Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is promoted as biomimetic material in dentistry. The aim of the study was to investigate whether HAP-containing formulations can reduce erosive/abrasive tissue loss and to analyse components in these formulations. Two HAP toothpastes with and two without fluoride and a HAP mouthrinse were investigated, controls were active-agent-free toothpaste, SnF2 toothpaste and F/Sn mouthrinse. For 10 d, human enamel samples were eroded for 2 min, 6x/d in 0.5% citric acid and immersed for 2 min, 2x/d in toothpaste slurries or mouthrinse. Half were additionally brushed for 15s, 2x/d. The particulate fraction was extracted and examined morphologically and with element analyses. Other parameters were REA, RDA, fluoride and calcium content. The F/Sn mouthrinse almost completely prevented tissue loss; none of the HAP formulations reduced tissue loss compared to the negative control, two increased it instead. Brushing increased tissue loss in all groups except the F/Sn mouthrinse. All toothpastes contained amorphous particles of different sizes. Elemental analysis identified Si and O, additionally Ca and P were present in small amounts on the particles of the HAP toothpastes and one HAP+F toothpaste. In the liquid phase, elevated calcium levels were found in one HAP toothpaste and in both HAP+F toothpastes; in the formulation with the highest value, the fluoride concentration was low. REA and RDA values were not associated with tissue loss. Whether alone or in combination with fluoride, HAP formulations had either no or a detrimental effect on erosive tissue loss and could not reduce abrasion. In the context of erosive tooth wear, HAP seems to be neither an alternative to fluoride nor a suitable supplement to it.