Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride: Which is Better for Your Teeth?

Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride: Which is Better for Your Teeth?

Are you wary of what fluoride toothpaste could be doing to your body? 

Have you heard good things about hydroxyapatite toothpaste, but don’t know much about it? 

This helpful article will answer all of your toothpaste-related questions and assist you in deciding which option is the best fit to maintain your pearly whites!

First used by NASA astronauts in space, hydroxyapatite has a multitude of benefits that foster oral health such as reducing sensitivity, maintaining healthy gums, whitening teeth, remineralizing teeth, freshening breath, helping to remove plaque, and supporting your general enamel strength. 

Read on to compare these many advantages of hydroxyapatite toothpaste to those typically cited by dentists in favor of conventional fluoride toothpaste. Specifically, this guide will cover:

  • What hydroxyapatite toothpaste is
  • How hydroxyapatite toothpaste works
  • The benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste
  • What fluoride toothpaste is made of
  • The benefits of fluoride toothpaste
  • An in-depth comparative analysis of the two toothpastes
  • Whether there is a better option than hydroxyapatite toothpaste.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s find out how you can better take care of your teeth by jumping right into this helpful guide!

What is hydroxyapatite and what’s the benefit of It?

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a naturally occurring mineral that is the main component of tooth enamel and bone. It's essential for strong and healthy teeth, promoting remineralization and repair of damaged enamel. 

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a great alternative to the everyday fluoride toothpaste you might find on your supermarket shelf. 

It is made of n-Ha (nano-hydroxyapatite), a calcium-phosphorus compound that comprises approximately 96 weight % of your tooth enamel and approximately 70 weight % of your dentin.  

The advantage of n-Ha is that it mimics your natural tooth composition, unlike any other toothpaste on the market.

Hydroxyapatite is an extensively studied in the medical and dental fields.

However, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to recognize the benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste! 

The advantages of hydroxyapatite toothpaste, such as Boka’s non-toxic and dentist-approved toothpaste, are numerous. Specifically, it can: 

  • Help remineralize teeth
  • Support enamel health & strength
  • Maintain healthy teeth and gums
  • Close holes in enamel that can cause tooth sensitivity
  • Remove surface stains
  • Fortify the surface of teeth
  • Help reduce sensitivity by supporting enamel strength
  • Help remove plaque
  • Help avoid tartar buildup
  • Reduce the chance of gum disease.

Upcoming date night? Hoping to impress somebody special? Hydroxyapatite toothpaste has even been reported to whiten teeth and remove the bacteria that cause bad breath!

Not to mention: Our hydroxyapatite toothpaste is also vegan, fluoride-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, contains no artificial flavors, and is safe for sensitive teeth.

What is fluoride and what’s The benefit of it?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is often added to toothpaste and drinking water due to its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. It works by making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars. While beneficial in appropriate amounts, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis (discoloration of teeth).

If you’re like most people in America, chances are you’ve got some fluoride toothpaste sitting somewhere in your bathroom. 

Fluoride toothpaste is immensely popular due to its ability to help prevent tooth decay and the fact that it’s relatively inexpensive to mass produce. 

Fluoride toothpaste works by reducing acid-producing mouth bacteria, reversing the signs of early dental caries or incipient lesions before they turn into cavities, encouraging saliva production to neutralize harmful acids, strengthening tooth enamel, and preventing decay through remineralization.

There are multiple benefits of fluoride toothpaste, although most of them relate to its availability and low cost. The benefits include:

  • Widely available in toothpaste products
  • Supported by extensive research and dental endorsements
  • Helps maintain good oral hygiene
  • Available in various formulations (e.g., children's, sensitive teeth)
  • Cost-effective. Often the cheapest option
  • Available at almost any supermarket or drugstore
  • Part of routine dental care
  • Proven track record of effectiveness
  • Reduces the risk of dental problems and helps maintain good oral hygiene.

There is a clear downside to fluoride, however, as it has been proven to be a potentially harmful neurotoxin. Excessive use can create bone problems and tooth discoloration. 

