. It is cytocompatible meaning it will not interfere with the normal function of cells in the body. Many in vitro studies demonstrate the safety of nano hydroxyapatite.

Does nano hydroxyapatite rebuild enamel?
Nano hydroxyapatite restores and remineralizes tooth enamel by mimicking the natural tooth structure. It also prevents further breakdown of enamel demineralization due to food and beverage. nano hydroxyapatite is a great alternative to fluoride for creating a protective layer of enamel on the tooth surface.

How long does nano hydroxyapatite take to work? 
Nano hydroxyapatite works immediately after application. In minutes it can reduce tooth sensitivity and begin the remineralization process that will aid in a healthier set of teeth.

Does nano hydroxyapatite whiten teeth?
The remineralizing power of nano hydroxyapatite will reduce translucency of teeth and restore the glossy texture of the enamel, leading to a brighter and whiter smile. It is a great alternative to traditional whitening methods and will not cause sensitivity.

Does nano hydroxyapatite prevent cavities?
Nano hydroxyapatite is considered to be a remineralizing agent for tooth enamel, replacing lost minerals which lead to cavities. nano hydroxyapatite is a safe alternative to fluoride for remineralizing teeth and protecting against new cavities from forming.

Does nano hydroxyapatite fix cavities?
Nano hydroxyapatite has been shown to reverse small cavities and prevent new cavities from forming. At the moment nano hydroxyapatite is not considered to be "anticavity" via FDA approval as these things take many years to be tested.

Is nano hydroxyapatite toxic?
There are numerous studies that cite the safety of nano hydroxyapatite. In vitro analyses have found that nano hydroxyapatite is very cytocompatible, which means compatible with the cells of the body and do not alter the function of the cells. There are many nano particles available on the market today, and not all of them share the same cytocompatibility as nano hydroxyapatite. At the current moment nano hydroxyapatite is not considered to be toxic to the body, and can be used safely.

What toothpaste has nano-hydroxyapatite?
There are an increasing amount of brands that incorporate nano hydroxyapatite as a main active ingredient in toothpaste products. The best one is made by biöm, known as NOBS toothpaste.

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.

Does hydroxyapatite regrow enamel?
While hydroxyapatite doesn’t regrow enamel, it helps remineralize and repair damaged areas by filling in microscopic cracks and restoring the enamel’s surface. Studies show it can effectively mimic the natural mineral composition of teeth, offering protection and strengthening similar to fluoride. While it can't fully regenerate lost enamel, it provides a protective layer that reinforces existing enamel.

Do nano-hydroxyapatite reverse cavities?
Nano-hydroxyapatite can help reverse early-stage cavities by remineralizing and repairing initial enamel damage. It fills in microscopic demineralized areas, preventing further cavity development if caught early. However, it cannot reverse more advanced cavities that require professional dental treatment.