Innovation and research
Our teeth are continuously subjected to numerous attacks, e.g. by acidic food and drinks. Not forgetting the daily stresses due to chewing, brushing and unconscious tooth grinding. As a result, microscopically small defects occur and the enamel becomes ever thinner. These dental problems are now widespread. To avoid the frequently occurring consequences such as pain and costly dental treatments, further research and innovative dental care products are required
Find out more here about the research into hydroxyapatite, the innovative active ingredient, and the findings on its efficacy and discover the Dr. Wolff Research Network on our map.
Dental erosion: a widely spread problem
European studies show that almost one third of the population suffers from dental erosion.¹ This is usually invisible to the layperson. Acids in sparkling or soft drinks, citrus fruits or fruit juices can wear away the enamel and cause erosion, i.e. the disintegration of the enamel.
The enamel becomes ever thinner and more transparent. As the years go by, the teeth often begin to take on a more matt appearance, and biting into an apple or taking a drink of cold water can cause pain because the protective enamel is missing – especially at the gingival margin (gum edge).
Innovative and effective concepts for oral care: brush back enamel say goodbye to enamel wear with just one layer
Is it possible to halt this natural wear of the tooth enamel? Our body cannot restore lost enamel itself. Drawing on the principle of bionics, science has been able to recreate artificial enamel that is very similar to human enamel. Just like real enamel, this is made up of hydroxyapatite. This active ingredient is used in all Bioniq® products. During brushing, artificial enamel is deposited rather than worn away.
The artificial ingredient (hydoxyapaptite) accumulates on the surface of the teeth, preventing acid-related wear of the enamel and thereby protecting the teeth from wear. It penetrates the microscopic cracks and repairs porous areas. With regular use, the enamel becomes well cared for, smooth, strong and resistant.
How hydroxyapatite works
The principle behind the effect of hydroxyapatite is clinically proven and offers a number of benefits for our oral health:
- Hydroxyapatite forms a protective layer on the teeth that protects them from acid attacks.
- When bacterial acids attack the teeth, hydroxyapatite releases calcium, protecting the teeth from demineralisation.
- Hydroxyapatite reduces the adhesion of bacteria to the surface of the tooth and reduces the formation of plaque.
- Hydroxyapatite prevents tooth sensitivity caused by the necks being exposed.
- Hydroxyapatite repairs the enamel (remineralisation), preventing cavities.
- Hydroxyapatite is deposited and builds up on the teeth, leaving them looking brighter.
Research at Dr. Wolff
Research has been of central importance at Dr. Wolff since the company was founded in 1905. Research into innovations for dental care “made in Germany” is carried out at the Bielefeld-based company and in national and international collaboration with numerous renowned, independent institutes, university hospitals and dental practices. All Bioniq® products are made in Germany.
Dr. Wolff Research Network
Discover the Dr. Wolff network
Click on the map locations to find out more about the individual collaborative research ventures
International research collaborations
Bielefeld
Dental practice of Dr Kai Zwanzig, Bielefeld
Daily dental care with HAP toothpastes prevents sensitive teeth.
Steinert, S. et al. Daily application of a toothpaste with biomimetic hydroxyapatite and its subjective impact on dentin hypersensitivity, tooth smoothness, tooth whitening, gum bleeding, and feeling of freshness. Biomimetics 5, 17 (2020).
Read studyHAP gel brightens teeth when used daily.
Steinert, S. et al. Whitening effects of a novel oral care gel with biomimetic hydroxyapatite: A 4-week observational pilot study. Biomimetics 5, 65 (2020).
Read studyReview on the prevention of inflammatory diseases with implants.
Steinert, S., Enax, J., Simader, B., Zwanzig, K. & Meyer, F. Prävention der periimplantären Mukositis. Dentale Implantologie 5, 272-275 (2020).
Read studyBraunschweig
Braunschweig Department of Health
In vivo study: gel with HAP works as a source of calcium.
Sudradjat, H., Meyer, F., Loza, K., Epple, M., Enax, J. In vivo effects of a hydroxyapatite-based oral care gel on the calcium and phosphorus levels of dental plaque. Eur. J. Dent. (2020).
Read studyBerlin
Charité Berlin
In vitro study shows: HAP remineralises dentine and enamel.
Tschoppe, P., Zandim, D. L., Martus, P. & Kielbassa, A. M. Enamel and dentine remineralization by nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes. J. Dent. 39, 430-437 (2011).
