Hydroxyapatite – what is it?

1st Sep 2021

Hydroxyapatite – what is it?

What is this big chemical sounding thing and why is it creeping into my life? Funny you should ask ; ) Hydroxyapatite is a natural occurring, completely non-toxic calcium. It’s found in our tooth enamel and bones. In fact, it makes up 97% of our tooth enamel. Obviously, scientists have known about hydroxyapatite since Grade 7 Biology, but it’s on our radar now because scientific developments in materials and nano technology are making it possible for us to use it – like in our toothpaste.

Why is this a good thing?

Our teeth have tiny fissures or scratches in them that bacteria like to burrow into and breed. This leads to tooth decay. Hydroxyapatite is biocompatible with our teeth. It’s literally the same substance, so your teeth and body recognise it and absorb it right to the root, reaching the furthest end of decay and rebuilding enamel on any tooth surface. It rebuilds the tooth structure without any side effects. Yep, absolutely no nasties.

It actually works better than fluoride toothpastes

Hmmm, mmmm. You read that right. A study in 2019 found that a concentration of 10% hydroxyapatite was just as effective as an amine fluoride toothpaste in preventing and reversing tooth decay in children. It shrunk decay on teeth and improved enamel remineralization. A separate 2019 study found the coating created by hydroxyapatite toothpaste made teeth more sturdy than that formed by fluoride toothpaste. And obviously, there’s no risk of fluorosis with hydroxyapatite. We love science!

Whitening without bleaching

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can also brighten and whiten your teeth with a polishing effect. Because it fills in the enamel of your tooth with enamel, it alters the appearance of your teeth to look whiter.

Oral Microbiome

Because hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a completely natural compound, it doesn’t upset the mouths delicately balanced microbiome. It won’t actually kill off the bacteria in your mouth, remember we need all the good bacteria in there instead it focuses on preventing the bacteria from attaching to the enamel of teeth. Keeping it all totally ying yang in there.

There are no side effects (unless you count healthy fabulous teeth and a winning smile as a side effect ; ) ) You brush as normal for two minutes, and it’s recommended that you don’t rinse after brushing, but let the toothpaste continue to work it’s magic. And smile!

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