What comes to mind when you think about the most important toothpaste ingredient? For most people, it’s fluoride—a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens dental enamel and protects against tooth decay. Unfortunately, too much fluoride can lead to a dental problem called fluorosis. Another disadvantage of fluoride is that in the process of killing disease-causing bacteria, it also kills some good bacteria, interrupting the oral microbiome. Thankfully, there is a safe alternative to fluoride called hydroxyapatite.
Biological dentists often prefer hydroxyapatite to fluoride because it is oral microbiome friendly, reinforces teeth, and is biocompatible. Continue reading to learn more about hydroxyapatite and how it can benefit your smile.
More Information About Hydroxyapatite
Hydroxyapatite is one of several minerals that make up dental enamel, dentin, and cementum. Like fluoride, it contributes to the hard and strong quality of the teeth. Therefore, adding hydroxyapatite to your oral hygiene routine can only benefit your smile.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is made of nano-hydroxyapatite that fills enamel fissures caused by demineralization. This allows the minerals to infiltrate the innermost parts of the cavity and remineralize from within.
Using hydroxyapatite toothpaste helps protect against dental sensitivity, gum disease, disease-causing oral bacteria, and plaque formation.
Benefits of Hydroxyapatite
The advantages of hydroxyapatite include:
- Antibacterial properties: Hydroxyapatite forms a shield against bacteria, stopping harmful bacteria from binding to the dental enamel. When using hydroxyapatite toothpaste, the nano-hydroxyapatite fills in the tiny cracks or holes in a tooth so bacteria cannot penetrate those areas.
- Decreased dental sensitivity: Because hydroxyapatite strengthens the enamel, patients who use the toothpaste often experience relief from moderate to severe dental sensitivity.
- Non-toxic: To date, there is no evidence that suggests hydroxyapatite causes adverse effects. This isn’t the case with fluoride that can lead to skeletal and dental fluorosis when overused. You could eat gobs of hydroxyapatite toothpaste and have no side effects!
- Brightens teeth: A 2001 study proved that toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite has both brightening and whitening properties. In fact, increasing the amount of hydroxyapatite boosts the brightening and whitening properties.
- Kid-friendly: Because people can ingest hydroxyapatite without consequence, it is recommended for toddlers and children who are just learning to brush their teeth. No matter how many times he or she swallows the toothpaste, there won’t be any consequences.
It’s important to note that some people may experience an allergic reaction to hydroxyapatite. These benefits do not apply to those people.
How to Use Hydroxyapatite
When using hydroxyapatite toothpaste, we recommend flossing first. This way, the nano-hydroxyapatite isn’t hindered by the biofilm between the teeth. Instead, they can move directly into any cracks and fissures.
Secondly, avoid rinsing after brushing. This may seem weird at first, but you don’t want to remove the toothpaste with all of its beneficial active ingredients from your teeth before they ever start working!
Learn More from Our Holistic Dentists
Want to know more about the newest and safest dental practices? Our team at Well Rooted Dentistry is passionate about providing holistic dental care that benefits the whole body, not just the mouth.
When you meet with one of our gentle dentists, you’ll receive excellent and safe dental care as well as tips for achieving optimal oral and overall health at home.
Contact our team in Providence, RI today at (401) 443-4007 to schedule an initial consultation.
