Safe, Effective Substitute For Fluoride in Toothpaste Shows Promise in Protecting Teeth Against Cavities

Toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite, a mineral component found in teeth, can be just as efficient as fluoride in preventing cavities, as per new research from Poznan University of Medical Sciences and the Medical University of Bialystok in Poland.

According to Science Alert, this finding gives a viable alternative component for toothpaste, addressing worries about excessive fluoride intake, particularly in toddlers who are prone to swallowing toothpaste and should only use a little quantity.

Double-Blind Experiment Compares Fluoride and Hydroxyapatite

In a double-blind study, titled "Caries-Preventing Effect of a Hydroxyapatite-Toothpaste in Adults: A 18-Month Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial" published in Frontiers in Public Health, researchers aimed to demonstrate the potential of hydroxyapatite as a substitute for fluoride. Hydroxyapatite is already recognized for its benefits in gum disease and tooth sensitivity.

Dental expert Elzbieta Paszynska from Poznan University of Medical Sciences affirmed that hydroxyapatite is a safe and effective option for everyday caries prevention.

The study involved 171 volunteers aged 18 to 45, who were randomly assigned either hydroxyapatite toothpaste or fluoride toothpaste. The participants were unaware of which type of toothpaste they were using, as the study followed a double-blind approach.

All individuals began with identical oral health status, using electric toothbrushes and sticking to consistent brushing routines while not changing their typical meals.

Following 18 months of consistent brushing and routine dental check-ups, no significant disparity in the occurrence of new cavities was observed between the hydroxyapatite and fluoride groups.

Approximately 89.3% of individuals in the hydroxyapatite group and 87.4% of those in the fluoride group showed signs of cavities. Hydroxyapatite operates through two mechanisms: it impedes dental demineralization, a process associated with cavity formation, and it supports the natural remineralization of teeth.

Safe and Effective Flouride Alternative

Hydroxyapatite's application in dentistry aligns with the principles of minimally invasive procedures, eliminating the need for dental visits and treatments. By incorporating it into toothpaste, the study's findings showed that it can actively contribute to oral health twice a day during regular brushing, preserving tooth tissue as much as possible.

Regulators have approved hydroxyapatite as a safe substance, and it can be synthetically produced for inclusion in toothpaste formulations. While further steps are necessary before it can fully replace fluoride, the evidence strongly supports its potential.

Previous clinical studies, as stated by Paszynska, have confirmed the ability of hydroxyapatite to prevent dental caries, especially among high-risk groups such as children and individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment.

The latest clinical trial provided further evidence of hydroxyapatite's effectiveness in reducing dental caries in adults. This finding carries significant implications for public health.

But for now, it remains uncertain whether hydroxyapatite will steal fluoride's popularity in dental health or not. As per US News, fluoride primarily functions by slowing down the demineralization process, protecting teeth from excessive dissolution, and effectively preventing the progression of dental caries, according to Moradian-Oldak.

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is found to be pricier, as indicated by an online search, with prices ranging from $11 to $18, while fluoride toothpaste typically falls within the range of $2 to $5.

Importantly, the study solely focused on the prevention of dental caries and did not explore the impact of hydroxyapatite on more severe conditions like cavities. Nevertheless, Patella suggests that for individuals who object to the use of fluoride, hydroxyapatite presents a favorable alternative.

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