Enamel, the hardest substance of the human body covering the anatomic crown of teeth, is under constant bacterial attack. In the presence of sugar, bacteria forms acids that trigger demineralization of the hard, thin, translucent layer of calcified tissues of enamel, thus making teeth prone to decay. The primary mineral of the mineralized tissue is hard hydroxyapatite— a crystalline calcium phosphate. Thankfully, the body has a natural repairing process of re-mineralization—the re-hardening of softened tissues. Toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite and fluoride can boost re-mineralization, as it forms a kind of barrier on the teeth surface to protect it from sugar and acids. You must have heard about the effectiveness of fluoride in strengthening teeth, and recent studies suggest that toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite could be highly effective in making your teeth stronger.

Demineralization and remineralization is a natural process. But what if the balance tilts in favor of demineralization, meaning minerals are eroding faster than re-mineralization. What happens when you ignore it for long? The first sign of demineralization is the appearance of white spots on teeth. If not taken care of early, it leads to weakening, discoloration, staining of teeth along with micro-cracks and chips in your teeth. Cracks and spots make teeth surface a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, thus teeth erosion accelerates leading to cavity formation. If not treated in time, you will ultimately lose your precious natural teeth. You can prevent it all by brushing your teeth twice a day with hydroxyapatite paste.

What Is Hydroxyapatite?

The dental structure is highly complex, and hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the components of enamel, dentin, and cementum. It gives teeth and bone the much-needed hardness and strength for perfect oral functionalities. Now the point is, can toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite boosts re-mineralization and reduces the risk of enamel erosion?

Studies suggest that toothpaste hydroxyapatite, the main component of enamel responsible for the brightness of your teeth and eliminating diffused reflection of light by filling pores, can boost re-mineralization to some extent. Its effectiveness in treating early white spots is well established, but experts believe re-mineralization potential could be enhanced with micron-size hydroxyapatite particles. A study conducted on tooth specimens to see the enamel mineralization effect of nano-hydroxyapatite measuring the Vickers Hardness

Number shows that mineralization increased with a nano-hydroxyapatite-containing solution. Interestingly, the addition of fluoride showed no synergistic effect of re-mineralization.

Your dental enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it doesn’t make it invulnerable as enamel erodes with age. In some cases, enamel deterioration could be faster than average due to excessive sugar consumption and acid formation. Damage to enamel is irreversible, but you can boost mineralization and protect remaining enamels by using hydroxyapatite toothpaste.

Advantages of Using Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Your dental structure, mainly outer enamel, intermediate dentin, and inner cementum, is made of hard tissues. The inorganic component of the hard tissues is made of calcium and phosphate ions that create hydroxyapatite crystals. Demineralization and remineralization of hard substances are a natural process, but a little imbalance could lead to permanent loss of teeth. Using hydroxyapatite toothpaste could boost remineralization, thus making your teeth strong to ensure the force of chewing, crunching, and grinding. Here are some of the advantages of hydroxyapatite toothpaste:

Reduces Sensitivity

Hydroxyapatite is known for its effectiveness in boosting re-mineralization. Using toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite reduces sensitivity by boosting mineralization. Stronger enamel ensures less wear and tear, thus long-lasting natural teeth to enjoy better oral functionalities.

Extra Whitening

Studies suggest that hydroxyapatite is responsible for the whiteness of the teeth. It eliminates the diffused reflection of light by filling up fine pores, so your teeth look extra white. Though its effectiveness in whitening is not yet established, experts believe it could be helpful if used for long in combination with fluoride.

Resistant to Acidic pH

The pH of a healthy oral space remains slightly alkaline to prevent inflammation and other oral diseases. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste makes teeth more resistant to acidic pH, created by bacteria in association with sugar.

Better Gum Health

Since hydroxyapatite toothpaste helps in controlling bacteria count in the mouth, it helps in preventing gum diseases and boosting recovery. Studies have shown a positive impact on plaque control, bleeding gums, and gum recession.

Antibacterial Properties

Bacteria thrive in pores and cracks, thus accelerates acid formation and enamel erosion. If you are using hydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste, you are booting mineralization, thus making the teeth surface smooth. Fewer bacteria formation will ensure long-lasting healthy teeth and fresh breath. Healthy oral space with fewer bacteria will help you keep your gums free of disease. Toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite and fluoride forms a barrier between acids and the surface of the teeth, so it makes your teeth plaque resistant.

There is no substitute when it comes to effective brushing for healthy teeth. Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste gives you additional benefits, so ask your dentist to prescribe suitable toothpaste from trusted brands to make your teeth stronger. Unlike fluoride toothpaste, there are no proven side effects of hydroxyapatite toothpaste.

