RiseWell Toothpaste Review: Does it Work?

Does RiseWell actually work? Here’s my honest review of RiseWell toothpaste, including an in-depth look at the research, safety, and how it’s worked for my kids.

Hydroxyapatite may sound like a mouthful, but it’s quickly become one of the most talked-about ingredients in toothpaste. While it’s been used for quite some time in Japan and Europe, it’s only recently gained traction in the US as a promising alternative to fluoride.

Finding products that are both safe and effective is no easy feat. RiseWell was one of the first brands to embrace hydroxyapatite, and they’ve since become a pioneer in the industry. Today, their lineup includes adult and kids’ toothpastes, mouthwash, and even mints. Each one is designed to support remineralization and strengthen teeth without the risks.

Wondering if it’s right for you? Here’s my honest review of RiseWell toothpaste, including an in-depth look at the ingredients, latest research, and how it’s worked for my entire family.

What is RiseWell Toothpaste?

RiseWell is a natural oral care company best known for its fluoride-free mineral toothpastes for adults and kids. The company uses hydroxyapatite, the same mineral that makes up 97% of tooth enamel, to strengthen teeth, reduce sensitivity, and help fight cavities.

The brand was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Kori and John Estrada, along with Kori’s brother, Dr. Derek Gatta, a practicing dentist who serves as the brand’s clinical advisor. Their mission is to provide the safest, most effective, and science-backed oral care products made with natural, non-toxic ingredients.

RiseWell is based in New York, New York, and manufacturers their products in the United States.

Is RiseWell a Natural Toothpaste Brand?

Yes, RiseWell is considered a natural toothpaste brand. Their formulas are free from fluoride, SLS, parabens, artificial flavors, and dyes, and they emphasize safe, non-toxic ingredients the whole family can use. The company is also transparent about what goes into each product, listing full ingredient details on their website so you know exactly what you’re putting in your mouth.

RiseWell also rigorously tests all products for contaminants like PFAS, BPA, and heavy metals at third-party laboratories to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety. Testing results are posted on their website.

What is Hydroxyapatite?

Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up the majority of our tooth enamel and bones. In toothpaste, it’s used as a science-backed alternative to fluoride because it can bond directly to the surface of teeth, helping to strengthen enamel, repair microscopic damage, and reduce sensitivity.

Since it’s biocompatible, meaning your body recognizes it as its own, it’s safe for both adults and kids. It’s also 100% safe to swallow, which is why it’s become such a popular ingredient in kids oral care products.

RiseWell Ingredients

After reviewing the products on their site, I appreciate that RiseWell offers full transparency with the ingredients in their toothpastes, mouthwash, and mints. On each product page, their is a clickable .pdf with the ingredients list so you know exactly what you’re getting.

The main active ingredient in RiseWell’s mineral toothpastes is 10% micro-hydroxyapatite, which is the highest concentration available on the market. They also add xylitol, a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material. Studies show xylitol may improve the oral microbiome by significantly reducing acid-producing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which are linked to cavities and dental plaque.

RiseWell also uses both silica and calcium carbonate as gentle, natural abrasives, and a variety of safe essential oils and extracts to freshen breath and provide antimicrobial benefits.

The company goes a step beyond and discloses what ingredients won’t be included in any of their products. All products are free of:

• Added fluoride
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (or any similar derivative like sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium coccyx glutamate or sodium coccyx isothionate)
• Propylene glycol
• Artificial Flavors or dyes
• “Natural Flavors” or mystery ingredients

RiseWell Mineral vs Pro Toothpaste

The difference between the RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste vs Pro Mineral Toothpaste is the concentration and type of hydroxyapatite in the formulation. The Mineral toothpaste utilizes 10% micro-hydroxyapatite naturally sourced from a mine in France. Micro particles are slightly larger and nano particles, around 5–10 microns (5,000–10,000 nanometers), and are very effective at rebuilding and protecting enamel.

The Pro Mineral toothpaste includes both 10% micro-hydroxyapatite and 5% nano-hydroxyapatite, giving it a 15% hydroxyapatite concentration. Nano-hydroxyapatite particles are less than 100 nanometers in diameter, which allows them to penetrate deeply into the enamel, repair microscopic damage, and deposit minerals into teeth. It also helps to improve sensitivity.

Both micro- and nano-hydroxyapatite are considered safe for dental use.

Which is best: nano-hydroyxapatite or micro-hydroxyapatite?

Nano-hydroxyapatite and micro-hydroxyapatite are both forms of the same mineral, but the difference comes down to particle size. Nano-hydroxyapatite is small enough to penetrate enamel at a microscopic level, filling in little cracks and helping with sensitivity. Micro-hydroxyapatite is larger (about 5–10 microns) and works more on the surface, coating and protecting teeth while still supporting remineralization.

