Broadcast May 3. 2026


Joanne's Sunday Perks

Dental Tales of Love, Adventure, and Fun

I just watched a replay of the Kentucky Derby; proof that life is full of surprises. A 23 to one odd, Golden Tempo not only transformed from last place to first place in the race; but also took the title under the supervision of the first woman trainer to win the Derby. It gives us all hope that anything is possible with hard work and focus. Now onto my planned topic for the day:

Hydroxyapatite: The Toothpaste Ingredient That Is grabbing the headlines

Let’s chat about hydroxyapatite. It’s becoming the new darling of toothpaste shelves, and honestly, it deserves the attention.

The cool part is that hydroxyapatite isn’t some mystery chemical. It’s literally what your teeth are made of. Enamel is basically a hydroxyapatite fortress, so brushing with it is like giving your teeth the exact materials they already use to stay strong. No guesswork, no drama.

What does that mean in real life? Those tiny particles help fill in the little scratches and weak spots on your enamel. You don’t see them, but your teeth definitely feel them. The result: less sensitivity, stronger enamel, and a smoother surface that plaque finds about as inviting as a “Do Not Enter” sign.

And the vibe here is gentle. No burning, no harsh whitening sting, no “why does my mouth feel spicy.” Hydroxyapatite has been used in medical implants for ages, so its safety has been tested.

That’s why you’re hearing about it everywhere — dentists like it, wellness folks like it, and your teeth already loved it before it was trendy. I am still a fan of fluoride, which is the most common component of major toothpaste brands, so if you're happy with the product you are using, there's no need to switch. The hydroxyapatite brands are a bit pricy. But if your toothpaste brand is not performing to your satisfaction, or if you are opposed to fluoride in toothpastes, why not give it a try?

If toothpaste had a “calm, competent friend who quietly fixes things,” hydroxyapatite would be that friend.

Sunrise

This photo was taken at the Jersey Shore. The tranquility of the ocean at sunrise is amazing!

Cinco de Mayo

My new Latin ballroom shoe

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, our dance school will have a Mexican night party. Can't wait to salsa dance! Just a reminder, Cinco de Mayo is this Tuesday, so your dinner menu might include tacos and burritos. Have a great week! Estar bien! Joanne

96 Oak Ridge Road, OakRidge, NJ 07438
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Joanne Henning

I'm Joanne Henning, the author of the "Dental Tales of Love, Adventure, and Fun" series, a collection of romance novels set in the vibrant world of 1980s dentistry.

Read more from Joanne Henning

Joanne's Sunday Perks Dental Tales of love, Adventure, and Fun For those of you who’ve been with me through Dental Tales of Love, Adventure, and Fun, this week brings a new milestone. “Faulty Impressions,” the first book in the series, is getting its hardcover release on June 1. As we get close to that date, I wanted to share a small behind‑the‑scenes update and a way you can help the book find its way into more readers’ hands. “Faulty Impressions” is now officially cataloged with the Library...

Joanne's Sunday Perks Dental Tales of Love, Adventure, and Fun I think of the grandfather I never knew on Memorial Day. The only record of his life is a wedding photo, a memorial document from France, where he is buried, a citation from the United States Army, and a street sign that bears his name, placed in his hometown. He died on July 15, 1918, while fighting in WWI, fatally wounded by a high explosive shell. Joseph was 23 years old. He left behind a wife, an infant daughter that he never...

Joanne's Sunday Perks Dental Tales of Love, Adventure, and Fun I tend to assume everyone has already seen my favorite comedies. Last week I watched 'All of Me', a crazy film with Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin. It was laugh out loud funny. After a crazy ritual to transfer a dying woman's soul, a mistake is made and Lily is transferred into the right side of Steve's body. An early Steve Martin film, he shows his comic genius with his physical comedy as he tries to cope with the will of the...