How Hydroxyapatite Helps Remineralize Your Teeth
Without realizing it, many people introduce toxins into their mouths, thinking they’re protecting their teeth. The reality is that the toxins, like fluoride, that are frequently included in oral care products upset our oral microbiome, contribute to poor gum health, and can even cause behavioral issues in children. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of this research or believe fluoride is the only option. So, is there anything more effective (and safer) than fluoride?
Yes! (And it's more effective!)
There’s a reason we use hydroxyapatite - instead of fluoride - in our natural toothpaste formula.
What is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite (abbreviated as HAp) is a calcium phosphate that naturally occurs in (and is an essential element of) human teeth and bones. Hydroxyapatite is white in its purest form, giving strong, healthy teeth their white appearance.
Hydroxyapatite has been heavily researched for its benefits to dental health and has even been used medically because of its stability. As the most stable form of calcium phosphate, HAp is the form least likely to decompose or become oxidized.
Is Hydroxyapatite Safe?
Hydroxyapatite is a safe, naturally occurring substance identical to the mineral in our teeth. Although hydroxyapatite is not usually eaten, swallowing it does not present the same risk posed by conventional toothpaste. The government requires most conventional toothpaste brands to include a warning on their tubes urging users to call poison control if they ingest the product. (Nothing like a poison warning to inspire confidence, right?) Hydroxyapatite toothpaste, on the other hand, is non-toxic and safe for the entire family!
Benefits of Hydroxyapatite
Most of us grew up hearing that cavities = a dreaded dentist visit.
And in many cases, a visit to a professional healthcare provider is necessary to repair severe or extensive damage caused by tooth decay. However, decay can be reversed through remineralization. (Our founder, Katie, experienced this herself!) So, what’s the secret?
A healthy diet plays a significant role in protecting and remineralizing tooth enamel. But at the end of the day, a mineral composite must fill in the cracks and holes on the tooth surface.
Hydroxyapatite is, first and foremost, biocompatible and bioactive. In other words, it doesn’t just work on the surface of the teeth and bones; it helps them to restore themselves and grow stronger. Hydroxyapatite is also osteoconductive, meaning that in addition to helping bone matter grow around it, bones can also grow onto it, making it the perfect material for aiding decay reversal.
Hydroxyapatite is antimicrobial. Studies show that it fights bacteria, thereby fending off infection and helping to balance the oral microbiome. Because of its natural color (mentioned above), hydroxyapatite can naturally whiten the teeth and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Our Whitening Toothpaste formula combines hydroxyapatite with green tea, peppermint, and baking soda for an extra antibacterial and whitening punch. We also use xylitol to stimulate saliva production since saliva is vital in carrying minerals to the teeth.
The many benefits, combined with its non-toxicity, make hydroxyapatite a no-brainer substitute for conventional toothpaste that threaten our health.
The Dangers of Conventional Toothpaste
Most conventional toothpaste wreaks havoc on oral health and can even cause demineralization. Aside from fluoride, most toothpaste formulas contain a whole laundry list of chemicals. If you want to dive more deeply into some of the worst oral care offenders, we wrote a whole blog post on them! But for brevity’s sake, we’ll just do a quick overview here.
- Triclosan is an antibacterial ingredient known to disrupt the endocrine system and is believed to contribute to deadly antibiotic resistance and multiple types of cancer.
- Plastic Beads are an abrasive scrubbing tool. When plastic is produced, it chemically binds with additives that are delivered straight into your mouth through toothpaste. Not only are we poisoning our bodies with plastic, but also with any chemicals that bind to the surface of the beads.
- Artificial Colors/Dyes have been shown to alter behavior in children, and some are linked to cancer.
- Fluoride…well, we’ve touched on that, and there is more to come.
Oral Effects on the Whole Body
Periodontal disease is a title that covers a broad range of oral health issues, from gingivitis to inflammation. And the statistics on how many people show signs of gum disease are shocking (over 90% of adults over 30 years old).
Gum diseases don’t just cause lesions, cavities, and eventual tooth loss (as if that’s not bad enough). The oral microbiome is connected to the entire body. So, a bacterial imbalance or an infection in the mouth can lead to a host of other problems throughout the body. For example, gum disease has been linked to various cancers.
