Did you know that there’s a better option for your teeth than fluoride?Â
While fluoride is a commonly-encountered ingredient when brushing your teeth and endorsed by dentists worldwide, many people are concerned by the potential health risks associated with the ingredient.Â
However, there’s another type of toothpaste that's a better, non-toxic alternative!
If you’ve been looking into how to take care of your teeth, you may have come across nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha).Â
It is a mineral that’s already found in your teeth, making it the perfect ingredient for toothpaste!Â
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 cavities!Â
Dentists are even starting to recommend it over fluoride as a non-toxic alternative.
This blog will cover:
- How nano-hydroxyapatite works in toothpaste
- The benefits of using nano-hydroxyapatite over fluoride
- Recommendations on how to use nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste
Let’s get into it!
Overview of nano-hydroxyapatite In toothpasteÂ
What is nano-hydroxyapatite?
Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) is a powerful ingredient that was first used by NASA astronauts in outer space! Unlike fluoride, it’s completely non-toxic and safe to swallow.
n-Ha is a mineral compound that contains calcium and phosphate. Your body already produces plenty of it; n-Ha makes up 97% of your enamel and 70% of your dentin.
How does it work?
Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste works by putting calcium and phosphate ions back into your teeth, and your teeth readily take them in because they're already part of your bone structure!
Once absorbed, they fill in gaps caused by demineralization. Due to its small size, n-Ha is very effective at getting into tight spaces to patch up your teeth!
Once they’ve entered your teeth, n-Ha helps strengthen them over time – protecting against dental cavities. Some studies have also found n-Ha to be effective in helping sensitive teeth.Â
It’s also a natural exfoliator, which means it helps to remove plaque and polish the surface of your pearly whites!
Overview of fluoride In toothpasteÂ
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, air, and water. It’s a common ingredient in toothpaste due to its enamel-strengthening properties.Â
How does it work?
In toothpaste, fluoride works by creating a protective layer over your enamel against harmful acids and bacteria.Â
It does this by joining with calcium and phosphate to create fluorapatite, a crystal-like structure that creates a barrier to dissuade the formation of dental caries.Â
Fluoride is also effective at defending your teeth against demineralization. When used regularly, it promotes good dental health and reduces cavities.
The only downside to fluoride is that it’s technically a toxic substance! It can be dangerous to ingest large amounts, which is why it’s recommended you spit your toothpaste instead of swallowing.
Thankfully, it’s only dangerous in high quantities. If consumed, it can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, which is when the enamel of your teeth changes color. It’s especially dangerous for younger kids whose teeth are still developing!
Benefits of using nano-hydroxyapatite over fluoride toothpasteÂ
The rise of n-Ha toothpaste has become the talk of the town, but just how great is it over the traditional fluoride toothpaste? Check out the table below for a quick overview of n-Ha’s benefits, and then we’ll talk about each one in more detail.
|
Nano-Hydroxyapatite |
Fluoride |
|
|
Remineralization of Teeth |
Works from within to fill gaps and fissures, restoring teeth from the inside. |
Creates a fluorapatite coating to protect teeth from cavities. |
|
Teeth Sensitivity |
Reinforces enamel, making teeth more resistant to cold sensitivity. |
May reduce sensitivity but not as rapidly as n-Ha. |
|
Non-Toxic |
Non-toxic and naturally recognized by the body. Safe to swallow. |
Safe in small amounts, but ingesting large amounts can lead to dental fluorosis. |
|
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 |
|
Suitability for All Ages |
Safe for all ages, including children who may accidentally swallow it. |
Not safe for ingestion, especially for young children. |
|
Teeth whitening |
n-Ha fills the microscopic gap in your teeth and creates a protective barrier over time, resulting in a whiter smile |
Not as effective as n-Ha toothpaste |
|
Stain resistance |
Resists stains by creating a protective barrier over your teeth |
Can be abrasive and result in dental wear |
Table Caption: Nano-hydroxyapatite vs Fluoride
Let’s take a closer look at each of these benefits!
It remineralizes your teeth
While fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite both help to remineralize your teeth, they do it in different ways!Â
Fluoride creates a fluorapatite coating which helps protect your teeth from cavities. It’s effective, but is this really the best thing for your teeth?
On the other hand, n-Ha works from within to remineralize your teeth. It fits into the gaps and fissures caused by decay, which helps to refortify your teeth from the inside. It can help remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel.
The small size of n-Ha particles allows it to reach the innermost parts of your dental cavity. So while fluoride creates a barrier, n-Ha works to restore your teeth from within!
A recent study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that n-HA-containing toothpaste exhibited a higher remineralizing effect than fluoridated toothpaste (143% vs. 116%).Â
It reduces tooth sensitivity
Another benefit of using nano-hydroxyapatite is that it helps to desensitize your teeth. This occurs by reinforcing the enamel of your teeth, helping to make them more resistant against the cold!
Clinically, toothpaste containing either 10% or 15% n-Ha either on its own or supplemented with potassium nitrate was as effective as calcium sodium phosphosilicate for relief of dentin hypersensitivity symptoms when used at least twice a day.
Even more, a study published in Journal of Dentistry in 2021 also found that toothpaste containing 15% n-Ha was more effective than toothpaste containing 10% n-Ha at reducing dentin sensitivity.
