Why avoid fluoride in toothpaste
More and more patients want fluoride free toothpaste options. The reasons vary from medical conditions such as fluorosis, Lyme disease, thyroid conditions and pregnancy to simply looking for cleaner, safer alternatives.
Not all fluoride free toothpastes are made the same
In selecting fluoride alternative toothpaste, OJOOK’s dentist advisors recommend making sure there’s a scientifically proven remineralizing ingredient in the product, such as nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA). That’s why OJOOK created Toothpaste with nHA and Bamboo Salt to provide cleaner and effective fluoride free toothpaste for the patients who wish to avoid fluoride. Consider the following 10 reasons why nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be beneficial for you.
1. Non-toxic and biocompatible
Hydroxyapatite is the main mineral that makes up our teeth (70 to 80% of the mass of tooth enamel and dentin, the layer below the enamel). As a naturally occurring organic material within our bodies, it is biocompatible and safer than most other dental products in the market. It does not induce toxicity from fluoride overdose or inflammation when it is used for oral care and tooth repair.
2. Scientifically proven alternative to fluoride
nHA is a favored and comparable natural fluoride alternative specifically for patients requiring a lower fluoride concentration – such as children, pregnant women, those at high risk of dental fluorosis or those unable to use fluoride toothpastes because of an allergy or sensitivity.
3. Relieves sensitive teeth
nHA is an effective desensitizing agent providing relief from sensitive teeth. The size of the nHA particles (between 20-80 nanometers) are significantly smaller than the dentinal tubules that make up the dentin of your teeth. As a biocompatible mineral, nHA bonds directly to these spaces that causes teeth sensitivity to cold, hot, or touch, effectively blocking these sensations.
4. Prevents cavities via remineralization
nHA creates a stronger protective layer against cavities than fluoride. It directly replaces lost minerals to restore subsurface demineralized areas deep within tooth enamel (incipient caries) and fill microscopic fissures on the enamel surface. It shrinks carious lesions on teeth and improves enamel remineralization.
5. Antimicrobial and helps fight gum disease
Several in vitro and in situ studies have provided evidence supporting the prevention and healing power of nHA in fighting periodontal and opportunistic pathogens such as p. gingivalis and candida, thus reducing the risk of oral soft tissue infections such as gingivitis.
6. Results in stronger, glossier, whiter teeth
nHA not only protects against decay but also restores translucency and gloss. It helps remove plaque, and it restores smoothness and mineral density to both surface and subsurface enamel contributing to brighter and whiter teeth.
7. Alleviates dry mouth
nHA toothpaste is also ideal for xerostomia (dry mouth) patients who have less calcium and phosphate available from reduced saliva, as it supplements salivary minerals. Dry mouth causes tooth decay and enamel erosion. Lack of saliva flow allows harmful acids, plaque, and food remnants to stay on the teeth, resulting in loss of the protective layer of the teeth. Fluoride actually requires calcium and phosphate ions in saliva to remineralize the enamel, unlike nHA which bonds directly to enamel without any other aiding minerals.
8. Improves the appearance of fluorosis
Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition that affects the teeth, caused by overexposure to fluoride in childhood. Unlike fluoride, nHAP does not cause fluorosis and helps improve the appearance of existing fluorosis -- such as discoloration, highly visible pits and surface irregularities -- by supplying the missing minerals.
9. Relief after tooth whitening
The enamel gets dehydrated after being treated by harsh hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening and bleaching products. nHA replenishes minerals lost during whitening, restoring enamel density and smoothness, and protecting against sensitivity and early recurrence of stains.
9. Goes well with orthodontic treatment
A nHA toothpaste specializes in preventing “white spots” and/or soft spots from developing underneath and around dental braces. These white spots indicate demineralization and characterize the first step in cavity formation on a smooth surface. They often occur during orthodontic treatment since you can’t brush the entire tooth.
