Like fluoride,
The biggest advantage of using toothpaste with hydroxyapatite is that it remineralizes your teeth without any side effects, unlike fluoride that is toxic in large quantities. Hydroxyapatite is naturally present within our body and constitutes most of our enamel.
Are those toothpastes effective? Dr. Okano: In terms of prevention of tooth decay, no. The only benefit that you'll gain is a fresher mouth with the natural toothpaste, but you will not receive any benefit against tooth decay if it doesn't have fluoride within it.
Both fluoride and hydroxyapatite remineralize the teeth, and they are both comparable in terms of effectiveness. However, hydroxyapatite offers additional benefits that fluoride lacks, such as support for a healthy oral microbiome, better enamel fortification, a tooth whitening effect, and zero toxicity.
Concerns about Fluoride Toxicity
Excess fluoride ingestion is linked to dental fluorosis, a condition that causes tooth enamel to become discoloured and which when present can indicate that the rest of your body has been overexposed to fluoride as well.
These alternatives to fluoride have been proven beneficial for a healthy mouth. Suggesting xylitol, coral calcium, silver, arginine, and theobromine provides beneficial options to patients who choose not to use fluoride.
While low levels of fluoride help strengthen and protect tooth enamel, too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis—a discoloration of teeth, usually with opaque white marks, lines, or mottled enamel and poor mineralization.
Phosphorus plays a critical role in dental health because it can naturally help protect and help rebuild tooth enamel. The best sources of phosphorus can be found in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is an effective and popular alternative to fluoride. Hydroxyapatite is just as effective in dental caries prevention. In addition, it is suitable for people with allergies to fluoride ingredients.
Without the proper amount of fluoride, your teeth will begin to weaken over time. The enamel will become thinner and will no longer be able to remineralize quickly enough to replace the amount of demineralization occurring.
Fluoride works by strengthening the tooth's hard outer surface called enamel.
While zinc isn't as strong as fluoride when it comes to giving a boost to the teeth enamel's strength, it can help your teeth by ensuring that demineralization of the teeth is controlled. At the same time, it can help the teeth remineralize.
Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. Problem is, it's not living tissue, so it can't be naturally regenerated. Unfortunately, you can't regrow it artificially, either -- not even with those special toothpastes.
As such, baking soda not only prevents tooth decay but also helps remineralize your enamel. Baking soda can also limit plaque buildup by neutralizing plaque acids. Many kinds of toothpaste contain baking soda to help clean teeth more effectively and protect against plaque.
The disadvantage of this material is its poor mechanical properties. HA can be degraded in body, which is the reason for its bioactivity, but too fast degradation rate could cause negative effects, such as macrophage present, particle generation, and even implant clinical failure.
Fluorosis – Excessive fluoride exposure can cause yellow spots on the surface of the teeth called fluorosis. Common sources of fluoride are fluoridated water, prescription fluoride tablets, and fluoride toothpaste. It's a good idea to consult with your dentist to ensure your getting the ideal amount of fluoride.
Almost all water contains some naturally-occurring fluoride, but usually at levels too low to prevent tooth decay. Many communities adjust the fluoride concentration in the water supply to a level known to reduce tooth decay and promote good oral health (often called the optimal level).