The study looked at 62 children with cavities, dividing them into three different diet groups. Group 1, who ate a diet high in grains and phytic acid, had an increase in cavities. Group 2, who consumed a normal diet supplemented with vitamin D, developed fewer cavities and saw improvements in the ones they had, and Group 3, who followed a grain-free diet with nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, meat, milk, and who also took vitamin D, saw the greatest improvements, with nearly all cavities healed (2).
This may be good news for not just holistic health enthusiasts, but anyone who likes to save their money!
To better understand how you can take advantage of these findings, the following points serve to show both the causes of tooth decay as well as ways you may be able to prevent and reverse cavities and tooth decay.
What Causes Tooth Decay? According to the ADA (American Dental Association), pioneered by well-respected dentist Weston A. Price in the early 1900s, the cause of tooth decay is as follows:
However, Dr. Edward Mellanby, Dr. Weston Price, and Dr. Ramiel Nagel note that there are actually four main things which contribute to tooth decay (3):Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and after many such attacks, the enamel can break down and a cavity forms.
- A mineral deficiency in the diet, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous
- A lack of fat soluble vitamins including A, E, K, and especially D
- A diet heavy in phytic acid
- A diet heavy in processed sugar
1. Eliminate Added Sugars
It's become common knowledge that sugar is among the worst things for your health, and especially for anyone who wants healthy teeth free of cavities.
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Sugar contributes to cavities by feeding oral bacteria that hinders a healthy flow of dental fluid. It is also extremely acidic, and can decalcify or demineralize the structural content of your teeth, resulting in dental decay (4).
- Some of the biggest culprits are soda, candy, cookies, and other baked goods with sugar.
- When you want to sweeten something, opt for raw money or maple syrup.
- When you want juice, do so only on occasion.
- Steer clear of artificial sweeteners as well!
Phytate is a mineral blocker and enzyme inhibitor that can cause a variety of serious health problems. It is present in grains, nuts, seeds, and beans. Ancient food preparation techniques such as sprouting and sourdough fermentation work to kill off the phytic acid, but these practices have become sparse, and so many of the foods we love that are normally considered healthy are ridden with a detrimental ingredient.
Phytic acid binds to minerals that are pertinent for oral health, like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, making them unavailable for absorption. Research supports this theory, concluding that phytic acid significantly impairs the absorption of these essential minerals (5).
3. Eat Your Dairy Raw, And Consume Foods Rich In Nutrients
Raw dairy is one of the best ways to keep your teeth cavity-free, as it's filled with essential vitamins and minerals — like calcium, vitamin K2, vitamin D2, magnesium, phosphorus, and fat-soluble vitamins — that contribute to healthy dental fluid flow, teeth strength, and oral wellness.
Great options for consuming raw dairy are goat milk kefir, raw cheeses, and organic grass-fed butter.
Also beneficial for your diet are:
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Fruit
- Healthy fats like coconut oil, avocado, olives, and fish
- Fermented grains (in moderation)
- Sprouted nuts, seeds, and beans
Fluoride-free toothpaste is worth the cost. But you can also make your own, too. Try out this recipe, complete with coconut oil, aluminum-free baking soda, essential oils, and minerals.
5. Practice Oil Pulling
It's been getting a lot of attention in the media and amongst holistic health circles in recent years, but oil pulling has been used for centuries by Ayurvedic medicine. It's a great oral detoxification tool, and is simple, too. All you have to do is scoop up a tablespoon of oil and swish it in your mouth for exactly 20 minutes. It's been used to fight a variety of things, from fighting against gingivitis and headaches to systemic diseases such as diabetes.
After reading about the use of whole eggs, that is, shells and all, to stop cavities, to re-anchor loose teeth, and (supposedly) to grow out broken teeth, I had occasion to try them. With a crowed tooth that had become very unstable and extremely painful, I started making smoothies with an entire egg dropped into it, shell and all. After two weeks of morning egg smoothies, my tooth became tight again, and have had no further dental problems since. A couple of broken molars have grown up about 1/8 of an inch. Amazing.
I have reduced the egg shell intake to once a week for maintenance. I think eating egg shells for your teeth is an incredibly fine and effective way to build healthy teeth. You have to try it. Be sure to us organic eggs and to wash them well.