🦷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 aid.

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

The Nano Benefit

Enter nano. Nano HAP is the proper measurement to imitate the pure construction of your tooth. Once 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 method makes nano HAP far simpler at repairing and defending tooth enamel.

Nano HAP is synthetically made by way of a exact course of leading to particles which might be extra uniform and top 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 provide 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, intervene with the effectiveness of nano particles, and probably result in tartar buildup.

When reviewing info from producers or toothpaste corporations, it’s essential to grasp the context of their information, which is often based mostly on research. Nevertheless, the relevance of those research can differ considerably relying on their timing. More moderen analysis usually 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 corporations should still promote outdated micro expertise with out acknowledging newer, simpler options like nano. At all times test the publication date of the research cited. If the analysis is a decade previous 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 probably the most up-to-date info.

Now that nano is right here, micro is previous information. Does it work? A bit of, however with regards to remineralization, nano works higher as a result of it’s the precise measurement.

Why Measurement Issues

Nano, although it’s artificial, is remarkably efficient as a result of its particles intently match the dimensions, form, and make-up of pure tooth buildings. Micro expertise, however, doesn’t fairly measure up. Micro particles are typically 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 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, nevertheless, can penetrate these bacterial membranes, performing nearly like a complement for the useful micro organism in your mouth. This makes it a helpful device for each defending and enhancing your oral well being.

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

Now, for one more matter…

I’ve additionally been getting quite a lot of questions just lately 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 check 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 forestall illness, assist 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 dangerous breath.

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

What causes cavities and periodontal illness?

There’s a frequent false impression that they’re induced solely by a couple of dangerous bacterial species.

The reality is these ailments 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 cut back threat for oral ailments and obtain lasting well being & wellness, it’s not nearly killing the dangerous bugs, it’s about selling the nice ones to create a balanced neighborhood.

Why is oral microbiome or salivary testing essential?

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

Most assessments solely analyze a handful of microbes (roughly ~5 to 30 species), usually those thought of to be dangerous. However that offers a really restricted view into one’s well being. Even worse, it may probably be deceptive with out understanding what the remainder of the neighborhood is.

That’s why I encourage everybody to make use of Bristle Well being’s complete oral microbiome check. Not like different assessments, they profile your complete oral microbiome with a single saliva pattern — giving insights into not solely threat for oral ailments, but in addition 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 method of wanting on the full neighborhood of microbes is essential in actually understanding the well being of your mouth.

P.S. In the event you’re a clinician concerned with Bristle testing on your observe, join right here to attach with their staff.

In the event you’re a affected person seeking to check 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 way of the top of September twentieth. When you get your outcomes, I encourage you to share them along with your dentist to allow them to use it in figuring out your care plan.