There's something quite remarkable about our teeth.The enamel that protects them is the hardest substance in the human body. Stronger than bone, built to withstand years of biting, chewing and everything else we put it through.
And around 96% of it is made up of minerals, predominantly something called hydroxyapatite.
It's a naturally occurring form of calcium phosphate, responsible for much of enamel's strength and durability. And it's also one of the carefully selected ingredients in Tastebuds.
So what makes hydroxyapatite such an interesting ingredient in toothpaste, and why did we choose to include it?
The answer starts with its remarkable similarity to the mineral our teeth are already made of, and a growing body of research showing how it can help support healthy tooth enamel.
A little science behind your smile.
Despite its strength, tooth enamel is constantly exposed to the effects of everyday life.
Throughout the day, changes in the conditions inside our mouths, including acidity associated with eating and drinking, can cause minerals to gradually dissolve from the enamel surface. It's a natural process called demineralisation.
Fortunately, our bodies have a clever way of managing this.
Saliva naturally contains calcium and phosphate, helping replenish minerals lost from enamel in a process known as remineralisation.
The balance between these two processes plays an important role in keeping our teeth healthy. But often this natural process isn't enough on its own and that’s where brushing and toothpaste can play an important role. In particular this is where hydroxyapatite becomes particularly interesting.
Helping enamel look after itself.
Because hydroxyapatite closely resembles the mineral structure of our teeth, it can interact with enamel surfaces and help deposit mineral material in areas affected by early mineral loss.
Research has shown that hydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste can support enamel remineralisation and help limit further demineralisation.
Some studies also suggest that hydroxyapatite particles can help reduce tooth sensitivity by blocking tiny exposed channels in the dentine beneath enamel.
And these potential benefits are supported by more than laboratory research.
In a clinical study published in 2023, researchers compared a toothpaste containing 10% hydroxyapatite with a conventional fluoride toothpaste over 18 months. The hydroxyapatite formulation performed comparably on the study's primary measure of tooth decay progression.
A 2025 systematic review brought together further research, reporting encouraging evidence for hydroxyapatite's ability to support remineralisation and protect against early enamel lesions.
While research continues, the findings offer a compelling reason to pay attention to this remarkable mineral.
Why we added it to Tastebuds.
When we set out to make Tastebuds, protecting taste was only part of the ambition. We also wanted to create a natural toothpaste that genuinely cared for your teeth, without relying on unnecessarily harsh ingredients.
Hydroxyapatite was a considered choice. Its close relationship with natural tooth enamel, along with growing research into its remineralising properties, made it an ingredient we wanted in our formula.
Because looking after your teeth and protecting good taste should go hand in hand.
References & Further Reading
- Chatzidimitriou et al. (2025) Hydroxyapatite-Based, Fluoride-Free Toothpastes and Their Effects on Enamel Remineralization and Demineralization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Reviews clinical and laboratory research investigating the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite toothpaste in supporting enamel remineralisation and reducing early mineral loss. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40107597/
- Paszynska et al. (2023) A Randomized Clinical Trial on the Caries-Preventive Effect of a Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste for Adults. An 18-month randomised clinical trial comparing a 10% hydroxyapatite toothpaste with a conventional fluoride toothpaste. The hydroxyapatite formulation met the study's criteria for non-inferiority on its primary outcome. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10393266/
- Pawinska et al. (2024) Hydroxyapatite in Oral Care Products—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. An updated analysis of clinical and in situ studies examining hydroxyapatite's potential to support enamel remineralisation and help prevent mineral loss. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39471896/
- Enax et al. (2021) Hydroxyapatite in Oral Care Products—A Review. Explores the properties of hydroxyapatite, its similarity to natural tooth mineral and its potential applications in oral care, including remineralisation and sensitivity management. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8432723/
- Wang et al. (2026) Systematic review of hydroxyapatite for dentine hypersensitivity. Examines clinical evidence for hydroxyapatite in reducing tooth sensitivity, including its potential to occlude exposed dentinal tubules. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12903-026-09293-4