New competitor for fluoride toothpaste
New competitor for fluoride toothpaste
Hydroxyapatite: The New Challenger in Dental Health
Fluoride has been the go-to ingredient in toothpaste for cavity prevention since 1956, but a recent study has revealed that there may be a new contender in the dental health arena. Hydroxyapatite, one of the main mineral components in teeth, has shown promising results in preventing cavities as effectively as fluoride. Published on July 18 in Frontiers in Public Health, this research opens up new possibilities for safer alternatives in oral care.
According to Dr. Leonard Patella, a dentist with Northwell Health, one of the primary advantages of hydroxyapatite over fluoride is its safety. While excessive fluoride consumption can be toxic and lead to damage in teeth, a condition known as dental fluorosis, hydroxyapatite is considered safer. Dental fluorosis can cause changes in tooth enamel, resulting in white or brown spots, and in severe cases, the formation of pits.
Dr. Elzbieta Paszynska, head of the department of integrated dentistry at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland, stresses the importance of hydroxyapatite as a safe and efficient alternative for daily oral care. Unlike fluorides, hydroxyapatite has a high remineralization effect and is biocompatible. Furthermore, it poses no risk if accidentally swallowed.
To evaluate the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite toothpaste, Dr. Paszynska’s team conducted an 18-month trial with 171 patients. The goal was to ensure that none of the participants would develop new cavities during the study. The patients were divided into two groups: one half brushed their teeth twice daily with hydroxyapatite toothpaste, while the other half used fluoridated toothpaste. Both groups brushed at the same time every day with an electric toothbrush and underwent dental exams every six months.
At the end of the trial, the results were striking. 89.3% of the hydroxyapatite group and 87.4% of the fluoride group had no new cavities, proving that both toothpastes were equally effective. While this study focused solely on dental caries, it did not explore the impact of hydroxyapatite on more severe issues such as cavities.
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Dr. Janet Moradian-Oldak, a professor of dentistry and biosciences/bioengineering at the University of Southern California, explains that tooth decay occurs when bacteria attack the tooth surface. Consuming excessive sugar leads to the production of acid, which dissolves the tooth’s enamel. Good dental hygiene, including regular brushing, helps rebuild the mineral in saliva and prevents cavity formation. Fluoride works by slowing down the demineralization process, acting as a protective shield for teeth and the most cost-effective way to prevent dental caries.
On the other hand, hydroxyapatite toothpaste presents a pricier alternative. Prices range from $11 to $18, while fluoride toothpaste typically costs between $2 and $5. However, for individuals who prefer to avoid fluoride, hydroxyapatite provides an ideal alternative. Non-fluoridated toothpaste alone may clean the teeth and remove plaque, but it fails to strengthen enamel as fluoride does. With hydroxyapatite, those who oppose fluoride can now protect their teeth from cavities more effectively.
As with any emerging dental solution, time will tell whether hydroxyapatite will outshine fluoride as the most popular mineral in dental health. Nevertheless, the introduction of hydroxyapatite toothpaste offers an innovative and safer option for those seeking to preserve their dental health without the use of fluoride. Dental professionals worldwide should be informed about this breakthrough and consider recommending hydroxyapatite as a daily oral care alternative.
Sources
- Elzbieta Paszynska, DDS, MSC, PhD, Head, Department of Integrated Dentistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Janet Moradian-Oldak, MSc, PhD, Professor of Dentistry, and Professor of Biomedical Sciences and Bioengineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- Leonard Patella, DDS, Chairman, Dental Medicine, Northwell Health Glen Cove Hospital, Glen Cove, N.Y.
- Frontiers in Public Health, July 18, 2023
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