Hydroxyapatite Tooth Powder: The Safety of Nano-Hydroxyapatite
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste and hydroxyapatite tooth powder are becoming better known as an alternative to fluoride oral care. But while remineralisation with hydroxyapatite sounds promising, critical questions arise about the safety of nano-hydroxyapatite. At Dentafari, we encourage you to take a close look at the risks of nano-hydroxyapatite before you decide on a product.
What is hydroxyapatite in oral care?
Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a crystalline form of calcium phosphate – the building block that makes up 97% of your teeth. Only about 1.5% is protein (mainly collagen) and 1.5% water.
The key difference: not every hydroxyapatite tooth powder is the same. Remineralisation of the teeth depends heavily on the type of hydroxyapatite used.
Natural vs. nano-hydroxyapatite: a critical look at safety
Many manufacturers of hydroxyapatite toothpaste simply speak of “hydroxyapatite” without explaining the key differences.
Natural hydroxyapatite: low solubility; at Dentafari, we deliberately use it without nano particles (particle size above 100 nm).
Nano-hydroxyapatite: made in the laboratory from synthetic components, nanoparticles with unclear long-term effects, unresolved safety questions.
Current EU regulation on the safety of nano-hydroxyapatite
After years of review, the European Union published its Revised Final Opinion on the risks of nano-hydroxyapatite in March 2023:
“On the basis of the data provided, the SCCS considers hydroxyapatite (nano) safe when used at concentrations up to 10% in toothpaste and up to 0.465% in mouthwash.”
Critical note: This safety assessment only applies to very specific particles: rod-shaped particles (at least 95.8% with an aspect ratio below 3) and uncoated nanoparticles without surface modification.
Unresolved risks of nano-hydroxyapatite
The scientific assessment reveals several problematic aspects:
Lack of long-term data: There are no studies on long-term effects of daily use.
Conflict of interest in the research: The safety studies were carried out by the manufacturer Fluidinova itself.
Limited test conditions: New tests were only carried out in vitro (in the test tube) for 4 hours.
Regulatory gaps: As a consumer, you can’t check whether your hydroxyapatite tooth powder contains the safe rod-shaped particles or the questionable needle-shaped ones.
Studies on the risks of nano-hydroxyapatite in detail
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety identified several risks of nano-hydroxyapatite:
“The available evidence was insufficient to draw a conclusion on the safety of hydroxyapatite (nano) when used in oral cosmetic products.”
Specific risks examined: possible cellular damage in kidney cells¹, potential negative effects on human blood cells², unclear genotoxic potential³.
A Nature study published in 2019 examined the safety of nano-hydroxyapatite under laboratory conditions. Although no toxicity was found in the short term, questions about long-term safety remain unanswered.
Dentafari’s approach: hydroxyapatite without nano particles
At Dentafari, we rely on functionalised natural hydroxyapatite tooth powder – deliberately without synthetic nanoparticles.
Our functionalised hydroxyapatite: natural calcium carbonate as the starting material, recrystallisation for optimised surface properties, porous particles without nano particles, supports the natural remineralisation of tooth enamel, gives a naturally brighter appearance through surface smoothing.
One flavour of your choice together with the amber glass jar and aluminium screw lid. The jar stays; you refill it with the refill pouch. Mineral · With plant-based ingredients · Refillable · Made in Germany.
Already have a jar? Then head to the individual flavours.
Natural alternatives for remineralising teeth
A pioneering study compared natural remineralisation using eggshell with nano-hydroxyapatite: natural eggshell showed identical remineralisation results to synthetic nanoparticles⁴.
Why Dentafari hydroxyapatite tooth powder
We follow the precautionary principle. As long as the risks of nano-hydroxyapatite have not been fully ruled out, we use natural alternatives only.
Our approach: natural hydroxyapatite without synthetic nano particles, support for the natural remineralisation of tooth enamel, a postbiotic for a balanced oral environment — made in Germany.
The future of your oral care
Natural hydroxyapatite tooth powder offers all the benefits of tooth remineralisation – without the uncertainties of synthetic nanoparticles. Studies show – you decide what’s right for you.
¹ SCCS Opinion on hydroxyapatite (nano) in cosmetic products, 2021 – European Commission
² Coelho, C.C. et al. “Nano-hydroxyapatite in oral care cosmetics”, Nature Scientific Reports, 2019
³ SCCS Revised Final Opinion on Hydroxyapatite (nano), March 2023
More in the overview: What is hydroxyapatite?
Your questions about hydroxyapatite & safety
Is hydroxyapatite harmful?
Hydroxyapatite is the mineral that makes up around 97% of your tooth enamel — not a foreign substance. We deliberately use it without nano particles. We’ve summarised what the studies say neutrally — you decide.
Does Dentafari use nano-hydroxyapatite?
No. We use functionalised natural hydroxyapatite, deliberately without nano particles (particle size above 100 nm).
Does hydroxyapatite have side effects?
For health questions, your dentist is the best person to ask. We present the evidence neutrally and link to the sources.
What is Dentafari hydroxyapatite made from?
From high-purity natural calcium carbonate, functionalised by recrystallisation — without nano particles.
Your new oral care starts here.
Start with the Starter Set: one flavour of your choice and the amber glass jar that stays. Mineral · With plant-based ingredients · Refillable · Made in Germany.
Shop the Starter Set →How to approach oral care with sensitive gums is covered in Receding gums: causes and prevention.
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