Risewell Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Review

With tremor in my knees, I slide into the dentist chair. With outward confidence befitting an adult, I am still a child on the inside wishing to be as far away from the dentist’s office as possible. A few minutes later I rise with a sigh of relief – my teeth are healthy! No need to come back – well, not for another six months, but that is so far ahead! Feeling victorious, I renew the promise to myself to do my best to keep my oral health up to par. One of the ways I do that is by using a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite.

In this review, you will learn about a hydroxyapatite toothpaste that is fluoride-free but can be as good or better at remineralizing your teeth than a fluoride toothpaste. Keep reading to find out what ingredients make up Risewell Mineral Toothpaste, and how this toothpaste is different from many other toothpastes I have seen. You will also learn about the difference between Risewell Original Mineral Toothpaste and Risewell PRO Mineral Toothpaste for both grownups and kids.

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Review

To begin with, let’s define what is not safe toothpaste.

First, toothpaste with surfactants, i.e., foaming cleansers or detergents, is not a safe toothpaste. Thus, many toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or other harsh surfactants that do not have any health safety data available or no long-term safety data. Besides, they do not have any benefit for teeth but are there just to help the toothpaste foam.  

Second, some toothpastes have clay which I consider rather controversial. Because clay comes from the earth, it may contain lead. Therefore, while it is acceptable for adults, I advise against clay in toothpaste for kids.

Additionally, synthetic dyes, ethoxylated ingredients, quaternary ammonium compounds (“quats”), harsh preservatives, and flavors with undisclosed ingredients do not belong in a non-toxic toothpaste.  

Further, while fluoride has been useful in cavity prevention and enamel remineralization, there are some concerns about it. Indeed, with multiple exposures to fluoride in water, diet, and with the usage of both prescription and over-the-counter fluoride products, total fluoride intake can easily approach dangerous levels.

What is safe toothpaste then? It’s toothpaste that does not contain the above-mentioned ingredients. And to be effective at mineralizing teeth, it uses something other than a fluoride ingredient, such as hydroxyapatite. Let’s talk about hydroxyapatite.

Hydroxyapatite Safety And Effectiveness

First off, hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up over 90 percent of tooth enamel and 60 percent of bones. It is also a major component of dentin, making up about 70 percent of its structure. Consequently, it is one of the most biocompatible and bioactive materials and is widely applied to coat artificial joints and tooth roots. 

Thus, comparing hydroxyapatite with fluoride, this study shows it is as good or better at remineralizing initial caries and preventing demineralization. Indeed, since hydroxyapatite is a mineral that makes up our teeth, it is naturally effective at remineralizing them. 

Interestingly, it was research at NASA in the 1960s that led to a revolution in oral care. NASA used hydroxyapatite as a remineralizing agent for astronauts because they experienced mineral loss in their teeth and bones due to zero gravity. 

Nowadays, hydroxyapatite in toothpaste is increasingly being used in Europe due to its safety and effectiveness as well as natural anti-sensitivity properties (source). To specify, it works by filling micropores on demineralized tooth surfaces and has significant remineralizing effects on small cavities and good results on the sensitivity of the teeth.

In addition, studies show that hydroxyapatite is a safer ingredient to whiten teeth than harsh peroxides that strip the enamel of its crystals during the bleaching process. In fact, overuse of peroxides can weaken tooth enamel, leaving teeth more susceptible to decay (source). By the way, the first toothpaste with hydroxyapatite that came out around 1980 in Japan was marketed as a “beauty product” to whiten teeth.

Micro And Nano Hydroxyapatite

There are two main types of hydroxyapatite: micro (also known as “non-nano” or “microcrystalline”) and nano. The difference lies in their particle sizes. Micro hydroxyapatite particles are typically 5 to 10 microns in length, while nano hydroxyapatite particles are much smaller, ranging from 20 to 80 nanometers.