Both are effective, but nano-hydroxyapatite is great if you’re prone to cavities or have an early stage cavity you’re trying to reverse.

Is Nano-Hydroxyapatite Safe?

Yes, in March 2023, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Commission issued a final opinion (SCCS/1648/22) on nano-hydroxyapatite, concluding it was safe for use in oral care products under specific conditions.

RiseWell uses nano-hydroxyapaptite in the form NanoXIM CarePaste sourced from Fluidinova, the only approved manufacturer of nano-hydroxyapatite by Europe’s SCCS after 8 years of trials.

When ingested orally, nano-hydroxyapatite is broken down by stomach acid and doesn’t pass the blood brain barrier.

Honest RiseWell Toothpaste Review

RiseWell sets itself apart in the oral care industry by combining clean ingredients with proven science. They lead with transparency and are meticulous about sourcing, third-party testing, and effective formulations. Their product line includes adult and kids mineral toothpastes, along with extras like mouthwash and mints.

Here is a comprehensive review of RiseWell toothpaste and oral care products, and what I like best:

Mineral Toothpaste

RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste is the OG of hydroxyapatite toothpastes. It’s made with 10% micro-hydroxyapatite, xylitol, and gentle abrasives like calcium carbonate.

The good:

• Wild Mint is SO GOOD. It’s mild and sweet. I do not enjoy the strong, dentist-like mint flavor so this is a win.
• This comes in Flavorless as well—it’s my son’s favorite. It’s has a gentle hint of sweetness from xylitol and that’s it.
• Love that RiseWell gives you the percentage and quality of micro-hydroxyapatite, which has been shown in the literature to prevent caries and reducing dental hypersensitivity.

The bad:

• My only negative here is I think they could probably add more flavors. I don’t need more—but adding a citrus flavor might be nice for some people!

Pro Mineral Toothpaste

The Pro Mineral Toothpaste includes both 10% micro-hydroxyapatite and 5% nano-hydroxyapatite, giving it a 15% hydroxyapatite concentration. It’s great for people who have increased sensitivity, or are more prone to cavities and want an extra boost. I like the pro line especially for kids!

The good:

• Same Wild Mint flavor as the Mineral Toothpaste. It’s light, refreshing, and sweet!
• This is the gold standard in safe and effective hydroxyapatite toothpastes. It includes both micro- and nano-hydroxyapatite, which havebeen shown to being incredibly effective at preventing cavities. The combination is great for people who struggle with sensitivity, oral microbiome health, or have had cavities in the past.

The bad:

• Give us more flavors!

RiseWell Mouthwash

After reviewing the ingredients in RiseWell’s Balancing Mouthwash, I was a bit skeptical. I like strong mouthwash, and didn’t know if it was going to provide that clean feeling. But, I actually LOVE this stuff. It contains xylitol, baking soda, and mint extracts to help to balance your mouth’s pH and improve your oral microbiome.

The good:

• It tastes great. Very refreshing and easy to use. Once you spit it out, the flavor is powerful without the sting! I swish after brushing every night.
• Contains clean ingredients that help improve your oral microbiome, unlike alcohol-based mouthwashes which are known to kill both good and bad bacteria in your mouth.

The bad:

• I honestly have nothing to say! This stuff is gold!

Hydroxyapatite (a-HA) Mints

The Hydroxyapatite (a-Ha) Mints are a fantastic way to remineralize on the go. They help to freshen breath and strengthen enamel with micro-hydroxyapatite.

The good:

• So easy to travel with! Great to use after coffee, dinner, or drinks.
• There’s about 25 in one tin
• The flavor is light, but powerful enough to freshen breath. It tastes like a stronger version of the Wild Mint toothpaste. Reminds me of an Altoids, but without the weird aftertaste.

The bad:

• The mints are somewhat small and dissolve quickly. Mine last about 2-3 minutes. Not necessarily a negative thing as it freshens breath long after it’s gone.

RiseWell Kids Toothpaste

RiseWell offers two different toothpaste options for kids: the Kids Mineral Toothpaste and the Kids Pro Mineral Toothpaste. Both are the same formulas as the adult versions, just in a kid-friendly Cake Batter flavor. The Kids Mineral toothpaste contains micro-hydroxyapatite, whereas the Kids Pro Mineral toothpaste contains both micro- and nano-hydroxyapatite for added enamel and sensitivity support. All RiseWell toothpastes are 100% safe to swallow.

I have two kids and one of them is incredibly picky when it comes to toothpaste. Over the years, I’ve tried more brands than I can count. I’m happy to report that the Cake Batter flavor was an instant hit. It’s fairly sweet with subtle hints of vanilla.

