Fluoride or Nano Hydroxyapatite: Which is Best for You?

Fluoride has been a staple in oral care products for decades, and for good reason. It’s proven to strengthen enamel and protect against decay, making it a go-to option for both dentists and their patients. But in recent few years, there’s been a growing interest in nano hydroxyapatite, an alternative to fluoride that offers natural remineralization.

Many patients are curious about nano hydroxyapatite and if it’s actually a better option than the tried and true fluoride they’ve aways relied on. The truth is, both nano hydroxyapatite and fluoride offer powerful protection, but it can be difficult to decide which is best for you—especially if you don’t know much about nano hydroxyapatite and how it works.

Dr. Danny Moosa and the team at Parkway Family Dental can go over both options to help you determine if it’s best to stick with fluoride or switch to nano hydroxyapatite. They can answer any questions you have and provide the guidance you need to make the best decision. The Polaris, Ohio, based team is committed to providing comprehensive care, and that includes helping you find home care products that work best for you.

Why Fluoride is Always a Great Option

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in water, soil and various foods. It strengthens tooth enamel by remineralizing it, providing protection from the sugar and acid that builds up in your mouth. How? Fluoride interacts with the calcium and phosphate ions in your saliva, with the three combining to provide a layer of protection. The trio strengthen your teeth and keep bacteria at bay, making you less likely to develop cavities.

Fluoride can be found in many, many oral care products from toothpaste to mouthwash. It’s also affordable, making it an easy option to leverage in the fight against tooth decay. If you’re not sure what to get, Dr. Moosa and his Polaris, Ohio, based team can provide recommendations.  

Of course, some patients have concerns with fluoride. For example, in the past, too much fluoride could lead to tooth discoloration, especially in children. Thankfully, with the dose being controlled, that’s no longer an issue.

Bottom line: Fluoride is a solid option for protecting your teeth from cavities and strengthening your enamel, with plenty of research to back it up.

The New Kid on the Block: Nano Hydroxyapatite

What makes nano hydroxyapatite different? For starters, hydroxyapatite is a natural form of calcium that’s found in your teeth. That means it protects and strengthens by actually integrating into the tooth. It fills in the tiny gaps in your enamel as you brush or rinse, restoring tooth structure along the way. Nano hydroxyapatite comes in smaller particles, and that makes it even more effective.

Nano hydroxyapatite is an attractive option that offers natural tooth remineralization. It is also biocompatible and non-toxic, so staining from overuse isn’t a concern. Sensitivity also isn’t an issue, and because nano hydroxyapatite is a natural whitener, you might even end up with a brighter smile.

OK, so what’s the catch? Nano hydroxyapatite is still pretty new, so it could be difficult to find home care products that have it. And when you do, you’ll likely pay a little more for those products. The biggest drawback, though, is it doesn’t have the same type of research behind it as fluoride, though early studies indicate it’s a safe, effective alternative.

You Can’t Go Wrong

Ultimately, both fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite are excellent for strengthening your enamel and protecting your teeth from cavities. It just comes down to what’s most important to you. Fluoride has a proven track record and is widely available, while nano hydroxyapatite is a natural alternative with a lot less research to support it (though early studies are promising).

The good news is you don’t have to decide between the two on your own. Dr. Moosa and his team at Parkway Family Dental can walk you through the pros and cons of each option.  They can even recommend products they know and trust, so you don’t have to spend time scouring the aisles for the best fluoride or nano hydroxyapatite containing products.

Have questions about fluoride or nano hydroxyapatite? The team at Parkway Family Dental in Columbus, Ohio, can help. Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Moosa at his Polaris office today.