New research has looked into Hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste, which could serve as an alternative to fluoride-based toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste has been used for many decades, but due to various concerns, it is not universally popular. Therefore, having a new type of toothpaste is very appealing. Now, a research team has carried out a study to compare the two types of toothpaste.
If a dentist told you to use anything other than a fluoride-based toothpaste to brush your teeth – the chances are you would look at them in confusion. After all, fluoride is crucial for our teeth.
However, new research suggests that an alternative to fluoride toothpaste – which is based on a mineral called Hydroxyapatite – could in the future be recommended.
Recently, research into a hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste has been carried out, with promising results [1]. Therefore, it is possible that in the future hydroxyapatite toothpaste may become a common sight.
Background
For many decades, fluoride toothpaste has been praised and recommended by dentists. Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been credited with improving oral health in recent decades. Fluoride is capable of aiding the prevention of tooth decay and reducing enamel dissolution [2].
Such is its usefulness for our oral health, in many countries small quantities of fluoride is added to the public water supply – a process called water fluoridation. Moreover, fluoride is also the main ingredient in most mouthwash products.
However, fluoride does pose certain risks, especially for children. If too much fluoride is consumed, such as if toothpaste is swallowed regularly, then a condition called Fluorosis may develop. Fluorosis can result in white lines appearing on the teeth, or in more severe cases, visible stains appearing on the teeth [3]. Because of this, alternatives or improvements to fluoride are regularly looked into.
The Research
A team of scientists and Polish clinicians have recently completed research into hydroxyapatite toothpaste. They have published their findings in the Frontiers in Public Health journal [1].
Hydroxyapatite is a calcium phosphate mineral that is found in the skeleton. It is safe for human consumption and can contribute to remineralization of teeth – a crucial activity that protects against cavities [4].
The scientists sought to find out how hydroxyapatite would impact oral health. They created a study that involved 189 adults aged 18-45 [1]. Half of the participants used fluoridated toothpaste, while the other half used hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Moreover, the participants were unaware of which toothpaste they were using. The study lasted 18 months, with the researchers looking to see how the oral health of each group was impacted [1].
When entering the study, all participants had a minimum of 10 teeth without cavities, were willing to use an electric toothbrush, and did not have pre-existing oral health problems that required treatment. They were asked to brush their teeth twice per day at the same time each day – in order for both groups to be as similar as possible [1].
The researchers monitored the participants every six months through an examination and provided regular supplies of toothpaste. At each examination, the participants were screened for any cavities [1].
At the end of the 18 months, all participants received a comprehensive check-up to see how their teeth had responded. The researchers found that almost 90% of patients in both groups had no new cavities, which was positive to see [1].
Overall, the researchers found there was no statistical difference in the effectiveness of the two groups – meaning that the hydroxyapatite toothpaste was seen to be just as effective as fluoride toothpaste [1].
What this means
The results suggest that hydroxyapatite toothpaste could certainly be used in the future. For those that have concerns regarding fluoride, a hydroxyapatite toothpaste could offer an effective alternative.
The researchers were very pleased with these findings. Professor Elzbieta Paszynska was one of the authors and confirmed that “hydroxyapatite is a safe and effective alternative to fluoride in caries prevention for daily use” [5].
One particular element that the researchers were delighted with was that this research confirmed that hydroxyapatite had a positive effect on adults [5]. The authors pointed out that past research has suggested hydroxyapatite is effective for children – but this research has now confirmed its effectiveness for adults too [5].
These findings are very positive. In the future, it is likely that we will see more hydroxyapatite-based oral products – which will hopefully contribute to strong dental health for people all around the world.
Thinking points…
[1] The research above mentions about how the participants had their oral health checked every six months. Having an appointment every six months is highly recommended, as this is enough time for problems to develop. If problems do develop, if they are caught early, it can help to minimize potential damage. Therefore, if you are due an appointment, make sure that you remember to book a check-up soon!
[2] While this article discusses the benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste, it is important to remember that fluoride toothpaste is still crucial! This is especially the case with children, as fluoride can help strengthen their teeth, which can help with their long-term oral health. If you do have children, try to spend some time with them to educate them on the importance of brushing their teeth. Also, remember that it is very important for children to attend regular dental appointments!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
It is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating healthily. Therefore, this should help your oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.
We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Paszynska, E., Pawinska, M., Enax, J., Meyer, F., zur Wiesche, E. S., May, T. W., Amaechi, B. T., Limeback, H., Hernik, A., Otulakowska-Skrzynska, J., Krahel, A., Kaminska, I., Lapinska-Antonczuk, J., Stokowska, E., & Gawriolek, M. (2023). Caries-preventing effect of a hydroxyapatite-toothpaste in adults: a 18-month double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Frontiers in Public Health. 11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1199728.
[2] Newbrun, E. (2007). Systemic Benefits of Fluoride and Fluoridation. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. 64 (1): p35-39. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-7325.2004.tb02775.x.
(3) NHS. (2022). Fluoride. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fluoride/. Last accessed: 23rd July 2023.
[4] Meyer, F., Enax, J., Amaechi, B. T., Limeback, H., Fabritius, H-O., Ganss, B., Pawinska, M., & Paszynska, E. (2022). Hydroxyapatite as Remineralization Agent for Children’s Dental Care. Frontiers in Dental Medicine. 3 (859560). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2022.859560.
[5] Frontiers in Public Health. (2023). Toothpaste containing synthetic tooth minerals can prevent cavities as effectively as fluoride: Clinical trial. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-07-toothpaste-synthetic-tooth-minerals-cavities.html. Last accessed: 23rd July 2023.
