hydroxyapatite vs fluoride: which one wins for little smiles?
Did you know there’s a superhero ingredient that can remineralize your child’s teeth from the inside out? Hydroxyapatite (also known as nano-hydroxyapatite or n-ha) is ready to step into the oral care spotlight after years of fluoride stealing the show. Hydroxyapatite is an incredible mineral that already makes up most of our teeth and bones. It works as a repair tool to remineralize your (and your little one’s) enamel without many of the risks that come with fluoride. Our proprietary blend of nano-hydroxyapatite with naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients, called Hydroxi™, is safe, non-toxic, and lab-tested. And all photo and data evidence from the lab reveal: Hydroxi™ is extremely effective at repairing and remineralizing enamel. It even outperformed some of the most popular sensitive toothpaste formulas! In honor of hydroxyapatite's claim to fame and the power of Hydroxi™, let’s explore hydroxyapatite vs fluoride, why we prefer hydroxyapatite for kids, and how it’s changing the oral care game. Because when it comes to your child’s smile, you deserve a solution that makes you smile too! hydroxyapatite vs fluoride: what’s the deal? Enter the great oral care debate: hydroxyapatite vs fluoride. What are these two ingredients, and how are they different? To start, fluoride and hydroxyapatite are both naturally occurring minerals that bring important positive powers to the world of oral health. Fluoride exists in your bones and teeth in trace amounts. When you use fluoride through your oral care, it promotes your body’s natural remineralization process, but it doesn’t operate at the core of the remineralization process the way hydroxyapatite does. Hydroxyapatite already makes up about 65–70% of your bones and 95-97% of your enamel. When you use hydroxyapatite through your oral care routine, it’s able to bond and integrate with the hydroxyapatite that already exists in your teeth. To explain this to your little ones, you can say the hydroxyapatite in your toothpaste wiggles its way into the enamel....filling, hugging, and sticking to the spots that need it most for extra support! As you can see, both fluoride and hydroxyapatite can be beneficial. So let’s travel back in time to see how these two get pitted against each other in the oral care world. Fluoride entered the scene back in 1945 when a US city started adding it to drinking water in hopes of reducing tooth decay. It worked! Since then, it’s been the go-to remineralizing ingredient in US oral care, which is why the American Dental Association will only approve toothpaste that contains fluoride. Hydroxyapatite, on the other hand, was a little late to the oral care party. In 1970, NASA started using hydroxyapatite to help astronauts regain strength in their bones and teeth. It worked too! After that, Japan started using nano-hydroxyapatite in toothpaste, and it’s remained their go-to remineralizing ingredient ever since. Because these two have been so popular and effective in oral care routines worldwide (and nano-hydroxyapatite has recently become more popular in fluoride-dominated markets), the great hydroxyapatite vs fluoride debate remains a hot topic. Now that we’ve covered some of the history, let’s dive into which one we prefer for kids toothpaste. fluoride: friend or foe for kids? When it comes to kids toothpaste, many parents start to question fluoride…no matter how much it promotes remineralization. Can you relate? After all, little ones are very prone to swallowing toothpaste while they brush....and every fluoride toothpaste comes with this warning: “Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.” We agree that this isn’t a very comforting message to find on your little one’s toothpaste (or your own)! It reaffirms the fact that fluoride can be toxic in large doses. It’s important to note that you can only typically reach this “dose” if you’re getting too much fluoride from multiple sources, such as drinking water and oral care products. But when it comes to little ones, swallowing that flavorful fluoride toothpaste can pose some concerns. That’s why we lean more towards fluoride being a foe for kids toothpaste. We prefer fluoride-free hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids. hydroxyapatite swoops in for strong enamel Because hydroxyapatite already makes up the foundation of your teeth and bones, those tiny hydroxyapatite particles in your toothpaste feel at home when they hit your enamel. Unlike fluoride, hydroxyapatite is: biocompatible: meaning hydroxyapatite will do its job without causing any unplanned side effects when it comes in contact with your body non-toxic: meaning hydroxyapatite also doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. This is great news for you and your little ones! On top of that, research has found that it’s just as effective (if not more effective) than fluoride when it comes to remineralizing enamel! Here are a few examples that show the safety and efficacy of hydroxyapatite. Compared to two fluoride toothpastes in this 2019 study, researchers confirmed that hydroxyapatite is a safe, effective substitute. This 2019 study found that hydroxyapatite is equal to fluoride in remineralizing enamel and preventing