Hydroxyapatite is gaining popularity as a new cavity-fighting toothpaste that contains oxygen, calcium, and phosphorous. Till now, only Fluoride or sodium-fluoride were known to prevent cavities and strengthen your teeth.
The easiest way to maintain dental hygiene is by brushing your teeth daily. Most of the current toothpaste contains Fluoride that fights bacteria and promotes healthy teeth. Hydroxyapatite has become the choice for many toothpaste manufacturers due to its non-toxic and biocompatible properties.
What Is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) Is a natural form of calcium, also known as calcium phosphate or calcium apatite. It comprises 97% of your tooth enamel and 70% of dentin [1].
In other words, HAp is made out of your tooth enamel only, making it biocompatible and non-toxic. And A high level of Hydroxyapatite in your tooth enamel is the reason that makes the teeth strong.
According to research, HAp is also the most stable calcium phosphate form, thereby not yielding to decomposition processes like oxidation. Therefore, it is currently being researched for more health benefits [2].
Pure HAp is white and tastes like vanilla or mint, depending on the toothpaste brand.
Hydroxyapatite in Toothpaste
Remineralization and Demineralization processes happen all the time in your mouth. It gets impacted basis your eating habits, mouth breathing, oral health, and oral microbiome.
When demineralization outweighs remineralization, tooth decay grows and destroys your teeth.
According to research, Hydroxyapatite in toothpaste helps remineralize the tooth structure and enamel, reducing the risk for erosion or cavities.
Does Hydroxyapatite Work?
Your teeth recognize the HAp as most of your tooth enamel is made from this compound. Therefore, it can rebuild the enamel down to the root. It is also resistant to plaque buildup and acid attacks which causes tooth decay.
Research suggests that Hydroxyapatite helps reduce plaque and oral bacteria and minimizes bleeding of gums [3].
Benefits of Hydroxyapatite
There are many benefits that Hydroxyapatite contains. Let us look into the details:
Helps to Remove Food Waste
HAp helps you physically sweep food residue and lingering bacteria from your mouth. Research shows that it removes the bacteria more effectively than any other toothpaste while protecting tooth enamel.
Contains Antibacterial Properties
When we do not brush, the antibacterial properties in HAp toothpaste prevent the acid from breaking down the food and other drinks in our mouths. Therefore, it helps tooth decay from bacteria [4].
Is Good for the Oral Microbiome
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste helps to protect your teeth from bacteria and their acid attacks without ruining your oral microbiome. The antibacterial properties prevent the bacteria from attaching to the enamel without killing it. It does not destroy the helpful oral microbiome, which is precious, that protects your teeth[5].
It is Resistant to Acidic pH
Research suggests that HAp in the toothpastes helps the teeth become resistant to acidic pH, which helps maintain the teeth’ quality. The pH levels must stay slightly alkaline in your mouth to avoid oral disease and inflammation [6].
Decreases Sensitivity
HAp helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth, thereby reducing the sensitivity which may arise by eating hot or cold meals.
Prevents and Heals Cavities
Hydroxyapatite in toothpaste increases the microhardness in the enamel. And it also prevents enamel erosion more effectively [7].
Improves Gum Health
Studies suggest that HAp helps improve gum health and can strengthen dental health in patients. It can also help patients with gum diseases and bleeding gums.
It is Non-toxic
Studies show that HAp is non-toxic. Therefore, it does not cause inflammation.
Is Biocompatible and Bioactive
According to studies, Hydroxyapatite is biologically the same as the material of human bones and teeth. Therefore, it is not harmful to the tissues and has no adverse effect on the body. On the contrary, it helps bones and teeth to grow.
It is Osteoconductive
HAp has osteoconductive properties that help the hard tissues to repair themselves. And it allows the bones to grow on its surface.
Makes The Teeth Appear Whiter
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste makes your teeth enamel healthy, making the teeth look bright. Brushing your teeth every day with HAp toothpaste makes your teeth whiter.
Side Effects of Hydroxyapatite
Hydroxyapatite is naturally present in your teeth. Using the compound in toothpaste makes your teeth clean and healthy. Your body naturally recognizes HAp making it highly safe to use.
