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Issues such as Celiac Disease, as well as other food allergies and intolerances, bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis as well as, other conditions that affect  nutrient absorption can and do increase the risk of de-mineralizing tooth enamel. When the digestive system is impaired, it does not properly release vital minerals into the body for use by the teeth in building enamel.  Other factors include poor diet and nutrition status and of course overuse of commercial teeth whitening products.

 

 How to Improve Tooth Enamel Naturally, according to the Weston Price Foundation

 

Dentists say that tooth enamel cannot be regrown however, teeth can be remineralized...sometimes with startling results! 

 

 

Did you know that your tooth enamel is 96% mineral content and is the strongest substance in the human body?

 

Unfortunately, this enamel can easily be leeched out through poor diet, lack of nutrient absorption due to digestive damage, or from acidic environments in the mouth.

 

Acidic foods and drinks are the worst for tooth enamel. They slowly dissolve some of the minerals out of your enamel every day.  I therefore am not a strong advocate of the lemon water craze.

 

Some foods that are known to promote enamel loss and are important to avoid are:

 

Coke and other Sodas/Soft Drinks – due, not only to the sugar, but also the phosphoric acid present

Candy 

Processed Foods: Cookies, Muffins, Refined Sugars, High Fructose Corn Syrup  – due to the starch that is difficult to break down and then causes more acid to be present in the mouth.

Hydrogenated Oils and Margarines

Coffee very acidic as we have discussed in previous articles

Alcohol and Tobacco

Pasteurized Milk

Artificial Sweeteners

Breads and Cereals – it is the phytic acid that is present in these that blocks the absorption of minerals and causes the issues (sprouting your grains, nuts, and seeds will help to reduce this problem)

Commercial Toothpastes

But, here is the good news. There are ways to actually strengthen the enamel and re-mineralize it. 

 

Factors known to promote enamel GROWTH and are therefore important to add into your diet and lifestyle are:

 

Keep teeth clean using tooth soaps OR try a Homemade Toothpaste Recipe they are all over the web

Encourage saliva production and keep the mouth moist – oil pulling is a good method for this – it helps eliminate toxic dental bacterial and also stimulates the salivary glands. Saliva helps to coat teeth and also contains trace minerals that will aid in the remineralization process

Ensure that you have adequate levels of Vitamin D in your diet – D provides the proper balance of calcium and phosphorus to support mineralization. Pure fermented cod liver oil, krill oil, salmon, other fatty fish, and egg yolks are good sources. For Vegan sources – sunshine, UV-irradiated mushrooms, yeast, fortified foods, and D3  supplements are all options. If you are having dental problems along with digestive or other issues a test is in order as you may need high doses of supplements

Ensure that you have adequate levels of Vitamin K2 in your diet – K2 is essential for bone growth and mineral absorption. High Vitamin Butter (raw pastured is ideal) High Vitamin Butter Oil, Marrow, Egg Yolks, Chicken Liver Pate, and Hard Cheeses are good non-Vegan Sources. For Vegan sources- Supplements or Natto (requires an acquired palate) are options.

Ensure that you have adequate levels of Vitamin C in your diet – C ensures strong gum health. Good sources are papaya, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, pineapple, brussels sprouts, kiwi, kale, and oranges. If you take vitamin C in supplement form make certain it is buffered

Homemade Bone Broth – true bone broths are full of calcium, gelatin, and minerals that are easily absorbed by the body for bone growth and are wonderful for re-mineralization and encourage enamel growth.

Traditional Sea Salt – not processed table salt. True sea salt contains many trace minerals that are vital to bone and enamel growth.

Traditional Fermented Foods – contain high levels of natural probiotics, which are wonderful for balancing out the good bacterial in the mouth. Good sources are  homemade sauerkraut, kombucha, natto, pickled vegetables, kefir, and Water Kefir.Small amounts are sufficient as they are very high in acid.

Add more Strawberries into your diet – not only because they are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, but also because they have a natural exfoliating effect due to the malic acid content. The malic acid helps to whiten teeth while removing harmful tartar. Again just a couple here and there.

 

Pearl Powder, an ancient Chinese medicine can be very helpful for immediate improvement in tooth enamel.  It should be applied once a day at night before bed, over all affected teeth.

 

This is NOT an overnight process. It takes time and diligence and consistency since your tooth enamel is in a constant state of transition between demineralizing and remineralizing.

 

Your teeth and gums are a good window into your general health, so please take good care!

 

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Dietitian

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

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