Category: Blog

Hydr-… oxy-… apatite. What is it?

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a naturally occurring mineral form of calcium apatite, predominantly found in our bones and teeth.

HAp is a natural alternative for fluoride that works differently but as well as fluoride in preventing dental decay. If fluoride creates a protective layer on enamel then hydroxyapatite acts as a filler, by restoring minute cracks and scratches on tooth surface.

 

Remineralization

Tooth enamel is constantly attacked by acids from bacteria and foods – a process known as demineralization. Saliva normally counteracts this by replenishing minerals, but if the amount of saliva secretion becomes inadequate, due to poor health, or due to excessive consumption of acidic foods, demineralization is prolonged, and remineralization by the saliva cannot keep up, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.

The most effective way to restore missing minerals is to replace them directly. Hydroxyapatite is missing, we replace it with Hydroxyapatite!

 

 

History of HAp

In 1972, a NASA scientist patented a precursor to hydroxyapatite for tooth repair. This innovation was driven by the need to address bone loss, a significant health concern for astronauts during a prolonged stay in zero gravity.

In 1974, a Japanese businessman, while exploring potential business opportunities, came across this NASA patent. After extensive research and testing, he launched the world’s first hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste in 1980 to treat dentin hypersensitivity and for caries prevention.

It was not until 2006 that the first toothpaste containing HAp as an alternative to fluoride was launched in Europe.

Over the years, HAp has become extremely popular in the natural health world, with countless brands releasing their own hydroxyapatite oral care products. Therefore also a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been published on the use of hydroxyapatite in preventing oral health problems, proving its multiple benefits.

Benefits of hydroxyapatite:

• Natural remineralization: hydroxyapatite helps in the remineralization process, making it effective in strengthening teeth.
• Biocompatibility: HAp binds chemically to bone but is non-toxic and does not cause inflammation, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
• Non-toxic: hydroxyapatite is natural and safe for long-term use.
• Reduction of dental hypersensitivity: HAp acts as a filler, by restoring minute cracks and scratches, thus reducing tooth sensitivity.
• Natural whitening: the mineral crystals in hydroxyapatite reflect light, creating a whitening effect that makes your smile look brighter and healthier without harsh abrasives or bleaching agents.
• Promotes a healthy oral microbiome: HAp inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, reduces plaque formation, and balances the pH level in your mouth

 

What is nano-hydroxyapatite?

Nano (smaller) refers to the size of the hydroxyapatite particles. Logically we would assume that nano-sized particles should be more effective at remineralizing teeth because of their smaller size but…. 

The last few years there have been concerns about the potential side effects of using nano-particles in the mouth. To ensure the full safety of nanoparticles for human health, based on the European Commission’s directive, nHAp particles must be at least 100 nanometres long and not needle-like. Therefore, if we use these kinds of nanoparticles in cosmetic products, we risk that these particles penetrate the cells of the human body and cause genetic damage. 

While research on nanoparticles is still ongoing, the European Union has accepted regulation (no 2024/858) with restrictions for nano-hydroxyapatite use in oral care in March 2024.

Fortunately, HAp does not necessarily have to be in the form of nanoparticles. It is also sufficient if the HAp is biomimetic. Biomimetic means that the synthesized material has chemical-physical properties that match those of the material found in the human body. 

Taking all this into consideration, Fresmy has chosen biomimetic hydroxyapatite (that is not in the form of nanoparticles) in our toothpaste tablets, so our users’ teeth would benefit from this ingredient’s awesome properties.

 

When is hydroxyapatite a better choice?

If you are sensitive to fluoride

If you are sensitive to fluoride, using hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets is a wise choice. The lack of fluoride reduces the risk of adverse reactions, making it an effective and safe alternative for maintaining oral hygiene. 

If you are concerned that your children accidentally / intentionally swallowing fluoride toothpaste

For parents, hydroxyapatite provides peace of mind. Unlike fluoride, hydroxyapatite is non-toxic and safe if ingested, making it an excellent option for young children. This ensures your child’s oral hygiene routine is both effective and safe.

If you are pregnant

Pregnant women may consider switching to hydroxyapatite toothpaste to avoid potential fluoride exposure risks. 

If you have concerns about your oral microbiome

Fluoride can sometimes disrupt the bacterial balance in the mouth, but hydroxyapatite helps support a healthy oral environment. It works without disturbing the beneficial bacteria.

If you live in areas with fluoridated water or water with a high natural fluoride content

Fluoride has long been known to be a very toxic substance, so you do not want to risk potential fluoride overexposure. To avoid it, it would be a good idea to consider switching to hydroxyapatite-based oral care. For example, there are still many areas in the USA where tap water is fluoridated. Higher natural fluoride levels have been measured also in western and central Estonia.

If you prefer a natural alternative

Hydroxyapatite is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a more natural oral hygiene product. 

 

While fluoride has been a cornerstone of dental care for decades, hydroxyapatite offers a natural and equally effective alternative. Both fluoride and hydroxyapatite are scientifically proven to reverse dental decay—why not choose the less toxic one? 

For those uncertain about which option to choose, it’s always best to consult with a dental professional to determine the most suitable solution for your specific situation.

