Why Should You Choose Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste?
Here at Grin Natural, our Strengthening Toothpaste contains a very special active ingredient — hydroxyapatite!
Hydroxyapatite shares a lot of the same benefits as fluoride and has been used as a fluoride alternative in many toothpastes. It has also been shown to provide comparable levels of protection from acid erosion and damage. But…the question is: what exactly is hydroxyapatite?
What is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring form of calcium phosphate, which is a mineral that makes up a HUGE chunk of our bones and teeth! Did you know that our enamel, the outer tooth layer, is made of 97% hydroxyapatite? Even though enamel is the strongest bone in our bodies, it will still get weakened and broken down by acids from the foods and drinks we consume. That's why we need toothpaste with hydroxyapatite to help our enamel remain strong and healthy!
The Environmental Working Group classifies hydroxyapatite as non-toxic to our bodies and the environment. This adds another level of safety. Because of its biocompatibility and remineralization properties, it is also used in the medical field as well!
Products and treatments that use hydroxyapatite are:
- Nutritional supplements
- Medical paste and powder
- Dental and orthopedic implants
- Artificial bone and tissue repair
What does it do?
Hydroxyapatite is the active ingredient in Grin Natural Strengthening Toothpaste because of its strengthening properties. It’s no magic — hydroxyapatite penetrates below the surface of our enamel to give extra support (replacement calcium and phosphate ions) to weakened areas and repair its strength. As an added bonus, hydroxyapatite gives our teeth natural brightness!
Most recently, studies have shown that hydroxyapatite can repair early damages — early carious lesions — at a similar rate as extra strength fluoride! This is most likely because hydroxyapatite has shown potential to fight the cavity producing bacteria — streptococcus mutans.
Fun Facts
Did you know that the first toothpaste containing synthetic hydroxyapatite was formulated by NASA in 1970? The synthetic hydroxyapatite was used to restore astronauts’ lost minerals after they had just come back from space! A Japanese firm heard about NASA’s development and began using hydroxyapatite in their toothpastes. Hydroxyapatite has now been a gold standard in Japan’s oral health products and has increasingly become more popular in western countries. You should be seeing more toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite!
Grin’s Strengthening Toothpaste
Grin Nnatural’s Strengthening Toothpaste with hydroxyapatite provides an alternative for those who are seeking a toothpaste that is effective yet does not contain fluoride. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be considered for those who are at risk of fluorosis (a condition where one consumes too much fluoride), usually young children and pregnant women. Since it naturally occurs in our bodies, it is safe to swallow, so there is less risk when there are children involved. Hydroxyapatite can also be an option for those who have a fluoride sensitivity or allergy. However, whether you choose a toothpaste with fluoride or hydroxyapatite, you should maintain brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, along with a diet that is not too high in sugar and acids, and regular dentist visits.
About the Author:
Grin Oral Care Expert, Dr. Erica Tam. Aside from being a phenomenal Dentist, Erica is a mom to an energetic and extremely curious toddler. She created @mama.molar.dmd because she wants to educate moms and dads about oral health for their little ones. Erica loves products that are good for your children's growing bodies as well as the environment that they will be living in for the future to come.
Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513314/#!po=1.92308
https://www.ewg.org/search/site/hydroxyapatite
https://www.oralscience.com/en/ingredients/mhap/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7376056/
Creatives:
https://www.umbelorganics.com/
https://westonefamilydental.com/