At-home toothpaste can come in many varieties these days. From whitening totartar control, there's a paste for just about every need. It's no secret that fluoride is a big part of most people's dental hygiene routine. But what if there was a better, more efficient alternative?

Some people swear by the benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste, while others find fluoride toothpaste to be more effective at combating cavities and other oral health problems. You, too, maybe wondering if hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a better option than fluoride toothpaste.

Get 15% Off with discount code (use at checkout): BLOG15

AtDr. Brite, we work towards helping you achieve a healthy, bright smile. Our toothpaste has the ingredients you need to brush away stains and keep your teeth healthy. We want to make sure you get the most effective clean for your smile, so we've provided everything you need to know about the benefits of hydroxyapatite versus fluoride toothpaste.

Is Hydroxyapatite the Same as Fluoride?

Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring substance that makes up the teeth, bones, and tissues. This mineral compound is made mainly ofcalcium and phosphate, and it's a popular toothpaste ingredient because of its strong cleaning ability.

It is often used as an alternative to fluoride-based ingredients in many types of oral care products. It makes up 97% of ourtooth enameland has been proven to strengthen enamel and restore teeth to normal, healthy levels. It does this by promoting dentine remineralization, which would help in preventing dental caries in the future.

It's important to note that hydroxyapatite is not fluoride, even though it is used as an effective alternative in many types of oral care products. It does not contain fluoride, and it has different benefits than fluoride-based ingredients. It provides additional cleaning capabilities, and it fights tooth decay and cavities as effectively as fluoride, if not even better.

How Does Fluoride Toothpaste Work?

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent the formation of cavities. It has been recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) for many years as an essential part of keeping your mouth healthy. When fluoride enters teeth, it becomes highly concentrated with calcium, which makes up most of the solid matter in teeth and bones.

After teeth absorb it, fluoride can help increase the water content of saliva. As such, it becomes easier for saliva to remove food debris from your teeth and wash away bacteria that could lead to tooth decay or gum disease. It also works as a natural exfoliant, removing plaque and other substances that cause bad breath.

Benefits of Using FluorideToothpaste

Some of the benefits of fluoride toothpaste include:

• It helps fight against cavities and tooth decay
• Fights dental plaque buildup
• Reduces sensitivity in the teeth
• Promotes a whiter smile by removing stains like coffee, tea, soda, tobacco products, etc.

Too much fluoride can causedental fluorosis,especially in children. It happens when fluoride comes in contact with the teeth during their development phase. It can cause teeth to look more yellow and spotted.

How Does Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Work?

It contains calcium and phosphate, natural ions found in teeth and bones. It also contains fluoride, so some brands use it as an alternative ingredient to fluoride toothpaste. It is absorbed by the teeth and fills the enamel fissures. The calcium and phosphate ions replace thedissolved minerals lost from teeth as they clean, efficiently making up for the loss.

Get 15% Off with discount code (use at checkout): BLOG15

Benefits of Using Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

There are different types of hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is the strongest type, but also a little more expensive. Some of the benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste include:

• It helps restore enamel levels that have been eroded by acid or other factors
• It's a whitening toothpaste
• Strengthens the teeth by providing added calcium and phosphorus minerals to remineralize them
• Remineralizing initial caries lesions  

Which One Is Better For Stopping Caries? Fluoride or Hydroxyapatite? 

Fluoride is the most common ingredient in toothpaste for several reasons. Fluoride helps control dental caries and strengthens enamel, much like hydroxyapatite. Fluoride allows teeth to absorb calcium, which makes them stronger and healthier. Also, it prevents theprogression of lesions in the enamel.

There are different types of fluoride available for you to use when brushing your teeth. Fluoride can be amine fluoride, sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, and monofluorophosphate. The most common type of fluoride isamine fluoride since it fights the bacteria that cause cavities. It works by halting the enzyme choline esterase in your mouth. Choline esterase helps bacteria produce acid that erodes teeth, so you're stopping this process when you're using amine fluoride.

Unfortunately, not everyone can use fluoride toothpaste. Some people cannot tolerate the taste or texture, and others are allergic to the ingredients in their toothpaste. If you have an allergy or intolerance to fluoride, hydroxyapatite may be a better option for you. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is an effective and popular alternative to fluoride. Hydroxyapatite is just as effective in dental caries prevention. In addition, it is suitable for people with allergies to fluoride ingredients.

