2/28/2018
Eating and speaking are daily activities that are easy to take for granted, until we experience pain or discomfort with our teeth. Yet maintaining and improving our dental health is one of the most important priorities when it comes to overall health and well-being.
Dental caries, also known as cavities, are the breakdown of tooth enamel that comes from plaque that has been deposited on the teeth. This sticky plaque substance is actually created by bacteria and their acidic waste products. Regular brushing of teeth and flossing is the most common and essential way to remove plaque before it can destroy our teeth.
An even better way to avoid plaque is to deprive bacteria of their favorite food: carbohydrates—especially in grains and sugars. A diet low in refined carbohydrates is the first line of defense against dental caries. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and natural fats will promote stronger teeth. After eating, it is a good idea to simply drink water and rinse the teeth. Contrary to common wisdom, it is preferable to wait half an hour after eating before brushing teeth, since the enamel becomes softer while we eat carbohydrates.
It is a commonly held myth that teeth cannot heal from caries, however in some cases, teeth can be re-mineralized with a consistent program of healthy diet and exposing the teeth to a mineral bath. This can be done by mixing up your own tooth powder consisting of Bentonite clay and calcium powder (or even Bentonite clay alone, for it is composed of calcium, magnesium, and silica). I bought Bentonite clay at Whole Foods, and love the way it cleans my teeth. It is almost flavorless, but you can add cinnamon, ground cloves, or Peppermint oil if you want more flavor. Simply sprinkle the powder on a wet toothbrush and brush gently.
For more information and other ideas for dental health, see this article on How To Re-Mineralize Teeth Naturally And Prevent Tooth Decay.
As always, visit your dentist regularly, and smile! Andrea Winchester