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When NASA noticed astronauts were losing essential minerals in space, they started prescribing hydroxyapatite supplementation. A Japanese company picked up on this, and in the 1970s released a commercial toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite. Recently, a toothpaste brand in the USA has also jumped on the bandwagon, and today Dr. B answers two questions about why this is a great prospect! Tune in to hear how hydroxyapatite works on teeth (and bones), why it’s better than fluoride, and where you can find it. Dr. B breaks down complicated chemistry into a simple explanation that makes the benefits of hydroxyapatite clear. From whether nano- or micro-particles are better, to how the state of the mouth affects its efficacy, you don’t want to miss out on this educational episode! Join us today to get the details on two of Dr. B’s favorite studies, why you shouldn’t be concerned about absorbing hydroxyapatite, and so much more!
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Key Points From This Episode:
- An introduction to today’s questions: “What’s the natural size and shape of hydroxyapatite in our saliva, would having the most biomimetic size and shape in toothpaste make it more effective?”
- What biomimetic substances are, and why Dr. B supports them
- How calcium is a building block of the body
- The functions of essential nutrients like hydroxyapatite
- What the difference is between nano and micro-sized particles
- Why both nano and micro-sized hydroxyapatite particles are safe for use: how they get broken down in the body
- The history of calcium-phosphate based materials in human health and modern medicine
- How hydroxyapatite was introduced into toothpaste: from NASA to Sangi
- The difference between fluoride and hydroxyapatite in enamel repair
- Why hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are better than microparticles in toothpaste
- Two of Dr. B’s favorite studies on hydroxyapatite in human health
How to Submit Your Question:
Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
The Biomimetic Approach to Design Apatites for Nanobiotechnological Applications
Ask the Dentist: Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: What It Is, Benefits, & Best Brands
Ask the Dentist: Boka Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Functional Dentistry: Everything You Need to Know
The future of dentistry is functional. Here’s Why
Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist
Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist
Podcast Episode #34: What’s The Future of Functional Dentistry?