The use of fluoride in toothpaste is particularly controversial for children under 6 years of age. Children in particular swallow a large portion of the toothpaste.
Due to the intake of additional sources of fluoride (vitamin D supplements with fluoride, fluoridated salt, etc.), the risk of developing fluorosis (white spots on the teeth caused by increased fluoride intake) increases significantly. For example, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment points out that if a children’s toothpaste with 500 ppm fluoride is swallowed, just as much fluoride is ingested as, for instance, through fluoridated salt.
According to the new recommendations, the amount of swallowed fluoride can therefore double. The risk of fluorosis is significantly higher with toothpastes that have a higher fluoride content (from 1000 ppm).
KAREX relies on the tooth-related active ingredient Hydroxyapatite (BioHAP) in all products. When swallowed, it is simply dissolved in the stomach. Numerous studies confirm its effectiveness: Hydroxyapatite repairs enamel with every brushing, reduces bacterial adhesion, and thus provides effective protection against cavities.
Our tooth enamel consists almost entirely of Hydroxyapatite. That is why BioHAP (biomimetic Hydroxyapatite) is used as an active ingredient in oral care. The highly concentrated active ingredient also serves as a source of calcium and protects our teeth against bacterial acids. Numerous studies confirm the benefits of Hydroxyapatite in the field of oral care and prevention.
▲ Limeback, H., Enax, J. & Meyer, F. (2021): Biomimetic hydroxyapatite and caries prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Can J Dent Hyg. 2021 Oct 1;55(3):148–159.
◓ Amaechi, B.T., AbdulAzees, P.A., Okoye, L.O. et al. (2020) Comparison of hydroxyapatite and fluoride oral care gels for remineralization of initial caries: a pH-cycling study. BDJ Open 6, 98-159
△ Sudradjat, H., Meyer, F., Fandrich, P. et al. (2024): Doses of fluoride toothpaste for children up to 24 months. BDJ Open 10, 7
Get to know JUNIOR KAREX Toothpaste with BioHAP! Specially developed for children ages 6 and up, it offers effective protection and strengthens permanent teeth. With JUNIOR KAREX, brushing teeth becomes a safe and pleasant routine for healthy children's teeth.
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BioHAP is hydroxyapatite – the substance our teeth are made of. But BioHAP also stands for effective cavity protection without risk: the alternative for children and for everyone who does not want fluoride in their toothpaste.
Clinically confirmed cavity protection for permanent teeth
BioHAP remineralizes chalky teeth (MIH) & reduces sensitivity to pain
With allantoin – soothes and protects the gums
Yes, BioHAP protects just as effectively as fluoride against cavities. BioHAP forms a protective layer on the tooth surface that prevents bacteria from adhering to the tooth and thus helps prevent cavities and gum inflammation. In addition, BioHAP releases calcium during acid attacks, which protects the teeth.
In contrast to many other fluoride-free toothpastes, KAREX uses Hydroxyapatite (BioHAP) as its active ingredient. This is the substance our teeth are made of. BioHAP protects at least as effectively against cavities as fluoride – without the risks of overdosing.
KAREX is “Made in Germany” and is developed and distributed by the Dr. Wolff Group, a fourth-generation family-owned company based in Bielefeld.
You probably already know one of our other strong brands such as Alpecin, ALCINA, Plantur, Linola, Bioniq® or V-san. You can find out more about us at drwolffgroup.com.
Numerous publications confirm the effectiveness of BioHAP in dental care. These include not only laboratory studies (in vitro) but also studies with test specimens under oral cavity conditions (in situ), as well as, in particular, clinical studies on patients (in vivo).
For more information, feel free to read the German short summary or the original study. You can get an overview of the large number of studies on Hydroxyapatite as an active ingredient in dental care by browsing (usable without registration).
