Is it just me, or have you also noticed more and more natural toothpastes featuring Hydroxyapatite (HA) recently? This mineral-based ingredient has been gaining significant attention in the natural dental care world, and for good reason. I've done a deep dive into the science and benefits of Hydroxyapatite to share everything you need to know.
What is Hydroxyapatite?
According to Odontology, a peer-reviewed international journal of dental science, Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the main mineral component that makes up 97% of our tooth enamel and about 70% of our bones. It is a naturally occurring mineral compound that constitutes a significant portion of human bone and tooth structure.
As an additive to toothpaste, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates Hydroxyapatite as a 1/10, the lowest risk (safe and non-toxic).
Australia Fair Dental Clinic explains that Hydroxyapatite is "a calcium phosphorus compound, which can be found in our teeth, bones, and saliva" and notes the same statistic: "Fun fact– over 97% of our teeth are made up of this mineral!"
Benefits of Hydroxyapatite in Toothpaste
Natural toothpaste brands including Moo Goo, Grants and Grin all note that Hydroxyapatite provides the necessary minerals to help remineralise teeth, restore enamel, brighten and whiten the teeth. These benefits are supported by scientific evidence.
According to a study published in Odontology, "Hydroxyapatite particles are white opaque particles providing immediate repair of surface enamel defects. In the long-term, this active ingredient has been shown to remineralize tooth surfaces."
A systematic review published in Dentistry Journal found that "The deposition of hydroxyapatite particles on the enamel surface not only masks the yellow appearance of teeth, but also effectively removes extrinsic stains and plaque, as demonstrated in vitro and in some clinical trials." This finding is further reinforced by a systematic review and meta-analysis in the Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene, which concluded that "oral care products containing hydroxyapatite effectively and safely whiten teeth."
Does Hydroxyapatite Replace Fluoride?
I found 2 interesting research studies that looked into this question. In a 2019 study titled "Comparative Efficacy of a Hydroxyapatite and a Fluoride Toothpaste for Prevention and Remineralization of Dental Caries in Children" published in the British Dental Journal Open, researchers concluded: "10% hydroxyapatite achieved comparable efficacy with 500 ppm F− in remineralizing initial caries [early tooth decay] and preventing demineralization. Thus the HAP [Hydroxyapatite] toothpaste is confirmed to be equal to the fluoride toothpaste in this study."
Additionally, a recent 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis titled "Clinical Evidence of Caries Prevention by Hydroxyapatite: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" published in the Journal of Dentistry stated: "As a sole active ingredient, hydroxyapatite is an ideal substitute for fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash."
The History of Hydroxyapatite in Dental Care
While hydroxyapatite occurs naturally in the body, nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) is a synthetically produced version that has been engineered to have particles at the nanometer scale. This innovation has opened new possibilities for oral care applications.
Originally developed by NASA for astronauts experiencing mineral loss in microgravity, nano hydroxyapatite has since found its way into consumer oral care products.
According to Jack N' Jill, "Hydroxyapatite was first used in tooth care by NASA in 1970 to help repair astronauts' teeth enamel once they had returned from space. Scientists found astronauts' teeth needed remineralising as the effects of gravity had depleted their body's calcium."
Australia Fair Dental Clinic provides additional context: "Hydroxyapatite was first used for medical purposes by NASA in 1970 to help repair and remineralise astronauts' teeth after they had returned from space with significant enamel loss. Remineralisation is the process of filling in micro cracks and damage in enamel. In 1978, a Japanese company, Sangi Co Ltd, acquired the patent and it is now a popular ingredient in Japan's dental products for decay prevention."
Nano vs. Micro Hydroxyapatite
Across the range of natural toothpaste brands, various sources of hydroxyapatite are used. Hydroxyapatite can be sourced from vegan forms like coral, coconut, seashells, plants and limestone, as well as animal sources such as cow bones and milk, or in man-made mineral form. The man-made form is Nano hydroxyapatite, which is the type used by Moo Goo. When asked about safety concerns regarding nano particles, Moo Goo explained: "Nano-Hydroxyapatite may sound intimidating, but it's simply a smaller, more effective form of Hydroxyapatite. Rest assured, our NHA particles do not enter the bloodstream. They work by attaching to the enamel and dentine where they're needed most, ensuring your oral health remains the focus."
The Clean Nectarine Guide to Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Here are 5 natural toothpastes with Hydroxyapatite to try. I'm currently using the Grants toothpaste, and my teenage kids are using the Moo Goo. If you have younger children, the Jack n Jill Tooth Sparkles are such a clever idea!
1. Grants Whitening +HA Natural Toothpaste
This Australian-made, vegan formula combines Hydroxyapatite with baking soda and coconut oil for gentle stain removal. Featuring a refreshing mint flavour, it uses naturally sourced non-nano Hydroxyapatite for effective whitening.
Shop Grants Whitening +HA Natural Toothpaste
2. MooGoo Moothpaste Fluoride Free
This Australian-made, vegan toothpaste features vegan Nano-Hydroxyapatite with Xylitol and Stevia for a pleasant taste. Perfect for the whole family.
Shop MooGoo Moothpaste Fluoride Free
3. Davids Toothpaste Sensitive + Whitening Peppermint
Made in the USA and vegan-friendly, this premium formula features Hydroxi™, Davids' proprietary Nano-Hydroxyapatite blend. With refreshing peppermint from pure peppermint oil, designed with sensitive teeth in mind.
Shop Davids Toothpaste Sensitive + Whitening Peppermint
4. Grin Pro Toothpaste Enzyme Whitening Nano-Hydroxyapatite
This innovative formula combines enzyme-rich fruit extracts with sodium bicarbonate and Nano-Hydroxyapatite. Designed to whiten teeth in 14 days whilst remaining gentle enough for daily use.
Shop Grin Pro Toothpaste Enzyme Whitening Nano-Hydroxyapatite
5. Jack n Jill Tooth Sparkles Tooth Cleaning chews with vitamin D & calcium
Australian-made chewable tablets with Hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, Vitamin D, and Xylitol. The strawberry-flavoured chews increase saliva production to neutralise acids. Sugar-free and designed for kids 2+ years.
Leave a comment