An A to Z Guide to Hydroxyapatite and Its Innovating Role in Dental Care Products

Hydroxyapa-what? What is Hydroxyapatite exactly?

For decades, fluoride has been the Superman of dental health, used to save us from cavities and weak enamel. But as technology and research advance, a new hero has entered the scene—one that’s a little more understated but just as mighty. Meet hydroxyapatite! So, what’s the deal with toothpaste with hydroxyapatite and why they are an important part of Nordics portfolio?

What is hydroxyapatite (HA)? It is a complicated name for a naturally occurring form of calcium apatite. It’s the same stuff your bones and teeth are made of. This mineral has the chemical formula Ca₅(PO₄)₃(OH), and its structure mimics the very enamel of your teeth. So, to the question “is hydroxyapatite safe”, the answer is “Yes”! It doesn’t just coat your teeth; it bonds with them, filling in the tiny cracks and crevices like a well-practiced mason.

If you’re thinking, “Wait, why haven’t I heard of this before?” you’re not alone. Hydroxyapatite has been the star of orthopaedic surgeries for years, helping with bone regeneration and implants. Now it’s making a name for itself in dentistry.

How Does Hydroxyapatite Work?

Unlike fluoride, which strengthens your enamel from the outside in, hydroxyapatite for teeth, works by bonding directly with your enamel. Think of it as adding reinforcements to a castle wall—except the wall is your enamel, and hydroxyapatite is the perfectly matched stone.

When you brush with a hydroxyapatite toothpaste or rinse with a hydroxyapatite mouthwash, the tiny crystals penetrate the enamel and begin to rebuild it. It doesn’t just protect your teeth from further damage; it actively repairs them.  Hydroxyapatite toothpaste benefits are a bit like finding out your toothpaste can fix potholes in the road!         

Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride 

Let’s be clear—fluoride has been the anti-cavity substance used most widely for a reason. It works by making your teeth more resistant to acid attacks and helps with remineralization. But here’s the kicker: hydroxyapatite can do the same things and more. Both Hydroxyapatite and the most commonly used fluorine compounds (sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate) have a remineralizing function i.e. fight against the formation of caries. Yet, hydroxyapatite has more to offer. If “liquid enamel” doesn’t ring a bell yet, keep reading.

Meghna Bajaj and colleagues made an interesting study, comparing the mineralisation effect of HA, CPP-ACP (derivative from bovine milk protein, casein, calcium and phosphate, which has been demonstrated to have anticariogenic potential), and tri-calcium phosphate. They used 10 extracted molars, soaked in demineralizing solution for 96 hours. Results showed that the ingredient that had the most mineralizing effect was hydroxyalatite. 

Hydroxyapatite Benefits

1. Biocompatibility -Your Body Likes It

Since it’s already a part of your bones and teeth, your body welcomes it with open arms, making it super biocompatible (Pepla et al., 2024). Fluoride, while effective, can sometimes overstay its welcome, especially if overused, leading to a condition known as fluorosis. Kids, in particular, are at risk if they ingest too much fluoride. With hydroxyapatite, that risk is practically zero, since it’s completely non-toxic (Saumya et al., 2024).

2. Remineralization

Fluoride helps with remineralization too, but hydroxyapatite actually repairs the cracks in your enamel. A study published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry showed that hydroxyapatite (a.k.a. liquid enamel) can not only prevent further demineralization but also kickstart the repair process for damaged enamel (Li et al., 2017).

3. No Swallowing Worries or Safe for Kids and for Adults

We all know that fluoride toothpaste comes with a warning: Don’t swallow! That’s because fluoride can be toxic in large doses. But with hydroxyapatite? No worries! It’s safe to ingest in small amounts, which makes it a better option for children (and, let’s be honest, adults who are still a bit clumsy when brushing).

The Future of Hydroxyapatite in Dentistry and Nordics’ Role in it

So, could hydroxyapatite be the new gold standard in dental care? It’s certainly headed that way. Its ability to naturally repair and strengthen enamel, combined with its biocompatibility and non-toxic nature, make it a strong contender for your next toothpaste. 

1. Pushpalatha C., Gayathri V.S. , Sowmya S.V., Dominic Augustine, Ahmed Alamoudi, Bassam Zidane, Nassreen Hassan Mohammad Albar, Shilpa Bhandi, (2023). Nanohydroxyapatite in dentistry: A comprehensive review, The Saudi Dental Journal, Volume 35, Issue 6, 
2. Ielo, I.; Calabrese, G.; De Luca, G.; Conoci, S. (2022) Recent Advances in Hydroxyapatite-Based Biocomposites for Bone Tissue Regeneration in Orthopedics. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 23, 9721.  
3. Pepla E, Besharat LK, Palaia G, Tenore G, Migliau G. (2014) Nano-hydroxyapatite and its applications in preventive, restorative and regenerative dentistry: a review of literature. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 20;5(3):108-14. PMID: 25506416; PMCID: PMC4252862.
4. Nemours KidsHealth. Fluoride. Medically reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
5. Saumya John, Rakhi Manoharan, Kavya Suresh, Lekshmi Mini, Nibu Varghese, Sajith Vellapally and Nebu George Thomas. (2024) Toxicity of Natural Hydroxyapatite. Novel Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering
6. Li, Li & Pan, Haihua & Tao, Jinhui & Xu, X. & Mao, C. & Gu, X. & Tang, Ruikang. (2008). Repair of enamel by using hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as the building blocks. Journal of Materials Chemistry. 18. 4079-4084. 10.1039/B806090H.
7. Bajaj M, Poornima P, Praveen S, Nagaveni NB, Roopa KB, Neena IE, Bharath KP. Comparison of CPP-ACP, Tri-Calcium Phosphate and Hydroxyapatite on Remineralization of Artificial Caries Like Lesions on Primary Enamel -An in vitro Study. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2016;40(5):404-9. doi: 10.17796/1053-4628-40.5.404. PMID: 27617382.

Source: Nordics Oral Care