 

Research used: 

• Limeback L, Enax J, Meyer F. (2021). Biomimetic hydroxyapatite and caries prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8641555/
• Chen, J. et al. (2024). Preventing Dental Caries with Calcium-Based Materials: A Concise Review.
  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384149527_Preventing_Dental_Caries_with_Calcium-Based_Materials_A_Concise_Review
• Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. (2021). Opinion on Hydroxyapatite (nano).
  https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-03/sccs_o_269.pdf
• European Comission. (2011). Definition of a nanomaterial.
  https://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/nanotech/faq/definition_en.htm 
• Pepla et al. (2014). Nano-hydroxyapatite and its applications in preventive, restorative and regenerative dentistry: a review of literature. 
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4252862/

Why didn’t my package of toothpaste tablets arrive in the mailbox?

We offer our customers in Estonia a convenient way to order toothpaste tablets directly to their mailbox. However, there may be occasions when the convenient service you have chosen turns out to be an annoying and time-consuming journey to the post office. But why is that? What are the reasons why the package of toothpaste tablets you ordered hasn’t reached you?

Whether you’re making a one-time purchase, are a regular subscriber, or are starting to subscribe, as long as your order contains no more than 2 paper packs of toothpaste tablets, you can have your shipment delivered to your mailbox. It’s definitely a convenient way to save time as you don’t have to go to the parcel machine.

However, before you order your toothpaste tablets in the mailbox, you should check that it meets the requirements of the Estonian Post.

If you are installing a new mailbox or already have one, we recommend you check the standard terms and conditions of AS Eesti Post’s Universal Postal Service and the requirements laid down in the Postal Act.

For more details see HERE.

 

One of the most important things to remember is that the mailbox must ensure the preservation of the mail and the owner or landlord of the building or apartment is responsible for its upkeep.

If necessary, make changes or inform the cooperative of the apartment building or, in the case of rent, the owner of the property. Depending on whether you live in a private house, a block of flats or a terraced house, the types of mailbox also vary.

If you live in a private house, terraced house or semi-detached house, you may prefer a top-fill mailbox. In high-traffic areas, it is also advisable to lock the mailbox, as this ensures that the mail is kept safe. Be sure to place the mailbox outside the fence, if possible at the end of the driveway, and make sure that your pet (especially your dog) does not endanger the postman.

If you live in a block of apartments, make sure that the cooperative has installed compliant mailboxes before you order toothpaste tablets in your mailbox. Many old apartment blocks still have mailboxes that were installed when the building was first built.

Mailbox requirements

• Minimum dimensions of the mailbox – 25x35x6 cm. 
• Minimum dimensions of the opening of the mailbox – 2×23 cm.

Fresmy toothpaste tablets will be sent in an envelope as a max letter, measuring 2x14x24cm. Therefore, if your mailbox meets the minimum requirements of the Estonian Post, you should have no problems receiving your package and do not need to make a trip to the post office.

 

If you have decided to order your toothpaste tablets in a mailbox:

• Make sure your mailbox meets the requirements;
• At the time of ordering, be sure to enter a correct and accurate postal address;
• Empty your mailbox regularly. As our package is quite large, keep the mailbox empty of periodicals to fit our package;
• If you’ve done all you can and you’re waiting for toothpaste tablets in your mailbox but they still haven’t arrived, make sure there’s no notification of arrival at the post office among the periodicals or advertising leaflets. It’s possible that, despite everything, the package didn’t fit in the mailbox;
• AS Eesti Post does not provide a tracking code for letters. Therefore, once we have handed it over to the postman, unfortunately we cannot track it!

 

If you had problems receiving your toothpaste tablets from the mailbox and had to follow it to the post office, we recommend that you change your delivery method to parcel delivery.

Fresmy toothpaste tablets at the B2B trade fair Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna

The 55th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the leading B2B trade show in the world dedicated to all sectors of the beauty industry.

The 55th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the leading B2B trade show in the world dedicated to all sectors of the beauty industry. 3012 exhibitors from 69 countries attended the exhibition! That is why it’s considered the most important annual event that brings together professionals and exhibiting companies from all over the world and gives the possibility to discover the latest products, news and trends in the beauty industry.

The Estonian ambassador in Italy, Paul Teesalu attended the opening of the fair and visited the Estonian booth. The ambassador was also one of the first to try the innovative Fresmy toothpaste tablets and he was very pleasantly surprised 🙂

We are very glad to announce that Fresmy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets were shortlisted for the CosmoTrends! This shows that toothpaste tablets and oral care are a rising trend in today’s world.

What is the COSMOTRENDS REPORT?

The purpose of the Report is to provide the most actual and trendy products and solutions displayed by the exhibitors of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna. A leading global authority on beauty trend forecasting will identify the most innovative products, grouping them by trend lines and presenting them in the report.

Team analyzed hundreds of submissions and identified the most striking trends among the exhibiting companies.

Facts from cosmoprof:

The oral hygiene category is predicted to rise to a value of US $85 billion by the end of 2033, representing a CAGR of 5% between 2023 and 2033, according to market research. Environmentally friendly options are on the rise, such as those that contain non-toxic ingredients that won’t impact health if they’re swallowed.

You can learn more about our star product Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets and buy them in Fresmy e-store.