My kid who doesn’t like sweets uses the Flavorless Mineral Toothpaste. While it’s not marketed specifically for kids, I highly recommend it! It’s has a hint of sweetness thanks to to xylitol, and there’s no minty flavor.

Both of my kids brush with RiseWell morning and night. At age 6 and 8, neither of them of had a cavity.

The Taste Test

Perhaps the most important aspect to review is the taste of RiseWell toothpastes. Here are my thoughts after trying them all:

• Mineral and Pro Mineral Toothpaste (Wild Mint): This isn’t a strong and in-your-face minty flavor. Instead, Wild Mint has a softer, more balanced mint with herbal and citrus notes. The taste is incredibly subtle and lightly sweet. I’m not a huge fan of strong minty flavor, and I love this!
• Mineral Toothpaste Flavorless: The flavorless version has basically no flavor. There’s a mild sweetness thanks to xylitol. You’ll get a fresh feeling even without the addition of mint. The gentle, subtle taste is perfect if adults and kids!
• Kids Mineral and Pro Mineral Toothpaste (Cake Batter): Perfect for kids who love a sweet treat. This tastes sort of like a dessert! It’s got a hint of vanilla, but no major aftertaste. My picky kid absolutely loves this one, so for us, it’s a hit!

How it Compares to Other Brands

RiseWell

• Uses micro- and nano-hydroxyapatite and xylitol.
• All toothpastes contain at least 10% hydroxyapatite
• Transparent ingredient lists (clickable PDFs on every product page)
• Flavors are subtle. Offers unique kid-friendly options like Cake Batter and a truly flavorless version

Boka

• Uses only nano-hydroxyapatite
• Does not publicly disclose the percentage of hydroxyapaptite in their toothpastes. Some reports suggest 1-2%.
• More flavor options (Ela Mint is the big one), including four different flavors for kids. Flavors tend to be a little more intense.
• Uses foaming agents, specifically sodium lauroyl sarcosinate

Davids

• Uses only nano-hydroxyapatite
• Does not publicly disclose the percentage of hydroxyapaptite in their toothpastes or where it’s sourced from.
• More flavor options ranging from mild to strong, including a kids toothpaste in Strawberry Watermelon and Orange Vanilla.
• Focuses on eco-friendly packaging

Remond Toothpaste

• Contains bentonite clay, xylitol, and nano silver. No hydroxyapatite.
• Higher heavy metal contamination risk since clay is the primary ingredient.
• Limited flavor options. The only kids flavor is lemon (my kids weren’t a fan).
• Transparent with their ingredients, but no third party testing is done for contaminants or heavy metals to ensure safe levels.

FAQs

Does Risewell Toothpaste Work?

Yes. Based on the research and our personal experience, toothpaste with hydroxyapatite can work very well. There are multiple clinical studies showing hydroxyapatite (both micro and nano sizes) can help remineralize enamel, reduce sensitivity, and slow or prevent early cavities. In some cases, studies show it performs as well as fluoride toothpastes.

In our family, after 2+ years of using RiseWell, we’ve see positive results: little to no sensitivity, teeth feeling stronger, and no worsening of enamel issues. My kids are 6 and 8 and have yet to get a cavity. It works especially well when paired with a nutrient-dense, mineral-rich diet. Brush twice daily for the best results.

Where to Buy

I recommend purchasing direct from RiseWell for the high quality of product with the longest shelf life. RiseWell offers a 10% discount on on-time purchases with code COCONUTS, and free shipping on orders $40 or more. You can also save 15% on subscriptions.

RiseWell also sells through third-party retailers like Amazon, local grocery stories, and dentist offices. My holistic dentist carries RiseWell in office and gifts small travel tubes with each cleaning.

Final Thoughts

After years of testing and reviewing natural toothpaste brands, RiseWell is the one that checks all of the boxes. It’s fluoride-free, offers both kid-friendly and flavorless options, and contains the highest quality micro- and nano-hydroxyapatite. It’s safe, effective, and my kids actually like brushing their teeth!

I also love that RiseWell leads with transparency. It’s the only brand that discloses third-party testing for contaminants, sourcing, and the exact percentage of hydroxyapatite.

If you love super foamy, minty toothpaste, it might take some getting used to. But after more than two years of daily use, RiseWell has proven that it works and is worth it for us.

More Clean Living Reviews

• Honest Rowe Casa Organics Review
• Frownies Review: My Honest Thoughts (After 1 Year)
• Honest Crunchi Review: What to Get & What to Skip
• Honest AirDoctor Review: Is it Worth it?