Perhaps you know this feeling: you've decided to go fluoride-free – and then this little voice appears:
"What if I get cavities faster because of it?"
Especially if you've been brushing fluoride-free for a few months, uncertainty can creep in. That's understandable – and that's exactly why we're writing to you today.
First, the good news: No, you are not automatically at greater risk of getting cavities just because you forgo fluoride.
Why? Because today there are biomimetic alternatives whose effectiveness has been studied in clinical trials – including, in particular, hydroxylapatite.
Biological Dentistry: More Than Just Clean Teeth
At teethlovers, we are guided by the principles of biological dentistry. The focus is not just on the individual tooth, but on the person as a whole.
Our approach is to support the body's own processes and to use ingredients that are compatible with the natural structure of the tooth.
That's why we use hydroxylapatite – a mineral that forms the main component of our tooth enamel.
What is Hydroxylapatite – and what makes it so special?
Hydroxylapatite (HAP) is a biocompatible mineral that makes up about 97% of tooth enamel. In dental care products, it is used in biomimetic form to support the natural tooth surface.
Scientific literature shows several relevant effects:
✓ Remineralization of early enamel lesions:
A study showed that hydroxylapatite can achieve a comparable remineralization effect to fluoride in white spot lesions (Butera et al., 2022, IJERPH, DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148676).
✓ Caries prevention in long-term clinical studies:
Another study in adults showed that a hydroxylapatite toothpaste was not inferior to fluoride in caries prevention (Paszynska et al., 2023, Frontiers in Public Health, DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1199728) .
✓ Pediatric dentistry:
Another study with children showed that toothpastes containing hydroxylapatite, in combination with fluoride, could achieve even greater reduction in active caries lesions than standard fluoride products (Cocco et al., 2025, International Dental Journal, DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.09.037).
✓ Biomimetic incorporation into tooth enamel:
Mechanistic studies have shown that hydroxylapatite particles can attach to the surface of tooth enamel and incorporate minerals such as calcium and phosphate there. This suggests that they support the natural structure of the tooth. (Florea et al., 2023, Biomimetics, DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8060450) .
✓ Reduction of tooth sensitivity:
Systematic reviews show that hydroxylapatite can occlude exposed dentinal tubules, thereby measurably reducing tooth sensitivity. (Limeback, Enax, Meyer, 2023, Biomimetics, DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8010023).
Our answer to your concern:
If you're asking yourself:
"I've been using fluoride-free dental care for a few months now – is that really enough?"
Then the current study situation is reassuring:
Several randomized clinical trials show that hydroxylapatite toothpastes can achieve comparable efficacy to fluoride toothpastes in caries prevention – both in adults and children (Paszynska et al., 2023; Cocco et al., 2025) .
At the same time, however, it is also true: No toothpaste alone completely prevents cavities.
Diet, saliva flow, mechanical plaque removal, and regular check-ups remain crucial.
What does science say overall?
The current evidence can be summarized as follows:
- Several studies show that hydroxylapatite is not inferior to fluoride in caries prevention (Paszynska et al., 2023; Paszynska et al., 2021, Scientific Reports).
- Mechanistic studies confirm remineralization and incorporation into tooth enamel (Florea et al., 2023).
- Systematic reviews consistently show positive effects on caries, plaque, and sensitivity, but sometimes point to a still limited number of studies (Limeback et al., 2021; 2023).
- Newer meta-analyses (2024/2025) generally see a positive trend in favor of hydroxylapatite, even if not all results are statistically significant.
Our tip:
Trust in a consistent care routine – and in ingredients that support the natural structure of your teeth.
With dental care based on hydroxylapatite, you are choosing an active ingredient that has been studied in several peer-reviewed clinical trials and has established itself as a scientifically sound fluoride-free alternative for daily oral care.
➡️ Here you will find links and summaries of some studies that investigate the effectiveness of hydroxylapatite (HAP) in dental care.