Updated on March 19, 2024
8 min read

Boka Toothpaste: The 100% Fluoride-Free Alternative

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Key Takeaways

  • Boka toothpaste is 100% fluoride-free and non-toxic, containing the mineral nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) and antioxidant-rich green tea
  • N-Ha is a mineral naturally found in your tooth enamel
  • Studies on n-Ha are limited, but they show that it is safer and more effective at remineralization than fluoride
  • Boka toothpaste also contains calcium, which is essential for bone and teeth integrity
  • Boka toothpaste is SLS-free, gluten-free, and doesn’t contain parabens, artificial flavors, fluoride, or endocrine disruptors

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Boka Toothpaste: What Makes Them Different?

Unlike many products, Boka’s toothpaste is 100% fluoride-free and non-toxic. So if you are looking to skip fluoride but still want to protect your teeth, Boka is an excellent alternative.

Read on for our full review, including everything you need to know before trying Boka toothpaste yourself.

Everything We Recommend

Best Taste — Boka Toothpaste (use code NewMouth for 15% off your purchase)

Best Value — Boka Kit (use code NewMouth for 15% off your purchase)

What Is Boka Toothpaste?

Boka is an oral care brand that makes fluoride-free natural toothpastes using nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) to remineralize teeth. N-Ha also desensitizes teeth, making Boka toothpaste an excellent option for those of us with sensitive teeth.

We love that Boka toothpaste is also:

  • SLS-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegan
  • Sensitivity-fighting
  • Paraben-free
  • Anti-plaque
  • Whitening
  • Sweetened with xylitol
  • Free from endocrine disruptors
boka1
NewMouth / Alyssa Hill
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NewMouth / Alyssa Hill

What is Nano-Hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) Toothpaste?

Boka toothpaste is powered by nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), a 100% biocompatible and non-toxic ingredient that desensitizes and remineralizes teeth. Biocompatible means it contains the same elements that make up your body — in this case, your tooth surface.

Current research shows that n-Ha is superior to conventional fluoride because it:5

  • Reduces tooth sensitivity
  • Protects against plaque build-up and cavities
  • Has significant remineralizing effects on tooth enamel
  • More resistant to acid than fluoride

What Flavors Does Boka Toothpaste Come In?

Boka Nano (n-Ha) toothpaste comes in four flavors:

FlavorFlavor Profile
Ela MintMint, green tea, cardamom
Lemon LavenderPositano lemons, lavender
Coco GingerCoconut, ginger, chamomile
Kids Orange CreamOrange, vanilla cream

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Does Boka Toothpaste Really Work?

Yes. Boka toothpaste is backed by scientific research and contains ingredients designed to remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel.2,4,5

But you don’t have to simply take out word for it. Boka’s Ela Mint toothpaste has over 25,000 Amazon reviews, the vast majority of which are 5 stars!

If you’re still unconvinced, keep reading for a dentist’s expert opinion on how n-Ha toothpaste compares to fluoride toothpaste.

What the Experts Say About Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes

We asked Dr. Greg Grillo of Express Dentist his thoughts on nHa toothpaste. Here’s what he says:

“N-Ha provides an excellent alternative to fluoride. While early studies suggested fluoride offered superior protection against tooth decay, more recent studies have shown a comparable benefit. Both can protect teeth against acidic breakdown from certain bacteria, foods, and drinks. But it’s significant to note that n-Ha is non-toxic.”

-Dr. Greg Grillo

Fluoride kills bacteria, including a few of the beneficial species. But n-Ha prevents adherence of the bacteria to the tooth surfaces, so it’s less likely to disrupt the oral microbiome.

As an added benefit, some studies have shown that the nHa toothpastes may slightly whiten teeth over time. On the other hand, too much exposure to systemic fluoride can cause discoloration of the teeth, known as fluorosis.

Dr. Grillo says both formulations provide excellent benefits, and fluoride has a long history as the gold standard in cavity prevention. But the science shows that n-Ha toothpaste protects teeth with less risk, so it’s worth consideration in your daily routine.

Boka Toothpaste Ingredients

Boka toothpaste is a fluoride-free formula containing non-toxic ingredients. 

Its ingredients include:

  • Vegetable glycerin
  • Water
  • Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice
  • Hydrated silica
  • Erythritol 
  • Natural flavors
  • Xanthan gum 
  • Sodium benzoate
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
  • Potassium chloride
  • Sodium bicarbonate
  • Stevia
  • Xylitol 
  • Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate

Boka’s toothpaste also contains calcium, which helps harden your enamel and strengthen your jawbone.2 Over 99% of calcium is stored in the bones and teeth.4

Boka’s toothpaste does not contain:

  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
  • Triclosan
  • Artificial flavors
  • Parabens

Nano-hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride

Nano-hydroxyapatite and fluoride promote good oral health by strengthening tooth enamel and protecting against cavities. 

These are their similarities and differences:

Nano-hydroxyapatite Effectiveness and Safety

Nano-hydroxyapatite occurs naturally in the body, commonly found in the tooth enamel. It’s a safe and effective ingredient for enamel strengthening.5

NASA originally developed n-Ha for astronauts because they lost teeth and bone density after gravity-free missions.1 It’s non-toxic and 100% biocompatible, making it an innovative material for restorative and regenerative dentistry.