demineralization…and might be the safer alternative. This 2022 study confirms that hydroxyapatite products are a safe alternative to fluoride, especially for young kids at risk of fluoride overexposure. The science speaks for itself! what makes Davids hydroxyapatite, Hydroxi™, different? At Davids, we came up with our very own secret blend of hydroxyapatite mixed with other incredible ingredients, which we nicknamed Hydroxi™. We love that nano-hydroxyapatite is gaining so much more popularity in the oral care world, but it’s important to note that not all hydroxyapatite toothpaste is created equal! We gave ours a name to portray just how much it stands out from the competition. Here are a few ways Hydroxi™ shines among its peers. special formula: Hydroxi™ is made with nano-hydroxyapatite of a specific concentration and purity level to deliver superior results in enamel repair and sensitivity relief. lab-tested superior results: these “superior results” have been put to the test by a trusted third-party lab. After five days of brushing twice per day, Hydroxi™ effectively repaired enamel better than some very popular competing sensitive toothpaste products. paired with incredible ingredients: our nano-hydroxyapatite works alongside ingredients like xylitol, glycerin, baking soda, peppermint essential oils, and beyond to deliver even more awesome benefits for your mouth and teeth. We have two incredible flavors of adult + kids toothpaste formulated with Hydroxi™. Grab a few tubes of our natural peppermint and mouthwatering orange vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste to nurture fresh, healthy smiles for the whole family. buy now.
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tooth be told: five surprising culprits and solutions every parent should know
When it comes to your child’s smile, there’s so much to think about to protect their oral health during these critical years…even beyond brushing and flossing. From sneaky sugars hiding in healthy snacks to surprising habits that can weaken enamel, tooth troubles can sometimes start with habits and things you least expect. Luckily, understanding these common (yet surprising) culprits can help you take proactive steps to protect your kids oral health. Let’s explore five sneaky culprits and how you can avoid them…with the help of our kids toothpaste, of course! 1: sneaky sugars and acids in healthy snacks While avoiding sugary drinks and candy might seem obvious, sometimes it’s the healthy, whole-food snacks that can sneakily impact your child’s teeth. Sugary, sticky snacks like dried fruit, fruit snacks, granola bars, flavored yogurts, and more often contain lots of sugar that can bind to their enamel. Not only do these sticky, gooey foods stick to their teeth….they also trap bacteria. This gives bacteria a prime place to thrive and weaken your little one’s enamel. To promote oral care for kids, we recommend they rinse their mouths (at the very least) or brush their teeth with kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste after consuming these sticky, sugary snacks. We also encourage you to examine nutrition labels, check out the sugar content, and swap for better options like real fibrous fruit (crunchy fruits often have a “scrubby” effect), nuts, and cheese. 2: skipping water after meals We place so much emphasis on flossing and brushing with kids toothpaste, but the truth is that the “in-between” time is just as important when it comes to oral care for kids. Drinking water, especially during and after meals, can help to flush bad bacteria, food, debris, and acids from your little one’s teeth. Adequate water intake also works to prevent dry mouth, a condition that allows bacteria to flourish more than usual. Did you know that more than half of all children and adolescents in America are not hydrated enough? Without drinking enough water, food particles, acids, and sugar can linger on your kid’s teeth, which can increase the risk of plaque buildup and enamel damage. To avoid this, we recommend leading by example and staying on top of your own hydration! You can also incentivize your little ones to maintain healthy hydration habits by giving them a fun reusable water bottle. Make water their go-to drink throughout the day and save sodas, juices, and sweetened milks for special occasions. 3: pacifiers, sippy cups, and thumb sucking Research shows that prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, and drinking from sippy cups can lead to many kids oral health complications down the road. These complications can include poor jaw development, crooked teeth, a bad/misaligned bite, a narrow palate, and more. How old is too old for thumb-sucking? This study found that the most significant problems occur when children continue to suck their thumb or pacifier beyond four years old. Most little ones will naturally grow out of thumb-sucking between ages two and four. But if they show no signs of stopping around three years old, dental professionals recommend stepping in to stop the habit. Whether it’s a thumb, pacifier, or sippy cup, when the time comes to “step in”, we have a few recommendations to help them wean. You can try keeping track of triggers, implementing a reward system (like introducing a new fun kids toothpaste flavor), using open “big kid” cups, replacing the habit with a toy they can squeeze or fidget with, or in difficult cases…resorting to gloves. You can also try enlisting help from a dental professional to reason with them (we know reasoning with a little one is easier said than done). Whatever approach you choose, don’t give up! When it comes to oral care for kids, these early years and habits are critical to their long-term oral and overall health. 