In fact, a 2000 German study found that tooth decay fell in cities where fluoride was removed from the water supply. It is important, therefore, to consider your toothpaste options carefully.

Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Still finding it difficult to come to a decision? Use this helpful table below to identify the key differences between fluoride and hydroxyapatite toothpaste – specifically Boka’s non-toxic and dentist-approved version!


Feature

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Fluoride Toothpaste

Mechanism of Action

Core Ingredient: Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha). Remineralizes and strengthens enamel by replacing lost minerals

Core Ingredient: Fluoride. Forms fluorapatite on enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks

Supports Enamel Health

Yes

Yes

Safe for Sensitive Teeth

Yes

Depends on brand

Remineralizes Teeth

High

Moderate

Whitens Teeth

Gentle, natural whitening

Removes surface stains

Reduces Risk of Gum Disease 

Yes (overall dental health)

Yes (overall dental health)

Non-Abrasive/Gentle

Yes

Depends on brand

Natural Ingredient

Yes (mimics tooth composition)

No

Reduces Bad Breath

Yes (overall dental health)

Yes (overall dental health)

Adverse effects 

No adverse health events have been reported in the research studies. 

Dental fluorosis, systemic toxicity leading to bone fracture, developmental neurotoxicity, and gastric irritation when used in excess.

Safety

Safe to swallow, non-toxic

Safe in small amount, can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Sulfate-Free

Yes

Depends on brand

Paraben-Free

Yes

Depends on brand

Vegan

Yes

Depends on brand

Cruelty-Free

Yes

Depends on brand

In short, both hydroxyapatite and fluoride offer benefits for dental health. Hydroxyapatite excels at remineralizing and whitening teeth naturally, while fluoride is a proven cavity fighter. The best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consult your dentist for personalized advice.

Is There A Better Option Available?

Take it from the experts: if you want to be smart about dental hygiene, consider a nano-hydroxyapatite like Boka’s non-toxic and dentist-approved toothpaste! 

Rebuilding teeth without the toxins found in fluoride is important, so why not feel safe knowing that you can swallow your toothpaste to your heart's content?

There’s a reason why it was first used by NASA astronauts in space. Making up 96 weight % of your tooth enamel and 70 weight % of your dentin, n-Ha comprises the primary foundation of your teeth and bones to better restore your enamel.

When compared to fluoride toothpaste, there’s a very clear winner. In fact, a 2019 study found that just 10% of hydroxyapatite is as effective as an amine fluoride toothpaste when attempting to prevent oral health issues in children.

Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) is recommended by dentists and has been scientifically proven to be just as effective as fluoride in preventing and remineralizing dental caries!

Dr. Leonard Patella, a dentist from New York, even noted that “if you give too much fluoride, it can be toxic. And too much fluoride, if ingested, can cause damage to teeth. It can cause something called fluorosis”.

Another 2019 study also discovered that hydroxyapatite toothpaste use actually creates a thin coating on the teeth that is much sturdier than that created by your typical fluoride alternatives.

It’s a no-brainer really; When it comes to remineralizing your teeth, hydroxyapatite simply has greater efficacy than fluoride!

Try Boka’s Non-Toxic And Dentist-Approved n-Ha Toothpaste

So, you’ve made the smart decision to use hydroxyapatite toothpaste? Great!

Boka’s nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste is an excellent option. 

It has all the amazing benefits of your typical hydroxyapatite toothpaste, with some added perks ranging from its non-toxic ingredients to its dentist-approved formula. 

It even comes in lip-smacking flavors such as Ela Mint, Coco Ginger, Lemon Lavender, and Orange Cream – much better than those artificial flavors you get from supermarket brands.

Boka has a variety of great deals too, such as back-to-school and travel pack specials. They even have a variety of floss and mouthwash products; it’s basically a one-stop tooth-cleaning shop!

So, what are you waiting for? n-Ha toothpaste is the obvious choice for your oral health, so why not start with Boka? We’re truly passionate about oral hygiene. 

You can easily pick up the next step to a healthy smile by exploring our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes!

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