Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: Best Products for Enamel Remineralization

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste mimics the natural components that make enamel strong — namely phosphate and calcium ions, which form hydroxyapatite crystals.

Toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite features synthetic forms of these minerals to help remineralize enamel that has been worn down by bacteria and decay.

In this article, you'll learn all about:

• How hydroxyapatite works in toothpaste
• Nano-hydroxyapatite
• The best brands of toothpaste with hydroxyapatite

We hope this article arms you with the knowledge you need to strengthen your teeth, and bite and smile with confidence.

We have a separate article if you'd like to read more about the best toothpaste in general.

Tooth demineralization

First, let's talk a little bit about the tooth demineralization process and what that really means — bear with us because we have to briefly dive into the world of science.

Tooth enamel is comprised mainly of noncollagenous protein, whose main component is biological apatite — forming the hardest tissue in the body, even harder than bone and the dentin beneath your enamel.

Demineralization is a process wherein mineral ions are removed from the hydroxyapatite crystals in your enamel. When this happens, teeth experience a greater level of sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure.

Additionally, without a strong structure of hydroxyapatite, the risk for cavities increases.

Demineralization is typically caused by acid from food and drink, and from the bacteria that are present in your mouth.

The good news is that demineralization is reversible — the hydroxyapatite crystals in your enamel can grow again to their original size if they are given the right oral environment for remineralization to happen — and that's where hydroxyapatite toothpaste comes in.

If you're dying to read more about the processes that go on in your tooth's enamel on a molecular basis, you can check out this article from the International Journal of Nanomedicine.

What is hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

Hydroxyapatite, (HAp) is the primary component of tooth enamel and contains important minerals. Enamel is the outer layer of teeth and protects your teeth from harmful bacteria and decay.

Toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite can help strengthen your enamel and remineralize teeth, because the hydroxyapatite bonds with the enamel and fills the little tubules that go through your teeth, leading to the dentine. When enamel erodes, these tubules are exposed, and this leads to sensitivity.

Fluoride is the typical ingredient in toothpaste for anti-cavity protection, but hydroxyapatite is becoming a more popular toothpaste alternative.

However, just because you are interested in using a toothpaste with HAp, doesn't mean you have to give up fluoride — these two ingredients are safe to use together, with fluoride's primary role to get rid of bacteria, and hydroxyapatite stopping the bacteria from sticking to your teeth, while helping with the remineralization process.

What are the benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

There are various benefits of using a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, namely remineralization of enamel, cavity protection, and sensitivity relief — let's go over them now.

Remineralization

One of the primary benefits of HAp toothpaste is that it helps remineralize tooth enamel. To be clear, once enamel has been eroded, it won't grow back. But, with HAp you can put lost minerals back into the enamel you still have left — this is the process of remineralization.

When you remineralize your teeth, you help protect them against sensitivity and decay.

Antibacterial

You probably know by now that oral bacteria is what leads to tooth decay. The bacteria stops the acid in your mouth from properly breaking down food particles, and the acid instead works on eroding your tooth enamel.

Toothpaste with HAp forms a protective layer around your teeth that protects against bacteria and enamel-eating acid.

Sensitivity relief

HAp toothpaste will coat your teeth and fill in your teeth's tubules — little passageways that lead from the outside of your tooth to the dentin below — and this can help decrease sensitivity and protect against future sensitivity.

Side effects of toothpaste with hydroxyapatite

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to hydroxyapatite, but it's highly unlikely. In this study from Scientific Reports, it was found that HAp does not alter the normal processes of cells and is safe to use in oral care products.

Best hydroxyapatite toothpaste brands

Fluoride is still the most common ingredient in toothpaste when it comes to fighting cavities, but HAp is slowly making its way into more products. When it comes to our top picks, two brands stand out in particular:

Dr. Brite

The Dr. Brite toothpaste range is made with organic and natural ingredients to leave your teeth clean and your mouth feeling fresh, without harmful ingredients. Since hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral found in teeth and bones, Dr. Brite uses it in their toothpaste to strengthen and protect your teeth.

Dr. Brite toothpastes have been shown in a study conducted by the University of California, Irvine, to reduce plaque and gum inflammation better than regular oral care products.

These toothpaste also contain other natural ingredients like aloe vera, hydrated silica, xylitol, calcium carbonate, coconut oil and peppermint oil.

BioMin

BioMin Restore Toothpaste is designed with elements that are naturally found in our bodies, like calcium, sodium, silica, and phosphorous.

When BioMin is combined with water and saliva, the toothpaste's bioactive glass (see ingredients below) releases calcium and phosphate ions that in turn deposit hydroxyapatite onto the tooth's surface.

As you know by now, the HAp then forms a protective coating over the teeth's tubules, protecting them from sensitivity, and helps restore lost minerals to enamel to help with the remineralization process.

We mentioned that BioMin contains bioactive glass. This is simply the combination of ingredients that bond with your tooth's enamel and protects against acid from food and drinks. Have a look at the following clip to find out just how it works:

The ingredients in BioMin are:

Glycerin, PEG, Silica, Chloro Calcium Phosphosilicate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Titanium Dioxide, Carbopol, Flavor, Potassium Acesulfame

You can read more about Biomin Toothpaste in our full article here.

Conclusion

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help remineralize teeth and strengthen enamel. The main effects of remineralization are less sensitivity and greater resistance to cavities and decay.

Studies are showing that HAp can be highly effective, and has no known side effects — unless someone is allergic to HAp, which seems to be rare.

Our top picks for HAp toothpaste are Dr. Brite and Biomin Restore.

But remember, whatever toothpaste you use, the most important thing is to brush twice a day using the proper technique, floss at least once per day, and visit your dentist regularly!

FAQs

What is hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a toothpaste that redeposits lost minerals into your tooth enamel, providing a protective coating that relieves sensitivity while remineralizing enamel.

What toothpaste has the most hydroxyapatite?

Dr. Brite makes a toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite in high concentrations to remineralize teeth and decrease sensitivity while protecting against cavities.

Is hydroxyapatite in toothpaste safe?

Hydroxyapatite has been shown in studies to be safe for use in oral products, without any known side effects. It's being used more and more in whitening products and cleaning products for this reason.

Can hydroxyapatite reverse cavities?

Hydroxyapatite can help remineralize enamel. If the process of decay has only just begun, it's possible that with continued use, your enamel can be restored and the decay process reversed.