We all want strong teeth without the negative side effects.
Hydroxyapatite or Nano-Hydroxyapatite
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up our teeth and bones. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) is primarily made through wet chemical precipitation, a process involving the reaction of calcium and phosphate precursors (such as calcium nitrate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate) in a controlled aqueous solution to form particles typically 20–100 nm in size. This method, often utilizing Fluidinova's patented, high-pressure equipment, allows for precise control over the shape (often rod-like) and purity of the particles. The particles MUST be rod shaped, not needle and it must be nano in size; shape and size is very important.
Nanoscale particles are extremely small and have unique properties and works by remineralizing tooth enamel, repair initial stages of tooth decay, strengthen the tooth structure, and soothe tooth sensitivity.
The quick background is that, in the 1970s, NASA researchers explored HA to help prevent bone and tooth loss in astronauts during extended space missions. In microgravity, astronauts experience rapid bone demineralization and tooth demineralization due to the lack of mechanical loading (no gravity = less stress on bones and teeth). These early NASA-related studies helped spark interest in HAp for medical and dental applications, including its later use in bone grafts, coatings, and toothpaste. Fluoride does not have the minerals we're made of. Its REPLACING them. This is why we see HAp as the golden standard in many places like Japan, Canada, Italy and other European countries since the 1970's. To many, especially in America, HAp seems new but its really been around and studied for decades. And its biomimetic, meaning: ITS MIMICKING WE'RE MADE OF. 97% of our enamel, 70% of dentin, and 60% of bone are all made of this! Plus, my common sense tells me that if God built me this way, we should honor and support that.
In the 1970s, the U.S. FDA began establishing OTC drug monographs, including one for anti-caries (anti-cavity) drug products, which was part of a larger project to regulate the safety and effectiveness of nonprescription drugs.
At the time, no manufacturer or party submitted sufficient clinical data to the FDA to support the effectiveness of HAp as an anti-caries active ingredient.
Without that data, the FDA had no basis to evaluate or include it.
We now have strong clinical evidence to support the benefits of nHAP to prevent decay, is considered 'no less effective' than fluoride. And because we struggle in this country to let go of things we have believed in for so long, (Listerine and Scope-dangerous!) its hard to realize with updated data that perhaps we should reconsider our stance on fluoride and accept that nHAP is simply as effective as fluoride, without the risks. The research shows that particle size and shape are what matter, which means smaller concentrations can be as effective.
There's a misunderstanding that Europe banned HAp because it was considered unsafe. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) which is the European Commission's independent advisory body that evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients (toothpaste is considered a cosmetic) and non-food products, functioning similarly to the FDA in the US. It provides scientific opinions on chemical, biological, and physical risks. This group had already deemed for years that nHAP was safe to use in toothpastes and mouth rinses but they PAUSED and did an 8 year study on it and then came to the same conclusion, its safe. ONE study said that it has to have a concentration of 10% to be effective but if you really look into the study, they used MICRO not NANO particles, so long story short, your toothpaste only needs to be between 1%-3% concentration to be AS EFFECTIVE AS FLUORIDE AT PREVENTING DECAY. This excites me because the 10% concentrations tend to be the most expensive.