Hydroxylapatite or fluoride – that's the most common question when it comes to fluoride-free oral care. The short answer upfront: Both substances have been investigated in oral care research for years. Hydroxylapatite is not an exotic additive, but the mineral that makes up around 97% of your tooth enamel anyway. Which path is right for you depends on you – and that's exactly where we want to give you honest information instead of passing judgement.

What is hydroxylapatite – and why isn't it a foreign substance?

Hydroxylapatite is the mineral calcium phosphate that makes up around 97% of your tooth enamel. It's literally the substance your teeth are made of – not a foreign body, but a mineral your body produces naturally. We include it in all three varieties, deliberately without nano-particles.

Research has been investigating hydroxylapatite for over ten years as an ingredient in oral care – including in connection with tooth enamel remineralisation. What we can say factually: Hydroxylapatite provides calcium and phosphate, the natural building blocks of tooth enamel, supports natural remineralisation and helps smooth the tooth surface.

And what about fluoride?

Fluoride is a substance that has been used in oral care for decades and is well researched. Its anti-caries effect is well documented – which is why it's standard in most conventional toothpastes.

Still, some people deliberately choose against it, for very different, usually personal reasons. Many want a minimalist routine with ingredients they can fully read and understand. Others like to keep track of the total amount of fluoride they take in throughout the day – because it's also found in drinking water, table salt and food. Especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding or with small children who still swallow toothpaste, this is an issue for many. And some simply make the decision based on personal conviction.

For us, this is not a judgement against fluoride. It's a legitimate, personal decision – and not one we want to make for you. We simply offer the fluoride-free route, natural and transparent.

What does the research say in comparison?

There are direct clinical comparison studies on hydroxylapatite and fluoride. They examine topics such as remineralisation and caries prevention. Two examples that are frequently cited: an 18-month double-blind study on 189 adults (2023) and a 6-month controlled study on 150 individuals with high caries susceptibility (2019). We link the sources at the end so you can form your own picture, rather than relying on slogans.

Our principle is simple: Studies show – you decide. We don't claim that one is superior to the other. We explain what research investigates, and you choose what suits you.

Hydroxylapatite as a fluoride-free alternative

Looking for an alternative to fluoride? Hydroxylapatite works entirely without this substance – and is also suitable for people who want or need to avoid fluoride. A few honest reference points:

  • Do you value natural, fully readable ingredients? Then it's worth taking a look at the INCI list – it's on every package of ours.
  • Not sure? Talk to your dentist. A good decision is an informed one.

How Dentafari does it

Hydroxylapatite is at the centre of what we do – in all three varieties, developed and manufactured in Germany. Our two Sensitive varieties (Orange-Mandarine and Soothing Mint) are complemented with oral probiotics; Crisp Mint relies on plant-based enzymes and activated charcoal. All varieties are fluoride-free, vegan and with a fully readable INCI list.

If you want to dive deeper into how tooth powders work overall, read our guide Toothpaste or tooth powder? – or see exactly what's in our tooth powder.

Discover our tooth powders with hydroxylapatite and find the variety that suits you. 🦷🌿

Your questions about hydroxylapatite and fluoride

Is hydroxylapatite better than fluoride?

We deliberately don't make that judgement. Both substances are investigated in clinical studies; hydroxylapatite is the mineral that already makes up around 97% of your tooth enamel. What suits you is your decision.

Is Dentafari tooth powder fluoride-free?

Yes, all our varieties are fluoride-free.

Why do some people avoid fluoride?

The reasons are usually personal: the desire for a minimalist routine with fully readable ingredients, keeping track of total fluoride intake from water, salt and food, special attention during pregnancy and breastfeeding or with small children – or simply personal conviction. It's a legitimate decision, not a judgement against fluoride.

Can I use hydroxylapatite if I want to avoid fluoride?

Yes. Hydroxylapatite works entirely without fluoride and is also suitable for people who want or need to avoid it.

What does "remineralisation" mean?

Remineralisation describes the redeposition of minerals such as calcium and phosphate into tooth enamel. Studies investigate the remineralising effect of hydroxylapatite – we leave the interpretation to you.

Does your tooth powder contain nano-hydroxylapatite?

No. We deliberately do not use nano-hydroxylapatite, but rather functionalised, natural hydroxylapatite without nano-particles.

Sources

  1. Enax J., Meyer F. et al. (2020): Hydroxylapatite as a biomimetic active ingredient for the remineralisation of tooth enamel and dentine. ZWR – Das Deutsche Zahnärzteblatt, 129(06), 277–283.
  2. O'Dell N. et al. (2023): Caries-preventing effect of a hydroxyapatite-toothpaste in adults: an 18-month double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Frontiers in Public Health.
  3. Schlagenhauf U. et al. (2019): Impact of a non-fluoridated microcrystalline hydroxyapatite dentifrice on enamel caries progression in highly caries-susceptible orthodontic patients: a randomized, controlled 6-month trial. Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry.
  4. Limeback H., Enax J., Meyer F. (2021): Biomimetic hydroxyapatite and caries prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene, 55(3), 148–159.
  5. Tschoppe P. et al. (2011): Enamel and dentine remineralization by nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes. Journal of Dentistry, 39(6), 430–437.

👉 Natural oral care without fluoride: Hydroxylapatite, xylitol & probiotics