Today, mouthwash have become an integral part of many people’s oral health care routine. But what if we told you that there is a specific kind of mouthwash that has been scientifically designed to help you reach an even higher level of oral hygiene?
That product is none other than hydroxyapatite mouthwash. Now, you may wonder what is hydroxyapatite and how can the inclusion of it in mouthwash can improve your overall oral health.
In the rest of this article, we will take a closer look at hydroxyapatite mouthwash, its benefits, and how it can work better than ordinary mouthwash in keeping your teeth and gum healthy. So, if you’re looking for an easy and effective way to boost your oral health, be sure to read on!
What is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a naturally occurring mineral form of calcium apatite. Made up of calcium and phosphate ions, hydroxyapatite crystals forms the basic building blocks of the tooth enamel and bones. In fact, hydroxyapatite make up 65 to 70% of the bone and up to 85% of the enamel.
The structured arrangement of the hydroxyapatite crystals within the bone and enamel provides the necessary strength and hardness.
More than that, hydroxyapatite plays a crucial role in natural bone regeneration when bone loss occurs as it helps to speed up bone-forming cell production and movement. As such, hydroxyapatite-based substance have been adopted in the medical field to stimulate bone growth.
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Hydroxyapatite is also used in oral care products such as toothpastes, mouthwash and tooth gels as it has been shown to remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel. This is done by restoring the lost calcium and phosphates in the enamel which were eroded away due to plaque.
Over the past few years, hydroxyapatite-based oral care products have seen a growth in popularity, particularly among those with tooth sensitivity or other oral health issues.
Hydroxyapatite vs Nano-Hydroxyapatite
Hydroxyapatite is mostly recognized by scientists and doctors in its organic and ‘micro’ form. In contrast, nano-hydroxyapatite is synthetic and are 1,000 times smaller than its micro counterpart.
Nano-hydroxyapatite, which are approximately 50 nanometers (nm) in diameter, are said to be more effective in bonding to plaque due to its increased surface area. Furthermore, nano-hydroxyapatite are able to fill up and repairing nano-sized holes on the enamel’s surface.
A 2014 study have concluded that nano-hydroxyapatite worked better than micro-hydroxyapatite and fluoride in the remineralization of the tooth enamel. A more recent study conducted in 2021 also highlighted the high effectiveness of micro-hydroxyapatite-based oral care products in reducing dentine hypersensitivity.
To conclude, while both micro-hydroxyapatite and nano-hydroxyapatite work well in remineralization, studies have shown that the latter is more effective in restoring the essential minerals that make up the enamel.
Top Hydroxyapatite Mouthwash Recommended by Dentists
Hydroxyapatite-based mouthwash refer to mouthwash that contains nano-hydroxyapatite molecules as an active ingredient. These mouthwashes are similar to most common mouthwashes in taste and smell. However, they are touted to be more effective in remineralizing and strengthening the tooth enamel, as well as in preventing tooth decay.
There are numerous hydroxyapatite mouthwash available in the market. The following are recommended by dentists in American Dental Association (ADA) :
1. Simply Silver Nano-Hydroxyapatite Mouthwash
Simply Silver Mouthwash is an all natural, nano-hydroxyapatite mouthwash that is chemical, alcohol, and fluoride free. The mouthwash also contains 24ppm colloidal silver solution, which is claimed to help boost the immune system and treat infections. The 100% natural ingredients have made simply silver mouthwash a popular choice among people who seek natural mouthwashes.
2. Terra & Co. Gentle Ayurveda Oil Pulling Natural Mouthwash
Terra & Co. Oil Pulling Natural Mouthwash is an all-natural mouthwash that is made from cold pressed neem oil, hemp oil, peppermint oil, prebiotics, and nano-hydroxyapatite. This Ayurvedic mouthwash is not only alcohol and fluoride free but is also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. This makes the mouthwash a great choice among users who suffer from dentin hypersensitivity and are all gluten intolerant.
3. Dr Brite Extreme Whitening Mouthwash
Dr Brite Extreme Whitening Mouthwash contains hydroxyapatite as the key active ingredient. The fresh mint flavored mouthwash is guaranteed to revitalize your breath with a cool, exhilarating, minty fresh taste! What’s more, the mouthwash is gluten-free, sulfate-free, fluroide-free, cruelty-free, and suitable for vegan.
In conclusion, hydroxyapatite mouthwash is a promising oral care product that is designed to repair and strengthen teeth. Its main active ingredient, hydroxyapatite, is similar to the mineral that makes up the majority of tooth enamel. This makes it an effective tool for preventing tooth decay and promoting oral health.
Additionally, hydroxyapatite mouthwash can be used in conjunction with other oral care products, such as toothpaste and floss, to achieve optimal results. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of hydroxyapatite mouthwash, it is a safe and effective option for those looking to improve their oral health. That said, it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with your local dentist before starting any new oral care regimen.
