Modern Toothpaste Technologies: The Role and Use of Hydroxyapatite in Oral Care

Faculty of Dentistry Research Seminar

Dr. Joachim Enax and Dr. Frederic Meyer
Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG,
Bielefeld, GERMANY

Over the last years synthetic hydroxyapatite has gained increasing attention as a biomimetic/bionic
oral care agent in preventive dentistry due to its high similarity to human tooth enamel. A significant
and constantly increasing number of published studies demonstrate its efficacy in various fields of
preventive oral health care. Currently, both professional and public debate propagates
hydroxyapatite as a viable biomimetic alternative to the long-established fluoride in oral care. For
example, hydroxyapatite – in contrast to fluorides – can be used as safe and efficient ingredient for
kids’ toothpastes because it is safe if swallowed and does not present any risk of fluorosis.
The presentation will cover the following topics:

– Modern toothpaste technologies, toothpaste ingredients and their functions
– Hydroxyapatite in oral care
– Synthesis, characterization, safety, and application fields in dentistry
– Mechanistic studies (in situ, in vitro): SEM, TEM, TMR etc.
– Modes of action
– Clinical studies: RCTs on caries prevention, gingival health, reduction of dentin hypersensitivity