Move Over Fluoride, Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Is Here To Stay

 

Just walk down the oral care aisle at your local Target or Walmart and you see there are a wide variety of toothpaste and ingredients on the market today. It can be tough to know which ones are truly effective and what particular ingredients do. One ingredient consumers should look for when choosing their next toothpaste is nano-hydroxyapatite, and we’ll tell you why.

 

 

WHAT IS NANO-HYDROXYAPATITE?

 

(Spoiler alert: It's space tech.)

 

Nano-Hydroxyapatite (or as we like to call it, nano-HA) is a mineral and derivative of hydroxyapatite “one of the building blocks that make up your tooth enamel, dentin, and cementum” [1]. The nano version of hydroxyapatite was originally formulated back in 1970 by NASA as a method for astronauts to help restore lost minerals to protect their tooth enamel while on yearlong journeys in space.

 

Because it’s what your bones and teeth are made up of, nano-HA is 100% biocompatible. You literally could even eat it (but don’t eat your toothpaste… that’s weird). Since its invention and effectiveness, nano-HA has been used in toothpaste in Japan for over four decades.

 

While it is relatively new to the US, its efficacy and benefits have long been studied and determined. It is a natural alternative to its potentially toxic cousin, fluoride, in toothpaste with at least a 10% concentration. It’s important to note that most toothpaste within the US only includes about 0.2-2%, which is not enough to be effective compared to fluoride [2]. 

 

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

 

This super ingredient works by re-mineralizing the surface of your natural enamel. Over the years, our enamel becomes weakened, and the surface of our teeth is marred by tiny scrapes, cuts, and fissures due to our eating and drinking habits (acidic drinks, tobacco, hard foods, etc.). This, in turn, is the cause of so many dental problems like tooth erosion, sensitivity, and gum issues. Nano-HA works by filling in these tiny scrapes and fissures – kind of like re-plastering a wall in your home that has dents or scuffs

 

Protecting your enamel is a must because it is the first shield of defense for tooth and gum health. When enamel becomes weak, it can increase the risk of:

✖ Tooth erosion
✖ Sensitivity
✖ Gum disease
✖ Cracked teeth
✖ Cavities

 

When you use a toothpaste that has the clinically studied 10% concentration of nano-HA, you are basically bathing your teeth in what it is already made of, thus, creating almost like a coat of armor for your teeth. This, of course, helps reduce teeth sensitivity. Most toothpaste in the US contain much less than 10% nano-HA, so be sure to ask the manufacturer about this!

 

 

NANO-HYDROXYAPATITE FIGHTS SENSITIVE TEETH

 

Nano-HA helps to reduce sensitivity in teeth by building up your natural enamel. It “bonds directly to these spaces that cause teeth sensitivity to cold, hot, or touch, effectively blocking these sensations” [3]. This means that your natural enamel that is weakened over time gets a chance to rebuild without the use of any harsh chemicals or toxins.

 

 

GENTLY WHITENS

 

Since nano-HA works to rebuild the natural surface of enamel on the teeth, this also gives it added bonus of naturally whitening your teeth. Most whitening toothpaste uses abrasive ingredients like charcoal to temporarily give you the illusion of whiter teeth. But these pastes whiten by scraping the surface of your teeth as your brush, and after using them frequently, you can actually scrape enough enamel off, revealing the yellow dentin underneath. This means you can get even yellower teeth. Nearly all dentists we talked to advise against using these so-called whitening toothpaste, so beware!

 

 

100% BIO-COMPATIBLE

 

This powerhouse mineral is not only effective but 100% bio-compatible, since it is what your bones and teeth are made of. Those who are at risk of dental fluorosis (that is, fluoride poisoning), or who have more susceptible immune systems such as children and pregnant women would benefit from choosing a nano-HA toothpaste (with at least 10%) over fluoride toothpaste. It is a safe alternative that still works to effectively re-mineralize teeth and build up tooth enamel.

 

 

WHY DOES FLUORIDE HAVE A BAD REP?

 

Fluoride is – and will always be – the gold standard in dentistry in the US. It has been used as our primary line of defense for over 60 years, and we know it works to prevent cavities.

 

But many health-conscious consumers are taking note of potential toxicity. Studies show that extended use and exposure to fluoride can cause fluorosis (fluoride poisoning). This condition can alter the coloration of teeth, and cause “surface irregularities [and] pits that are highly noticeable” [5]. While this is not a life-threatening illness or even classified as a disease, fluorosis can cause stress due to the altered appearance of teeth. It is also quite difficult to correct.

 

In addition to this, fluoride can have a harmful impact on children whose bones are still developing. It can even “impact young children in the development of the brain”, according to one study [6]. Fluoride is generally safe in small doses to help protect tooth enamel against rotting and disease. While quite rare, there is also the possibility to be allergic to fluoride. When used in larger doses and over prolonged periods, it can be harmful. This is in part why nano-HA makes for a much safer and holistic alternative.

 

 

ELIMS TOOTHPASTE

 

Elims is proud to offer dentist-crafted, nature-approved 10% nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste for all. This naturally derived and plant-based toothpaste is a fan favorite because of its ability to reduce sensitivity and improve natural tooth enamel in addition to increasing the whiteness of teeth without the use of harsh or harmful chemicals. See what everyone’s raving about and get your tube today at www.elims.co.