A recent study from Polish researchers has revealed some exciting news about toothpaste. They’ve developed a new formula without fluoride that works just as well as traditional fluoride toothpaste in preventing cavities. The secret ingredient? Hydroxyapatite, a mineral already known for helping with dental issues like sensitivity and periodontitis.
This new toothpaste was tested in a clinical trial lasting 18 months, and the results were impressive. People who used hydroxyapatite toothpaste were just as likely to stay cavity-free as those who used fluoride toothpaste.
The research, published in Frontiers in Public Health, was carried out by a team of scientists from Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland. The study was funded by Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG and Poznan University.
Hydroxyapatite: The Tooth-Friendly Mineral
Hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral found in bones and teeth. It's already known for its ability to support dental health by stopping the damage that can lead to cavities. It also helps rebuild tooth surfaces that have been weakened.
Professor Elzbieta Paszynska, a lead researcher in the study, explained that hydroxyapatite is safe and effective for daily use. It’s a great alternative to fluoride, especially since some people may have concerns about fluoride, like young children who tend to swallow toothpaste.
How the Study Worked
The study included 189 adults between the ages of 18 and 45, all with healthy teeth. They were split into two groups. One group used fluoride toothpaste, while the other used hydroxyapatite toothpaste. They all brushed twice a day for 18 months using electric toothbrushes provided by the researchers. The participants didn’t change their diet or use other dental products during the trial.
Every six months, the participants visited the clinic for check-ups, and their teeth were examined for cavities. The researchers found that almost 90% of people in both groups had no new cavities by the end of the study.
Why This Matters
The results of this study are important because they show that hydroxyapatite toothpaste could be a great alternative for people who prefer to avoid fluoride, without sacrificing dental health. Plus, it supports the trend of "minimally invasive dentistry," which focuses on preserving natural tooth material and preventing major dental procedures.
If you’re looking for a fluoride-free toothpaste that still keeps your teeth healthy, hydroxyapatite might just be the answer. It’s safe, effective, and now proven to help prevent cavities just like fluoride toothpaste.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpu…
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