What is hydroxyapatite and what is it used for?

What is Hydroxyapatite? It's a mineral found naturally in our bodies, making up a large part of our bones and teeth. Because it is biocompatible, it's been one of the most studied biomaterials in medicine. Nano-hydroxyapatite, or NHA for short, is the synthetic form of it. Nano-hydroxyapatite has been used in joint replacements and maxillofacial surgeries. Some dental implants are coated with it and even certain filling materials contain NHA. Some toothpastes have been formulated with NHA instead of fluoride. Currently, the BURST kids strawberry toothpaste contains NHA. How is NHA different than fluoride? Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel by binding to it and creating a stronger, harder surface that is more resistant to tooth decay. Nano-hydroxyapatite, instead of absorbing into the enamel itself, creates a new layer of synthetic enamel around the tooth. NHA prevents tooth decay and sensitivity, and is non-toxic. SOURCES: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... https://us.dental-tribune.com/news/im... wikipedia.com nasa.gov https://mineralseducationcoalition.org/