Almost all the toothpastes currently on the market contain fluoride: this natural mineral strengthens the teeth, fights against decalcification and prevents the appearance of cavities.
Yes, but here it is: in children (who tend to swallow toothpaste when brushing their teeth…), fluoride can be responsible for health problems – there is in particular a risk of fluoride poisoning.
To limit the risks, dental surgeons therefore recommend that parents put only a small amount of toothpaste on their children’s toothbrushes – which can affect oral hygiene.
Hydroxyapatite, a natural and harmless mineral
Researchers at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences (in Poland) may have found a way out of the impasse: Polish scientists have developed a toothpaste based on hydroxyapatite. This mineral (a calcium phosphate) is found naturally in our skeleton: safe for human health, it fights bone demineralization, strengthens teeth and prevents cavities.
To test the effectiveness of their “healthy” toothpaste, the Polish researchers recruited 171 volunteers aged 18 to 45, whom they then divided into two groups: participants in group 1 had to brush their teeth 2 times a day for 3 minutes with hydroxyapatite toothpaste, while those in group 2 could keep their usual fluoride toothpaste.
Verdict? After 18 months (with check-ups every 6 months at the dentist), the scientists concluded that their hydroxyapatite toothpaste was as effective as “classic” fluoride toothpaste in preventing the development of cavities. A healthy alternative that we hope to see in stores soon!
Source : Frontiers in Public Health