4: warm milk at bedtime Warm milk before bed is a soothing tradition that dates back thousands of years! While milk has many mental and physical benefits for growing kids that extend far beyond sleep, it also has pretty substantial sugar content. Giving them milk before bed (especially after they’ve brushed their teeth) or giving them a bottle of milk to take to bed allows sugar to linger on their teeth all night long. These sugars feed bad bacteria, which can lead to plaque buildup and enamel erosion. To avoid this, try giving them water before bed (and solidifying this habit early) and brushing their teeth with kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste to help remineralize their enamel. All of our kids toothpaste formulas are made with intentional ingredients that fight bacteria, scrub their teeth, and nurture their oral and overall health. Our kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste contains added nano-hydroxyapatite particles to replenish essential minerals in their enamel, from the inside out. 5: brushing too hard (or with the wrong toothpaste) It’s easy for little ones to think that aggressive brushing will clean their teeth better, but it can actually lead to enamel and gum damage. On the same note, using kids toothpaste that’s too abrasive or full of chemicals can harm their vulnerable mouths too. To avoid this, try explaining to your kid(s) that aggressive brushing is harmful….just like if they brush their hair too aggressively! Instead, encourage them to focus on small, gentle, circular motions on every individual tooth. We also recommend getting them a safe and effective kids toothpaste from our lineup. Our kids toothpaste options are formulated with gentle, effective ingredients that fall well within the ADA’s safe recommendations for Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA). On top of that, our toothpastes are made with ingredients that are sourced and derived from nature. Our formulas do not contain fluoride, sulfates, animal-derived ingredients, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. With options like our mild mint toothpaste, orange vanilla kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and strawberry watermelon toothpaste…you can find a fun flavor that you and your little one(s) can enjoy for years to come. buy now.
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big moments for little teeth and how our kids toothpaste can help
From the excitement of seeing that first tooth to the overwhelm of keeping up with their dental and orthodontic health, each little-tooth milestone marks a new chapter in your child’s growth. While these stages can bring challenges, they are also filled with opportunities to build lasting habits and set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. To help you on the journey, we’re brushing up on some important dental milestones for your little ones and how our lineup of kids toothpaste can help you breeze through some of these big moments. the first tooth: arrival and care Your baby is born with teeth just below the gumline, and they’ll make their first appearance between 6-12 months (on average). This milestone is an exciting sign to take your little one to their first dental appointment! The dentist can inspect the baby's teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure healthy development. They might also recommend care plans, general advice, tips to soothe teething, and answers to your questions about nutrition, pacifier use, and more. It’s typically recommended to brush baby teeth as soon as they appear, so you can ensure bacteria and plaque don’t build up on your baby’s new pearly whites. Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small bit of kids toothpaste for two minutes. Be sure to check out our selection of kids toothpaste, including our strawberry watermelon premium toothpaste, mild mint toothpaste, and orange vanilla kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste. preschool years: building a brushing routine During preschool years, kids start to become more independent with their brushing routine. This is a critical milestone to solidify good oral care habits, including flossing. We recommend introducing our expanding floss into their routine....it's a gentle and sustainable option they can continue to use through adulthood. Not to mention, it’s infused with vegan wax, cocoa butter, and nano-hydroxyapatite particles for a smooth glide and a daily dose of remineralization to nurture healthy enamel in the tightest crevices. We know it’s hard to keep your little ones on top of their oral care routine, so we compiled this list of tips to engage them and spark excitement. One way to keep them excited is to try different fun flavors of kids toothpaste. From orange vanilla to strawberry watermelon, explore which flavor of Davids they like best! losing