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I spend way more on toothpaste than I like to admit because I have it imported all the way from Japan. Why? Because we're told that fluoride is the best defender against cavities, but it turns out there's a safe, highly effective alternative that's been flying under the radar — and it worked wonders on my sensitive teeth. Today, we brush up on the basics. |
| But first, here are today’s health and wellness headlines: |
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Ready? Let’s begin.
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Tim Snaith
May 2, 2024 • 4 min read |
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| Is hydroxyapatite the unsung hero of dental health? |
| In a recent Wellness Wire, I talked about my love of cycling, which I try to do in all weather, even in the depths of winter. Cycling through frosty woodland and over crackling ice puddles is a peak experience, but there’s one thing I don’t enjoy about it — the sharp pain of freezing cold air doing a number on my sensitive teeth. That can take a hike.️ |
| Cold drinks and ice cream are easy to avoid if you have sensitive teeth, but breathing is nonnegotiable, no matter how cold it gets. So, a couple of winters ago, I decided enough was enough and started looking for a remedy. |
| Eventually, I came across a surprising claim: Simply changing my toothpaste might help fix my sensitive teeth at a microscopic level. But not just any toothpaste would do, I’d need the hydroxyapatite variety. |
| Hydroxyapatite is a compound made of calcium and phosphorus that's actually the main component of our teeth (and bones). When you regularly brush with it, a protective barrier forms on your teeth over time, shielding them against the sugars and acids that cause cavities. It also helps to actively repair and remineralize teeth by sealing any tiny holes before they can turn into full-blown cavities. |
| How does it compare to fluoride, you ask? A 2022 study suggests hydroxyapatite can be just as effective as fluoride at preventing cavities and strengthening enamel. But unlike fluoride, it doesn't come with any concerns about toxicity or side effects. It's more gentle on sensitive teeth, like mine, and completely safe to swallow since the mineral occurs naturally in our bodies (not that I recommend eating your toothpaste, but you get the idea).
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| So why isn't everyone using it? Well, it's been popular in Japan since the 1990s. It has only recently caught on in other parts of the world, but word is spreading because it works so well for many people, including me! |
| I've been using hydroxyapatite toothpaste for at least 2 years now, and I've had much less sensitivity to the cold and fewer worries about cavities. It also seems to give my teeth an extra sparkle and squeaky clean smoothness, plus inhaling cold morning air no longer bothers me like it used to. |
| 🎤 Over to you: Have you tried hydroxyapatite? Or have you found another remedy for sensitive teeth? Tell me about it! Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to share your experience. (We may use your name and response in an upcoming edition.) |
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| Don’t forget to floss |
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| Waterpik Sidekick Portable Water Flosser |
| Flossing tends to fall off our dental hygiene radar — especially while traveling. This handy option is compact and portable so you can have really clean teeth wherever life takes you. |
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| Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. |
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Thanks for reading! Morgan will be back on Monday, which just so happens to be Earth Day, with a look at nature's power to heal.
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