NASA developed it in the 1970s to help astronauts rebuild tooth mineral. Now it's in our toothpaste.
One of the most exciting things about working in this toxin-free space is watching it evolve. Every so often a new discovery comes along that really rivals mainstream products, and I love it when that happens. This is what's happening right now in the world of natural toothpaste, with a mineral called Hydroxyapatite.
I wish I could take full credit for being at the leading edge of discovering this new ingredient but it was actually my customers who alerted me about it. Up until recently I didn't think anything could top my Weleda Salt toothpaste, it's been my favourite toothpaste forever. But they kept asking me to stock hydroxyapatite toothpaste, so I did my strict ingredient check and ordered in some brands and now we are packing a tube of Hydroxyapatite toothpaste in almost every order.
What is hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up around 97% of our tooth enamel and most of the mineral content in our bones. It's a calcium phosphate compound, and the calcium and phosphate that build it are found right through the body, including in our saliva. Because it's already part of us, it's highly biocompatible, which means the body recognises it and puts it straight to work supporting tooth structure.
Interestingly, it's use in dental care has been around for a while. NASA developed a synthetic version in the 1970s to help astronauts rebuild tooth mineral they were losing in zero gravity. Then in the 1980s a Japanese company saw the commercial potential for teeth, and the world's first hydroxyapatite toothpaste was launched.
The benefits of hydroxyapatite in toothpaste
Hydroxyapatite is known for its ability to remineralise teeth, restore enamel and gently brighten. It works by depositing mineral into the tiny defects on the enamel surface, which may help repair early wear and ease sensitivity.
And there's actual research to back this up. A 2019 study in BDJ Open found that 10% hydroxyapatite toothpaste performed comparably to low-dose fluoride for remineralising early-stage enamel. If you're at high risk of cavities or have specific dental concerns though, chat to your dentist about what's right for you.
Nano vs non-nano hydroxyapatite
First, the basics. Hydroxyapatite can come from animal sources, minerals, or even coconut, or be made in a lab, and from a toxin-free point of view it gets the best possible safety rating from the Environmental Working Group.
You may have also seen hydroxyapatite referred to as nano or non-nano, which relates to the particle size. Nano anything can raise a red flag, but the nano used by the brands we sell at Clean Nectarine is a specific rod-shaped form that's been strictly assessed as safe for oral care by the SCCS, the independent body that advises the European Commission. To keep things simple, only non-nano hydroxyapatite earns the full three nectarine rating.
Natural toothpastes with hydroxyapatite
We use the Grants Whitening +HA in our family. If you want to give it a go, here are my five best sellers.
1. Grants Whitening +HA Natural Toothpaste
An Australian-made, vegan and preservative-free whitening toothpaste using non-nano mineral hydroxyapatite combined with baking soda and coconut oil, with a refreshing mint flavour.
2. MooGoo Whitening Peppermint Moothpaste
Combines non-nano vegan hydroxyapatite with theobromine, a compound from the cocoa plant, which work together to help remineralise teeth and fill in tiny surface cracks and scratches.
3. MooGoo Sensitive Moothpaste
This is made for sensitive teeth, and uses the rod-shaped nano hydroxyapatite (60nm), the form assessed as safe for oral care by the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. MooGoo uses this smaller particle size to reach into the dentinal tubules and help calm those hot-and-cold zings.
4. Jack n Jill Tooth Sparkles
A fun, chewable option for kids. These strawberry-flavoured tablets are suitable for children aged two and up, and use non-nano, calcium-sourced hydroxyapatite along with vitamin D.
5. Grin Pro Toothpaste Enzyme Whitening
An enzyme-based whitening formula for adults and teenagers. It uses rod-shaped nano hydroxyapatite (under 100nm), the SCCS-assessed-safe form, alongside fruit extracts and baking soda to gently whiten and support enamel health.
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