baby teeth: a rite of passage On average, children start losing baby teeth around age 6. The front teeth and surrounding teeth are typically the first to go, followed by canines and molars in coming years. By age 13, most children will have a full set of permanent teeth. A couple of exciting things happen in the long-stretching milestone of losing baby teeth! Your little ones get introduced to the tooth fairy and their permanent adult teeth for the first time. This is a perfect opportunity to encourage healthy oral care habits. Be sure to remind your kids that the tooth fairy loves sparkling clean teeth and awards accordingly! This can help them hone their brushing and flossing skills, and inspire the tooth fairy to leave special notes telling them how good they’re doing. You never know, the tooth fairy might even award them with a new tube of mild mint toothpaste of kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste! permanent teeth: long-term care Most children will have a full set of permanent teeth between ages 11-13, and this is a very important time to continue proper oral care for kids. We’ve outlined some of our top tips to establish good dental habits early, paving the way for their long-term oral health. brush daily with our kids toothpaste: our mild mint toothpaste, orange vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and strawberry watermelon toothpaste are all made with thoughtful ingredients for you and your little ones. They’re free of fluoride, sulfates, and artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and sweeteners. Brushing daily with our kids toothpaste is a great way to nurture a healthy mouth for your littles (and your whole family). floss daily with our expanding floss: this is an essential step, as brushing alone can miss up to 30% of your teeth! With our expanding floss, your little ones can clean those tight crevices between their teeth, fighting bacteria and delivering essential minerals (hydroxyapatite) to surfaces that might otherwise be ignored. start hydroxyapatite at a young age: hydroxyapatite is a superhero for healthy enamel, as it works to remineralize it from the inside out. This can reduce sensitivity, give your teeth a better fighting chance against bacteria, and nurture long-term oral health for your little ones. Using hydroxyapatite from a young age can lay a solid foundation for strong, healthy enamel. embrace mouth-friendly nutrition: diet plays a huge role in oral care for kids (and adults), so be sure to explain (and demonstrate) what a mouth-friendly diet is. It’s a diet full of nutrient-dense whole foods, full of calcium and vitamins to keep your teeth healthy and strong. It avoids sticky, sugary, and starchy substances that can linger on your teeth and cause damage to your enamel. Plus, a mouth-friendly diet includes lots of water! Hydration is key for flushing out bad bacteria and avoiding dry mouth. schedule regular dental appointments: prevention is key in the world of long-term holistic oral care, so be sure to schedule dental appointments every six months. Not only can this help your kids avoid dental complications, it can also reduce the fear and anxiety that so many experience around the dentist. look out for signs of orthodontic issues: some red flags can include overbites, clicking noises while chewing, speech difficulties, crowded teeth, tooth gaps, pain, frequently biting cheeks, and more. Your dentist can also recommend an orthodontic visit if necessary! avoid bad habits: make sure your kids learn sneaky bad habits that can affect their long-term oral health, such as nail biting and teeth grinding. At Davids, we’re passionate about creating products that put the fun back into oral care for kids! Explore our line of premium kids toothpaste, and be sure to grab a tube for yourself too! buy now.
Learn moreeverything you need to know about smarter, cleaner oral care
Better oral care begins with knowledge. That’s why our dental care blog goes beyond trends to share insights that help you make health- and earth-conscious choices for your smile.
Learn about everything from innovations like nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) to understanding what natural whitening involves. This oral health care blog breaks down the science with clarity to make it easy to understand and apply.
the Davids difference
Davids story began with a mission: to create premium oral care that’s good for people and the planet.
Every decision we make stems from integrity and respect for the environment. We use premium, naturally sourced and derived, USA-origin ingredients, recyclable metal tubes, and sustainable packaging.
As a family-owned and operated business going up against the giants of the toothpaste industry, we hold ourselves to higher standards because clean doesn’t just describe our premium ingredients; it describes our values, too.
You can read about these values and more in our transparent dental care blog.
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If you’re trying to live clean, we’re the toothpaste brand for you and your family. From recyclable packaging and aluminum tubes to our commitment to USA-based production, we’ve built sustainability into every step of our process.
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