When it comes to oral care, safety for the rest of the body is just as crucial as effectiveness. Lately, there’s been growing interest in nano-hydroxyapatite (Nano-HAp) for its ability to remineralize enamel and strengthen teeth.
But with this interest, some concerns have emerged, particularly the idea that Nano-HAp might be dangerous because it could cross the blood-brain barrier. Let’s dig into these claims.
What is Nano-Hydroxyapatite?
Nano-hydroxyapatite is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring mineral hydroxyapatite, which makes up about 97% of your tooth enamel. This material is highly biocompatible, meaning it works harmoniously with your body, especially in dental applications. It's designed to mimic the natural minerals in your teeth, making it an ideal ingredient for remineralizing and protecting your smile.
Does Nano-Hydroxyapatite Cross the Blood Brain Barrier?
One of the most common concerns from consumers about Nano-HAp is whether it can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially causing harm. The good news? Research shows that Nano-HAp does not cross the epithelial barrier, which means it does not reach the blood brain barrier (Source).
Why Nano-HAp Is Safe for the Body
Nano-HAp particles are too large to pass through the epithelial cells in your mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Once swallowed, Nano-HAp dissolves in the acidic environment of the stomach, breaking down into calcium and phosphate—both of which are essential for your body’s metabolic functions.
Even under extreme conditions, where the concentration of Nano-HAp in toothpaste is far higher than what’s commercially available, there are no systemic risks (Source).
What Happens if Nano-HAp Enters the Body?
Even in the unlikely event that Nano-HAp were to cross the blood-brain barrier, there’s still no cause for alarm because nano-HAp breaks down into calcium and phosphate, both of which are vital to every cell in your body, including those in your brain. Unlike other substances like titanium zinc oxide and silver in nano form, which could pose a danger if they accumulated in the brain, Nano-HAp is a safe and digestible material.
Why Fygg Uses Nano-Hydroxyapatite
At Fygg, we are committed to providing you with the best possible oral care products. Nano-Hydroxyapatite is a remineralizing agent that is scientifically proven to be just as effective as fluoride. Nano-Hap is biomimetic, already found in your body, and replaces fluoride, which is hard on the brain. That’s why Fygg uses nano-Hydroxyapatite in our toothpaste.
Furthermore, we source our nano-Hydroxyapatite, brand name nanoXIM, from Europe from the world’s only nano-HAp approved by the SCCS, making it the scientific standard worldwide. Learn more about nanoXIM here.
The Bottom Line
Nano-hydroxyapatite is not just effective; it's also safe. Thanks to its inability to cross the epithelial barrier and its complete breakdown in the stomach, Nano-HAp in toothpaste is a much safer alternative to fluoride, which does cross the blood brain barrier readily and has a profound effect on the development of the brain. In the last fifteen years, we have many studies confirming this.
At Fygg, we believe in providing you with scientifically-backed, safer alternatives that deliver real results without harming your systemic health—because your overall health is our top priority. Oral care products have always had a negative systemic effect by harming the brain or harming the oral microbiome, and Fygg aims to put a stop to that.