A study has even shown that n-Ha can be effective in reducing tooth sensitivity in as little as two weeks.
Non-toxic
It’s a commonly known fact that you’re not supposed to ingest your fluoride toothpaste.Â
Fluoride is safe in small amounts, but ingesting large amounts can lead to dental fluorosis and other complications.
In contrast, one major benefit of n-Ha is that it’s a completely non-toxic substance!
In fact, n-Ha is a substance that your body already produces – which means that your body recognizes it and welcomes it into its structure.Â
Additionally, there aren’t any known side effects of n-Ha. You can safely swallow after brushing instead of rinsing!
Even a research study published in a scientific reports journal has found that n-Ha doesn’t harm the cells and is safe to use in oral care products.Â
Adverse effects
One of the key advantages of n-Ha toothpaste over fluoride toothpastes is that it doesn’t pose any risk of adverse effects, as established by a wide variety of studies.Â
Even if you accidentally swallow n-Ha, it will simply dissolve in your stomach, and your body will easily clear it out of your system without any issue.
On the other hand, fluoride is notorious for causing a host of illnesses in the body, such as dental fluorosis, gastric irritation, and bone fractures!
Suitable for all ages
Another benefit of nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes is that they’re suitable for all ages.Â
In particular, n-Ha has the benefit of being safe to ingest for children! As small children don’t have much control over swallowing, using fluoride toothpaste poses the risk of accidental ingestion – something we know is harmful.
Therefore, n-Ha toothpaste provides a safe non-toxic option for all ages.
Whitens teeth
Did you know that n-Ha can also naturally lighten your teeth without using any other whitening agents or abrasives?Â
A 2023 study has shown that this works because n-Ha fills in the structure of your teeth, resulting in a smoother and more polished appearance.Â
Eventually, n-Ha toothpaste will create a barrier over your teeth, a white layer that will make your teeth appear naturally whiter!
Stain ResistanceÂ
Closely related to the benefit of whiter teeth, n-Ha toothpastes are also incredibly effective at preventing tooth staining.Â
Throughout life, stains can develop on your teeth due to exposure to chemicals in the food (such as tannins from tea) and even from traditional fluoride toothpastes.
As mentioned above, n-Ha toothpaste works differently from other types of toothpaste. It remineralizes the enamel and creates a barrier that whitens teeth and protects the enamel from other staining chemicals.
Is nano-hydroxyapatite better than fluoride?
On paper, fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste both have the same properties: they’re both backed by science, remineralize your teeth, and prevent tooth decay.Â
However, there are some key factors that give n-Ha an edge over fluoride.
For one, n-Ha mimics your natural tooth composition. It fits right in with your teeth’s composition because it’s a mineral that already exists within your bones!Â
Fluoride, on the other hand, creates a barrier that doesn’t mimic your natural tooth composition.
Another reason that n-Ha is better than fluoride is that it’s free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial flavors. This makes it non-toxic and perfectly safe for you to swallow – something that fluoride can’t boast of!
Both fluoride and n-Ha can be effective in toothpaste, but when it comes down to it, the benefits of n-Ha outweigh the downsides of fluoride.
However, if you’re looking to try a nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, remember to always consult with your dentist first (especially if you’re pregnant). At the end of the day, your dentist knows what’s best for you!
Frequently asked questions
Is nano-hydroxyapatite just as effective as fluoride?Â
Yes, there have been studies that suggest nano-hydroxyapatite is just as effective as fluoride in toothpaste.
Can I use nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste every day?Â
Yes, you can use nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste every day, just like you would with any other type of toothpaste.
Is nano-hydroxyapatite safer than fluoride?Â
Yes, nano-hydroxyapatite is safer than fluoride. It’s non-toxic and is able to be swallowed, unlike fluoride toothpaste.
Which one is more effective at remineralizing teeth?Â
Hydroxyapatite is more effective than fluoride at remineralizing teeth. This is because hydroxyapatite works from within to remineralize your teeth.
Is nano-hydroxyapatite safe for children?Â
Yes, nano-hydroxyapatite is safe for children. It’s safer than fluoride because they can swallow it without worrying about getting an upset stomach or experiencing more serious side effects caused by fluoride toothpaste.
Do dentists recommend hydroxyapatite?Â
Yes, many dentists recommend hydroxyapatite. However, fluoride toothpaste is still seen as a good option, so it’s always best to talk to your dentist about what’s right for you.
Try Boka’s non-Toxic And dentist-approved n-Ha toothpaste!
Convinced about making the switch to a n-Ha-based toothpaste?Â
Boka’s n-Ha toothpaste is powered by the science of n-Ha to remineralize and fortify your teeth!Â
Not only are our range of toothpastes vegan and cruelty-free, but they also contain no fluoride – providing a safer alternative to fluoride-based toothpaste.
As a brand, Boka’s ethos is all about inspiring mindful oral care. Our range of toothpastes is designed to improve your oral health while also making you feel good from within. When you take care of your mouth, your whole body benefits!
If you’re looking to maintain healthy gums and support the strength and health of your enamel, be sure to check out Boka’s n-Ha toothpaste. It’s dentist-approved and free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial flavors.
Using Boka’s n-Ha toothpaste will help fortify the surface of your teeth, helping to reduce sensitivity, remineralize teeth and supports enamel health & strength. Here’s a link to our products so you can check them out!