Long before any of us were born, the truest of innovations hit the dental practice: fluoride. This mineral that was found in abundance among earth materials had the ability to prevent the teeth from decaying. Today, fluoride is found just about everywhere. In almost all toothpaste. In our water supply. And even at some schools in poor communities, where dental challenges have resulted in public health campaigns involving in-school fluoride mouth rinse programs.

But as transformative as the introduction of fluoride has been, not everyone is sold. While the topic is much too broad to cover in this article alone, the main gist is that some people worry about the adverse health Effects caused by fluoride, namely negative impacts on the body's organs and glands, and its potential role as a carcinogen.

While we're not here to debate the merits or downfalls of fluoride, we want to discuss fluoride alternatives for those who are looking for an alternative that will still maintain their oral health.

Hydroxyapatite toothpastes are quickly becoming the go-to option for the fluoride-free crowd. Used in Asia for decades, this option is widely recognized for its ability to essentially "rebuild" tooth structure. Hydroxyapatite, after all, is the majority of the substance that makes up your teeth naturally already!

How does it work?

Well, as your teeth get exposed to acidic substances, they are slowly worn down over time. This leads to decay, causing cavities. By using hydroxyapatite, not only does the substance fight cavities but it also repairs enamel. In addition, it adds in mineral supplements to after being left on the teeth.

So is hydroxyapatite the end-all-be-all?

That's hard to say, but it is a great fluoride substitute for those who are reluctant to use fluoride. If you're curious about trying some out, consider Risewell or Boka as brands that we like at Lake Park Dental. Let us know what you think!