Where are you located?

Our office is at 11205 N. May Ave, Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. We serve patients throughout the Oklahoma City metro area, including Edmond, Yukon, and Nichols Hills.

We have plenty of parking available at our office. Patients may park in any designated Dental or Melrose parking spots directly in front of and around the building.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! We welcome new patients and do our best to accommodate most visits within one week. Call us at 405-755-4450 or use the online booking form to schedule your first appointment.

What are your office hours?

We are open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office is closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

What is holistic biological dentistry?

Holistic dentistry treats your oral health as part of your total body wellness. It means using biocompatible, metal-free materials, avoiding toxins like mercury and BPA, using digital X-rays that produce up to 90% less radiation, and looking at how your teeth, jaw, and airway connect to your overall health.

Do you use mercury fillings?

No. We do not place any amalgam silver or mercury fillings. We use only composite, porcelain, ceramic, and other non-metallic, biocompatible materials for all restorations.

What is SMART amalgam removal?

SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, a protocol developed by the IAOMT to minimize mercury vapor and particle exposure during amalgam removal. Dr. Ousley is trained in both SMART and the Hal Huggins protocol. She was trained by Dr. Hal Huggins himself in Colorado Springs in 1995, more than 20 years before the formal SMART technique was introduced.

What is CBCT airway imaging and why is it important?

CBCT gives us a full 3D view of your teeth, jaw, airway, sinuses, and skull structures in one scan. The scan takes about 20 seconds and produces only 68 micro sieverts of radiation, compared to 1200-3300 for a medical CT scan. Each scan is read by a board-certified radiologist at no additional charge.

Do you offer Botox and dermal fillers?

Yes. Dr. Ousley offers Botox and JUVEDERM dermal fillers as part of our cosmetic services. Botox can also be used therapeutically to relieve jaw tension, TMJ pain, and teeth grinding. Treatments are performed in the comfort of our dental office.

Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?

Yes. Dentists specially trained in dental sleep medicine can provide oral appliance therapy. Dr. Ousley is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, the highest level of credentialing in this field.

Does insurance cover oral appliance therapy?

Many medical insurance plans, including Medicare, cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea. We now bill medical insurance and Medicare directly for sleep appliances. Coverage varies by plan so call our office and we can help verify your benefits before treatment begins.

What is a tongue tie and how does it affect adults?

A tongue tie is a restrictive band of tissue under the tongue that limits its range of motion. In adults, a restricted tongue can contribute to sleep apnea, mouth breathing, jaw pain, TMJ issues, dental crowding, headaches, neck tension, and speech difficulties, and frequently goes undiagnosed for years.

Do you use a laser for tongue tie release?

Yes. Dr. Ousley uses laser technology to perform frenectomies, offering patients a more precise and comfortable procedure. Laser frenectomy typically means minimal bleeding, faster healing time, reduced risk of infection, and in most cases no sutures are needed.

What is myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a program of targeted exercises that retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to work correctly, like physical therapy for your mouth. Our on-site therapist Jennifer DeJonge, RDH, OMT works with patients ages 4 and up.

Do you offer alternatives to root canals?

When a tooth has infection or damage that reaches the nerve there are two evidence-based options. Option 1 is a root canal, which Dr. Ousley believes is safe and effective when performed by an endodontist specialist. Option 2 is extraction, which requires tooth replacement via bridge or implant. Implants involve a metal post which raises biocompatibility concerns. Dr. Ousley will refer you to a trusted endodontist and provide a biocompatible metal-free crown after treatment.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept most major dental insurance plans. For sleep apnea appliances we also bill medical insurance and Medicare directly. Please call our office at 405-755-4450 to verify your specific plan before your appointment.

Fluoride vs. Hydroxyapatite: Which Toothpaste Is Better for Your Smile?

laurabousley
May 19
3 min read

Most people are familiar with fluoride toothpaste. For decades, fluoride has been the gold standard in dental care and is widely recommended by dentists as one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth.

Recently, however, a newer option has been gaining attention in the oral care world: hydroxyapatite. Often promoted as a more natural alternative, hydroxyapatite is becoming increasingly popular for its ability to help remineralize teeth and support enamel repair.

