Dentists have recommended fluoride toothpaste for stronger cavity-resistant teeth for decades. It is still considered the “gold standard” in dental schools, despite its safety concerns.
But there’s a new ingredient in town proven to be just as effective as fluoride and completely non-toxic.
It’s called hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste has replaced fluoride toothpaste as what I recommend to all of my patients. But what is hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
In this blog post, we will learn about hydroxyapatite and take a look at how fluoride compares with it.
How Does Fluoride Toothpaste Work?
Your teeth have an outer covering called enamel that is made up of calcium and phosphate. Your saliva also contains calcium and phosphate that constantly bathe your teeth. These minerals keep your teeth strong.
Bacteria found in cavities can break down food particles and create an acidic environment in your mouth. This acidic environment is harsh and can strip away these beneficial minerals from the surfaces of your teeth. This process is called demineralization.
The fluoride in fluoridated toothpaste works by:
- Teaming up with the calcium and phosphate in your saliva and teeth to form a compound called fluorapatite. This compound looks like a crystal lattice (apatite crystal lattice).
- Covering demineralized enamel with the more acid-resistant fluorapatite. This remineralizes the teeth, restores their strength, and protects it from further damage by acid.
How Does Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Work?
Hydroxyapatite is a form of calcium that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel and nearly 70% of the dentin of your teeth.
Article by Ask the Dentist: https://askthedentist.com/hydroxyapatite-vs-fluoride-how-do-they-compare/