Did you know that it is possible to cure tooth decay?
Teeth can actually remineralize!
I know you are probably skeptical, but after the slowing of my osteoporosis after being on the GAPS diet, I am convinced that it is possible!
I had read about tooth remineralization before and now I am reading a book purchases from my affiliate partner, "Cure Tooth Decay" by Ramiel Nagel. Mr. Nagel, prompted by his daughter's severe tooth decay, details the results of his research and the reversal of her tooth decay through diet.
Dr. Nagel cites research which includes Dr. Weston A. Price who, as a dentist, gathered information about people throughout the world correlating their dietary practices with their dental health. From dental decay to the alignment of the teeth, the pictures shown and research given, give a clear distinction of those with a good diet including traditional methods of food preparation and those with dietary deficiencies.
Stephan Guyenet, the author of Whole Health Source, has a couple of excellent posts on tooth decay, Preventing Tooth Decay and Reversing Tooth Decay. He cites the research of Sir Edward Mellanby, the discoverer of vitamin D, who along with his wife, Dr. May Mellanby, identified dietary factors that control the formation and repair of teeth and bones.
The Mellanby's identified three main factors in the strength of enamel structure during growth and remineralization:
- The mineral content of the diet
- The fat-soluble vitamin content of the diet, chiefly vitamin D
- The availability of minerals for absorption, determined largely by the diet's phytic acid content
Teeth and bones are a mineralized protein scaffold. Vitamin D influences the quality of the protein scaffold that's laid down. For the scaffold to mineralize, the diet has to contain enough minerals, primarily calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D allows the digestive system to absorb the minerals, but it can only absorb them if they aren't bound by phytic acid. Phytic acid is an anti-nutrient found primarily in unfermented seeds such as grains. So the process depends on getting minerals (sufficient minerals in the diet and low phytic acid) and putting them in the right place (fat-soluble vitamins).
If phytic acid plays such a detrimental role in the body's ability to absorb minerals, we should do all we can to decrease it in our diet! According to Wikipedia:
Phytic acid is found within the hulls of nuts, seeds, and grains. In-home food preparation techniques can reduce the phytic acid in all of these foods. Simply cooking the food will reduce the phytic acid to some degree. More effective methods are soaking in an acid medium, lactic acid fermentation, and sprouting.
Phytic acid has a strong binding affinity to important minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. When a mineral binds to phytic acid, it becomes insoluble, precipitates and will be nonabsorbable in the intestines. This process can therefore contribute to mineral deficiencies.
As Mr. Nagel clearly states and Dr. Edward Mellanby's research corroborates, the teeth can heal themselves by cells called odontoblasts, found in the pulp of each tooth, which form new dentin if the diet is good.
What constitutes a "good" diet?
- A diet high in animal fats and especially from pastured animals. These are rich sources of the 4 fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. The fat soluble vitamins are found in butter, eggs, liver, organ meats, seafood and cod liver oil.
- A diet low in phytic acid. This does not necessarily mean a grain free diet, although in severe cases of tooth decay, it is recommended for a time. But, it does mean that when grains are consumed, they be prepared properly through soaking, sprouting or fermentation to neutralize the phytic acid. Proper grain preparation is vital to mineral absorption.
- Plenty of vegetables, cooked or raw and especially those high in vitamin C, such as, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lacto-fermented sauerkraut ...
- Fruit in moderation. While fruit is natural, it is easy to overdo - no more than 1 piece a day is recommended in "Cure Tooth Decay".
- Daily intake of cod liver oil and especially a fermented cod liver oil/ butter oil blend which is high in the fat soluble vitamins, A, D,E, and K.
- No processed sugar including white sugar, high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar. Use only unheated (raw) honey.
- No processed foods.
Elaine says
Thanks for the great information. This is "another" area I need help in. I'm on day 4 of the GAPS intro diet. So far no real issues so I wonder if I'm progressing a little too fast or if I should stay on each stage a day or two longer.
Dina-Marie says
Hi Elaine, I would listen to your body. I started GAPS to heal rheumatoid arthritis and because of that I went extremely slow taking several days to a couple of weeks depending on which phase I was in. I know of others who took a day per phase. We went more quickly when we did it as a family - 2 days per stage. It is difficult to tell someone exactly what to do because there are so many considerations. Look at it as a detox time for your body to rid impurities and don't be afraid to take it slow.
Jennifer @ 20 something allergies and counting...down says
Love Rami's book! We recently added the foods on the severe decay protocol for my 4 year old now that most of her food allergies have been healed. It's actually increased our overall health and energy levels much more than I expected. I think the increase in foods with iodine has made a huge difference.
I can't wait to hear an update on your osteoporosis and other health increases once you've incorporated the changes.
Courtney @ The Polivka Family says
Hi! I would love if you could share this on my blog carnival either this week or next! Great post!
lori @ Health Extremist says
Love this Post, great information! My sister just found out she has a small cavity, and I am having her do all of these and a few more natural techniques.. we are hoping it works and she won't have to get the cavity filled.
Dina-Marie says
I hope it works, Lori! If you have not read the book "Cure Tooth Decay" it would be good to get a copy!
Carol says
This is interesting. I have never thought about this subject.
Emily says
I just shared on my FB page-Nourishing Mama.....I hope more people can learn about this!
Columbus Quillian says
In order for tooth decay to be developed in a tooth, that tooth must have acid producing bacteria around it, along with food for the bacteria to feed upon. Teeth that are susceptible to decay will have little to no fluoride in the enamel to fight the plaque. Fluoride can destroy decay, although it won’t be able to do much once the decay has started to eat the teeth.*
Dina-Marie says
Actually, there have been many personal testimonies of re-minerilization of teeth even once tooth decay has begun! I really encourage you to read the book and look at westonaprice.org for more info on Dr. Price's research and his book.
Tate says
I think one of the reasons why we're seeing so many kids with issues of teeth decay is because of what they're eating. I don't think the proper education is being given to them at a young age about this issue which results in a lot of them not knowing and continuing to eat what they do.
danika says
What about if you are vegetarian? It said a diet high in animal fats.. What options do i have to prevent/fix tooth decay?
Dina-Marie says
Danika, everything I have read stresses the importance of good quality animal fats so I really don't know - maybe a reader has some suggestions???
heather says
Hello, I am having severe problems with my son's 4 front teeth he is only 18 months and theppediatric dentist want to pull his four front teeth and he also has fillings that need to be done on the back teeth. I am very concerned and do not want them pulled for several reasons and a big factor is that will have to put him to sleep in order to get this done. Also they haven't done any xrays but it appears to be a severe decay down to the dentist layer. Any opinions as to weather you believe they should be pulled or are his teeth saveable through this diet?
Dina-Marie says
Heather, I really am not able to advise you about his teeth but as a mom, I too would be looking for alternatives first. I think Cure Tooth Decay Naturally (affiliate link) would be a wonderful resource to help. According to the author and testimonials, you have nothing to lose. And, I can attest to the fact that this has improved my bone density - verified by scans!