Also known as liquid enamel, hydroxyapatite is a revolutionary ingredient in dental care that is turning heads. As a natural component of our teeth, hydroxyapatite plays an important role in protecting tooth enamel. But how exactly does this active ingredient in toothpastes work, and what influence does it have on dental health? In this guide, you will learn everything about hydroxyapatite and, above all, why this active ingredient is considered a game-changer in dental care.
What is hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite is an inorganic chemical compound composed primarily of calcium phosphate. This substance is a major component of human tooth enamel and bone. Hydroxyapatite is formed from calcium, phosphorus, oxygen, and hydrogen and has a crystalline structure.
In dentistry, hydroxyapatite is used as an important ingredient in dental care products due to its similarity to natural tooth enamel. Clinical studies confirm that hydroxyapatite contributes to the remineralization of tooth enamel, thereby strengthening teeth, protecting sensitive areas, and reducing the development of tooth decay.
Hydroxyapatite is also used in medicine in the form of coatings for implants and prostheses to promote a better bond between the artificial material and the surrounding tissue.
As a mineral compound, hydroxyapatite plays a significant role in medicine, particularly dentistry and orthopedics, and is also being researched in various other areas of materials science and biotechnology.
How did hydroxyapatite get into toothpaste?
Hydroxyapatite has had a fascinating history of development in dental care. Hydroxyapatite was originally used in dentistry as a filling material for cavities and for teeth whitening. However, over time, other positive properties of this mineral for dental care were discovered.
The use of hydroxyapatite in toothpaste began as an alternative to fluoride because it also helps remineralize tooth enamel. It forms a protective layer on the tooth surface that helps protect sensitive tooth necks and reduces the risk of tooth decay. In addition, hydroxyapatite also shows good adhesion to tooth surfaces, which helps reduce bacterial buildup and protect teeth from plaque.
The development of toothpastes with hydroxyapatite as the main ingredient has attracted considerable attention as they provide an alternative option for people who want to avoid fluoride or are allergic to it.
What does the hydroxyapatite in toothpaste do?
Hydroxyapatite plays an important role in oral health and has various fields of action:
Remineralization: strengthening tooth enamel
Hydroxyapatite is an important component of tooth enamel. Toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite help remineralize tooth enamel by returning minerals such as calcium and phosphate to the tooth surface. This effect helps strengthen tooth enamel and repair damage caused by acid exposure.
Protection against tooth decay
Through its remineralizing properties, hydroxyapatite also helps reduce the risk of tooth decay. It forms a protective layer on the teeth that helps neutralize acid attacks and makes the teeth more resistant to acid exposure.
Smoothing of tooth surfaces
Hydroxyapatite in toothpaste smooths imperfections on the tooth surface, thereby reducing the appearance of discoloration. This results in a smoother and cleaner feeling on your teeth.
Reducing sensitivity by strengthening tooth enamel
People with sensitive teeth benefit from dental care with hydroxyapatite, as it helps reduce sensitivity by strengthening and protecting teeth.
Problem child tooth enamel
Tooth enamel, the outermost protective layer of our teeth, is remarkably robust. But paradoxically, it is also susceptible to damage and wear and tear. Numerous factors influence its health and durability.
He is sensitive to acid, be it from acidic foods, drinks, or stomach contents. These acids can gradually erode the enamel, causing sensitivity, erosion, and, in the worst cases, tooth decay.
Unlike other body tissues, tooth enamel cannot regenerate itself. Once it is lost, it is impossible to recover. It is therefore crucial to protect it from damage.
Excessive brushing, especially with hard brushes or too much pressure, can also damage and wear away tooth enamel. In the long term, this leads to thin enamel and tooth sensitivity. That's why it's important to be careful not to use toothpastes that are too abrasive so as not to damage the tooth enamel. The RDA value plays an important role here.
How can I protect my tooth enamel?
Luckily, there are dental care products with ingredients like fluoride and hydroxyapatite that help strengthen and protect tooth enamel. These substances help bring minerals back into the enamel and make it more resistant to acid influences. It is important that the toothpaste contain a sufficient concentration of hydroxyapatite so that the effect can fully develop. Since hydroxyapatite is very expensive, many manufacturers advertise it, but ultimately only use it in very small doses.
Despite its robustness, tooth enamel requires careful care and protection to keep it healthy and intact. Good oral hygiene, avoiding acidic foods, and using remineralizing dental care products help minimize damage to tooth enamel and maintain its health.
To protect your tooth enamel, you should take the following measures into account:
Oral hygiene
Use a soft to medium-hard toothbrush and gently brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a high-quality toothpaste that meets your dental care needs.
Tip: Your toothpaste should have a low to medium RDA value.
Avoiding acidic foods
Limit consumption of acidic foods and drinks. After eating such foods, you should briefly rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acids.
Tip: It's best to wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth
Regular dental visits
Regular check-ups with your dentist will help identify potential problems early and provide recommendations for improving oral health.
Healthy eating
A balanced diet rich in calcium-rich foods goes a long way toward strengthening tooth enamel.
Special dental care for healthy tooth enamel
There are special dental care products that help protect and strengthen tooth enamel. MINT has also been in development for a long time and has integrated the active ingredient hydroxyapatite into its dental care products. We would like to briefly introduce you to one of our tooth enamel boosters:
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste as a tooth enamel booster: MINT toothpaste without fluoride
The legendary tooth enamel protection from MINT is the MINT toothpaste without fluoride with hydroxyapatite, which, thanks to its unique mode of action, repairs defective tooth enamel and builds it up sustainably. In addition, the gentle cleaning soothes and sustainably strengthens irritated gums. The hydroxyapatite is in very high doses in this toothpaste in order to take full advantage of all its benefits.
Because, just like all MINT toothpastes, the MINT toothpaste without fluoride works with the MPT1 Ultra Polish Technology©, which guarantees effective cleaning and at the same time protects the tooth enamel and gums with a low abrasion value of 41 (on a scale of 250). The natural cleaning body perlite is a volcanic glass that reduces discoloration and noticeably smoothes the tooth surface.
You can find hydroxyapatite in all MINT toothpastes. Now take a look at the details:
Conclusion on the topic of toothpaste with hydroxyapatite
Toothpaste with hydroxyapatite has proven to be a promising product in dental care to promote dental health and especially protect tooth enamel. Through its ability to remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel, it helps make teeth more resistant to acids and tooth decay. The effective cleaning action removes plaque and stains while being gentle on teeth and gums. So, to everyone who wants to take their dental health to the next level, and especially to everyone who suffers from pain-sensitive teeth, benefit from the important hydroxyapatite in your toothpaste!
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By the way, hydroxyapatite is also known to whiten teeth!