Read studyHalle/Saale
Fraunhofer Institute Halle/Saale
HAP builds up on the teeth and makes them brighter.
Sarembe, S., Enax, J., Morawietz, M., Kiesow, A. & Meyer, F. In vitro whitening effect of a hydroxyapatite-based oral care gel. Eur. J. Dent. 14, 335-341 (2020).
Read studyDresden
University Hospital of Dresden
In situ study confirms: the active substance HAP prevents the formation of biofilm on our teeth.
Kensche, A. et al. Efficacy of a mouthrinse based on hydroxyapatite to reduce initial bacterial colonisation in situ. Arch. Oral Biol. 80, 18-26 (2017).
Read studyFrankfurt am Main
Multicentre study with the University Hospitals of Dresden, Frankfurt, Regensburg, Munich and Würzburg
Multicentre clinical study: HAP is effective in preventing caries.
Schlagenhauf, U. et al. Impact of a non-fluoridated microcrystalline hydroxyapatite dentifrice on enamel caries progression in highly caries-susceptible orthodontic patients: A randomized, controlled 6-month trial. J. Invest. Clin. Dent., (2019).
Read studyHomburg
Saarland University Hospital
Mouthwash with HAP reduces the formation of biofilm on the teeth in situ.
Hannig, C., Basche, S., Burghardt, T., Al-Ahmad, A. & Hannig, M. Influence of a mouthwash containing hydroxyapatite microclusters on bacterial adherence in situ. Clin. Oral Investig. 17, 805-814 (2013).
Read studyWürzburg
University Hospital of Münster and University Hospital of Würzburg
Multicentre clinical study: HAP toothpaste improves gum health.
Harks, I. et al. Impact of the daily use of a microcrystal hydroxyapatite dentifrice on de novo plaque formation and clinical/microbiological parameters of periodontal health. A randomized trial. PloS one 11, (2016).
Read studyRegensburg
University Hospital of Regensburg
Topic of “sensitive teeth”
In vitro study by the University Hospital of Regensburg shows occlusion of dentinal tubules with HAP.
Hiller, K.-A., Buchalla, W., Grillmeier, I., Neubauer, C. & Schmalz, G. In vitro effects of hydroxyapatite containing toothpastes on dentin permeability after multiple applications and ageing. Sci. Rep. 8, 4888 (2018).
Read studyTopic of “Mode of action of hydroxyapatite”
HAP acts as an acid buffer and source of calcium.
Cieplik, F. et al. Ca2+ release and buffering effects of synthetic hydroxyapatite following bacterial acid challenge. BMC Oral Health 20, 85 (2020).
Read studyTopic of “New active substances”
Natural citrus extract has antibacterial effect on oral biofilms.
Cieplik et al. Antimicrobial efficacy of alternative compounds for use in oral care toward biofilms from caries‐associated bacteria in vitro, Microbiology Open, 8, 4 (2018).
Read studyMulticentre study with the University Hospitals of Dresden, Frankfurt, Regensburg, Munich and Würzburg
Multicentre clinical study: HAP is effective in preventing caries.
Schlagenhauf, U. et al. Impact of a non-fluoridated microcrystalline hydroxyapatite dentifrice on enamel caries progression in highly caries-susceptible orthodontic patients: A randomized, controlled 6-month trial. J. Invest. Clin. Dent., (2019).
Read studyMunich
Multicentre study with the University Hospitals of Dresden, Frankfurt, Regensburg, Munich and Würzburg
Multicentre clinical study: HAP is effective in preventing caries.
Schlagenhauf, U. et al. Impact of a non-fluoridated microcrystalline hydroxyapatite dentifrice on enamel caries progression in highly caries-susceptible orthodontic patients: A randomized, controlled 6-month trial. J. Invest. Clin. Dent., (2019).
Read studyMünster
University Hospital of Münster and University Hospital of Würzburg
Multicentre clinical study: HAP toothpaste improves gum health.
Harks, I. et al. Impact of the daily use of a microcrystal hydroxyapatite dentifrice on de novo plaque formation and clinical/microbiological parameters of periodontal health. A randomized trial. PloS one 11, (2016).
Read studyEssen
University of Duisburg-Essen
Review on modern dental care.
