What is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite is the main component that makes up the bones and teeth of animals and humans. It makes up 65-70% of bone, and 80-90%+ of teeth. Hydroxyapatite itself is made up of 10 parts Calcium and 6 parts Phosphorus, and a little Oxygen and hydrogen as well.
What does it do?
- Remineralize
Since Hydroxyapatite is the same material our teeth is made up of, it is exactly what your teeth need to rebuild, protect and thrive. And because it's bioavailability is so high, the body can easily and quickly absorb and utilize it.
It just makes sense when thinking in terms of logic, nature, harmony, evolution, and our ancestors. What would a hunter-gatherer instinctively feel is the best way to support their bone-like teeth? More bone. And the science backs it up as well.
- Whiten
Hydroxyapatite acts as a filler, repairing minute pits and fissure in the enamel surface, which creates a smoother and glossier enamel, and prevents the build up of plaque and stains at these sites.
It also restores translucency, which enhances the whiteness of teeth. It is hydroxyapatite that gives teeth it's bright white look, so of course it would be the most effective option to whiten.
Types of Hydroxyapatite
- Nano-hydroxyapatite
Most companies that are competent enough to be aware of hydroxyapatite as an ingredient at all, unfortunately use a type called Nano-hydroxyapatite. This is the synthetic version, and it is the cheaper option.
In addition, the particles are incredibly small in this Nano version. While this may seem good, it does not improve it's effectiveness, and it makes it so that it's automatically absorbed into the blood stream.
On top of that, the safety testing on the Nano version of hydroxyapatite is minimal to none. So, all in all, it doesn't make any sense to use it.
- Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite(MCHA)
MIcrocrystalline Hydroxyapatite means that the particles are small enough(micro) in size to penetrate the saliva and teeth and be effective(but not small enough to be dangerous), and that it's in a crystal form.
Our teeth are quite literally living crystals, so this form is perfect for it's purpose. It can also be derived naturally, unlike the Nano version.
To top it all off, we use Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite that is sourced from grass-fed/finished, pasture raised Australian Bovine.
And oh yeah, it's the most abundant ingredient in our toothpaste. Not tenth on the list after a bunch of synthetic filler.