Hydroxyapatite: An Alternative Oral Care Ingredient for Today’s Health-Conscious Consumers
Earth & Body Wise
GlacierMint Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Why care about oral health?
As you eat and drink and live your life, your teeth are constantly undergoing demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization is the process by which your teeth lose minerals. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on the sugars in the foods and beverages that you consume, and they create acids that wear away at your teeth. Remineralization is the repair process. Think of it as re-hardening your teeth that have become compromised by those acids. Your body has ways to repair the enamel on the surface of your teeth and stop mineral loss. One way that your enamel gets repaired is when your saliva helps fill in the tiny cracks that have been left behind before they can widen allowing bacteria to enter the cracks which can eventually lead to cavities. A toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite can help with the remineralization process. Hydroxyapatite can form a barrier on your teeth surfaces. This barrier defends teeth against the sugars and acids that tend to wear away at your teeth causing sensitivity, pain, and discomfort along with tooth decay that can cause cavities.
What is hydroxyapatite?
Health-conscious companies like Earth & Body Wise are bringing attention to a science-backed alternative ingredient for todays sophisticated health-conscious consumers: Hydroxyapatite. While you will not find the ingredient in most major drugstore brands products, hydroxyapatite has over four decades of research and dental care applications to back it up. More than that, it’s nontoxic and biocompatible, making it a viable option for those seeking natural oral care solutions. Hydroxyapatite is the main component of tooth enamel and one of the most studied biomaterials in the medical and dental field. It comprises the main mineral part of bones and teeth including over 90% of the foundation of enamel. The outermost layer of the teeth is the hardest substance in the human body and, maintaining healthy enamel is essential to your oral and overall wellness. It protects the inner elements of the teeth from bacteria and decay, which when exposed can lead to cavities, serious infections, gum disease and even tooth loss.
Hydroxyapatite history: Is it safe?
Medical applications of hydroxyapatite were spearheaded by NASA in the 1970s, as astronauts lost minerals in their teeth and bones due to the lack of gravity in space. In 1974, the Japanese company Sangi Co. Ltd. acquired a patent from NASA to use hydroxyapatite in the dental field, eventually creating the world’s first nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste in 1980 and patenting the ingredient in 1990. Hydroxyapatite does not have the controversial issues of fluoride and, it is intended as a safer alternative unless a dentist advises otherwise. To date, there is no evidence that indicating any adverse reactions from using hydroxyapatite and, it does not seem to pose any safety concerns.
How does Hydroxyapatite work?
Your teeth are composed of several layers. The hard outer layer known as enamel. Underneath is a hard tissue called dentin. When you get down below the gum line, there is another hard substance called cementum that covers and protects the roots. These hard tissues are composed mainly of a blend of inorganic and organic substances. Most of the inorganic part is made of phosphate and calcium ions that create strong hydroxyapatite crystals. As you eat, the crystals allow your teeth to withstand the everyday forces of eating and chewing. As with any toothpaste, you’re physically sweeping away the residue of food and bacteria that are lingering in your mouth. Hydroxyapatite helps to form a protective layer on the enamel and the cementum root surface. This is a process called remineralization, where the hydroxyapatite bonds to the enamel and fills tubules (microscopic channels that go inside the tooth and can cause sensitivity when exposed). Numerous studies have shown that hydroxyapatite aids in remineralization of small initial decay and “has greater efficacy than fluoride.” Hydroxyapatite can be an alternative to fluoride and has been shown to repair the damage from tooth decay as well as preventing bacteria from adhering to the teeth. Bacteria can lead to tooth decay. They prevent acid from breaking down the traces of food and drink that remain in your mouth when you don’t brush after a meal, and that acid begins dissolving the enamel on your teeth and creating plaque buildup on your teeth. Hydroxyapatite can form a shield against bacteria to protect your teeth, making it more resistant to plaque. And the hydroxyapatite helps fill in those tiny cracks or fissures that develop in your teeth during demineralization, so the bacteria can’t work their way down into your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, hydroxyapatite toothpaste may make your teeth feel less sensitive, since it’s strengthening your enamel.
Benefits of hydroxyapatite
The remineralization of tooth enamel is the primary benefit of hydroxyapatite. By strengthening the enamel, the teeth are better protected against plaque, which can cause cavities and gum disease. The minerals found in hydroxyapatite helps strengthen tooth enamel which further helps prevent tooth decay. Hydroxyapatite works at a microscopic level to prevent cavities from forming or advancing. Hydroxyapatite is nontoxic and biocompatible. This also makes it safe for people who may accidentally swallow toothpaste. Hydroxyapatite helps ease tooth sensitivity by filling the tubules, which are essentially microscopic pathways to the nerves in the teeth. With fewer tubules exposed, the less sensitivity and discomfort you’ll feel to touch, food and temperature.
Additional strategies to help stop demineralization of teeth.
Using GlacierMint Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth is an effective way to achieve remineralization of your teeth thus reducing tooth sensitization and making them stronger and healthier. But it’s not the only way to stop demineralization. Consider these strategies:
Stay hydrated. Drink water to rinse out your mouth, especially if you can’t get to a toothbrush.
Decrease sugar intake. Eat less sugar for bacteria to feed on. Break your soda and juice habit. Citrus fruits and juices as well as surgery and non-sugary sodas with their acids can be hard on your teeth. Drink it in moderation and brush your teeth afterward. Try to cut back on your coffee consumption as well.
Cut back on the dairy. Milk and other dairy products contain a type of sugar known as lactose. You may need to look for other sources of calcium, though.
Take calcium supplements. Build up strong teeth by taking calcium.
Use probiotics. Although more research is needed, studies suggest that probiotics may help ward off the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.
Treat dry mouth. If you have dry mouth, talk with a doctor about how to relieve it. Decreased saliva flow in your mouth can lead to increased demineralization and an increased risk of cavities.
Use Earth & Body Wise GlacierMint Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth twice a day to help reduce pain and discomfort by cleaning and strengthening your teeth! You will love your smile!
For More Information Please Review These Sources: