I’ve previously discussed the connection between nutrition and oral health, highlighting the ability of teeth to remineralize and even regenerate. I shared how I personally reversed a cavity by focusing on two main areas: adjusting mineral levels in my body and saliva, and using a natural remineralizing toothpaste that provided necessary minerals on the teeth’s surface.
There’s a growing body of information about tooth remineralization—something many dentists once believed was impossible. In this article, I delve into the science of remineralization and outline the dietary changes needed. Interestingly, common toothpaste ingredients, even in natural varieties, aren’t always the best. I also recorded a podcast with a dentist on this topic.
My research findings paralleled my personal experience over recent years using natural toothpastes and maintaining a remineralizing diet. I’ve seen noticeable changes in my teeth, which are now whiter than ever. Others who have tried this toothpaste commented on how clean it makes their teeth feel.
The most surprising change is that my teeth don’t react painfully to cold anymore. For years, anything cold gave me shivers and hurt my front teeth, but after changing toothpastes, cold foods no longer have that effect.
This toothpaste recipe is safe for kids, as it contains no fluoride, making it suitable for babies, toddlers, and even individuals with thyroid issues.
It’s crucial to understand that remineralization isn’t just a mouth process. Using a mineral-rich toothpaste alone isn’t sufficient. It’s a whole-body process requiring adequate levels of certain nutrients, especially fat-soluble vitamins and specific minerals. When I worked on improving my oral health, I adhered to a nutrient-rich diet, minimized foods high in phytic acid, and incorporated lifestyle changes to boost nutrient levels.
Additional factors like consuming essential minerals and fat-soluble vitamins are vital because they support overall health and lead to mineral-rich saliva, which is the vehicle that delivers necessary nutrients to teeth. Essentially, saliva is key to the remineralization process.
Practically speaking, teeth get their minerals when saliva washes over them. If the body lacks nutrients, saliva will miss the necessary minerals, hindering remineralization. Ensuring good nutrition in our diet is critical for having mineral-rich saliva to support this process.
Saliva’s role in preventing tooth decay is well-known, and there are multiple theories about what causes tooth decay. Regardless of the theory, frequent saliva stimulation is essential, as it dilutes plaque acid, introduces mineral ions, and promotes remineralization.
Research indicates a link between reduced saliva production with age and higher gum disease risk. Saliva contains vital substances for immunity, such as lactoferrin, which binds iron in the mouth, depriving harmful bacteria of the iron they need to thrive.
Saliva also boasts important enzymes like lysozyme, which disrupts the cell walls of bacteria linked to tooth decay and gum disease. Our mouth’s complex ecology, including bacteria, mineral presence, and pH balance, needs to stay optimal for good oral health. Achieving the right mouth pH can be supported by a nutrient-rich diet, restful sleep, and effective stress management, but saliva is crucial in setting and maintaining this pH.
To encourage saliva production, we must “use it or lose it.” While eating naturally boosts saliva, its primary role is digestion. Therefore, other methods can enhance saliva production:
1. Pool saliva on your tongue, then use your throat muscles to move it back and forth from the back of your tongue to just behind your teeth several times (aim for 30-50 repetitions).
2. Once you have a substantial amount of saliva, swish it around your teeth and gums. This “swashing” combines swishing and washing. Do this for a minute or two and then swallow, letting the saliva aid digestion.
Even children can use this simple technique to increase saliva production. Using a natural toothpaste can also boost saliva. I’ve noticed increased saliva with my remineralizing toothpaste and the OraWellness Brushing Blend.
Have you tried making your own toothpaste? I’d love to hear your recipe and thoughts!
