Celiac disease, food allergies and intolerances, bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis, as well as other conditions that affect nutrient absorption, increase the risk of de-mineralization of the tooth enamel.
When the digestive system is impaired, it does not properly release vital minerals into the body for use by teeth in building enamel. Other factors include poor diet and nutrition and, of course, overuse of commercial teeth whitening products.
Improve Tooth Enamel Naturally
Dentists say that tooth enamel cannot be regrown, however, teeth can be re-mineralized … 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, enamel can easily be leached out because of a poor diet, lack of nutrient absorption due to digestive damage, or an acidic environment 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. So use a straw or don’t go overboard with your favorite lemon water every morning.
Foods That Cause Enamel Loss
Some foods that are known to promote enamel loss and are important to avoid are:
- Coke and other sodas/soft drinks – due to not only the sugar but also the phosphoric acid present
- Candy
- Processed foods like cookies, muffins, refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup – due to the starch that is difficult to break down and causes an acidic environment in the mouth.
- Hydrogenated oils and margarines
- Coffee
- 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. 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.
Tips To Promote Enamel Growth
The following tips help promote enamel growth and are, therefore, important to add into your diet and lifestyle.
1. Keep teeth clean using tooth soaps, or try a homemade toothpaste.
The internet is full of great recipes for making natural toothpaste at home.
2. Encourage saliva production and keep the mouth moist.
Oil pulling is a good method for this. It helps eliminate toxic dental bacteria and also stimulates the salivary glands. Saliva helps to coat teeth and also contains trace minerals that will aid in the remineralization process.
3. Ensure that you have adequate levels of Vitamin D in your diet.
It provides a proper balance of calcium and phosphorus to support mineralization. Good source of Vitamin D are pure fermented cod liver oil, krill oil, salmon, other fatty fish, and egg yolks. Vegan sources include sunshine, UV-irradiated mushrooms, yeast, fortified foods, and D3 supplements.
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.
4. Ensure you have adequate levels of Vitamin K2 in your diet.
It 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. Vegan sources include supplements or Natto (requires an acquired palate).
5. Ensure you have adequate levels of Vitamin C in your diet.
Vitamin 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
6. Have 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.
7. Use traditional sea salt.
Not processed table salt. True sea salt contains many trace minerals that are vital to bone and enamel growth.
8. Consume 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.
9. 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.
10. Apply pearl powder.
This is an ancient Chinese medicine and 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 de-mineralizing and re-mineralizing.
Your teeth and gums are a good window into your general health, so please take good care!