Most people would never guess, but plaque bacteria can swim up or downstream through the blood. The same kind of plaque that develops in the mouth has been found in those who suffer from heart disease. Improving oral health can even reduce inflammation throughout the body, reducing stress on all of the body systems as a whole.
How Fluoride Upsets Magnesium
As promised, we aren't finished talking about fluoride quite yet. Although fluoride is included in toothpaste and mouthwash as the number one oral care ingredient for protecting the mouth and teeth, the data uncovered by recent studies are less convincing. Fluoride is a confirmed neurotoxin that deteriorates oral health and can even cause behavioral issues in children. It also upsets magnesium, a mineral essential to health.
Magnesium is responsible for multiple essential functions in the body. It helps muscles contract, helps build DNA, relays signals from the brain to the body, improves the quality of sleep and recovery we get through rest, and is responsible for healthy interactions throughout the body. And in fact, most Americans already suffer from some degree of magnesium deficiency.
Research shows that fluoride negatively interacts with magnesium (of which we already do not have enough) by interfering with magnesium ions as they attempt to perform their functions throughout the body.
Who wants toothpaste that harms your body and interferes with its natural processes?
Wellnesse Toothpaste and Hydroxyapatite
We proudly use hydroxyapatite as the foundation of our fluoride-free Whitening Toothpaste formula. We use 5-8um hydroxyapatite particle size, which our research chemists guarantee is effective for teeth. Some customers have asked us why we don’t use even smaller particles, and the answer is that our particle size is as close as we can get to nanoparticle-size while ensuring we keep it naturally derived. Our hydroxyapatite is a needle/rod-shaped crystalline powder. It is porous and non-abrasive and makes up 5% of our formula.
Our all-natural toothpaste is free from fluoride, glycerin, sulfates, parabens, and artificial sweeteners. It eliminates bacteria, fights bad breath, and strengthens and whitens your smile with every brush - not a toxin in sight.
Meet Our Wellnesse Toothpastes
We craft effective oral care products that prioritize your well-being. Our fluoride-free formulas harness the power of nature's finest ingredients, like hydroxyapatite to remineralize and strengthen teeth. Whether you're looking for a classic whitening toothpaste or a charcoal-powered detoxifying boost, Wellnesse offers a healthy smile solution that's gentle and effective.
Whitening Toothpaste
Ditch the fluoride and embrace a brighter smile with our hydroxyapatite toothpaste! This dentist-approved formula uses the natural power of hydroxyapatite, which mimics the mineral that makes up your teeth. It doesn't just clean and freshen breath, it actively remineralizes enamel, corrects cavities, and removes stains – all without harsh chemicals. Soothe your gums and enjoy a healthy, confident smile with this natural, effective alternative.
Charcoal Toothpaste
Unveiling the dark side of clean! Our best-selling hydroxyapatite toothpaste gets a powerful upgrade with activated charcoal. This dynamic duo combines the remineralizing strength of hydroxyapatite with charcoal's natural ability to absorb and remove surface stains for a noticeably brighter smile. Enjoy an intensified whitening effect while the charcoal works its detoxifying magic, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and healthy. All with the same gentle, fluoride-free formula and natural ingredients you trust. Experience a whole new level of clean with our charcoal-powered hydroxyapatite toothpaste!
Strawberry Toothpaste
Brushing battles are a thing of the past with our fun and fruity Strawberry Toothpaste! This yummy paste keeps kids coming back for more with its delicious natural strawberry flavor. But it's not just about taste – our fluoride-free formula uses cavity-fighting hydroxyapatite to keep little smiles healthy and strong. We use only safe, gentle ingredients to clean teeth, remove stains, and freshen breath, all without any harsh chemicals that might irritate your child's mouth. Make brushing time a breeze with our yummy Strawberry Toothpaste!
Resources
Wells, K. (2020, June 12). Benefits of Hydroxyapatite For Teeth and More. Wellness Mama.
https://wellnessmama.com/427859/hydroxyapatite/
Wells, K. (2011, December 19). How Gum Disease Affects the Whole Body. Wellness Mama.
https://wellnessmama.com/3541/gum-disease/
Wells, K. (2019, December 7). How to Remineralize Teeth Naturally & Reverse Tooth Decay. Wellness Mama.
https://wellnessmama.com/3650/remineralize-teeth/
Quarterly Journal of the International Society for Fluoride Research Inc. (ISFR).
https://www.fluorideresearch.org/
