Hydroxyapatite: Just Because It’s “Natural” Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe
Why We Don’t Use Hydroxyapatite—Even Though Everyone & Their Dentist Does
Let’s Talk Teeth, Truth, and Tiny Things.
Hydroxyapatite is having a moment. It seems to be popping up all over the place in the natural oral care world—promising serious strength, and safety. It's even being praised as the "natural" alternative to fluoride.
But just because something sounds natural, doesn't mean it’s naturally safe. Let's unpack the facts.
First, What Is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite (ie: HAp, n-HAp, m-HAp) is a calcium-phosphorus compound that makes up a significant portion of our bones and teeth. Sounds harmless, right? It’s basically what God used when He formed our skeletons.
But not all hydroxyapatite is created equal:
Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp):
• Always synthetic and lab-made.
• Engineered to be incredibly tiny—small enough to potentially cross cell membranes and even the blood-brain barrier.
• Often marketed for high-tech remineralization—but safety research is limited, and to be quite honest, unsettling at best.
Micro-hydroxyapatite (m-HAp):
• Larger particle size than nano, so claimed to not be as "effective."
• Sometimes natural, sometimes synthetic.
• Naturally sourced micro can technically be better, BUT not all naturally sourced micro is naturally processed. Both natural & synthetic m-HAp have the potential to be absorbed by the body.
The Good News (Sort Of)
Sure, HAp can help reduce tooth sensitivity. It can fill in weak enamel spots. And yes, it’s showing up in studies as a potential enamel-helper. But here's the issue: it’s not just working on your teeth — it's quite possibly going systemic.
N-HAp can be absorbed under the tongue. It can cross membranes. It’s small enough to slip into cells. And studies show that M-HAp has the potential to do the same.
While these benefits sound promising, research gives a bit of a stink-eye to hydroxyapatite’s effects beyond enamel.
What the Studies Really Say
The EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety looked into N-HAP in 2016 and again in 2021. Animal studies reviewed by the EU SCCS have raised concerns about nano-hydroxyapatite’s potential detriments to lungs, liver, kidneys, and even DNA integrity. While these studies involved high doses, they do highlight the need for further investigation into long-term safety.
One line that stood out: “Needle-shaped nano hydroxyapatite should not be used in cosmetics.”
Well... toothpaste is considered by the FDA to be a cosmetic. So there's that.
"But My Dentist Said It's Safe!"
Let’s address some of the claims made by well-meaning dentists and hygienists:
1. “It dissolves in the stomach.”
Research suggests that nano-hydroxyapatite may not fully dissolve in the stomach, as some particles have been detected in lung tissue after ingestion. This raises questions about how the body processes and eliminates these materials.
2. “It can’t enter the body through the mouth (ie: gums, cheeks, tongue).”
If you’ve ever had bleeding gums, bit your tongue, had a cheek sore, or brushed a little too hard—you’ve opened a door. It can enter through compromised tissue.
3. “Smaller particles work better.”
They also happen to be more toxic. The same size that gets into dentinal tubules also gets into organ tissues. That’s the trade-off no one talks about.
4. “You can always just use micro.”
The main issue with m-HAp is that there isn't sufficient long-term safety data—specifically regarding its systemic absorption and potential effects on overall health. The studies that do exist mainly focus on its short-term effects and don't provide comprehensive insights into how it behaves in the body with prolonged use.
Even though micro-HAp is generally larger than nano-HAp, it's still small enough to potentially be absorbed by the body. While the chance of absorption is significantly lower than with n-HAp, it's still a possibility.
Some researchers and experts are concerned that the extraction and processing of micro-HAp, even natural, may not be as safe as that of naturally derived minerals found in clays, plant-based foods, and simply heated bone broth.
4. “Japan has used it for decades!”
Yes, Japan has used hydroxyapatite (HAp) in toothpaste since the 1980s, and many point to this as proof of its safety. But does longevity alone guarantee whole-body safety? Unfortunately there's more to the story.—(IYKYK)
Limited Long-Term Studies
Japan’s history with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) is reassuring to many, but research on its systemic effects remains few & far between. Just because something has been used for decades doesn’t mean it’s without risks—especially when long-term studies remain inconclusive.
Regulatory Differences
Japan’s safety standards differ from those of the EU and US, where nano-sized particles are more heavily scrutinized. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has raised concerns about needle-shaped n-HAp, questioning its potential toxicity and bioaccumulation in the body. And to my knowledge, it's never been specified which "shape" Japan has used.
Absorption & Accumulation
Nano-hydroxyapatite is engineered to be extremely small, and actually designed to penetrate enamel. But studies suggest it may not fully dissolve in the stomach. Some researchers have even detected nano-HAp particles in lung tissue after ingestion, which raises questions about how the body processes and eliminates it over time.
So while Japan’s continued use of hydroxyapatite might seem reassuring at first glance, it doesn’t prove that it’s safe for long-term systemic exposure.
So Why Don’t We Use It?
Well... because we believe in functional simplicity and whole-body safety. Our ToothPastes & ToothPowders support remineralization using tried-and-true ingredients—like mineral-rich clays & herbs that support the microbiome.
We don't want particles that can potentially cross the blood brain barrier, calcify your arteries, wreak havoc on your liver or kidneys, and damage your DNA
We strive for transparency to the best of our knowledge. Learning takes time. And we realize that most ingredients these days are controversial in some way, to someone, somewhere... But if we ever discover that an ingredient is—or may be—truly questionable, we conduct deeper research and, if necessary, consider reformulating (which we actually did in 2024).
Speaking of transparency: In the U.S., companies aren’t required to disclose whether their hydroxyapatite is nano, micro, or somewhere in between—and many don’t.
In other words:
Unless and until long-term studies pretty much prove N-HAP is safe for the entire body—not just teeth—and are not just scientific "opinion" pieces—we’re steering clear.
It’s easy to fall for shiny, popular trends, but we’re sticking to God-made ingredients that align with how our bodies were intended to function.
We're not here to fear-monger, but we are here to speak truth. Hydroxyapatite might be the 'darling of the dental world' right now, but the science behind its safety is murky at best.
So no, you won’t find it in our ToothPastes, ToothPowders. At least not until the muddy waters clear.
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