What Causes Tooth Wear?
Tooth enamel wears down over time, as teeth are exposed to numerous stresses every day: acidic meals and drinks, chewing tough foods, aggressive brushing and unconscious teeth grinding. Thinning enamel is more susceptible to diseases and sensitivity. Bioniq Toothpaste works according to a natural principal with a tooth-like ingredient: hydroxyapatite, also known as biomimetic enamel.
What is Hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite is a mineral from the calcium phosphate family, found in our teeth and bones, it is one of the hardest substances in the human body. Our teeth mainly consist of the mineral hydroxyapatite, our enamel is around 97% hydroxyapatite. Enamel protects the underlying layers from the penetration of bacteria, which can cause oral diseases such as cavities and can lead to the death of the tooth. It also seals off the small nerve channels (dentinal tubules), protecting them from external influences. Sensitive teeth that react with pain to cold, heat or the consumption of sweet or sour foods can be an indication of exposed dentine and the loss of hydroxyapatite.
What damages our enamel/hydroxyapatite?
Chewing & Bacteria
Although the mineral apatite is highly resistant, it is not impervious to wear: Over a lifetime, enamel wears away as a result of daily chewing. In an acidic environment with a pH below 5.5, hydroxyapatite is also slowly wearing out. The bacteria which are naturally present in our oral microbiome break down sugar, producing acids.
Acidic Food
In addition, acidic foods can intensify this effect. The fruit acids in fruit juices or additives in sparkling drinks, or phosphoric acid, also damage the crystalline compounds in enamel.
Tooth Grinding
Mechanical irritants can lead to signs of wear: the enamel on the masticatory surfaces (of opposing teeth) in particular is worn away little by little as a result of tooth grinding. Aggressive brushing or the use of toothbrushes with hard bristles can also damage the enamel and virtually brush it away.
Bioniq® Toothpaste
Toothpaste containing 20% Hydroxyapatite for daily oral care
- Gently cleanses teeth without fluoride and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
- Cleans the teeth and helps to prevent plaque buildup with regular brushing.
- Clinically tested hydroxyapatite technology
- Long-lasting feeling of smoothness and freshness.
Bioniq® Toothpaste Plus Gum Care
Scientifically formulated to help maintain healthy gums and teeth
- With 20% Hydroxyapatite for daily oral care.
- Formulated with Lactoferrin and Hyaluronic acid to help clean the teeth to prevent plaque buildup and promote healthy moist gums.
- Clinically tested hydroxyapatite technology
- Without fluoride and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
Why is enamel important?
Enamel, the protective layer covering our teeth, faces constant challenges like chewing, drinking, and tooth grinding. Its durability shields the tooth from wear, but it gradually erodes under this stress. Damaged enamel raises the risk of cavities and oral diseases, potentially leading to tooth loss. Enamel also guards against demineralisation caused by acidic breakdown of sugars.
Enamel lacks nerves, so it's insensitive to temperature changes. However, sensitivity or sudden pain may indicate enamel wear, exposing dentine channels that transmit irritation to nerves. Symptoms like tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, yellowing, or transparency indicate enamel damage. Factors contributing to enamel wear include diet changes favoring acidic foods, incorrect brushing techniques, plaque buildup, tooth grinding, and exposure to gastric acid from conditions like acid reflux. Addressing these factors, such as with a softer brushing technique and dental interventions like bite guards, can mitigate enamel erosion and maintain oral health. Regular dental check-ups help detect enamel issues early, preventing further damage.