Therefore, there are no side effects of hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Uses of Hydroxyapatite
Research shows that there are many more uses of HAp. Some of the unexpected where HAp is used are:
Bone and Tooth Surgery
Hydroxyapatite is naturally present in bones and teeth. Therefore, the body recognizes this element as its internal part and will accept any implants in the body.
It can help in regrowing the bone that can help the bones to repair. The coating of the minerals encourages the bone to grow around the implants.
Dental Health
Many reasons cause demineralization, like acidic foods, excess plaque, inadequate saliva, etc. It makes the teeth look yellower and increases sensitivity towards the food items.
HAp helps remineralization and strengthens the teeth as it is made from tooth enamel (97%) and 70% from the layer under the enamel. The toothpaste helps to fill the gap in the teeth.
Research studies suggest that remineralization helps to make your teeth look whiter. And can ease sensitivity issues.
Good for Environment
Research suggests that Hydroxyapatite has many uses other than dental and medical benefits.
HAp can help improve the air quality as the air filters are made from Hydroxyapatite and other components.
Also, HAp is biocompatible and bioactive and is non-poisonous. Therefore it does not hurt the environment.
Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride
Hydroxyapatite in toothpaste has been used in countries like Japan for more than 40 years. Although both Fluoride and HAp toothpaste functionality is similar, they both can remineralize tooth structure and strengthen the bones. However, it is believed that HAp is better than fluoride toothpaste in many ways:
Oral Microbiome
Fluoride has been used in toothpaste for years to clean your mouth. But it kills the good bacteria from the mouth and can be harmful if taken in larger quantities. While, Hydroxyapatite helps in keeping your teeth clean, healthy, and strong without removing good bacteria from your mouth. It protects the enamel from harmful bacteria.
Reinforces Enamel
Fluoride creates fluorapatite, a new structure above the surface of your teeth to protect you from tooth decay. In comparison, Hydroxyapatite is naturally present in your bones and teeth.
Non-Toxic
HAp is non-toxic and therefore has no side effects, whereas, Fluoride can cause some side effects if taken in large quantities. Kids swallow toothpaste, which can ingest a high amount of toothpaste in their bodies causing dental fluorosis.
Whitens Teeth
Hydroxyapatite naturally whitens the teeth without using any whitening or abrasive agents.
Bottom Line
Hydroxyapatite is a natural form of calcium in our body’s bones and teeth. HAp is safe to consume and good for overall dental health. It is non-toxic and bioactive, thereby making it safe to use. The HAp toothpaste can help bones and teeth to remineralize and regrow themselves.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Meyer, F., Amaechi, B. T., Fabritius, H. O., & Enax, J. (2018). Overview of Calcium Phosphates used in Biomimetic Oral Care. The open dentistry journal, 12, 406–423. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874210601812010406
- Pepla, E., Besharat, L. K., Palaia, G., Tenore, G., & Migliau, G. (2014). Nano-hydroxyapatite and its applications in preventive, restorative and regenerative dentistry: a review of literature. Annali di stomatologia, 5(3), 108–114.
- Meyer, F., Amaechi, B. T., Fabritius, H. O., & Enax, J. (2018). Overview of Calcium Phosphates used in Biomimetic Oral Care. The open dentistry journal, 12, 406–423. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874210601812010406
- Ebadifar, A., Nomani, M., & Fatemi, S. A. (2017). Effect of nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste on microhardness ofartificial carious lesions created on extracted teeth. Journal of dental research, dental clinics, dental prospects, 11(1), 14–17. https://doi.org/10.15171/joddd.2017.003
- Meyer, F., & Enax, J. (2019). Hydroxyapatite in Oral Biofilm Management. European journal of dentistry, 13(2), 287–290. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1695657
- Najibfard, K., Ramalingam, K., Chedjieu, I., & Amaechi, B. T. (2011). Remineralization of early caries by a nano-hydroxyapatite dentifrice. The Journal of clinical dentistry, 22(5), 139–143.