To put that into perspective, 1 micron is equal to 1,000 nanometers. This means that micro hydroxyapatite particles are 1,000 times larger than their nano counterparts. This significant difference in size can influence how each type of hydroxyapatite interacts with the body.

Both micro hydroxyapatite and nano hydroxyapatite particles are similar in size to naturally occurring enamel apatite crystals and can bind to damaged enamel to restore its integrity. However, due to smaller particle size, nano hydroxyapatite is considered more effective in dentistry because it binds more easily to tooth enamel.

In comparison to fluoride, nano hydroxyapatite particles can penetrate deeper into lesions than fluoride which is limited to surface remineralization.

Likewise, experimenting with a 10% microcrystalline hydroxyapatite toothpaste, this study shows it is as good or better at mineralizing than fluoride. And this study also concluded that microcrystalline hydroxyapatite is not inferior to fluoride in clinical caries prevention.

In other words, both nano and micro hydroxyapatite appear to be naturally effective in toothpaste for restoring teeth health. (To see additional research, visit my blog post Is Hydroxyapatite as Effective as Fluoride?.)

Safety Issues

As for the safety of nano hydroxyapatite, there is information circulating on the Internet that nano hydroxyapatite is banned in Europe. However, this is not exactly true. In fact, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) approves of up to 10% concentration of rod-shaped nano-hydroxyapatite in toothpaste (source). On the other hand, needle-shaped nano hydroxyapatite is of concern in relation to potential toxicity and, therefore, “should not be used in cosmetic products” (source).

In sum, both micro and nano types of hydroxyapatite are good for treating tooth enamel and are better than fluoride. However, when choosing toothpaste with nano hydroxyapatite, be sure to confirm with the company that they use rod-shaped (vs. needle-shaped) hydroxyapatite. Just give them a call. Seriously, I call manufacturers all the time.

Fortunately, there are hydroxyapatite toothpastes on the market with both nano and micro sizes of particles so you can choose one with which you are more comfortable.

Risewell Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste For Grownups Ingredients

To begin, Risewell carries two lines of mineral toothpaste for kids and for grownups: “Original” and “PRO.” While the ingredients in both lines of toothpaste are almost identical, the difference is that the “Original” line uses micro hydroxyapatite, and the “PRO” line uses both micro and nano hydroxyapatite. In other words, your choice will depend on what type of hydroxyapatite you prefer. 

First, let’s look at the ingredients of toothpaste for grownups – Risewell Mineral and Risewell PRO Mineral – as of August 2024 (IREAD10 for 10% off):

Silica, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Xylitol, Hydroxyapatite, Calcium Carbonate, Propanediol, Potassium Cocoate, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Mentha Arvensis (Wild Mint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Menthol, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Erythritol, Xanthan Gum, Eucalyptus Globulus Extract, Illicium Verum (Anise) Extract.

Let’s discuss the ingredients in this remineralizing toothpaste one by one, starting with hydroxyapatite.

Hydroxyapatite

Without a doubt, hydroxyapatite is what makes this hydroxyapatite toothpaste special. 

According to Risewell, the “Original” line of toothpastes (both grownup and kid’s version), is made with micro hydroxyapatite naturally sourced from a mine in France. The toothpaste contains 10% micro hydroxyapatite.

As for the “PRO” line, its formula combines 10% micro and 5% nano hydroxyapatite. The nano hydroxyapatite is rod-shaped and is a synthetic aqueous suspension called “NanoXIM Care Paste” manufactured and supplied to Risewell by a company called Fluidinova. Risewell states that Fluidinova is the only nano hydroxyapatite manufacturer in the world approved as safe for oral care cosmetics by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).

Further, the “PRO” formula is a great option for grownups and kids who struggle with extra sensitivity and are more prone to cavities. It has a superior ability to naturally remineralize and fight cavities, alleviate sensitivity, prevent decay and plaque, and whiten teeth. While both lines are great options, “PRO” is for people looking for the extra boost of hydroxyapatite. I have been using the “PRO” toothpaste since it came out, and it allows me to eat very tart cherries, plums, and gooseberries that I love so much.

