Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Safety: The Hidden Truths Behind the Fluoride Alternative

As parents, we’re constantly weighing choices about what goes into our children’s bodies. From food to toothpaste, every ingredient matters. One ingredient that’s been gaining attention in the low-tox community is hydroxyapatite—a mineral naturally found in our bones and teeth. It’s often marketed as a safer alternative to fluoride, but the truth is more complex. Let’s break down what hydroxyapatite is, why its size and shape matter, and whether the pros outweigh the cons.

Let me be upfront: I’m not a dentist. I did spend 8 years working in the dental field as an orthodontic technician before diving into my own research on these topics. And here’s what I believe—you don’t have to be a “professional” to ask questions or dig into the science yourself. Everything I share here comes with clickable links to the studies I’ve personally found, so you can read through them and decide what feels right for you and your family. I’ve also tried to make this article as easy to read as possible, because I know how busy life can be and how overwhelming these topics can be. 

What Is Hydroxyapatite? 

Hydroxyapatite is basically a natural form of calcium—it’s what gives our teeth and bones their strength. Back in the 1970s, NASA came up with a lab-made version called nano-hydroxyapatite to help astronauts keep their teeth healthy while in space. I’ll be honest, the moment I learned NASA was behind it, my inner skeptic threw up a red flag 🚩. Anyways, since then, this ingredient has made its way into dental products around the world, especially in Japan. (After NASA developed synthetic hydroxyapatite in the 1970s, a Japanese company purchased the rights and created the first commercially available hydroxyapatite toothpaste)

But here’s the catch: hydroxyapatite comes in different sizes and shapes, and those differences can affect both safety and effectiveness.

Why Size & Shape Matter 

  • Nano hydroxyapatite (<100 nm): Small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier. Concerns include free radical activity and tissue accumulation.
  • Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite: May contain clumped nanoparticles, raising safety questions.
  • Large hydroxyapatite: Too big to effectively remineralize teeth but I would consider this version the "safer".
  • Powder form (<2.5 µm): Can cause respiratory issues if inhaled.
  • Needle-shaped particles: Linked to DNA damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

In short: not all hydroxyapatite is created equal & it's extremely important that you know where the company is sourcing is from and the size & shape of it. 

Benefits We Know 

Side Effects We Know 

Studies show: 

🚩 Inflammation of the lungs (nanoparticles)

🚩  Tissue accumulation (liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys)

🚩 Oxidative stress and inflammation

🚩 Negative effects on red blood cells and platelets

🚩 Hydroxyapatite crystals can harm blood vessel cells, and flat plate‑like shapes cause the most damage by speeding up artery calcification

🚩 One other issue I have is that nano hydroxyapatite (<100 nm) CAN travel past the blood brain barrier ‼️

A laboratory cell study — not conducted in living humans — but carried out on cultured animal and human cells:

Regulatory & Safety Notes

Do You Need to Remineralize Your Teeth?

Our teeth naturally remineralize, but modern diets, environmental toxins, and lifestyle factors can make this process harder. Some families may benefit from extra support, while others can rely on natural strategies.

Ways to support natural remineralization:

  • Reduce acidity in the mouth so calcium can bind to enamel
  • Cut back on processed foods and sugars
  • Brush and floss correctly
  • Address root causes (like mineral deficiencies or gut health)

My Opinion

Hydroxyapatite has been a hot topic lately, especially among parents who want a fluoride‑free option. And I get it, we've been sold our entire lives that we need fluoride. But here’s the thing: the risks, especially with nano and needle‑shaped particles are questionable and we don’t fully understand them yet. We DO know that there are already short term side effects. 

My honest conclusion: I don’t personally use or recommend hydroxyapatite. I understand it’s marketed as a fluoride alternative, but there are too many unanswered questions about safety — especially around nano and needle‑shaped particles. Transparency is lacking, and until we have solid, long‑term data, I don’t feel comfortable using it myself or letting my family use it (btw we DID used to use it which is what lead to my research) 

Instead, I believe the best path forward is focusing on supporting your teeth naturally — through diet, lifestyle, and good oral habits. And remember — this isn’t about perfection. It’s about making mindful choices that feel right for your household.

Of course, we all still need toothpaste. But finding one that’s free from fluoride, hydroxyapatite, artificial dyes, synthetic flavors, and all those extra unnecessary ingredients? It can feel almost impossible — like searching for a unicorn 🦄

Well… I finally found that unicorn. And it checks every single box for me. 🙌🏻

My Toothpaste Choice 🦓

After digging into all the research and weighing the pros and cons, I know one thing for sure: I want a toothpaste that truly checks all the boxes. For me, that’s Zebra Toothpaste.

⭐️ They use quality, clean ingredients you can actually feel good about.

⭐️ Every ingredient is sourced right here in the USA 🇺🇸

⭐️ They go the extra mile with third-party testing for heavy metals, which gives me peace of mind.

⭐️ I also align with what they stand for as a company—rooted in Christian values and committed to an America First approach.

⭐️ They’re knowledgeable and transparent about the ingredients they use.

And best of all, they’ve created both a children’s toothpaste and an adult toothpaste, so the whole family is covered 🙌🏻 (ps its HARD finding a clean children's toothpaste so this was a HUGE win for me!) 

For parents in the low-tox community, finding a toothpaste that meets all these standards can feel impossible. But Zebra Toothpaste has done it—and that’s why it’s the one I trust for my family!

Choose the one that fits your family best:

👉 Click here to try their Mint Toothpaste! — use code DESTINY10 

👉 Click here to try their Toothpaste Tablets! — use code DESTINY10 

👉 Click here to try their Kids Toothpaste! — use code DESTINY10