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Fluoride and hydroxyapatite are essential components in modern dentistry, renowned for their abilities to enhance oral health by fortifying tooth enamel and aiding in remineralization.
While fluoride has been the cornerstone of dental care for decades, credited with reducing cavities and dental sensitivity, hydroxyapatite is gaining attention for its natural composition and biocompatibility, closely mimicking the mineral structure of human teeth.
This article delves into the distinct advantages of both fluoride and hydroxyapatite, examining their roles in preventing tooth decay, reducing sensitivity, and their availability in dental products. By comparing these two vital substances, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of their contributions to maintaining and improving dental health.
Fluoride and hydroxyapatite are both widely used in dentistry for their remineralizing properties and ability to strengthen tooth enamel. Let’s compare their benefits:
Fluoride:
Strengthens tooth enamel: Fluoride helps to remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and acidic foods and drinks.
Prevents tooth decay: Fluoride inhibits the demineralization process by promoting remineralization, which helps prevent the formation of cavities and tooth decay.
Reduces sensitivity: Fluoride can help reduce tooth sensitivity by strengthening enamel and blocking pathways for sensitivity triggers to reach the nerves inside the tooth.
Widely Available: Fluoride is readily available in various forms, including fluoridated toothpaste, mouthwash, professional fluoride treatments, and fluoridated water supplies in many communities.
Toothpastes that contain fluoride:
Colgate, Oral B, Sensodyne, Aquafresh ( this is not an exhaustive list)
Hydroxyapatite:
Natural component of tooth structure: Hydroxyapatite is a mineral form of calcium apatite, which is a major component of tooth enamel. Its similarity to natural tooth mineral makes it biocompatible and potentially effective for remineralizing enamel.
Remineralizes tooth enamel: Hydroxyapatite has been shown to remineralize enamel lesions by depositing minerals back into the tooth structure, helping to repair early stages of tooth decay and strengthen enamel.
Non-toxic and biocompatible: Hydroxyapatite is considered non-toxic and biocompatible, making it suitable for use in dental products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental coatings.
Reduces tooth sensitivity: Hydroxyapatite can help reduce tooth sensitivity by occluding dentinal tubules, which are microscopic channels in the dentin layer of the tooth that transmit pain signals to the nerves.
Toothpastes that contain hydroxyapatite without fluoride:
RiseWell Mineral toothpaste, MooGoo, Gutology, Happy Tooth ( this is not an exhaustive list)
Toothpastes that contain hydroxyapatite with fluoride:
Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair toothpaste
Conclusion
Both fluoride and hydroxyapatite offer significant benefits for dental health, including strengthening tooth enamel, preventing decay, and reducing sensitivity. While fluoride is widely used and supported by extensive research, hydroxyapatite shows promise as a natural alternative with biocompatible properties. Further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effectiveness and potential of hydroxyapatite in dental care.
Our Gromits have become quite the local celebrities here at Evolve 🐾💛
So many of you pop into our patient lounge just to see the collection, and we love how much joy they bring to patients of all ages.
At the moment, two of our Gromits seem to have wandered off on an adventure! We’re hoping they simply need a little help finding their way home.
If you happen to spot them locally or see anything that looks like part of our collection being sold, we’d really appreciate you letting us know. You can message us privately or call the practice.
They’re part of what makes Evolve feel like Evolve — and we’d love to have the whole family back together again.
Thank you for always looking out for us 💛
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😴 Can snoring affect your oral health?
In our latest Two Thirty video, Maggie answers a question many people don’t think to ask — can snoring impact your teeth and gums?
The short answer is yes, it can.
Snoring is often linked to breathing through your mouth at night, which can cause a dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth, so when your mouth is dry, you may be more prone to tooth decay and bad breath.
If you snore and have noticed dryness, increased decay or concerns about your breath, it’s worth mentioning at your next appointment.
Our reception team at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead will be happy to arrange a consultation if you’d like advice.
⏰ Smile hack: When you brush matters
Did you know it’s not just how long you brush — but when you brush — that makes a difference? Maggie shares an important smile hack about timing your toothbrushing properly.
Brushing straight after eating — especially after acidic foods or drinks like fruit, juice or coffee — can actually do more harm than good. Your enamel is slightly softened, and brushing immediately can cause wear.
Maggie explains the best time to brush and why waiting can help protect your teeth long term.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference to your oral health.
How do braces actually work? 🤔
In the latest video from our Two Thirty series, Lisa explains exactly how braces move teeth — and why treatment takes time.
If you’ve ever wondered how gentle pressure can gradually straighten your smile, or what’s happening behind the scenes during orthodontic treatment, this short video breaks it down in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding the process can make the journey feel much more reassuring.
Watch the full video now and, if you have questions about braces, our reception team will be happy to help you book a consultation at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead.
Have you got an old filling on a front tooth that’s starting to discolour?
Andrea recently visited us to have a stained filling replaced by Richard — and she’s absolutely thrilled with the result.
In her video, she talks about how the old filling had become noticeable over time and how much fresher and more natural her smile looks now.
Sometimes it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference to your confidence.
If you’re unhappy with an old filling, contact our reception team to book a consultation and explore your options.
Thinking about improving your smile but not sure what SmileFast actually involves?
Richard Ford has recorded a short video explaining how the SmileFast process works and the benefits of treatment.
From digital smile design through to the final result, SmileFast offers a minimally invasive way to enhance chipped, worn or uneven teeth — with predictable, natural-looking outcomes.
If you’ve been curious about composite bonding or want to understand your options, this is a great place to start.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel and contact our reception team if you’d like to book a consultation.
