There is an ingredient that is increasingly gaining prominence in dental care, and the truth is that there are reasons for it. It is a natural compound that is present in the teeth themselves and offers an alternative to traditional fluoride.
It has become especially popular among those looking to take care of their teeth and their enamel in a more conscious way. It is a safe substance that improves oral health completely.
Do you already know which ingredient we are talking about? Indeed, it is hydroxyapatite. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about this compound and why it has become one of the protagonists of the new generation of dental hygiene products.
What is hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite is a mineral formed mainly by calcium and phosphate that makes up the majority of bones and teeth. It is the most abundant mineral component in our bones and teeth.
In fact, more than 95% of dental enamel is composed of this mineral substance, mainly in the form of crystals. It also makes up 70% of the dentin, providing hardness and protection against bacteria and acids.
Over time, it is normal for teeth to lose minerals from the enamel, since they are continuously exposed to different factors that favor this wear. Food, various acids in drinks, and even the mouth's own internal processes can contribute to its wear. Therefore, the main objective of dental products that contain hydroxyapatite is to help in the remineralization of the teeth.
What is hydroxyapatite used for in toothpaste?
One of the most interesting characteristics of hydroxyapatite is its ability to interact with the surface of the tooth. When we use a toothpaste that contains this ingredient, its particles are deposited on the dental surface and help to fill in small irregularities in the enamel.
Hydroxyapatite has a composition very similar to the internal part of our teeth, so it integrates easily into the enamel surface, thus promoting its remineralization.
In addition, this ingredient is capable of repairing pre-existing micro-cracks in the enamel structure, making it stronger. It also forms a protective layer to prevent demineralization in the future.
In summary, when we talk about what hydroxyapatite contributes to toothpastes, the fundamental concept is knowing that it helps to maintain and reinforce the mineral structure of the enamel.
Benefits of hydroxyapatite
Incorporating hydroxyapatite into a toothpaste can provide different benefits related to daily oral care. Some of them are as follows:
Helps to remineralize
Hydroxyapatite can provide minerals to the dental surface and promote the enamel remineralization process. As we have mentioned, this is especially interesting, since our teeth are exposed daily to demineralization processes.
Contributes to protecting the enamel
In addition to improving the remineralization process, it also provides prior protection. By being deposited on the tooth surface, hydroxyapatite can help improve the enamel and protect it against factors that can favor its wear.
Can curb tooth sensitivity
One of the most common problems in teeth is sensitivity. Many conventional toothpastes use harmful and aggressive ingredients that can aggravate this problem. However, hydroxyapatite could help to curb it.
Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when the dentin becomes more exposed and external stimuli can more easily reach the inner areas of the tooth.
Another benefit of hydroxyapatite is that it contributes to clogging small channels that appear in the dentin, reducing the possibilities of tooth sensitivity.
Helps maintain a more uniform dental surface
By interacting with the enamel, hydroxyapatite can contribute to filling in small irregularities on the dental surface. This can promote a sensation of smoother, sleeker teeth after brushing.
Hydroxyapatite as an alternative to fluoride
For a long time, fluoride was one of the most used ingredients in toothpastes due to its ability to prevent cavities. However, several studies have shown that this compound is not as good as it seems and that its continued use can have health consequences.
For example, it has been proven that fluoride can interfere with iodine absorption, a process essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid. Its use also causes weakening of the dental enamel and can even cause intestinal problems.
When looking for an alternative to fluoride, hydroxyapatite appears, which also prevents the appearance of cavities, improves the enamel, and promotes remineralization. Therefore, hydroxyapatite is presented as an interesting alternative for those who prefer to take care of their health starting with good oral hygiene and opt for fluoride-free toothpastes.
When looking for an alternative to fluoride, hydroxyapatite appears, which also helps to prevent the appearance of cavities, protects and strengthens the enamel, and promotes its remineralization. Therefore, it has become an increasingly interesting alternative for those looking for effective oral hygiene without resorting to fluoride, betting on a natural ingredient that acts similarly to the minerals already present in our teeth.
How to improve dental health
If you are thinking about incorporating a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite into your routine, it is not enough to just look at whether this ingredient appears on the packaging. It is important to pay attention to the complete formulation and be able to check what function each ingredient fulfills.
A good oral hygiene routine should include proper brushing at least twice a day, for approximately two minutes, using an appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste. It is also very important to pay attention to cleaning the tongue, which can be done daily with a tongue scraper.
Toothpastes with hydroxyapatite
One of the simplest ways to improve oral health is to choose a toothpaste that includes hydroxyapatite among its ingredients, taking advantage of its properties in every brushing.
At Banbu, we have incorporated this compound into our toothpastes, offering an alternative formula that combines oral hygiene with enamel care. In addition, these toothpastes already had another ingredient well-known for its good results for mouth care, xylitol.
Using natural formulas and the best ingredients is essential in dental care. The mouth is one of the entry points to the body, and if we use products that contain harmful and toxic compounds, there will be negative consequences for health in the future.
Start taking care of your teeth
Hydroxyapatite has a great capacity to improve dental hygiene completely. Among its main characteristics are its ability to interact with the tooth surface, contribute to enamel care, and help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Starting to make small changes in your routine is a great step toward taking care of your health. Using natural toothpastes with health-friendly ingredients can be one of the first steps to improving the general health of the body, as it is a product we use every day, several times a day.
Knowing what the products we use daily contain is also a way to take care of ourselves.
