By Alexander Angeloff, founder of TranscenDental. Educational content, not a substitute for periodontal care.
Most people know hyaluronic acid from skincare. Fewer know it's a natural part of gum tissue, and that dentists and periodontists use it in gels alongside gum treatment. Here's what it does, what the research says, and why we put it in our toothpaste.
What I brush with every day
What hyaluronic acid is
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a sugar molecule your body makes. It's found in skin, joints, eyes and connective tissue, including the gums and the ligament that holds teeth in place. It holds large amounts of water, helps keep tissue hydrated and flexible, and plays a part in the body's normal wound-healing process.
Why it matters for gums
Gum disease is chronic inflammation. Over time, inflammation breaks down the connective tissue that keeps gums firm and attached. HA is involved in several steps of tissue repair: it supports hydration, helps organize new tissue during healing, and influences inflammatory signaling.
What the research shows
- In a randomized controlled trial, adding hyaluronic acid gel to standard non-surgical periodontal treatment improved antioxidant markers in saliva, which the authors linked to reduced gum inflammation and better attachment.
- An umbrella review pulled together the systematic reviews on HA in non-surgical periodontal treatment. Overall, the research suggests HA can be a useful add-on, though studies vary in design and quality.
An important caveat: most of this research uses HA gels applied by a clinician as an adjunct to professional cleaning. A toothpaste is a different, daily, lower-intensity use. HA in toothpaste is best thought of as daily support for gum tissue, not a treatment for periodontitis.
What I brush with every day
10% nano-hydroxyapatite, organic birch xylitol and 2% theobromine in a probiotic herbal ferment. No fluoride, SLS or glycerin.
Hyaluronic acid in toothpaste
In a toothpaste, HA does three practical things:
- Hydrates gum tissue during brushing, which matters if you have dry mouth or irritated gums.
- Soothes. Many people with sensitive gums find HA-containing pastes more comfortable than detergent-heavy ones.
- Improves texture. In our formula, HA gives the paste a smooth, slightly tacky feel that stays on the gumline instead of dissolving and pooling.
To get the most from it, spend an extra 30 to 60 seconds after brushing gently massaging the paste along your gumline, and don't rinse with water straight away.
Who it may help
- People with gums that bleed easily or feel tender
- People with receding gums
- Anyone in periodontal maintenance who wants a gentler daily paste
- People with dry mouth
How we use it
TranscenDental pairs organic hyaluronic acid with other ingredients for gum health: calcium ascorbate (buffered vitamin C) for collagen, glutathione and vitamin E as antioxidants, and gotu kola, ginseng, comfrey and black cumin seed oil. For enamel it uses 10% dual-particle nano-hydroxyapatite and 2% theobromine, and it contains no SLS, glycerin or fluoride.
For the full checklist, read what to look for in a periodontal toothpaste.
Build the full routine: brush with TranscenDental toothpaste, clean between your teeth with our plastic-free bamboo floss, and finish after meals with an Ora Flora xylitol mint (about 3 g of organic birch xylitol each, no gum base or artificial sweeteners). Or get all three together in the Oral Care Trio and save $12.
Frequently asked questions
Does hyaluronic acid help receding gums?
It can support the health of the gum tissue you have and calm irritation, but it doesn't regrow tissue that has already receded.
Is hyaluronic acid safe in toothpaste?
Yes. It's a substance your body makes naturally and is well tolerated.
Is hyaluronic acid toothpaste the same as hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
No. They're easy to confuse. Hyaluronic acid supports soft tissue like gums; hydroxyapatite is a mineral that supports enamel. Our toothpaste contains both.
What I brush with every day
10% nano-hydroxyapatite, organic birch xylitol and 2% theobromine in a probiotic herbal ferment. No fluoride, SLS or glycerin.