The main downside of nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) is that it’s less studied than fluoride. However, current research shows that n-Ha is more effective in remineralization than fluoride and may also be safer.1, 5

Fluoride Effectiveness and Safety

Fluoride naturally occurs on the earth’s surface and is a common ingredient in oral care products. Fluoride helps protect against cavities by making enamel more resistant to acids. 

Studies have even shown that fluoride can halt damage in already damaged teeth (in some cases).6 

Although fluoride is adequate for dental protection, it does have some downsides:7

  • It can be dangerous in high concentrations (especially when ingested)
  • It can decrease thyroid function
  • It can cause issues with the skeletal and reproductive systems

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Pros and Cons of Boka Toothpaste

As with any oral care product, Boka toothpaste has advantages and downsides. Here are the major pros and cons based on reviews:

Boka Toothpaste Pros

Here’s what people love about Boka toothpaste:

  • Nano-Hydroxyapatite formula — This trustworthy ingredient is naturally restorative and has been used in Japan for many years.
  • Effectively reduces sensitivity — N-Ha is desensitizing, making this a good toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
  • Mild, natural taste — Flavors such as Ela Mint, Lemon Lavender, and Coco Ginger are mild and sourced from natural ingredients with no artificial flavors.
  • Leaves your mouth feeling clean — Like other natural toothpastes, Boka doesn’t use harsh foaming agents, but you don’t need foam to clean your teeth.
  • Improves oral health —  People who brush with Boka toothpaste report stronger teeth, healthier gums, and decreased cavities and staining.

Boka Toothpaste Cons

Even with so many advantages, Boka toothpaste has some recurring complaints:

  • Flavor — The taste is very personal. While some people love the natural flavors, others find them overly sweet, and some claim the Ela Mint toothpaste tastes like soap.
  • Tube design —  The Boka toothpaste tube has a tiny twist-off cap that some find difficult to use.
  • Inconsistent effectiveness — Some people claim that Boka Ela Mint toothpaste doesn’t clean as effectively as the other flavors 
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NewMouth / Alyssa Hill

Boka Product Reviews & Where to Buy

Based on our research, these are the Boka products we recommend:

Boka Nano (N-Ha) Toothpaste 2 Pack

Ela Mint Coco Ginger 2 Pack

Boka’s toothpaste is unlike any other toothpaste by design. Instead of fluoride, they contain nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), the primary foundation of teeth and bones.

The product is naturally restorative and helps reduce sensitivity. Plus, the toothpaste is 100% biocompatible and non-toxic.

Boka has five flavors to choose from:

  • Ela Mint
  • Lemon Lavender
  • Coco Ginger
  • Kids Orange Cream
  • Cinna Mint

You can choose a ‘one-time purchase’ or ‘subscribe & save’ to receive a delivery every one, two, or three months.

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Boka Kit

Boka Kit

The Boka Kit includes:

  • A sonic-powered electric toothbrush
  • One tube of Boka non-toxic toothpaste
  • Two additional brush heads
  • Ela Mint floss. 

Boka’s electric toothbrush is the first to feature activated charcoal bristles to help limit bacteria growth. The Boka Brush also has a rechargeable battery that lasts over 25 days. The floss is made from natural vegetable wax and is petroleum-free. 

You can choose a ‘one-time purchase’ or ‘subscribe & save’ to receive a delivery every one, two, or three months. The refill bundle includes one toothpaste, a floss pack, and two replacement heads for 20% off the retail price.

Read our review of the best toothpastes to buy.

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Check Price on Boka

Why Trust Us?

All medical content on this site, including this guide and other product reviews, is written by our team of experienced writers and researchers. All NewMouth writers vet products that are recommended and reviewed in the industry. 

In cases where this isn’t possible, our team will:

  • Compare positive and negative reviews on the products
  • Talk to company leaders to ensure their products are safe and effective
  • Look into costs to ensure customers are getting the best quality products at reasonable prices
  • Read research studies to compare the pros and cons of each product

Every piece of content is heavily reviewed before publication. All content on NewMouth is also medically reviewed by a licensed dentist, specifically any content where we recommend products. Our dentists are specifically instructed to flag any recommendations they don’t agree with. Any products that don’t meet their professional standards are removed.

Many of the products we recommend have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. These products are proven effective in preventing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions.

When we recommend products that do not include this seal of acceptance, we conduct further research to ensure reputability. This may include speaking with company leaders, reading hundreds of customer reviews, and ensuring they provide quality customer service.

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Last updated on March 19, 2024
8 Sources Cited
Last updated on March 19, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. Frequently Asked Questions.” Boka, nd.
  2. Pu et al. “Calcium Intake, Calcium Homeostasis and Health.” Food Science and Human Wellness, 2016.
  3. Pepla et al. “Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Its Applications in Preventive, Restorative and Regenerative Dentistry: a Review of Literature.” Annali Di Stomatologia, 2014.
  4. Medjedovic et al. “IMPACT OF FLUORIDE ON DENTAL HEALTH QUALITY.” Materia Socio-Medica, 2015.
  5. Aoun et al. “The Fluoride Debate: The Pros and Cons of Fluoridation.” Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 2018.
  6. Nayak et al. “The Effect of Xylitol on Dental Caries and Oral Flora.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, 2014.
  7. n-Ha 2-Pack.” Boka, nd.
  8. Modern science for a healthy smile.” Boka, nd.
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