If you prefer toothpaste with micro (aka “non-nano”) hydroxyapatite, you may also consider Pure Haven Mineral Toothpaste. I have studied all its ingredients and can stand by their purity and safety.

Silica

Silica, aka sand, is a natural part of the Earth’s crust and acts as an anticaking agent in food with no known adverse health effects. To clarify, in toothpastes it serves as a polishing agent that removes plaque from teeth in a gentle fashion.

Calcium Carbonate

Like silica, calcium carbonate is a gentle scrubber that cleans your teeth without damaging or stripping the enamel. Plus, calcium carbonate can be helpful in remineralization of teeth (source). 

Glycerin

For the most part, glycerin is a safe ingredient that keeps your toothpaste from drying out. Risewell uses glycerin that is derived from non-GMO corn. Nevertheless, you might have heard from non-scientific sources that it coats teeth, preventing remineralization. 

First, glycerin is not a varnish, it is highly soluble. In other words, even if it is left on your teeth from your toothpaste, it would dissolve in your saliva. Also, as a result of my experience of helping manufacturers develop cosmetic products, I can tell you that ingredients interact within a formulation.  That is to say, glycerin alone is not an indication that toothpaste will have ill effects on your teeth. It is best to look at the whole formulation because other ingredients, such as silica in this non-toxic toothpaste, may offset its potential coating properties, if there were any. In addition, glycerin in toothpaste has some antibacterial properties, so it is a welcome ingredient in a safe toothpaste. 

Natural Sweeteners In Risewell Toothpaste

To begin with, xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and stevia in the Risewell hydroxyapatite toothpaste are food-grade plant-based sweeteners. 

In addition, studies show that xylitol has no ill effects on the teeth associated with sugar. Instead, it actually helps reduce cavities and heal early cavities. To clarify, it does that by starving harmful bacteria of their food source, thereby reducing bacteria’s ability to produce the acids that lead to cavities.

Furthermore, there is evidence that sorbitol and erythritol decreased weight of dental plaque and adherence of common streptococcal oral bacteria to tooth surfaces, and inhibited the growth and activity of associated bacteria.  In fact, some studies concluded that erythritol demonstrated a better efficacy than sorbitol and xylitol in maintaining and improving oral health.

And finally, is stevia harmful for our teeth? This international study shows that stevia does not contribute to the development of cavities. 

Potassium Cocoate

Potassium cocoate is saponified coconut oil, used in a traditionally safe way to make natural soap. It functions as a beneficial surfactant in Risewell hydroxyapatite toothpaste. (You can learn more about saponified soap in my How to Buy a Truly Non-Toxic Soap post.)

Sodium Gluconate

Next, sodium gluconate is a salt of gluconic acid produced from glucose. You can also find it as a food additive. The FDA does not have any restrictions on its use in food (source). Sodium gluconate functions as a natural preservative in this remineralizing toothpaste.

Propanediol

Propanediol refers to 1,3-propanediol, not propylene glycol, which is 1,2-propanediol, and functions as a solvent. Unlike propylene glycol, propanediol is not in the American Contact Dermatitis Society Core Allergen Series. Also, there is no association of this ingredient with irritation or allergic contact dermatitis. According to a Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) report, researchers found it to cause irritation only in concentrations as high as 75%. 

Xanthan Gum And Cellulose Gum

These ingredients, used for their thickening properties, are popular in food. Even though they have nothing to do with the health of teeth, I believe they are safe ingredients in this non-toxic toothpaste. In fact, they help this fluoride-free toothpaste stay on the toothbrush and resemble conventional toothpaste in texture.

Botanicals In Risewell Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

The rest of the ingredients in this remineralizing toothpaste are essential oils and plant extracts. 

