Hydroxyapatite (high-drox-ee-ah-pah-tight) is the main building block in tooth enamel and dentin. Hydroxyapatite toothpastes deliver this main ingredient to your teeth to help them strengthen and remineralize on a daily basis. This can help to prevent dental cavities, or tooth decay. Fluoridated toothpastes like Colgate and Crest have long been considered the "Gold Standard" in cavity prevention. Now, the development of Hydroxyapatite toothpaste gives patients an alternative. This may be especially important to parents who prefer to minimize their child's exposure to fluoride.
When we eat and drink, carbohydrates provide fuel to cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria digest sugars from the food we consume and produce acid that demineralizes and weakens our tooth enamel. When we clean our teeth, calcium and phosphorus in our saliva can help to remineralize and strengthen enamel.
But, oftentimes, we need a little extra help.
Fluoride can provide that help by altering the composition of tooth enamel to make it more resistant to cavity-causing bacterial acids. However, Hydroxyapatite toothpastes can feed our teeth the exact same material that they lose during daily demineralization. So these toothpastes, can help to clean your teeth but also feed them what they need to heal!
You can feel free to use these toothpaste in the same way you would use a typical fluoride-containing toothpaste. Brush at least twice daily, making sure to brush for at least 2 minutes each time. You can also get the extra remineralizing effect by not rinsing after you brush. Simply spit out any excess and then go to bed. The hydroxyapatite will mix in your saliva to form a reservoir of remineralizing power!
This will help to continue remineralization of your enamel while you sleep.
There have been no reports of any adverse effect due to use of these toothpastes. Ask your Kitchener Dentist about Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste and if it can be of benefit to you. Also, I would recommend checking ingredients in the toothpaste formulation to make sure you are not allergic to any of its components.
These toothpastes are very popular in Japan and have a long track record of success there. There is good evidence to suggest that Hydroxyapatite toothpastes can dramatically reduce temperature sensitivity in teeth.
Anecdotal reports suggest that these toothpastes can naturally whiten your teeth. Additionally, Hydroxyapatite toothpastes may make your tooth enamel more shiny!
Some parents have personal beliefs about Fluoride and aim to minimize exposure for their children. We always work with them to help make up for the anti-cavity action of Fluoride-containing toothpastes in other ways. Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste may provide an alternative to conventional toothpastes for these parents while still delivering on cavity prevention. And with fewer cavities comes less money spent on dental fillings.
Thanks for reading today! I hope the post has been helpful to you.
Our Kitchener Dental Office is conveniently located in Downtown Kitchener and we are a short drive away for families in Waterloo, Breslau & St. Jacobs. Our central location means we truly offer family dentistry near you!
This article is meant to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accordingly, always seek the advice of your Dentist or other healthcare providers regarding a dental condition or treatment.
