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Two girls with healthy teeth; the girl on the left is smiling into the camera; the girl on the right is brushing her teeth with a toothbrush and a fluoride-free toothpaste with BioHAPTwo girls with healthy teeth; the girl on the left is smiling into the camera; the girl on the right is brushing her teeth with a toothbrush and a fluoride-free toothpaste with BioHAP

What is BioHAP actually?

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 everyone who doesn't want fluoride in their toothpaste.

Benefits: Three strong benefits of BioHAP

Approximately 97% of our tooth enamel and about 70% of our dentin consist of hydroxyapatite. The tooth enamel forms the outer protective layer of the teeth. Bacteria attach to the tooth enamel and, with the help of sugar from food, produce harmful acids. These acids dissolve the tooth enamel: cavities develop.

  • Illustration eines Zahns, bei dem die Zahnkrone durch einen Streifen fluoridfreie Zahnpasta mit BioHAP dargestellt wird; um den Zahn liegt eine blaue Schutzschicht, die Bakterien abhält als Sinnbild für den wirksamen Schutz von BioHAP vor Karies

    Effectively protects against cavities

    BioHAP forms a protective layer on the tooth surface that prevents bacteria from attaching to the teeth, thereby helping to prevent cavities and gum inflammation. In addition, BioHAP releases calcium during acid attacks, which protects the teeth. BioHAP is (at least) as effective as fluoride in cavity prevention.

  • Illustration eines Zahns, bei dem die Zahnkrone durch einen Streifen fluoridfreie Zahnpasta mit BioHAP dargestellt wird; um den Zahn liegt eine blaue Schutzschicht, und blaue Sechsecke als Sinnbild für die Fähigkeit von BioHAP den Zahnschmelz zu reparieren

    Repairs tooth enamel

    Bacteria produce acid from sugar that dissolves the hydroxyapatite of which our tooth enamel consists by 97%. BioHAP releases calcium that remineralizes the tooth enamel: tiny cracks and porous spots in the tooth enamel are filled in. This results in smooth teeth and a double-protection effect: bacteria have a harder time adhering to them.

  • Illustration eines Zahns, bei dem die Zahnkrone durch einen Streifen fluoridfreie Zahnpasta mit BioHAP dargestellt wird; um den Zahn liegt eine blaue Schutzschicht und Calcium wird durch blaue Quadrate mit der Aufschrift "Ca" angedeutet als Sinnbild für die Fähigkeit von BioHAP Calcium freizusetzen und so schmerzempfindliche Zähne zu reduzieren

    Reduces tooth sensitivity

    Sensitive teeth in children are often porous "chalky teeth" with incompletely formed tooth enamel that is unstable and crumbles when chewing. KAREX with biomimetic hydroxyapatite provides calcium so that sensitive chalky teeth can be remineralized – and a protective layer of hydroxyapatite can be formed on the teeth.

BioHAP in powder form rests on a bright, smooth surface; a stamp has been used to imprint the KAREX logo.

Function: How does BioHAP work?

Our tooth enamel is made of Hydroxyapatite. But tooth enamel diminishes over time and cannot be rebuilt by the body on its own. BioHAP is a biomimetic active ingredient — it remineralizes the teeth and thus protects against cavities.

BioHAP in powder form rests on a bright, smooth surface; a stamp has been used to imprint the KAREX logo.

Works from the outside

BioHAP forms a protective layer on the tooth surface during brushing, making it harder for bacteria to adhere. Dental plaque is the reason why cavities can develop. The biofilm (dental plaque) is significantly reduced, thereby preventing cavities.

BioHAP in powder form on a light, smooth surface; the KAREX logo has been embossed with a stamp

Works from the inside

BioHAP supports the remineralization of important minerals into the tooth enamel. The Hydroxyapatite deposits on the teeth and thus also helps with sensitive chalky teeth (MIH). Even small defects in the tooth enamel can be repaired.

BioHAP vs. Fluorid: Why BioHAP Instead of Fluoride?

Overdosing on fluoride can trigger fluorosis. BioHAP is just as effective against cavities as fluoride and completely safe. KAREX products with BioHAP effectively protect against cavities and eliminate fluoride intake through toothpaste.

  • Clinically proven efficacy – BioHAP works effectively against cavities

  • Safe to swallow – simply dissolved in the stomach

  • Reduces the risk of fluorosis – BioHAP has no dosage limit

Cavity protection with BioHAP instead of fluoride

All KAREX products contain BioHAP instead of fluoride.

Studies on BioHAP

  • Clinical study: 291

    studies were identified that investigated BioHAP in the context of dental care.

    BioHAP is just as effective as fluoride in caries prevention.

  • Clinical study: 90 %

    caries-free patients while using toothpaste with BioHAP.

    The gel with BioHAP was just as effective in remineralizing caries as the fluoride-containing adult toothpaste (88% caries-free patients).

  • Clinical study: 100 %

    of parents use too much fluoride-containing toothpaste for their children.

    The results of the study showed that the average amounts of toothpaste used by parents were significantly higher than the rice grain-sized recommended dose.
    For toothpaste with BioHAP, there are no dosage restrictions.

  • Clinical study: 39.3 %

    of parents are not informed about the conditions of use and warnings of fluoride toothpastes.

    The study shows that parents overdose fluoride-containing toothpastes. This leads to increased fluoride intake, which can result in fluorosis.

  • Further studies & research findings

  • Fluoridation prevents about one permanent tooth from developing caries over a lifetime of exposure. The negative effects of fluoride intake far outweigh the benefits.

    HL

    Dr. Hardy Limeback

    Dentist, BSc, PhD (Biochem), DDS Toronto, Canada

  • BioHAP is a modern and safe active ingredient for caries prevention.

    JE

    Dr. Joachim Enax

    Senior Scientist Oral Care

  • Together with renowned university hospitals worldwide, we are researching BioHAP in order to create pioneering product innovations from it.

    JE

    Dr. Joachim Enax

    Senior Scientist Oral Care

FAQ: Answers to Your Questions

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.

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.

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.

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 our study database (usable without registration).

Guide: Recommended for you

Almost half of first-grade children, including you or your child, have already had cavities. Learn more about cavities, fluorosis, and proper dental care for children.

  • A girl in a blue and white striped top is smiling at the camera; white spots can be seen on her front teeth, which are signs of fluorosis, an enamel defect caused by excessive fluoride intake

    Fluorosis: Understanding and treating the causes

    Discover the causes of fluorosis and find out how you can treat it effectively. Protect your teeth and learn what you can do to prevent fluorosis!

  • A mother is brushing her toddler’s teeth with a toothpaste that contains BioHAP instead of fluoride, symbolizing the prevention of cavities in children

    Cavities in children: What you need to know!

    Cavities in your child? Find out how you can prevent them and keep your child’s teeth healthy. Discover the best tips now!

  • A boy in a yellow T-shirt has his mouth wide open and shows his teeth as a symbol of chalky teeth (molar incisor hypomineralization) in children

    Chalk teeth: A new challenge for parents and dentists

    Many parents and dentists are facing a new challenge: chalk teeth. Around 30% of 12-year-olds suffer from molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). But what exactly are chalky teeth? Find out more and protect your child’s teeth!

Risks: Is fluoride harmful?

KAREX deliberately with BioHAP instead of fluoride

Fluoride is the classic active ingredient for cavity prevention. However, excessive intake of fluoride can lead to health problems. With BioHAP, there is a modern active ingredient without the risks of fluoride.

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