Julie asks, “Thanks for introducing Hydroxyapatite to me. Would you please touch upon Micro hydroxyapatite, I do know it’s not as efficient as Nano, however does it work in any respect?”

The Nice Debate: Nano vs. Micro HAP

Julie’s curiosity about Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is spot on. HAP, a naturally occurring mineral in our tooth and bones, performs an important function in toothpaste for remineralization and sensitivity aid.

Right here’s the important thing level: Micro-sized HAP, typically marketed as a “pure” various, is often simply ground-up bone or different types of pure calcium. It sounds good, however there’s a catch. Micro-sized particles may be excessive in lead and different metals, posing potential well being dangers. We’ve achieved some digging and located that one in all our opponents, who promotes micro-sized HAP as superior, truly has troubling ranges of lead of their merchandise. Additionally, the particle dimension of micro HAP is just too massive to be efficient for remineralization or decreasing tooth sensitivity.

The Nano Benefit

Enter nano. Nano HAP is the proper dimension to imitate the pure construction of your tooth. While you look at a pure tooth underneath excessive magnification, you’ll see nano-sized HAP crystals embedded throughout the tooth matrix. That is the place the precept of “like likes like” comes into play—biomimetics. This biomimetic strategy makes nano HAP far more practical at repairing and defending tooth enamel.

Nano HAP is synthetically made via a exact course of leading to particles which can be extra uniform and prime quality. It’s derived from a exact course of involving food-grade salt and phosphate, leading to a product that’s each efficient and protected.

Does Micro work in any respect?

Micro HAP does provide some advantages, as early research indicated. Its early information was promising, however nano wasn’t in use then!

Mixing micro with nano isn’t advisable both, because the bigger micro particles can clump, intervene with the effectiveness of nano particles, and doubtlessly result in tartar buildup.

When reviewing info from producers or toothpaste firms, it’s essential to know the context of their information, which is often primarily based on research. Nonetheless, the relevance of those research can fluctuate considerably relying on their timing. Newer analysis typically supersedes older research. For instance, whereas micro expertise as soon as represented a breakthrough in desensitizing and decay prevention, nano expertise has since emerged because the superior possibility. Sadly, many firms should still promote outdated micro expertise with out acknowledging newer, more practical options like nano. All the time test the publication date of the research cited. If the analysis is a decade outdated or extra, it’s important to confirm its relevance in opposition to the newest information. Ideally, there must be instruments or AI that cross-references older research with newer ones to make sure you’re getting probably the most up-to-date info.

Now that nano is right here, micro is outdated information. Does it work? A little bit, however with regards to remineralization, nano works higher as a result of it’s the fitting dimension.

Why Measurement Issues

Nano, regardless that it’s artificial, is remarkably efficient as a result of its particles intently match the scale, form, and make-up of pure tooth buildings. Micro expertise, then again, doesn’t fairly measure up. Micro particles are usually too massive, clumped collectively, and never well-structured. This mismatch means they don’t combine as successfully with tooth enamel, resulting in much less optimum outcomes.

Nano can also be higher for oral microbiome well being; Oral microbiome micro organism have outer membranes and depend on calcium to thrive. Micro particles, being too massive, can’t successfully work together with these micro organism. It’s not nearly remineralization; supporting your oral microbiome is essential too. Nano-HAP, nonetheless, can penetrate these bacterial membranes, appearing virtually like a complement for the helpful micro organism in your mouth. This makes it a useful instrument for each defending and enhancing your oral well being.

I hope this sheds gentle on why nano-sized HAP is the higher selection for oral care, in comparison with micro. As all the time, I’m right here to assist with any questions you might need.

Now, for one more matter…

I’ve additionally been getting lots of questions not too long ago about oral microbiome testing (additionally generally known as salivary testing) from each clinicians and sufferers — the way it works, why it’s helpful, and which take a look at to make use of.

To reply these, we have to first perceive what the oral microbiome is and the way it impacts our well being:

What’s the oral microbiome?

It’s the group of over 800+ distinctive species of microbes — micro organism, fungi, and viruses — that dwell in our mouths.

A few of these microbes are helpful (commensal) to our well being; they assist forestall illness, assist in digestion, and carry out essential capabilities like nitric oxide manufacturing. Others are dangerous (pathogenic) and play a job in inflicting points like cavities, periodontal illness, and unhealthy breath.

Sure oral micro organism have additionally been related to systemic circumstances together with diabetes, coronary heart illness, Alzheimer’s, opposed being pregnant outcomes, intestine problems, and most cancers.

What causes cavities and periodontal illness?

There’s a widespread false impression that they’re precipitated solely by a couple of dangerous bacterial species.

The reality is these illnesses are the results of an imbalance between the degrees of dozens of various helpful and dangerous microbes in our mouth, also called oral microbiome dysbiosis.

To cut back threat for oral illnesses and obtain lasting well being & wellness, it’s not nearly killing the unhealthy bugs, it’s about selling the nice ones to create a balanced group.

Why is oral microbiome or salivary testing essential?

Salivary testing in your oral well being is like routine bloodwork for the remainder of your physique. It helps you perceive what’s occurring on the microscopic degree, the way it can influence your well being, and what you are able to do to remain wholesome.

Most checks solely analyze a handful of microbes (roughly ~5 to 30 species), sometimes those thought-about to be dangerous. However that provides a really restricted view into one’s well being. Even worse, it may doubtlessly be deceptive with out figuring out what the remainder of the group is.

That’s why I encourage everybody to make use of Bristle Well being’s complete oral microbiome take a look at. Not like different checks, they profile the complete oral microbiome with a single saliva pattern — giving insights into not solely threat for oral illnesses, but in addition total well being together with intestine irritation & nitric oxide manufacturing together with suggestions on the best way to enhance.

I selected to be an advisor for the corporate as a result of their distinctive strategy of wanting on the full group of microbes is vital in really understanding the well being of your mouth.

P.S. When you’re a clinician desirous about Bristle testing in your apply, enroll right here to attach with their crew.

When you’re a affected person seeking to take a look at your oral microbiome, you are able to do it your self at residence with Bristle. Use code DRB15 for a restricted time 15% off via the top of September twentieth. When you get your outcomes, I encourage you to share them along with your dentist to allow them to use it in figuring out your care plan.