For most people, taking care of their oral health means brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist twice a year. Some people seek out whitening products and procedures to create the appearance of healthy teeth.
But is going to the dentist for fluoride treatments and fillings the only way to prevent or treat cavities? From my research and experience, it is possible to remineralize teeth.
What is Tooth Decalcification?
Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. It is the most mineralized and hardest substance in the human body, stronger than bone. Enamel plays an important role in protecting the inner layer of your teeth from decay and damage. However, when tooth enamel loses minerals such as calcium and phosphate, tooth demineralization occurs.
What causes tooth mineral loss?
Conventional dentistry holds that demineralization occurs when the enamel surface is exposed to acids. These acids feed on bacteria in the mouth, lowering the pH and destroying the enamel. However, there are some problems with this theory, which you can learn more about here.
After all, certain foods do indeed cause cavities, but not in the way that we’ve been told. In traditional cultures, they had bright white, straight, cavity-free teeth, even though they didn’t even have toothbrushes. As sugar increased in the diet and healthy fats and water-soluble vitamins decreased, tooth decay occurred.
The main causes of mineral loss in teeth are:
Sugar and processed foods
Carbohydrates are known to contribute to tooth demineralization. Consuming sugar and high-carbohydrate foods depletes the nutrients needed for healthy enamel. In particular, it reduces blood phosphorus levels, which are necessary for cavity prevention. So while sugar on our teeth may not be the root cause of cavities, sugar certainly doesn’t do us any good.
One study showed that animals who were fed sugar directly into their stomachs developed cavities, even though the sugar never touched the enamel. Grains and modern processed foods also deplete minerals, which can lead to tooth decay.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, and sometimes into the mouth. Stomach acid is powerful (it has a low pH) and can erode tooth enamel. Teeth with weakened or eroded enamel become more vulnerable to other sources of acid, like food and drink.
Some women also experience acid reflux during pregnancy, which can be a real problem for your teeth as your body requires more minerals and nutrients to support your growing baby.
Signs of tooth demineralization
Signs of tooth demineralization vary from person to person. However, there are some common signs. For example, an early sign of demineralization is the appearance of white spots on the surface of the teeth. These spots are especially likely to appear along the gum line. The edges of the front teeth may also start to become translucent or transparent due to mineral loss.
Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks means that your enamel is weakened. The demineralization process can cause your teeth to have rough or uneven surfaces. Rough surfaces are more susceptible to plaque buildup, which can lead to increased plaque and tartar buildup.
Over time, teeth may appear dull or slightly yellowish. This is due to loss of enamel, exposing the dentin underneath. As demineralization progresses, structural damage can occur to the tooth enamel. These cavities, or “cavities”, show up as dark spots or holes in the tooth. If you notice these early signs, it may be worth focusing on remineralization.
Remineralization of teeth
Tooth remineralization occurs when calcium and phosphate ions are reabsorbed into the tooth structure. This can happen through healthy saliva or with the help of a remineralizing toothpaste. When you eat healthy foods, nutrients such as calcium and phosphate help remineralize the enamel. Without adequate nutrition, acids and bacteria in the mouth cause tooth decay.
Lifestyle Tips for Teeth Remineralization
Although tooth enamel is very strong, it can be damaged or eroded. This damage can be caused by what we eat, drink, and physical wear and tear.
Maintaining good oral hygiene to remineralize teeth
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a remineralizing toothpaste to keep plaque from building up. A good remineralizing toothpaste contains a compound called hydroxyapatite. A 2019 study in children found that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is just as effective as fluoride at preventing tooth decay. It also doesn’t cause fluorosis or organ damage like fluoride does.
Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, brushing all surfaces of your teeth including the front, back and chewing surfaces. Using the Bass brushing method will be more effective at supporting the health of your teeth and gums. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, such as between the teeth and under the gum line. A healthy mouthwash can help reduce plaque, prevent gum disease and freshen your breath. Wellnesse Concentrated Mouthwash is another healthy choice.
For years, I made my own toothpaste, but now I use this product from Wellness Co. It helps remineralize your teeth and creates a healthy oral microbiome. In fact, I’ve developed a whole line of products for oral health, from floss to remineralizing toothpaste to mouthwash.
While brushing your teeth is important, holistic dentistry experts say a healthy diet is even more important when it comes to remineralizing your teeth.
Limit sugary and starchy foods
Cut down on sugary foods and drinks that can erode enamel. This includes foods high in phytic acid, a mineral-depleting anti-nutrient. A 2016 study found that the frequency of sugar intake has a greater impact on demineralization than the total amount of sugar consumed.
Fruit juice is on the list of sugary foods. When I was focusing on treating my cavities, I avoided foods high in carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and fruit.
Remineralize your teeth with mineral-rich foods
Certain foods provide essential minerals to help remineralize teeth. The main minerals needed for dental health are calcium and phosphorus. Dairy products (if tolerated) are rich in calcium and help replenish minerals in enamel. If you don’t eat dairy products, you can still get your daily calcium intake in other ways. Vitamins D, K2 and magnesium are also important for dental health.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and maintains saliva production. Without enough healthy saliva, you are more susceptible to cavities. Conditions like mouth breathing and medications that cause dry mouth can also contribute to cavities. Drinking water throughout the day helps keep your mouth moist and remineralize your teeth.
Add xylitol gum or mints
Sugar-free gum, mints, and candies that contain xylitol are also effective. Chewing gum with xylitol stimulates the production of mineral-rich saliva, which promotes a healthy acid-alkaline balance. The American Dental Association (ADA) also supports this habit. According to the ADA, increased saliva production aids in the remineralization process.
Try Oil Pulling to Remineralize Your Teeth
Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice in which you hold oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes and then spit it out. This practice is thought to improve oral hygiene and overall health. Holding oil in your mouth and spitting it out may help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Streptococcus mutans This is what is involved in the formation of cavities. Since I started oil pulling, I have noticed a significant reduction in plaque!
Avoid excessive force
Avoid habits such as using your teeth as tools and grinding your teeth (bruxism). Excessive force on your teeth can be detrimental to your tooth structure and overall dental health.
Conclusions on Tooth Remineralization
Although modern dentistry hates to admit it, it is possible to remineralize your teeth. However, the process requires a conscious effort every day. I have done it myself. You can read my story of preventing cavities here.
My habits have changed over time, but the principles remain the same: avoid habits that deplete nutrients and damage enamel, add mineral-rich foods and healthy fats, and practice daily remineralizing oral care.
Have you been able to remineralize your teeth and reverse cavities? What worked for you? Share below!