For example, wild mint, peppermint, tea tree oils, and cinnamon and thyme extracts freshen breath and address harmful bacteria. Additionally, essential oils have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  

I wish they were organic, though. But I also understand that since organic essential oils are more expensive, that would increase the cost of Risewell products.

Risewell Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste For Kids Ingredients

Just as for grownups, Risewell remineralizing toothpaste for kids comes in two lines: “Original” and “PRO.” As we discussed above, the ingredients in both lines of toothpaste are almost identical. The difference is that the “Original” line uses 10% micro hydroxyapatite, and the “PRO” line uses a combination of 10% micro and 5% nano hydroxyapatite. While both lines are great options, “PRO” is for people looking for the extra boost of hydroxyapatite.  

Now, let’s look at the ingredients of toothpaste for kids – Risewell Kids Mineral and Risewell Kids PRO Mineral – as of August 2024 (IREAD10 for 10% off):

Silica, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Xylitol, Hydroxyapatite, Calcium Carbonate, Propanediol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Potassium Cocoate, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Erythritol, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Xanthan Gum.

As you can see, the ingredients in this non-toxic toothpaste for kids are almost the same as those in the hydroxyapatite toothpaste for adults. That is to say, the major difference is that there are no essential oils and menthol in it. 

It tastes good! My 7-year-old son liked its taste when he first tried this safe kids toothpaste.

No Flavor In Risewell Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

I would like to emphasize that Risewell doesn’t use any flavors. If you read my blog often, you might know that I advocate against the use of fragrance because it is often a mixture of undisclosed ingredients. And that applies to so-called “natural” fragrance. Despite the assurances of natural fragrance safety from the manufacturers, we still do not know what ingredients their natural fragrance has. 

To clarify, flavors are just fragrances which are mixtures of undisclosed chemicals. When it comes to new flavors, they must go through an approval process by the FDA, unless they get GRAS status. That is to say, many food flavors can achieve GRAS status if qualified experts deem them safe. Often those experts are representatives of the US Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (source).

Moreover, flavors contain ingredients that can’t provide taste in the first place, such as emulsifiers, solvents, preservatives, and flavor modifiers (source).

As a result, I am not a big fan of flavors and try to avoid them if possible. Therefore, I was very happy to hear that Risewell refuses to use flavors in their non-toxic toothpaste as well. 

Summary: Is Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Better Than Fluoride Toothpaste?

Based On Research, Hydroxyapatite In Toothpaste Is As Good Or Even Better At Remineralizing Teeth Than Fluoride. Plus, It Is Safer Than Fluoride.

In sum, both micro and nano types of hydroxyapatite are good for treating tooth enamel and safer than fluoride. However, when choosing toothpaste with nano hydroxyapatite, be sure to confirm with the company that they use rod-shaped (vs. needle-shaped) hydroxyapatite.

Here are some options for toothpaste with non-nano hydroxyapatite:

• Risewell Mineral Toothpaste (IREAD10 for 10% off)
• Risewell Kids Mineral Toothpaste (IREAD10 for 10% off)
• Pure Haven Mineral Toothpaste (15% off embedded in the link)

And here are some options for toothpaste with nano hydroxyapatite:

• Risewell PRO Mineral Toothpaste (IREAD10 for 10% off)
• Risewell Kids PRO Mineral Toothpaste (IREAD10 for 10% off)

By the way, Risewell Scrubby Floss has a hydroxyapatite coating, which makes it a remineralizing floss that I like a lot.

Disclaimer: I am not a dentist, and my advice is based on my best attempts to understand scientific studies. Whether you should you use a toothpaste with fluoride or hydroxyapatite should be between you and your dentist. 

Visit the I Read Labels For You blog for other useful information on safe products and ingredients. Browse my non-toxic products shop and download my unprecedented e-books that will help you make informed purchasing decisions. You are also welcome to book a consultation with me for a deeper look into your personal needs.

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