Tooth cavities and gum conditions are common oral problems worldwide and develop due to lack of oral hygiene.
Harmful bacteria present in the oral cavity produce acids and dissolve the minerals in our teeth. It results in demineralisation of tooth enamel and later turns into one or more cavities.
For a long time, dentists have recommended the use of fluoridated toothpastes to prevent tooth cavities. Of late, a new type of toothpaste is making waves in the world of oral health.
Brown teeth
A study published in 2021 in Scientific Reports by professor Elzbieta Paszynska says that toddlers swallow a considerable amount of fluoride toothpaste while brushing teeth. This can cause dental fluorosis (white specks/brown-coloured appearance of teeth due to overexposure of fluoride) in children.
The study states that the use of biomimetic hydroxyapatite minerals as an active ingredient in toothpastes, instead of fluorides, can reduce the risk of caries in children.
Read more about the significance of early intervention for cavities in children here
Hydroxyapatite crystals
Hydroxyapatite crystals form a major portion of a tooth’s natural enamel and are responsible for the structure and strength of the tooth. The crystals contain calcium and phosphate ions.
Tooth cavities, when spotted early, can be repaired by remineralisation. It is a process in which minerals like calcium and phosphate ions are brought together from saliva, biofilm (a thin sticky layer of bacteria that is present over the tooth, tongue, gums), or mucosa (soft tissue present inside the mouth) to repair the damaged tooth structure.
Hydroxyapatites, when added to toothpastes, extend the availability of mineral ions in enamel for a long time and aid remineralisation.
Alternative anti-caries agent
Polish researchers conducted a related study at the Universities of Medical Sciences, Poznan and Bialystok, Poland. They published it in the 2023 Frontiers in Public Health. The study found that hydroxyapatite toothpaste serves as an effective alternative to fluoride in toothpastes in preventing cavities.
“Hydroxyapatite promotes remineralisation of the tooth and is safe if accidentally swallowed,” says Prof Paszynska, co-principal investigator and corresponding author of the study.
Brushing routine
The study was conducted on 189 adults in the 18-45 age group after noting their cavities and other dental problems. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 was given a hydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste and Group 2 was given fluoridated toothpaste. The participants were asked to brush twice a day for three minutes each time after meals.
Benefits of the 2 toothpastes
The individuals involved in the study were examined consecutively every six months by clinicians. The researchers found that 90 per cent of the individuals from both groups had no new cavities. Prof Paszynska says, “In adults, hydroxyapatite toothpaste helped in preventing tooth decay, aided in safely whitening the teeth. It also reduced the symptoms of sensitive teeth.”
The study concludes that both hydroxyapatite toothpaste and fluoride toothpaste are equally effective in preventing cavities. However, hydroxyapatite has the added benefit of enabling remineralisation.
Recent dental advancements
Prof Paszynska states that in current dental practices, dentists are trying to preserve as much tooth tissue as possible. “The use of remineralisation compounds such as hydroxyapatite is a kind of boon, because it may limit the need for invasive treatment of caries lesions with a drill,” she adds.
According to a study published in 2022 by Andrea Butera, hydroxyapatite toothpaste also aids in remineralisation of dentin (a layer beneath the enamel) having lesions. The results demonstrated that hydroxyapatite can efficiently prevent teeth from sensitivity.
A matter of public health
“It is important public health perspective that we should have access to products that are clinically tested and contain proven ingredients with a high concentration of hydroxyapatites,” says Prof Paszynska.
Apart from using remineralising toothpastes, other factors such as regular dental visits (ideally every six months), effective toothbrushing, and low sugar diet also have an important role in preventing cavities and maintaining oral health.
Read more about the ultimate guide to choose the right toothbrush here
