Discover the Amazing Benefits of Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

To help their patients prevent cavities,
most dentists eagerly promote the use of fluoridated toothpastes. Indeed, fluoride is a useful mineral that can help to protect against dental decay in both children and adults. But did you know that there is an alternative type of toothpaste that offers even more amazing benefits than fluoride? Let’s take a deeper dive into hydroxyapatite toothpaste benefits!

What Is Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste?
“Hydroxyapatite” is a word you may not hear too often, but it is actually a very common mineral. In fact, it is a type of calcium phosphate that composes more than 95% of tooth enamel. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste was first developed by NASA in 1970. Their goal was to help astronauts recover from mineral loss in their teeth and bones after spending time in the zero-gravity environment of space. Since then, it has made its way into mainstream usage. In fact, hydroxyapatite toothpaste is now considered the gold standard of oral care in Japan. It is thought that hydroxyapatite toothpaste works by directly filling the tiny pores on demineralized portions of tooth enamel. It attracts calcium and phosphate, thereby further promoting the structural integrity of teeth.

Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride: Is One Better than the Other?
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Both hydroxyapatite and fluoride can be beneficial for teeth, but hydroxyapatite offers at least two distinct advantages: In one double-blind study in children, hydroxyapatite toothpaste was found to be slightly more effective at stopping the progression of cavities than fluoride products. Hydroxyapatite is completely bioavailable, meaning that it is safe for even very young children to use. There is no need to worry if they swallow it! In contrast, swallowing large amounts of fluoride can lead to systemic symptoms. It can also cause dental fluorosis (a type of discoloration on the teeth).

Choosing Your Child’s Toothpaste
If you choose to use hydroxyapatite toothpaste for your child, it is important to remember that the size of the hydroxyapatite molecules affect how well the toothpaste works. If the molecules are too large, they will not have any benefits. Therefore, you should choose a produce that uses microcrystalline or nano hydroxyapatite. RiseWell, along with other great companies, such as Boka, Happy Tooth, and Dr. Jen’s, are some of Dr. A’s favorites to recommend. (Our practice has no paid affiliation with any of these brands.) Fluoride is not the only way to keep your child’s smile strong! Talk to your dental care team to learn more about the marvels of hydroxyapatite toothpaste.

Meet the Practice
Dr. Adrienne Archidiacono-Jeanis is a board-certified pediatric dentist who is proud to serve families in the Aledo area. She is passionate about helping kids to establish the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles, which is why she chooses to offer RiseWell hydroxyapatite toothpaste in our practice. To learn more about Dr. Adrienne or how our team may be able to serve you, contact Aledo Pediatric Dentistry at 817-383-2576.