Epple, M. & Enax, J. Moderne Zahnpflege aus chemischer Sicht. Chem. Unserer Zeit 52, 218-228 (2018). [English translation: Epple, M. & Enax, J. The chemistry of dental care (Parts 1-3). ChemViews Mag. (2018).]
Read studyReview-article on abrasives used in oral care
Enax J. & Epple, M. Die Charakterisierung von Putzkörpern in Zahnpasten. Dtsch. Zahnärztl. Z. 73, 116-124, (2018).
Read studyDüsseldorf
Max Planck Institute Düsseldorf
HAP builds up on the tooth and forms a protective layer.
Fabritius-Vilpoux, K., Enax, J., Herbig, M., Raabe, D. & Fabritius, H.-O. Quantitative Affinity Parameters of Synthetic Hydroxyapatite and Enamel Surfaces in vitro. Bioinspir. Biomim. Nan. 8, 141-153 (2019).
Read studyU.S.A.
Renowned cariologist Prof B.T. Amaechi and colleagues at the UT Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
HAP gel is just as effective at remineralisation as a highly concentrated fluoride gel.
Amaechi, B. T. et akl. Comparison of hydroxyapatite and fluoride oral care gels for remineralization of initial caries: a pH-cycling study. BDJ Open 6, 9 (2020).
Read studyToothpaste with HAP remineralises caries deep down
Amaechi, B. T. et al. Comparative efficacy of a hydroxyapatite and a fluoride toothpaste for prevention and remineralization of dental caries in children. BDJ Open 5, 18 (2019).
Read studyThe Netherlands
Dentist Dr Barbara Simader, the Netherlands
Review on the prevention of inflammatory diseases with implants.
Steinert, S., Enax, J., Simader, B., Zwanzig, K. & Meyer, F. Prävention der periimplantären Mukositis. Dentale Implantologie 5, 272-275 (2020).
Read studyReview on active substances in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Meyer, F., Enax, J. & Simader, B. Können wir dank Mundspülungen auf das Zähneputzen verzichten? Dental Tribune 6, 18-19 (2019).
Read studyPoland
Polish research team with American and German partners
One-year multicentre clinical study confirms: Children’s toothpaste with BioHAP is just as effective at protecting against caries as a fluoride toothpaste.
Steinert, S., Enax, J., Simader, B., Zwanzig, K. & Meyer, F. Prävention der periimplantären Mukositis. Dentale Implantologie 5, 272-275 (2020).
Read studyNumerous national and international scientific publications have proven the efficacy of hydroxyapatite in oral care and prophylaxis:
- Relief is provided for painful, sensitive teeth as exposed dentinal tubules are sealed.
- Highly effective biofilm control without affecting the ecological balance.
- Bleeding of the gums is reduced and gum health improved.
- The release of calcium protects the teeth from demineralisation.
- Remineralisation of the teeth is supported and dental cavities prevented.
- Gentle whitening of the teeth is achieved.
In addition to laboratory studies (in vitro), studies using test specimens in the conditions of the oral cavity (in situ) and clinical studies on patients (in vivo) have been conducted.
You can find further publications in our study database.
![[Translate to en_DE:] Forschung zu Hydroxylapatit in nationalen und internationalen Publikationen](/fileadmin/user_upload/bioniq-repair-zahnpflege.com/images/content/forschung/bioniq-repair-teaser-forschung-zeitschriften.png "[Translate to en_DE:] Publikationen aus der Dr. Wolff Forschung")
A voyage into the interior of our teeth
An atlas of the fine structure of our teeth
The book shows the minute construction of teeth as seen in numerous images made with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of their various structures. This illustrated book is subdivided into several thematically defined chapters, presenting SEM images of the enamel and dentin of permanent teeth and primary teeth. The effects of caries and erosion are also vividly presented. The images have such a high magnification – up to one ten-millionth of a millimetre – that even individual hydroxyapatite crystallites of the enamel become visible. Have a look here in the illustrated book.
If you are interested in the illustrated book and/ or in any of the digital teaching material based on it, please contact kw-oralcare@drwolffgroup.com, indicating your name and address.
This may also be of interest:
Studies and scientific information
The efficacy of hydroxyapatite as an active ingredient in oral care is proven by scientific studies. You will find a compilation of the key studies here.
FAQs
The most frequently asked questions about the oral care products from Bioniq®.
Source: Jager, D. H. J. in Dental Erosion and Its Clinical Management (ed Bennett T. Amaechi) 3-11 (Springer International Publishing, 2015).