The Best Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste + My #1 Pick

Would you have guessed that I’m picky about my toothpaste? I have strong feelings about it and tried four different brands (and included one extra recommendation) to find the best hydroxyapatite toothpaste. And yes, there are things to be picky about when it comes to toothpaste!

I guess my toothpaste obsession begins with my obsession with teeth. I’ve never had braces but I’ve always liked my smile so I obviously care about taking care of it. And when I met my husband, the first thing I noticed was his great smile. (And then his heavy Southern accent.) I actually knocked out my front tooth in high school while knee boarding in Lake Powell and was so upset that I didn’t allow a single photo. So, yes, my teeth obsession (and, cough, vanity) goes back a long way.

Anyway, back to my toothpaste snobbery. A few years ago, I switched from my regular fluoride toothpaste to a hydroxyapatite toothpaste in an effort to switch to a safer option (which I do when I can in multiple areas of life – skincare, house cleaning products, etc.) and my teeth feel so much cleaner. No really, they physically feel cleaner after I brush.

My dental hygienist even comments how little plaque I have at my twice-yearly cleanings! (A good toothbrush helps too! I use this Oral B electric toothbrush and have the brush head replacements on subscribe & save.)

So today I wanted to share some details, including a break down of what hydroxyapatite is, why it’s beneficial compared to traditional fluoride toothpastes, and which brands of hydroxyapatite are my favorites.

The Best Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

What is hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

First, let’s break down what hydroxyapatite toothpaste is. Hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral that we already have in our bodies. It’s a mineral form of calcium apatite, which is what makes up a significant portion of our bones and tooth enamel.

Most traditional toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps to remineralize your teeth. However, hydroxyapatite toothpaste works by forming a protective layer of hydroxyapatite over your tooth enamel which sort of fills in super tiny (microscopic, actually) cracks or imperfections in your teeth. It also prevents tooth decay and sensitivity by repairing teeth, in a way.

And fun fact: it was first used by NASA astronauts in space because they were loosing minerals from their teeth and bones in the absence of gravity!

What are the benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

Gentle but effective whitening

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste helps remove surface stains on your teeth without harsh abrasives that can be found in traditional whitening toothpaste.

Helps with tooth sensitivity

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste actually reduces tooth sensitivity because it helps to “seal” your enamel. This makes your hot and cold foods or beverages easier to enjoy.

Protects against acidic erosion

By simply drinking or eating things with acid in them, your tooth enamel is weakens and you’re more susceptible to cavities. Hydroxyapatite forms a protective barrier on your teeth which helps prevent any erosion to your enamel, which reduces cavities.

Promotes oral health

Hydroxyapatite has antimicrobial properties, so it reduces the bad bacteria in your mouth.

It’s safer

Since hydroxyapatite is made from a mineral that you already have in your body, so you don’t have to worry about what ingredients or chemicals you’re putting in your body. While fluoride has many benefits, there are also some concerns about consuming too much fluoride, including neurological problems and teeth discoloration. Since water is fluoridated and kids often use too much toothpaste, evaluating the risk of consuming too much isn’t unreasonable. Since hydroxyapatite is a safer alternative, my family uses that. (Yes,hydroxyapatite is safe for kids and research shows it’s just as effective and fluoride.)

What Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste is best?

Now for the fun part. I’ve tried four different brands of hydroxyapatite toothpaste (and added one extra additional option), so I’m going to break them down below in order of my preference. I like all of these, but I do have a favorite.

1. Boka
2. David’s
3. Wink Well
4. Just Ingredients
5. Risewell

All five options are fluoride-free, SLS free, and are made with clean and safe ingredients.

The BEST Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: Boka

Boka Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste is my favorite, hands down. My favorite flavor is the Refresh Mint (the whitening version) that contains aloe vera, antioxident-rich green tea, and mint. Boka toothpaste is made in the US, which I also appreciate.

This is my top pick because I like the taste the best, and I find that my teeth just feel cleanest with this brand over the other options below. It also dispenses the most easily and neatly, which is an issue with other brands, as noted below.

You can buy Boka toothpaste on their website or snag Boka toothpaste from Amazon.

Davids Sensitive+Whitening

Next on my list is Davids Toothpaste. This one comes in a recyclable metal tube with a key to help roll the tube up. While the packaging is a selling point for some (it’s really cool in theory), I actually find it somewhat annoying since it gets so messy (I’m always having to clean it off) and I can never get all of the toothpaste out of the tube towards the end. However, when I buy this, I like the whitening version best.

You can buy Davids toothpaste on their own website or get Davids toothpaste on Amazon.

Wink Protect & Whiten Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Next up is the Protect & Whiten Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste from Wink Well. I LOVE Wink for their kid’s products (namely the Foaming Oil Bath Wash + Shampoo and Llama Lotion). I discovered that they made toothpaste last year, and I really like it. It contains xylitol which promotes tooth and gum health. While I like Wink products and trust the company (a friend of mine started it), I have a hard time dispensing the toothpaste. I have to squeeze it so hard to get any out.

If you order from Wink, use the code TERI for 15% off your order. You can also find Wink toothpaste on Amazon.

Just Ingredients Remineralizing Tooth Powder

The Just Ingredients Remineralizing Tooth Powder is super unique because it’s actually a powder, which makes it kind of fun to use. (It can also be messy!) I enjoy using it and feel like it cleans my teeth well, but I do somewhat worry about it being too abrasive since I brush my teeth a LOT. That being said, since I trust the brand Just Ingredients, I’m comfortable using it but I keep it at our vacation home in Boone to limit just how often I use it. You can code TERILYN for 10% off your order. (I’d also snag the Just Ingredients Remineralizing mouthwash when you order – I love it.)

You can order the Remineralizing Tooth Powder online from Just Ingredients.

RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste

Last on my list is the Mineral Toothpaste from RiseWell. RiseWell is super transparent about their ingredients, so you can feel great about everything in this toothpaste. I haven’t personally tried this brand yet, but I hear great things about it, so I’m including it here since it’s easy to order from Amazon.

You can order RiseWell directly from their website or get RiseWell Toothpase on Amazon.

One more thing: This isn’t a toothpaste but worth calling out – I love the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips. They’re also a safer option than traditional whitening strips and don’t cause sensitivity.

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