There are cases where people cannot use hydroxyapatite toothpaste either, such as when a person has a cavity or a weakened tooth that needs strengthening. In these cases, it's best to talk to your dentist about what options would be best for you and your smile.

Hydroxyapatite Vs. Fluoride: How Do They Compare?

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is less abrasive than fluoride toothpaste, so if your teeth are sensitive, it may be a good option for you. Hydroxyapatite can help lessen sensitivity and prevent cavities. Because of its remineralizing properties, hydroxyapatite has highly beneficial effects on your teeth. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is effective in preventing dental caries because it strengthens your enamel, the first line of defense against bacteria and tooth decay.

Forms of  Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

You can find it in different forms, such as toothpaste, gel, and powder. You can also get it in tabletsor mouthwash. The most common form of hydroxyapatite is toothpaste; however, due to its higher cost compared to other ingredients like fluoride, you will find it more often in whitening kinds of toothpaste than non-whitening types. We feel the cost here is outweighed by the benefits.

Get 15% Off with discount code (use at checkout): BLOG15

Types of Toothpaste That Contain Hydroxyapatite

There are several different types of toothpaste that contain hydroxyapatite, including:

Whitening toothpaste 

Whitening toothpaste contains antioxidants that help remove surface stains from your teeth. They're suitable for people who want a brighter smile without experiencing sensitivity or pain.

Individuals with sensitive teeth may also benefit from whitening toothpaste since it'sless abrasivethan other types of toothpaste.

Kids Mineral Toothpastes

Kids need to take care of their teeth, too. Kids toothpaste is designed for children's unique needs. Most kids' toothpaste contains no fluoride, but they also lack the abrasiveness that adults' toothpaste often contains.

Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

If you suffer from tooth pain or sensitivity, toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth is the best option for you. It has few abrasive ingredients and is safe for use by people who have receding gums or exposed root tips.

Mouthwash, Toothgel, Powder, and Lozenges

If you want to use hydroxyapatite but cannot find it in toothpaste, you can try other forms. For example, you can buy it in tablets or mouthwash form. You can also purchase hydroxyapatite powder; however, the powder is not meant to be left on your teeth. Rinse it out carefully.

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Side Effects

Hydroxyapatite is gentler on your teeth and gums since it's not as abrasive as fluoride toothpaste. It doesn't cause the same degree of wear and tear on your enamel. It's also suitable for people who have receding gums or exposed root tips.

However, since hydroxyapatite can help remineralizeweakened enamel, it's not a good option for people with cavities or those who have weakened or decayed teeth. Contact your dentist right away if you use hydroxyapatite and notice any adverse changes to your teeth, such as discoloration or increased pain and take care of your dental issues so that you can reap the benefits of hydroxyapatite. 

FAQ

1. What is hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that contains calcium and phosphate. It also has fluoride, which makes it similar to the effects of fluoride toothpaste.

2. Who should use hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

Since hydroxyapatite may be harmful to people with cavities or soft enamel, it's not recommended for everyone. Fix your cavities first. If you have an allergy to fluoride ingredients, hydroxyapatite would be a good choice. 

3. How long should I brush my teeth with hydroxyapatite?

You should brush your teeth no longer than two minutes, but if you want whiter or stronger teeth, you could brush them up to five minutes.

4. Is hydroxyapatite the same as fluoride?

No, hydroxyapatite and fluoride are not the same. Hydroxyapatite is a mineral that is found in teeth and bones, while fluoride is a chemical that is used to help prevent tooth decay.

5. What is better fluoride or hydroxyapatite?

Fluoride is better because it is more soluble and easier to incorporate into the enamel.

Conclusion

In the end, since there are distinct differences between hydroxyapatite toothpaste and fluoride toothpaste, it's best to talk to your dentist about which type of toothpaste would be a better option for you. Synthetic hydroxyapatite toothpaste is just as effective in cavity prevention as fluoride toothpaste. In addition, it can be a good option for people with allergies or sensitivities to fluoride ingredients.

Fluoride is harmful in high concentrations, so dentists no longer recommend it. If you're looking for a better alternative to fluoride, then try Dr. Brite Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste.

Get 15% Off with discount code (use at checkout): BLOG15