Newswise — Brushing twice a day not only keeps the dentist away but also plays a crucial role in maintaining clean teeth and preventing potential medical issues that can arise from poor dental health. While most toothpaste currently on the market contains fluoride, a powerful tool for oral hygiene, there are concerns about its potential health risks, particularly for children who may swallow excessive amounts of fluoride when using toothpaste. To address these concerns, researchers worldwide, along with Polish clinicians, have conducted studies to explore alternative solutions.
One such promising alternative is hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which has been identified by a team of international scientists and Polish clinicians. This toothpaste has proven to be just as effective as fluoride toothpaste in protecting against cavities while being considered safe for daily use. Professor Elzbieta Paszynska from the Poznan University of Medical Sciences, co-principal investigator, and corresponding author of a study published in Frontiers in Public Health, affirms that hydroxyapatite offers a reliable and secure substitute for fluoride in preventing caries.
In summary, by embracing innovations like hydroxyapatite toothpaste, we can enhance our dental care routine and ensure better oral health, without compromising on effectiveness or safety.
Minimally invasive dentistry
Hydroxyapatite, a calcium phosphate mineral naturally found in the skeleton, has a proven track record of safety for human consumption and has shown potential benefits for oral health, particularly in addressing conditions like periodontitis. It offers a dual advantage in oral care by both inhibiting the demineralization of teeth, a critical step in cavity formation, and promoting remineralization, which strengthens damaged tooth surfaces.
Professor Elzbieta Paszynska elaborated on the concept of "minimally invasive dentistry," emphasizing the preservation of as much natural tooth tissue as possible, even in cases of initial caries that exhibit the ability to remineralize. Leveraging remineralization compounds, such as hydroxyapatite, can potentially reduce the need for invasive treatments involving drilling.
To examine the broader applicability of hydroxyapatite toothpaste beyond specific dental conditions, the clinicians conducted an 18-month double-blind randomized clinical trial involving 189 adults aged 18-45. The primary objective was to observe all participants throughout the study without an increase in cavities.
Of the 171 patients who completed the trial, they were evenly divided into two groups: one used hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and the other used fluoridated toothpaste as a control. All participants had at least ten cavity-free teeth, were willing to use electric toothbrushes, and had no existing dental issues requiring treatment. The trial provided them with electric toothbrushes and replacement heads, along with toothpaste in neutral packaging containing either hydroxyapatite or fluoride, without disclosing the contents to patients or examiners. Throughout the study, no other oral care products were used, and patients were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily, for three minutes each time, following meals, but without altering their diets.
As Paszynska clarified, the trial did not monitor the participants' diets as its primary focus was to investigate the efficacy of the two toothpastes rather than the influence of diet on cavity progression.
In conclusion, hydroxyapatite presents a promising alternative in dental care, demonstrating its potential to benefit a broader population by supporting remineralization and potentially reducing the need for invasive dental interventions. The clinical trial's results indicate that hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be a valuable addition to oral care routines for maintaining healthy teeth.
Hydroxyapatite equally effective
During the trial, participants underwent regular check-ups every six months, during which they visited the clinicians for dental examinations and received a fresh supply of toothpaste. The clinicians visually examined their teeth and used a DIAGNOcam device to detect any early-stage cavities, indicated by shadows. Additionally, a plaque disclosing solution was employed to assess the cleanliness of their teeth. Throughout each stage of the trial, the researchers ensured consistency among patients, closely monitored patient safety at every appointment, and vigilantly looked for any unforeseen side effects.
Upon completion of the trial, the scientists made a noteworthy discovery: nearly 90% of patients in both the hydroxyapatite toothpaste group and the fluoride toothpaste control group remained cavity-free without any new cavities. The efficacy of the two toothpastes showed no statistical difference; both were equally effective in preventing cavities.
Professor Elzbieta Paszynska highlighted that previously published clinical trials had also demonstrated the caries-preventing benefits of hydroxyapatite, particularly in at-risk groups like children and patients undergoing orthodontic therapy. The new clinical trial confirmed that hydroxyapatite is just as effective in preventing dental caries in adults, a significant finding from a public health perspective.
In conclusion, the trial's results emphasize the effectiveness and safety of hydroxyapatite toothpaste, making it a valuable alternative for maintaining dental health, not only for adults but also for various age groups and populations.
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