I recently started using a nano-hydroxyapatite based toothpaste. It can't restore enamel but does better at remineralization than fluoride, hopefully it will be a good intermediate for me until something regenerative is available.
IDK how to tell what brand uses what type without independent testing or taking their word for it. Several makers have come out and said needle-shaped is cheaper to buy so if a brand has 10% formulation as opposed to 1 or 3 or 5%, it is more likely to be using needle-shaped. (And there is a separate conversation to be had whether 10% is needed/ideal concentration anyway)
My dentist says that NHAP is great if you have lots of cavities or drink lots of acidic drinks like soda, but once your enamel is repaired too much of NHAP can actually cause weird growths.
Dave's toothpaste has both NHAP and flouride (and the sensitivity agent used in Sensyodyne) if you're looking for the best of all worlds in the U.S.
And has an RDA of 101. Why on earth would a toothpaste meant for sensitivity have this high of an RDA? (Non-whitening sensodyne is around the 40s)
SuperMouth also looked like a great option with an RDA of 67 (particularly for kids who like crazy flavors), and Elims also looked good for anyone who doesn't mind the 92.71 RDA. Ollie stood out for its minimal ingredients list, but turned out to have a relatively high RDA of 143.
I currently use BioMin C in the morning and F at night, but based on everything I'm learning right now about nHAP, I figure it can't hurt to stack Dr. Jen with those. Maybe in a few years I'll get some keratin in the mix too.
It always seemed very interesting in a cynical way that Sensodyne Repair and Protect has a European version with hydroxyapatite but doesn't offer it in the US. The only reputable US brand I'm aware of is Dr Collins Biomin, which is excellent but weak on the hydroxyapatite.
I'll be abused for it here, but I'm intractably convinced the ADA and generally despicable US health industry prefer to avoid it due to its efficacy and how much revenue would be lost if it were more common. Say what you will against this, and I'll remain convinced.
Biomin is cleaner, but weaker.
I generally choose Apagard though. If you do too, the Premio is a good version with a substantial hydroxyapatite content.
Try to buy from a reputable seller if Apagard. I'd not worry about Biomin much.
Edit: also note that these are rinseless pastes, intended to remain on the teeth for as long as they linger. This is where Biomin has an advantage, being cleaner. Spitting is fine, but rinsing will reduce efficacy.
Edit II: Some will wail in disagreement. I think a waterjet can literally add years to the average lifespan while helping with oral health. Maybe consider one, with simple design and minimal features.
https://davids-usa.com/products/davids-sensitive-whitening-n...
That said, I'm not surprised people argue against it. But my teeth haven't "crumbled" after more than a decade of regular apatite use, and that's under various impacts and hard use. If there's any validity to her concerns about it, she should actually discuss them, instead of talking about charcoal and her friend.
While not sold directly in the US, Sensadyne with Novamin is available from Amazon (usually from India).