What is Hydroxyapatite and is it better than fluoride?

For decades, fluoride has been the reigning monarch of oral care. While other compounds may help clean your teeth effectively, fluoride is one of the few compounds that helps remineralize your teeth.
However, there’s a new challenger for the crown. Hydroxyapatite is the new kid in town and is taking a run at the throne, ready to topple fluoride. So, naturally many people want to know is it as effective? And should you switch to Hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
But, before we get to that, it’s time for an introduction.

What is Hydroxyapatite?

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) in its natural form is a type of calcium. In fact, 97% of your tooth enamel, and up to 70% of your dentin is made up of HAp.
In short, it’s the chemical compound that makes your teeth, and bones, so strong!

What is so good about HAp?

Just like fluoride, Hydroxyapatite helps your teeth remineralize. So, when acidic food or tooth decay eats away at your enamel, HAp helps your body heal from that wear and tear faster.
And that super skill is exactly the thing that has allowed fluoride to keep the crown for so long. That puts HAp in some pretty heady company, as aside from fluoride there’s no other scientifically proven chemical compound that helps remineralize your teeth.

The downfall of Fluoride

Fluoride has been a great guardian of teeth for years, however it does have an Achille’s heel: it is toxic in large doses. Before we go any further, it’s important to realize that in small doses, fluoride is fine. So, most dentists continue to recommend fluoride toothpaste. In fact, plenty of cities put in small amounts of fluoride into city water, and it has shown no negative consequences.
However, the fact that HAp is a compound that is already found in your body means you can feel a lot safer giving it to your kids, or using it yourself.
So, does that mean there’s a new king in town?
Well, not so fast. There’s still a lot of research to do to ensure Hydroxyapatite stands up to the legacy that fluoride has left. However, for those who have a problem with fluoride, or have children who routinely swallow their toothpaste, Hydroxyapitite toothpaste is a great answer for their particular needs.