6 reasons why you have to change your fluoride toothpaste

The dental community has recommended the use of fluoride toothpaste for many years to strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to cavities. Despite concerns about its safety, it remains the primary standard in dental schools.

However, a new component has emerged, hydroxyapatite , which has been shown to be equally effective as fluoride and completely non-toxic . But what exactly is hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

In this article, we will explore hydroxyapatite and compare how it works with that of fluoride.

How Does Fluoride Toothpaste Work?

Teeth have an outer layer called enamel, made up of calcium and phosphate. Saliva also contains these minerals, which constantly bathe the teeth and keep them strong. Bacteria present in cavities can break down food particles, creating an acidic environment in the mouth and causing demineralization, where beneficial minerals are removed from the tooth surface.

Fluoride toothpaste addresses this problem by working with calcium and phosphate in saliva and teeth, forming a compound called fluorapatite. This substance, similar to a crystalline grid of apatite, covers demineralized enamel, making it more resistant to acids, remineralizing the teeth and protecting them from further acid damage.

How Does Toothpaste with Hydroxyapatite Work?

Hydroxyapatite is a form of calcium that makes up most of tooth enamel and almost 70% of dentin. The rest of the enamel is made up of water, collagen and other proteins. When absorbed into the teeth, hydroxyapatite fills cracks in the enamel caused by demineralization.

The most studied nano-hydroxyapatite has particles between 20 and 80 nanometers, allowing it to fit into small spaces for better benefits. Unlike fluoride, hydroxyapatite works by remineralizing enamel from the inside, reaching the innermost part of a tooth cavity, and binding to plaque and harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Comparison of Efficacy between Hydroxyapatite and Fluoride

In terms of effectiveness, one study compared 10% hydroxyapatite with 500 ppm F− (amine fluoride), a common dental prescription. The results showed that 10% hydroxyapatite performed as well as 500 ppm F− in remineralization and reduction of lesion depth (LD). The conclusion was that toothpaste with hydroxyapatite is just as effective as fluoride toothpaste.

Advantages of Hydroxyapatite over Toothpaste with Fluoride

Both can remineralize tooth structure, but we prefer to recommend hydroxyapatite for several reasons:

1. Oral Microbiome Friendly : Unlike fluoride, which kills both harmful and beneficial bacteria, hydroxyapatite prevents harmful bacteria from adhering to enamel without affecting beneficial bacteria.
2. Strengthens enamel: Hydroxyapatite increases the microhardness of enamel and strengthens teeth more effectively than fluorapatite.
3. Non-toxic: Hydroxyapatite is biomimetic and safe to ingest, unlike fluoride, which can have side effects and has poison control warnings.
4. Child-friendly: Hydroxyapatite reduces the risk of dental fluorosis compared to fluoride, especially in children who may ingest large amounts of toothpaste.
5. Reduces sensitivity: by repairing small fissures, it reduces the hypersensitivity caused by the wear of the enamel itself.
6. Whitens: Toothpaste with hydroxyapatite has been shown to lighten tooth tone without the need for additional abrasives or whitening agents.

Strength of Fluorapatite versus Hydroxyapatite

Although fluorapatite is less soluble and stronger in acidic conditions, studies indicate that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is as effective as fluorapatite, with the added advantage of helping with dental hypersensitivity.

Should I Switch to Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste?

In our view, if there is a non-toxic and effective alternative to fluoride toothpaste, it is an obvious choice. Although fluoride is still considered the standard in dental schools, research supports the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite. We strongly recommend the change, especially if you belong to specific groups, such as pregnant women, people in areas with fluoridated water supplies, children under six years of age or those with dental sensitivity.

Consumer toothpastes, those worth less than €5, cannot contain hydroxypatite, since it is a much more expensive raw material than fluoride. But, believe me, investing in quality toothpaste is one of the smartest things you can do. After all, health is the most important thing and we are talking about a ridiculous cost at the end of the month.

In summary, the biggest advantage of hydroxyapatite toothpaste is its ability to remineralize teeth without side effects, unlike fluoride, which can be toxic in large quantities. Hydroxyapatite is natural in our body and makes up the majority of tooth enamel. Both fluoride and hydroxyapatite are scientifically proven to reverse tooth decay, so choosing the less toxic option seems like a logical decision.