🦷Mondays with Mark: What about Micro?

Julie asks, “Thanks for introducing Hydroxyapatite to me. Would you please touch upon Micro hydroxyapatite, I do know it’s not as efficient as Nano, however does it work in any respect?”

The Nice Debate: Nano vs. Micro HAP

Julie’s curiosity about Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is spot on. HAP, a naturally occurring mineral in our tooth and bones, performs a vital position in toothpaste for remineralization and sensitivity reduction.

Right here’s the important thing level: Micro-sized HAP, typically marketed as a “pure” different, is often simply ground-up bone or different types of pure calcium. It sounds good, however there’s a catch. Micro-sized particles will be excessive in lead and different metals, posing potential well being dangers. We’ve finished some digging and located that one in all our opponents, who promotes micro-sized HAP as superior, really has troubling ranges of lead of their merchandise. Additionally, the particle dimension of micro HAP is simply too giant to be efficient for remineralization or lowering tooth sensitivity.

The Nano Benefit

Enter nano. Nano HAP is the right dimension to imitate the pure construction of your tooth. While you study a pure tooth below excessive magnification, you’ll see nano-sized HAP crystals embedded inside the tooth matrix. That is the place the precept of “like likes like” comes into play—biomimetics. This biomimetic strategy makes nano HAP far simpler at repairing and defending tooth enamel.

Nano HAP is synthetically made by means of a exact course of leading to particles which can be extra uniform and prime quality. It’s derived from a exact course of involving food-grade salt and phosphate, leading to a product that’s each efficient and protected.

Does Micro work in any respect?

Micro HAP does supply some advantages, as early research indicated. Its early information was promising, however nano wasn’t in use then!

Mixing micro with nano isn’t advisable both, because the bigger micro particles can clump, intrude with the effectiveness of nano particles, and probably result in tartar buildup.

When reviewing data from producers or toothpaste firms, it’s essential to know the context of their information, which is often primarily based on research. Nonetheless, the relevance of those research can fluctuate considerably relying on their timing. More moderen analysis typically supersedes older research. For instance, whereas micro expertise as soon as represented a breakthrough in desensitizing and decay prevention, nano expertise has since emerged because the superior choice. Sadly, many firms should promote outdated micro expertise with out acknowledging newer, simpler options like nano. At all times examine the publication date of the research cited. If the analysis is a decade outdated or extra, it’s important to confirm its relevance in opposition to the most recent information. Ideally, there must be instruments or AI that cross-references older research with newer ones to make sure you’re getting essentially the most up-to-date data.

Now that nano is right here, micro is outdated information. Does it work? Somewhat, however in terms of remineralization, nano works higher as a result of it’s the correct dimension.

Why Dimension Issues

Nano, though it’s artificial, is remarkably efficient as a result of its particles intently match the scale, form, and make-up of pure tooth constructions. Micro expertise, then again, doesn’t fairly measure up. Micro particles are usually too giant, clumped collectively, and never well-structured. This mismatch means they don’t combine as successfully with tooth enamel, resulting in much less optimum outcomes.

Nano can also be higher for oral microbiome well being; Oral microbiome micro organism have outer membranes and depend on calcium to thrive. Micro particles, being too giant, can’t successfully work together with these micro organism. It’s not nearly remineralization; supporting your oral microbiome is essential too. Nano-HAP, nonetheless, can penetrate these bacterial membranes, performing nearly like a complement for the useful micro organism in your mouth. This makes it a helpful instrument for each defending and enhancing your oral well being.

I hope this sheds mild on why nano-sized HAP is the higher alternative for oral care, in comparison with micro. As all the time, I’m right here to assist with any questions you may need.

Now, for one more matter…

I’ve additionally been getting a number of questions not too long ago about oral microbiome testing (additionally generally known as salivary testing) from each clinicians and sufferers — the way it works, why it’s helpful, and which take a look at to make use of.

To reply these, we have to first perceive what the oral microbiome is and the way it impacts our well being:

What’s the oral microbiome?

It’s the neighborhood of over 800+ distinctive species of microbes — micro organism, fungi, and viruses — that stay in our mouths.

A few of these microbes are useful (commensal) to our well being; they assist stop illness, help in digestion, and carry out essential capabilities like nitric oxide manufacturing. Others are dangerous (pathogenic) and play a task in inflicting points like cavities, periodontal illness, and unhealthy breath.

Sure oral micro organism have additionally been related to systemic situations together with diabetes, coronary heart illness, Alzheimer’s, hostile being pregnant outcomes, intestine problems, and most cancers.

What causes cavities and periodontal illness?

There’s a frequent false impression that they’re precipitated solely by just a few dangerous bacterial species.

The reality is these illnesses are the results of an imbalance between the degrees of dozens of various useful and dangerous microbes in our mouth, often known as oral microbiome dysbiosis.

To scale back danger for oral illnesses and obtain lasting well being & wellness, it’s not nearly killing the unhealthy bugs, it’s about selling the great ones to create a balanced neighborhood.

Why is oral microbiome or salivary testing vital?

Salivary testing on your oral well being is like routine bloodwork for the remainder of your physique. It helps you perceive what’s occurring on the microscopic degree, the way it can influence your well being, and what you are able to do to remain wholesome.

Most exams solely analyze a handful of microbes (roughly ~5 to 30 species), sometimes those thought-about to be dangerous. However that provides a really restricted view into one’s well being. Even worse, it might probably be deceptive with out realizing what the remainder of the neighborhood is.

That’s why I encourage everybody to make use of Bristle Well being’s complete oral microbiome take a look at. In contrast to different exams, they profile the whole oral microbiome with a single saliva pattern — giving insights into not solely danger for oral illnesses, but additionally general well being together with intestine irritation & nitric oxide manufacturing together with suggestions on tips on how to enhance.

I selected to be an advisor for the corporate as a result of their distinctive strategy of wanting on the full neighborhood of microbes is essential in actually understanding the well being of your mouth.

P.S. In case you’re a clinician concerned about Bristle testing on your observe, join right here to attach with their crew.

In case you’re a affected person trying to take a look at your oral microbiome, you are able to do it your self at house with Bristle. Use code DRB15 for a restricted time 15% off by means of the tip of September twentieth. When you get your outcomes, I encourage you to share them together with your dentist to allow them to use it in figuring out your care plan.