Could Non-fluoride Toothpaste Be Effective for Our Oral Health? — Savanna Dental
By: Savanna Dental
Tags: Dental Care, Dentistry, Oral Health, Dental

Recent research has found that a toothpaste with the active ingredient hydroxyapatite, can actually be as good, or even more effective, than regular fluoride-based toothpaste. This is an exciting development. For the sizable number of people that oppose fluoride, this is particularly important. Both active ingredients can result in improved oral health.

Researchers from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry have produced a study that has shown a fluoride-free toothpaste, with hydroxyapatite as the active ingredient instead, actually has at least the same effectiveness as fluoride-based toothpaste, with the potential to be more effective.

The researchers analysed hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste, aiming to see its qualities in terms its remineralization potential, which helps to protect teeth. Hydroxyapatite is a mineral in human tooth enamel. Therefore, it makes sense to use it in toothpaste.

Fluoride-based toothpaste has been the golden standard of oral care in recent decades. However, due to a range of reasons, fluoride is a controversial ingredient. Therefore, a hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste could be an excellent oral health option for all, including those opposed to fluoride.

Fluoride and Hydroxyapatite

Unbeknownst to many, hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste has been in existence for some time. However, research on it has been limited. At first, hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste was developed for NASA astronauts, who were losing mineral content in their teeth whilst in space.

Currently, fluoride-based toothpaste dominates the market. Fluoride is a natural mineral which is usually added in small quantities to the public water supply. This is a process called water fluoridation. Fluoride is seen as an excellent and highly-effective way of strengthening oral health.

However, there are many concerns regarding fluoride. For instance, water fluoridation is banned in several countries [1]. Excessive water fluoridation can cause dental fluorosis, which results in white lines or visible stains on the teeth [2]. Other concerns include over-exposure to fluoride, monetary concerns with water fluoridation, and ethical issues.

Fluoride is not the only mineral though that can help our teeth. Demineralization is when teeth lose minerals, caused by the bacteria that feeds off of sugary foods and drink. Remineralization, which is what fluoride is well-known for, can help to repair the enamel on the surface of the teeth. Researchers hoped to review the remineralization potential of hydroxyapatite.

The Research

The research will be published in the journal Odontology [3]. The researchers reviewed various findings from a range of existing studies into hydroxyapatite [3]. Furthermore, this included studies that involved hydroxyapatite as a toothpaste.

The researchers found a range of studies that met their criteria [3]. After tabulating the results and processing them, they were able to make conclusions. [3] They found that unlike fluoride particles, which are purely limited to surface remineralization, hydroxyapatite-based particles can actually penetrate deeper layers of the surface [3].

Due to the above, this made the researchers suggest that hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste is at the very least as effective as fluoride-based toothpaste, and potentially even more effective [3]. Therefore, the researchers were of the opinion that hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste may actually be superior to fluoride-based toothpaste, in a landmark moment.

The study found that naturally occurring enamel consists of 20–40nm (NanoScan SMPS) hydroxyapatite nanoparticles [3]. Therefore, they suggested that a hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste with 20nm hydroxyapatite nanoparticles would be effective for consumers [3]. The researchers believed that by replicating the natural properties of the tooth, that hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste could be very effective [3].

What this means

The findings of this study are very exciting. Fluoride is undoubtedly effective, but as mentioned, there are problems associated with it. Therefore, the option of hydroxyapatite could be very appealing and effective for those opposed to fluoride.

However, there are some concerns. Firstly, the researchers have cautioned that there is currently very little awareness of hydroxyapatite-based toothpastes. They are also expensive. Moreover, further research is needed in order for the findings of this study to be confirmed.

One of the researchers — Kelsey O’Hagan-Wong — said that “although this toothpaste has been on the market a while, most people are unaware of it. Hopefully with more knowledge, it can be used to prevent cavities” [4]. The aim is to raise awareness of the different toothpaste options available.

There is a chance that in the future, using hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste will become the norm. Whilst fluoride-based toothpaste has been popular for many decades, hydroxyapatite-based toothpastes could be about to become more popular, especially if they have a more effective active ingredient.

The researchers also suggested that there are other ways that we can help our teeth. This includes cutting back on sugar, trying to reduce smoking and alcohol-consumption, and using excellent oral hygiene whenever possible [3].

Thinking points…

1) Were you aware that there is an alternative to fluoride-based toothpaste? Not many people are aware of hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste. Would you consider buying it?

2) One of the main concerns over fluoride is the potential effect it can have on children, especially if they swallow it. Do you have children? If so, and you are worried about fluoride-based toothpaste, then consider purchasing toothpaste that has hydroxyapatite as the active ingredient.

3) It is crucial to attend regular check-ups at your local dentist. Any problems that arise can be treated by your dentist, while they will also be able to offer relevant advice. Consider booking an appointment today!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

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