Our research stands the test of time
Bioniq® is different because Dr Wolff is different. And so is our research. We don’t just sell dental care products with clinically proven efficacy; we actively drive the advancement of dental health research ourselves. Our focus is on the active ingredient hydroxyapatite.
Research : Research into innovations featuring a unique active ingredient
Our teeth are constantly exposed to numerous attacks, for example from acidic drinks and foods. On top of this, there are the daily stresses caused by chewing, brushing and acids. As a result, microscopic defects develop and the tooth enamel becomes thinner and thinner.
Dental defects of this kind are now widespread. To help reduce tooth sensitivity to external stimuli, further research and innovative dental care products are needed.
Innovative and connected everywhere
Ever since Dr Wolff founded the company over 100 years ago, research has been of central importance to us. Our dental care innovations are ‘Made in Germany’ at our headquarters in Bielefeld and developed in collaboration with renowned dentists and scientists from around the world.
In-house research – carried out in our own laboratories at our main site in Bielefeld
Joint research – with independent institutes, university hospitals and dental practices
Supporting research – on both a small and large scale, nationally and internationally
Research partner : We carry out research in collaboration with many German institutions …
In vitro study shows: HAP remineralises dentine and enamel (2011)
As early as 2011, we were able to demonstrate, in collaboration with Charité Berlin, that HAP remineralises dentine and enamel more effectively than fluoride. This in vitro study investigated the effects of hydroxyapatite toothpastes on the remineralisation of bovine enamel and dentine subsurface lesions.
The results showed that toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite had a greater remineralising effect than those containing aminofluoride, and similar trends were observed for tooth enamel.
Read the details of the study: Enamel and dentine remineralisation by nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes - ScienceDirect
Hydroxyapatite deposits on the tooth surface
In collaboration with the Max Planck Institute, we were able to demonstrate that hydroxyapatite deposits on the tooth surface and forms a protective layer that makes it difficult for bacteria and acids to attack the natural tooth enamel.
The study was conducted in vitro: enamel plates from bovine teeth were immersed in aqueous solutions containing hydroxyapatite particles at concentrations of 1%, 5% and 10%. The degree of coverage was then measured and quantified using a scanning electron microscope: even after a single immersion, the samples were clearly visible as being covered. With a 10% hydroxyapatite dispersion, more than a third of the surface was covered by the protective layer after a short time.
Read the details of the study: Quantitative affinity parameters of synthetic hydroxyapatite and enamel surfaces in vitro | Bioinspired, Biomimetic and Nanobiomaterials | Emerald Publishing
Hydroxyapatite can whiten teeth after just one application
. Together with the Fraunhofer Institute, we investigated whether hydroxyapatite can whiten teeth after just one application.
For this purpose, a hydroxyapatite gel was applied to teeth in vitro. A phosphate-containing ‘whitening’ mouthwash served as the control group, whilst water was used as the negative control. Following application in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the teeth were rinsed, dried and examined using a camera to assess any changes in colour and brightness.
The results showed that the group treated with hydroxyapatite exhibited a significant whitening effect compared with the baseline and also compared with the other two groups. Hydroxyapatite is gentle on the teeth; it even forms a protective layer, thereby whitening the teeth.
Read the details of the study: Thieme E-Journals – European Journal of Dentistry / Abstract
… and partners around the world
In line with the latest scientific findings
The use of hydroxyapatite is far more widespread than just in Germany. Hydroxyapatite has been used in other countries, such as Japan, for decades. As a result, there are many exciting opportunities worldwide to collaborate with scientists, which we are delighted to take up. Here is a selection:
Commitment : Impressive pioneering work
We have set ourselves a clear goal: to ensure that everyone learns about hydroxyapatite and its benefits in dental care.
To this end, we conduct research and publish regularly in prestigious scientific journals, and we showcase our work at leading trade fairs in the dental industry, such as the international conferences of the IADR (International Association for Dental Research), as well as at the International Dental Show in Cologne and IDEM in Singapore.