How to Boost Teeth Remineralization?

The effectiveness of hydroxyapatite or fluoride toothpaste is well proven. It boots re-mineralization and makes your teeth stronger and healthier. Besides toothpaste you can try several other things to make your dental system healthier:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water as per your ages, weight, and gender. An optimally hydrated body ensures optimum saliva formation, so your oral space will remain free of harmful bacteria.

Reduce Sugar Consumption: Bacteria thrive on sugar and other food particles. Eating sugar-free food items and beverages will help you control bacteria, so there will be lesser acid formation and minimal chance of tooth decay.

Avoid Citrus Juice: Fruit juice is necessary for nutritional balance but drinking too much-preserved citrus juice could make your enamel weak. Drinking citrus juices with added sugar will accelerate demineralization, thus making your teeth prone to cavity formation and tooth loss.

Sugarless gum: Xylitol, a type of sugar alcohol, present in sugarless gums improves teeth remineralization. So you can make your teeth stronger by chewing a few sugar-free gums daily. If you don’t like chewing gums, you can try hard candies containing xylitol.

Cut Milk Products: Lactose, a type of sugar, present in dairy products boosts bacteria formation in oral space, especially when you are not maintaining oral hygiene. Milk products are necessary for natural calcium supply, but you should better cut the consumption or pay more attention to cleaning teeth.

Treat Dry Mouth: Saliva plays a very important role in keeping your oral space healthy. So, if you have a dry mouth problem you should consult your dentist or oral care professional to seek remedies. Less saliva formation could boost demineralization. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and consult your doctor to know about the possible cause of dry mouth.

Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride Comparison

Hydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste helps in boosting re-mineralization and slowing demineralization of enamel. Hydroxyapatite fills up microscopic fissures created by chewing, crunching, grinding, or aggressive brushing.

Fluoride doesn’t replace minerals but creates fluorapatite, a new structure, on the surface of teeth and protects against acid. Fluoride is known to boost uptake of phosphate and calcium, thus strengthening tooth structure. Unlike fluoride, which forms a layer, hydroxyapatite penetrates deeper and remineralizes inside out. It is highly effective in controlling cavities, which fluoride cannot ensure.

When it comes to controlling bacteria count in the mouth, both fluoride and hydroxyapatite are equally effective.

As compared to fluoride, hydroxyapatite gives you smoother bright white teeth. Studies show that it increases the micro-hardness of demineralized lesions. Above all, if you want to avoid the risk associated with fluoride toxicity, it is better to switch to hydroxyapatite toothpaste.

FAQs

Is hydroxyapatite safe in toothpaste?

Hydroxyapatite is highly effective in treating early white spots and sensitivity, as it boosts the enamel mineralization process. Unlike fluoride, there are no side effects of Hydroxyapatite toothpaste. It is an excellent alternative to your traditional fluoride toothpaste and safe for children and pregnant women as well.

Can hydroxyapatite rebuild enamel?

Unfortunately, tooth enamel cannot be restored. However, you can control demineralization and restore partially weakened enamel. Using hydroxyapatite toothpaste can boost re-mineralization and make your teeth stronger to endure well.

Does hydroxyapatite toothpaste whiten teeth?

There is no concrete evidence proving the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite toothpaste in making teeth whiter. Since hydroxyapatite present in dental structure eliminates diffused reflection by filling pores, it makes your teeth look brighter. It effectively smoothens the surface of teeth, so you will have sparkling white teeth.

Can hydroxyapatite reverse cavities?

The effectiveness of toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite is now proven. It boosts re-mineralization thus your teeth become stronger and healthier. It will reduce the chances of cavities, but whether it will reverse cavity formation or not, is not yet known.

How fast does hydroxyapatite work?

Nano hydroxyapatite particles mimic minerals present in the dental structure. Lab experiments result suggest that hydroxyapatite begins re-mineralization of enamel surfaces in less than 10 minutes. However, it doesn’t mean you will see results instantly. You will get visible results only when you are going to use it regularly.

Takeaway

The dental system is highly complex and dynamic. You need to do everything possible to keep it in good shape and healthy. Thanks to advancements made in dental care products, now you have hydroxyapatite toothpaste to boost the enamel remineralization process. If you are witnessing signs of enamel erosion and weakening, you should ask your dentist to prescribe trusted hydroxyapatite toothpaste.

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Published by Dr. Daniel Bronsky

Dr. Daniel is an orthodontist at Invis London.

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