So how do these two ingredients compare, and should you consider making the switch?

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and certain foods. In toothpaste, it commonly appears as sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, or sodium monofluorophosphate.

Fluoride is best known for its ability to protect against tooth decay. It works by strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks caused by bacteria and sugary foods. It also supports remineralization, a natural process where important minerals like calcium and phosphate are restored to weakened enamel.

In addition, fluoride can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, lowering the risk of cavities.

Benefits of Fluoride

Clinically proven: Fluoride has decades of research supporting its effectiveness in cavity prevention and enamel strengthening.
Easy to find: Most toothpastes sold in stores contain fluoride, making it highly accessible.
Budget-friendly: Fluoride toothpaste is usually less expensive than specialty alternatives.

Potential Drawbacks of Fluoride

Overexposure risks: Too much fluoride during childhood can cause fluorosis, which may lead to white spots or discoloration on teeth.
Sensitivity concerns: Some individuals may notice irritation or increased sensitivity with certain fluoride formulas.
Health concerns for some users: While fluoride is widely accepted as safe when used properly, some people prefer to avoid it due to personal concerns or lifestyle choices.

What Is Hydroxyapatite?

Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring calcium compound that makes up a large portion of our teeth and bones. In fact, approximately 97% of tooth enamel and 70% of dentin are composed of hydroxyapatite.

Unlike fluoride, which supports the body’s natural remineralization process, hydroxyapatite works by directly integrating into the tooth surface. It can help fill tiny cracks, scratches, and weak areas in enamel, strengthening and restoring the tooth structure.

This ingredient has become especially popular among people looking for a fluoride-free option that still supports enamel health.

There are two main types of hydroxyapatite commonly used in toothpaste:

Nano-hydroxyapatite: Smaller particles that can penetrate tiny enamel defects more effectively, often preferred for remineralization and repair.
Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite: Larger particles that more closely resemble the natural mineral size found in teeth and bones.

Both forms show promise, though nano-hydroxyapatite is often highlighted for its enhanced ability to repair enamel.

Benefits of Hydroxyapatite

Naturally compatible: Since it already exists in the body, hydroxyapatite is biocompatible and gentle.
Enamel repair support: Helps fill microscopic imperfections in enamel.
Reduced sensitivity: Many users report less tooth sensitivity over time.
Whitening benefits: Can create a smoother enamel surface that may help teeth appear brighter.

Potential Drawbacks of Hydroxyapatite

Less availability: Hydroxyapatite toothpaste may not be as easy to find in regular stores.
Higher price point: It is often more expensive than traditional fluoride toothpaste.
Limited long-term research: Early studies are promising, but hydroxyapatite does not yet have the same decades-long research history as fluoride.

Which Is More Effective?

Both fluoride and hydroxyapatite can support stronger, healthier teeth, but they work differently.

Fluoride remains the most researched and widely recommended option for cavity prevention. Its long history and strong clinical evidence make it a reliable choice for many people.

Hydroxyapatite, while newer, is showing encouraging results—particularly for enamel repair, sensitivity reduction, and those looking for a fluoride-free alternative.

Rather than one being universally “better,” the right choice depends on your individual dental needs.

Should You Make the Switch?

Choosing between fluoride and hydroxyapatite often comes down to personal preference, dental history, and oral health goals.

Hydroxyapatite may be a good fit if you:

Prefer a more natural toothpaste option
Want additional enamel repair support
Experience tooth sensitivity
Are interested in gentle whitening benefits

Fluoride may be the better option if you:

Are prone to cavities
Want a highly researched and dentist-recommended ingredient
Prefer an affordable, widely available toothpaste

Before changing your oral care routine, it’s always a good idea to speak with your dentist. They can recommend the best toothpaste based on your specific needs.

No matter which ingredient you choose, healthy teeth still depend on consistent habits: brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and scheduling routine dental visits.

At the end of the day, both fluoride and hydroxyapatite offer unique benefits. The best toothpaste is the one that supports your dental health goals and fits your lifestyle.