The Science of nHA

Advanced Dog Dental Care, Powered by Nano-Hydroxyapatite.

Ditch the harsh abrasives and artificial additives. Clean teeth, fresh breath, and stronger enamel, backed by next-generation dental science.

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22,500+ Happy Customers

40+ Years Human Dentistry Heritage

20-80nm Optimal Particle Size

Rebuilds Enamel Rod-shaped nHA fills micro-lesions and hardens into fresh mineral.

Safety Fluoride-free. Safe if swallowed. The same mineral your dog's enamel is made of.

What Is Nano-Hydroxyapatite?

The same mineral your dog's enamel is made of. Rebuilt in a form small enough to fill the microscopic damage that daily wear creates.

Most dog dental chews rely on brute force abrasion to scrape plaque off the surface. While that helps clear away immediate buildup, it does nothing to fix the actual wear and tear of their teeth. Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHA) takes a completely different route by rebuilding and strengthening the enamel underneath.

Hydroxyapatite is the primary mineral that makes up natural tooth enamel. In its nano form, measuring 20 to 80 nanometers, it is small enough to slip into the microscopic craters that daily chewing and acid leave behind on the tooth surface. Once it gets inside those tiny spaces, it bonds directly to the enamel, hardening and rebuilding the tooth in the process.

Arterra uses the rod-shaped form of nHA specifically. It is the morphology proven safe for dogs, and the shape that most efficiently anchors into damaged enamel. Not all nHA is created this way, which is why particle shape matters as much as size.

Human dentistry has trusted this science since the 1970s, following research by NASA astronauts. This bioavailable formula is a game changer for dogs that stays stable in a chew and remains completely safe if swallowed.

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nHA vs. Traditional Dog Dental Care

Most dog dental chews have an abrasive design to scrub plaque off the surface. Nano-Hydroxyapatite takes a regenerative approach by rebuilding and strengthening the enamel underneath. Here is how they compare head-to-head.

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How Nano-Hydroxyapatite Rebuilds Enamel

Step 1

1. Micro-Damage. Tiny craters form in your dog's enamel, simply from daily chewing, acid from food, and bacteria exposure. These spots are too small to see, but they are big enough for plaque to anchor into.

Step 2

2. Delivery. The nHA particles, at 20 to 80nm, are small enough to enter those craters. Suspended in Arterra's toothpaste and bound into the daily chew, they reach the damaged sites directly.

Step 3

3. Remineralization. The nHA bonds to the surrounding enamel and hardens into a fresh mineral layer. The surface becomes smoother, denser, and more resistant to the next round of damage.

Step 1

1. Micro-Damage. Tiny craters form in your dog's enamel, simply from daily chewing, acid from food, and bacteria exposure. These spots are too small to see, but they are big enough for plaque to anchor into.

Step 2

2. Delivery. The nHA particles, at 20 to 80nm, are small enough to enter those craters. Suspended in Arterra's toothpaste and bound into the daily chew, they reach the damaged sites directly.

Step 3

3. Remineralization. The nHA bonds to the surrounding enamel and hardens into a fresh mineral layer. The surface becomes smoother, denser, and more resistant to the next round of damage.

Remineralizing Toothpaste

Bioavailable nHA toothpaste with a peanut butter flavor your dog will actually love. Fluoride-free, safe if swallowed, and rebuilds enamel with every brush.

• Rod-shaped Nano-Hydroxyapatite at 20 to 80nm particle size
• Suspended, not just added, so it stays dispersed
• Peanut butter flavor that dogs love
• Fluoride-free, xylitol-free, and safe if swallowed

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Common Questions

Is Nano-Hydroxyapatite Safe For Dogs?

Yes. Hydroxyapatite is the mineral your dog's enamel is already made of, and the nano form is safe if swallowed, which is critical for dogs since they always swallow the paste. Fluoride is toxic to dogs at higher doses, but nHA is not. It has been used safely in human dentistry for over 40 years, including in toothpastes designed to be swallowed by children.

How Is This Different From Brushing With Regular Toothpaste?

Standard toothpastes clean the surface by sweeping away plaque with foaming agents and mild abrasives. nHA does that, and it also actively fills the microscopic craters where new plaque anchors. Think of it as the difference between wiping a countertop and resealing it. Both matter, but only one prevents the next problem.

Does My Pup Need Dog Dental Care Products If Their Teeth Look Fine?

By the time you can see plaque, tartar, or early gingivitis on a dog's teeth, the damage underneath is already established. Periodontal disease affects roughly 80% of dogs over the age of 3. nHA is preventative, meaning it works best when used routinely on healthy teeth, not just when problems appear.

Can I Use nHA Alongside Other Dog Dental Care Products?

Yes, and we recommend it. nHA pairs well with mechanical cleaning like brushing and our daily dog dental chews. It is not a replacement for a professional veterinary cleaning if your dog already has advanced tartar, but it is what you use afterwards to keep the enamel strong.

Nano-Hydroxyapatite vs. Micro-Hydroxyapatite: Does Size Matter?

Yes, significantly. Only nano-sized particles measuring 20 to 80nm are small enough to enter the microscopic craters where enamel damage lives. Micro-hydroxyapatite sits on the surface, providing polishing but no meaningful remineralization. We break this down in detail in our article Nano vs. Micro Hydroxyapatite: Does Particle Size Actually Matter?

What If My Dog Has Periodontal Disease Already?

Talk to your vet first. Advanced periodontal disease usually needs a professional cleaning under anesthesia. Once that is done, Arterra's dental dog treats and nHA toothpaste are what you use to keep the results. nHA reinforces the enamel your vet just cleaned, and the prebiotics support the gum microbiome. See our full guide to dog periodontal disease stages.