Canada
As part of a Canadian-German collaboration at the University of Toronto in 2021, we were able to demonstrate, together with Dr Kelsey O’Hagan-Wong and Prof Hardy Limeback, that toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite are an effective alternative to fluoride in the prevention of tooth decay and are safe if swallowed.5,6
USA
In 2019, together with the renowned caries expert Prof. B.T. Amaechi and colleagues at UT Health San Antonio in Texas, we were able to demonstrate that toothpaste containing HAP remineralises caries down to deep layers.7 And in 2020, we showed that an HAP gel is just as effective at remineralisation as a highly concentrated fluoride gel.8
Netherlands
In her review of active ingredients in toothpastes and mouthwashes (2019), we looked to dentist Dr Barbara Simader for an answer to the question: ‘Can we stop brushing our teeth thanks to mouthwashes?’9
Poland
In collaboration with a Polish research team led by Prof. Dr Elżbieta Paszyńska, and together with American and German colleagues, we were able to confirm in a one-year multicentre clinical study that children’s toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite is just as effective at preventing tooth decay as fluoride toothpaste.10
Thoughtful down to the smallest detail
In 2021, our researchers published an ‘atlas of the fine structure of our teeth’, which illustrates the fine structure of teeth using numerous scanning electron microscope (SEM) images.
The illustrated book contains chapters featuring SEM images of the enamel and dentine of permanent teeth, including the effects of caries and erosion.
The high magnification of the images makes it possible to visualise even individual hydroxyapatite crystallites in the tooth enamel.
Products : Dental care with hydroxyapatite
Bioniq uses the innovative active ingredient hydroxyapatite, also known as ‘artificial tooth enamel’, in all its products.
Active ingredient : The benefits of hydroxyapatite
Our bodies cannot repair worn-down tooth enamel on their own. Using the principles of bionics, scientists have succeeded in creating artificial tooth enamel that is very similar to human tooth enamel.
Hydroxyapatite – the stuff our teeth are made of
Tooth enamel consists of around 97% hydroxyapatite.
Dentine consists of around 70% hydroxyapatite.
Repairs tooth enamel
Micro-fine active ingredient repairs defects and forms a protective layer on the tooth with every brush, helping protect against acid attacks.
Smoother teeth with daily use.
Whiter teeth
Hydroxyapatite adheres to the tooth, making it appear brighter. New stains find it difficult to adhere to the smooth tooth surface.
Helps protect against common dental problems
The microcrystalline structure of hydroxyapatite adheres directly to the surface of the enamel whilst brushing, smoothing the tooth surface. This makes it much harder for bacteria to adhere to the tooth.
It helps protect against enamel wear and gum problems.
Reduces tooth sensitivity
Targeted repair and restoration of the tooth enamel protect the sensitive tooth necks. Exposed dentinal tubules are sealed, helping to reduce tooth sensitivity. Helps reduce sensitivity to hot and cold food.
Enjoy hot and cold foods with greater comfort!
Research findings : Hydroxyapatite Study Database
Studies on the active ingredient hydroxyapatite
Numerous scientific publications confirm the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite in dental care. Those with an interest in the science behind this can find an overview here, along with further information on the latest research findings.
Sources
- Limeback, H., Meyer, F., Enax, J. (2023): Tooth Whitening with Hydroxyapatite: A Systematic Review, Dent J, 12; 11(2):50.
- Hüttemann, R. W., Dönges, H. (1987): Treatment of dentine hypersensitivity with hydroxyapatite, Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 42(5):86-8.
- Limeback, H., Meyer, F., Enax, J. (2023): Tooth Whitening with Hydroxyapatite: A Systematic Review, Dent J, 12; 11(2):50.
- Fandrich, P., Stammler, F. J., Enax, J. et al. (2026): In vitro study on the neutralisation potential of particulate hydroxyapatite in erosive acids. BDJ Open 12:25.
- Limeback, H., Enax, J. & Meyer, F. (2021): Biomimetic hydroxyapatite and caries prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Can J Dent Hyg.; 55(3):148–159.
- O’Hagan-Wong, K., Enax, J., Meyer, F., Ganss, B. (2021): The use of hydroxyapatite toothpaste to prevent dental caries. *Odontology*, Volume 110, pp. 223–230
- Amaechi, B. T., AbdulAzees, P. A., Alshareif, D. O., Shehata, M. A., et al (2019): Comparative efficacy of a hydroxyapatite and a fluoride toothpaste for the prevention and remineralisation of dental caries in children. BDJ Open 5, 18
- Amaechi, B.T., AbdulAzees, P.A., Okoye, L.O. et al. (2020) Comparison of hydroxyapatite and fluoride oral care gels for the remineralisation of initial caries: a pH-cycling study. BDJ Open 6, 98–159
- Meyer, F., Enax, J., Simader, B. (2019) Can we stop brushing our teeth thanks to mouthwashes? Dental Tribune 6, 18–19
- Paszynska, E. et al. (2021): Impact of a toothpaste containing microcrystalline hydroxyapatite on the incidence of early childhood caries: a 1-year randomised clinical trial. Scientific Reports 11, 2650