96–97% mineral
Enamel is made almost entirely from mineral, chiefly carbonated hydroxyapatite.
Fluoride-free oral care
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste and holistic oral care guide
Evidence-led guidance on biomimetic hydroxyapatite, daily routines and dentist-selected products—including Biorepair formulas with 24% and 20% microRepair®.
24% microRepair®
Biorepair Plus Sensitive Teeth has the highest hydroxyapatite-rich concentration in our range.
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Compare both Biorepair formulas or save with a Complete Care Bundle.
Updated July 2026. Hydroxyapatite is a mineral your teeth already contain. In toothpaste, it can return useful minerals to early weak spots, smooth the tooth surface and help with sensitivity. This plain-English guide explains how it works, how it compares with fluoride and which Biorepair product could suit your routine.
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Why hydroxyapatite toothpaste is different
Hydroxyapatite is not a made-up wellness ingredient. It is the main mineral in teeth: around 96–97% of enamel by weight is hydroxyapatite. Put simply, hydroxyapatite toothpaste brings tooth-like mineral directly to the tooth surface.
96–97%
of enamel by weight is hydroxyapatite mineral.
24%
microRepair® in Biorepair Plus Sensitive Teeth.
20%
microRepair® in Biorepair Plus Total Protection.
Acids from food, drinks and plaque can take minerals out of enamel. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste supplies calcium and phosphate that can settle into tiny weak spots and support the tooth’s natural remineralisation process. In everyday language, it helps put tooth-like mineral back where early mineral loss has happened.
Sensitivity can happen when the softer layer under enamel, called dentine, becomes exposed. Dentine has tiny channels that carry hot, cold and touch towards the nerve. Hydroxyapatite particles can help cover the openings to those channels. A review of 44 human clinical trials found that hydroxyapatite oral-care products reduced tooth sensitivity. Results can still vary from person to person.
Five evidence-backed reasons people choose hydroxyapatite
- It is similar to tooth mineral. Hydroxyapatite brings calcium and phosphate to the tooth surface.
- It supports early enamel repair. It can help put minerals back into early weak spots. It cannot repair a hole, fracture or broken tooth.
- It can help sensitive teeth. The mineral can help cover the tiny channels that carry hot and cold towards the nerve.
- It is a fluoride-free choice. Hydroxyapatite is well tolerated, and small amounts swallowed by accident during normal brushing are considered safe. Toothpaste should still not be deliberately swallowed.
- It may make teeth look smoother and brighter. The naturally white mineral can settle on the surface without peroxide bleaching.
What does the research say?
The research is encouraging. Here are the main findings in plain English:
- An 18-month adult study found that the hydroxyapatite toothpaste tested was not worse than a 1,450 ppm fluoride toothpaste for the study’s main tooth-decay measure.
- Another controlled study found that 10% hydroxyapatite and 500 ppm fluoride both helped early enamel damage, with no meaningful difference between them in that study.
- The review linked above found that hydroxyapatite products helped reduce tooth sensitivity across the studies it examined.
These studies tested particular products and groups of people, so no toothpaste can promise the same result for everyone. Remineralisation means helping early mineral loss—not filling a cavity. A hole, broken tooth, ongoing pain or worsening sensitivity needs a dentist.
Shop high-concentration fluoride-free toothpaste
Biorepair calls its tooth-like mineral microRepair®. The manufacturer lists 240 mg/g (24%) microRepair® in Plus Sensitive Teeth and 200 mg/g (20%) in Plus Total Protection. These are high concentrations within the Biorepair range.
The percentage refers to Biorepair’s complete microRepair® ingredient, not pure hydroxyapatite on its own. This means percentages from different brands may not be directly comparable. The formula and how regularly you brush matter too.
24% microRepair®
Biorepair Plus Sensitive Teeth
The highest-concentration microRepair® formula in the Onyx range, selected for people who want fluoride-free daily care with a clear sensitivity focus.
- Fluoride-free tooth-like mineral formula.
- 240 mg/g (24%) microRepair® listed by the manufacturer.
- Supports early enamel remineralisation.
- Helps cover tiny channels linked to sensitivity.
20% microRepair®
Biorepair Plus Total Protection
The high-concentration everyday formula for shoppers who want fluoride-free hydroxyapatite care across their regular routine.
- Fluoride-free tooth-like mineral formula.
- 200 mg/g (20%) microRepair® listed by the manufacturer.
- Mineral-rich daily care for tooth surfaces.
- A simple everyday choice when sensitivity is not the main concern.
Hydroxyapatite vs fluoride toothpaste
Both ingredients help protect teeth, but they work in different ways. Fluoride helps make the outside of the tooth more resistant to acid. Hydroxyapatite adds tooth-like mineral to the surface, where it can settle into tiny weak spots and help cover channels linked to sensitivity.
Fluoride remains a well-established ingredient and UK guidance recommends it for most people. Hydroxyapatite is not an empty “natural” alternative: the studies above support it as a credible fluoride-free option, especially for people interested in tooth-like minerals or sensitivity relief.
Why choose fluoride-free hydroxyapatite?
- You want an ingredient similar to the mineral already found in teeth.
- You prefer fluoride-free care but still want an active remineralising ingredient.
- You want extra support for sensitive teeth.
- You are looking for a toothpaste that is well tolerated if a small amount is swallowed by accident during brushing.
- You like the idea of gradual surface smoothing and brightness without peroxide.
Children should always use an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste with adult supervision. If you often get cavities, have dry mouth, exposed roots, braces or another higher-risk need, speak to your dentist or hygienist before changing the toothpaste they have recommended.
A holistic oral-care routine that goes beyond toothpaste
For us, holistic oral care means looking after your whole mouth—not making miracle claims. Toothpaste works best as part of a routine that also includes good brushing, cleaning between the teeth, balanced food and drink choices, healthy saliva and regular professional care.
