Most of us grew up thinking fluoride was the only way to protect our teeth. For decades it’s been the standard, and for good reason: it works. But it’s no longer the only option with research behind it.
Hydroxyapatite is the mineral your tooth enamel is mostly made of. Brushing with it helps put back the minerals that sugary and acidic food and drink take away. It can also ease sensitivity by sealing the tiny channels that lead towards the nerve.
The science is what got my attention. Randomised controlled trials, the gold standard of research, have tested hydroxyapatite toothpaste head to head against fluoride. An 18-month study in adults found it did no worse at preventing decay. It’s a young field and there’s more to learn, but this isn’t fringe science any more.
Dimples was founded by dentist Dr Pippa Marshall BDS. She noticed that a lot of fluoride-free toothpastes had nothing in them to actively help protect against decay, so she made her own. It’s SLS-free, so there’s no harsh foaming agent pretending to do the hard work. It contains xylitol, which the bacteria behind decay can’t feed on. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, and the tube is made from sugarcane.
If you’re thinking of going fluoride-free, talk it through with your dentist first, especially if you’re prone to cavities.
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A proper fresh mint without the sting. This is the one I use morning and night. Hydroxyapatite helps replenish enamel, and there’s no SLS, so no aggressive froth and nothing to irritate your gums. It’s sweetened with xylitol and stevia and flavoured with real mint oils, not artificial flavourings. A pea-sized amount is all you need, and one 75ml tube lasts around six to eight weeks.
My kids prefer the peach flavour!
This is the one that makes it easy to get my kids to brush their teeth! It’s soft and fruity, with none of the minty sting that makes brushing feel like a punishment, so getting them to do the full two minutes is suddenly a lot easier. It’s the same dentist-designed hydroxyapatite formula as the mint that I use, it’s SLS-free, sweetened with xylitol, vegan and cruelty-free. If you’re unsure what’s right for your family, have a chat with your dentist.