Fluoride has long been used as a cavity-fighting agent. However, in recent times, it has come under fire. Although medical professionals and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) see fluoride as a cost-effective and beneficial ingredient to preventing cavities and supporting healthy teeth and gums, lawmakers are telling the CDC to stop recommending fluoridation for drinking water in communities, and it has even been banned in Utah as of May 7, 2025.
Although controversial, these moves can make accessing fluoride in dental products challenging. So what’s the alternative? Hydroxyapatite toothpaste may be a viable solution.
This article will answer the question, “What is hydroxyapatite,” and explain how it can benefit dental health.
The Problem with Fluoride
The CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Dental Association (ADA) all support fluoride as an effective and safe way to maintain dental health. It naturally occurs in drinking water, making it an affordable solution. The mineral may be the only oral health protection for families who can’t afford regular dental visits. However, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump, believes that fluoride is industrial waste and a possible carcinogen. Some studies have also suggested it may be linked to lower IQ rates. Although the potentially harmful impacts of fluoride are not clinically proven and based on only a handful of studies, the relevant research has had a significant effect, leading Utah to ban fluoride, with Florida and Ohio considering similar legislation. Individuals have varying opinions on fluoride, but regardless of which side of the coin you fall on, the current political climate could make the mineral less accessible. You must consider your alternatives for a healthy cavity-fighting agent. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste could be the solution.What is Hydroxyapatite?
When considering the answers to the question, “What is hydroxyapatite,” there are several details to consider. Hydroxyapatite is a calcium-phosphate mineral that supports the structural hardness and integrity of bones and teeth. It can be made synthetically from chemical salts. However, synthetic processes can lower calcium levels. Purer forms of the mineral can be extracted from coral, seashells, bovine bone, and eggshells. The mineral is often added to toothpaste to prevent cavities and reduce tooth sensitivity. It has also been used as an implant in bone and dental surgeries. Hydroxyapatite may also be taken as a supplement to help slow the progression of osteoporosis. Hydroxyapatite reduces bone resorption, the body’s process of breaking down bones to ensure sufficient calcium in the blood. It contributes to bone mineral density and stronger bones. A 2021 study supported the efficacy of hydroxyapatite toothpaste, comparing it to fluoride toothpaste. 2022 research also noted its benefits as a dental health aid. Still, it focused on issues of concern, including the prevalence of synthetic hydroxyapatite, which may contain impurities and undergo high degradation. However, these issues are more significant in hydroxyapatite-related surgeries than the minerals’ dental health benefits.What is the Best Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste?
The future of fluoride toothpaste is unclear. In the meantime, many manufacturers are preparing for a potential update in dental health regulations by offering hydroxyapatite toothpaste products. But which is the best hydroxyapatite toothpaste? RiseWell, a leading beauty and personal care brand, offers formulas to support dental health in children and adults.- RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste: The hydroxyapatite-based mineral toothpaste from RiseWell is clean, safe, and effective at strengthening, mineralizing, and protecting teeth.
- RiseWell Kids Mineral Toothpaste: This version offers the same benefits as the RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste, but it is kid-friendly and has a delicious cake batter flavor.