Morning routine
- Clean between the teeth. Use floss or correctly sized interdental brushes where appropriate.
- Brush for about two minutes. Work systematically across the outside, inside and chewing surfaces.
- Use gentle, effective pressure. Scrubbing harder does not mean cleaning better; pressure feedback can help.
- Use your chosen toothpaste consistently. Brushing twice a day gives hydroxyapatite regular contact with the tooth surface.
Evening routine
Make the final brush before bed the session you do not skip. Clean between the teeth, brush each area carefully and avoid frequent sugary or acidic drinks afterwards. A sustainable routine is more valuable than a complicated routine that disappears after a week.
The NHS tooth-cleaning guide provides the UK foundation for brushing and interdental cleaning. The product choice should then reflect your preferences, risk profile and professional advice.
Make good technique easier with an electric toothbrush
A premium electric toothbrush does not replace technique; it makes useful technique cues visible. Timers, pressure feedback and coverage coaching can reduce guesswork and help a strong routine become automatic.
Premium smart brushing
Oral-B iO9 Black Onyx
- Interactive colour display and built-in two-minute timer.
- Visible guidance for too much, too little and intended pressure.
- Optional app coaching and position tracking.
- Brush-head reminder and around three-hour magnetic charging.
Four compatible heads
Oral-B iO Ultimate Clean Heads
- Designed exclusively for Oral-B iO toothbrushes.
- 16-degree angled, tufted bristles.
- Indicator bristles fade as a replacement cue.
- Four changes ready in one pack.
How often should an Oral-B iO head be replaced?
Oral-B recommends changing the head every three months, or sooner when the bristles are visibly worn. Rinse after use, allow the head to air dry upright, never share it and keep the next replacement ready before the current one reaches the end of its useful life.
Build the complete routine and save £10.97
Each Onyx Complete Care Bundle combines the Oral-B iO9 Black Onyx, four compatible Ultimate Clean heads and one high-concentration Biorepair Plus toothpaste. The current standalone total is £200.97; each bundle is £190.
Best for sensitivity
Complete Care Bundle — Sensitive Teeth
Choose the highest microRepair® concentration in our range with the iO9 and a full pack of compatible replacement heads.
Shop the bundle — £190
Everyday fluoride-free
Complete Care Bundle — Total Protection
Choose the everyday 20% microRepair® formula with the same premium brush and four-head replenishment pack.
Shop the bundle — £190Choose your Onyx routine
- Sensitivity is your priority: start with Biorepair Plus Sensitive Teeth or its Complete Care Bundle.
- You want everyday fluoride-free care: choose Biorepair Plus Total Protection or the Total Protection Bundle.
- You want better feedback on pressure, timing and coverage: choose the Oral-B iO9 Black Onyx.
- You already own an iO toothbrush: replenish with the Ultimate Clean four pack.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste FAQs
Does hydroxyapatite actually repair enamel?
It can help early weak enamel take minerals back in and can settle into tiny surface defects. That is what we mean by early enamel repair. It cannot fill a cavity, replace missing enamel or fix a broken tooth.
Is hydroxyapatite as effective as fluoride?
Some studies have found the hydroxyapatite toothpastes they tested worked as well as the fluoride toothpastes used for comparison. This makes hydroxyapatite a credible fluoride-free option, but it does not mean every brand or formula will work in exactly the same way.
Is hydroxyapatite good for sensitive teeth?
Yes. Hydroxyapatite can help cover the tiny channels in exposed dentine that carry hot and cold towards the nerve. Sensitivity that is severe, gets worse or affects one particular tooth should be checked by a dentist.
Is hydroxyapatite toothpaste safe if swallowed?
Hydroxyapatite is well tolerated, and reviews describe the small amounts swallowed by accident during normal brushing as safe. Toothpaste should still not be deliberately swallowed. Follow the product directions and keep it away from young children unless it is made for their age group.
Is hydroxyapatite microbiome friendly?
Research suggests hydroxyapatite can make it harder for plaque bacteria to stick to teeth. Biorepair microRepair® also contains zinc, so it would be misleading to claim that it has no effect on bacteria at all. The honest answer is that it supports a cleaner tooth surface without claiming to protect every type of “good” mouth bacteria.
Can hydroxyapatite toothpaste whiten teeth?
Hydroxyapatite is naturally white. By settling on and smoothing the surface, it may make teeth look gradually brighter without peroxide. Do not expect the same dramatic shade change as professional bleaching.
Which Biorepair toothpaste has the most hydroxyapatite-rich microRepair®?
Biorepair Plus Sensitive Teeth contains 240 mg/g (24%) microRepair® according to the manufacturer. Plus Total Protection contains 200 mg/g (20%). Choose Sensitive Teeth for the highest concentration and a sensitivity focus. Choose Total Protection for everyday fluoride-free care.
Can I use hydroxyapatite toothpaste every day?
These Biorepair Plus toothpastes are positioned for everyday use. Brush thoroughly twice daily and follow the directions on the supplied product. If your dentist has recommended a prescription or high-fluoride product because of a specific risk, discuss any change with them first.
Start with the fluoride-free formula that fits you
Choose the 24% microRepair® Sensitive Teeth formula for the highest concentration in the Onyx range, or the 20% Total Protection formula for everyday fluoride-free care. Add the iO9 and compatible heads if you want the complete premium routine.
Shop 24% Sensitive Teeth Shop 20% Total Protection
This guide provides general product and oral-care information, not personalised clinical advice. Study findings relate to the tested formulations and populations. Follow the directions supplied with each product and seek advice from a dentist or hygienist for persistent symptoms, active decay or individual risk factors.