For decades, dentists have recommended fluoride toothpaste for stronger cavity-resistant teeth. Despite possible safety concerns, it’s still considered the “gold standard” in dental schools. However, there’s a new ingredient in town that has proven to be just as effective as fluoride and is completely non-toxic. This ingredient is called hydroxyapatite.
Many dentists now recommend hydroxyapatite toothpaste to their patients in replacement of fluoride toothpaste. But what is it and how does it compare to fluoride? Keep reading!
How does Fluoride toothpaste work?
Your teeth have an outer coating called enamel which is made up of calcium and phosphate that keep your teeth strong. Bacteria found in cavities can break down food particles, creating an acidic environment in your mouth. This can strip away those beneficial minerals from the surfaces of your teeth. This process is called demineralization. Demineralization effects the tooth’s appearance and wears away the tooth’s smooth surface. As the teeth become rougher, plaque, tartar and staining may occur on the tooth’s surface which can make brushing your teeth painful and less effective.
The fluoride in fluoride toothpaste works by:
1. Teaming up with calcium and phosphate in your teeth and saliva to form a compound called fluorapatite.
2. Covering demineralized enamel with the more acid-resistant fluorapatite. This remineralizes the teeth, restores their strength and protects it from further damage.
What is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite is a form of calcium that makes up 97% of your enamel and nearly 70% of your tooth dentin. Hydroxyapatite is absorbed by the teeth and fills the enamel fissures caused by demineralization. The most widely studied type of hydroxyapatite is nano-hydroxyapatite. Because of its small size, toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite can insert itself into small spaces. This leads to benefits such as:
- Reduced tooth sensitivity and pain relief
- Less risk of cavities
- Remineralized and repaired teeth
How does it work?
In comparison to Fluoride, Hydroxyapatite works by:
1. Remineralizing enamel from within, reaching the innermost part of a dental cavity.
2. Bonds to proteins such as bacteria when brushing your teeth and tackles plaque.
Is Fluoride stronger than Hydroxyapatite?
Fluorapatite is less soluble than hydroxyapatite which means that in acidic conditions, fluorapatite is stronger and more resistant to demineralization. However, this does not mean that fluorapatite toothpaste is better than hydroxyapatite toothpaste. In fact, studies show that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is just as good, with the added benefit of helping with dental hypersensitivity. Dental hypersensitivity is exactly what it sounds like! It’s pain or discomfort in the teeth as a response to certain stimuli such as hot or cold temperatures.
Should I make the switch to Hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
If you’re given an alternative to fluoride toothpaste that is non-toxic, why wouldn’t you make the switch? To us, it’s a no-brainer! Speak with your dentist about switching to a hydroxyapatite toothpaste the next time you’re in.
About The Author
Dr. Jacqueline Gaudet
Chief Dental Officer - ASAP pathway comprehensive provider
Dr. Gaudet graduated as a doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) from the University of Montréal in 1998. Since then, she has spent thousands of hours on advanced training throughout Canada and around the world.
With experience, she has found that the “drill and fill” approach to dentistry does not make for long term success in dental and overall health. Her research and education has inspired her to take a global health approach to dental care using an evidence-based system to address the whole body.
“Many dental and oral health issues relate to lifestyle habits and/or underlying health issues,” she says. “The goal of Oceana Dental’s comprehensive new patient examination is to find the root cause of disease in the oral cavity so it doesn’t progress and cause more harm to the patient’s overall health.”
Commenting on the pace of technological improvement and the advances in research, she says, “it’s a great time to be a dentist!”
Read more