Cavities

You thought you had cavities because you ate too much sugar? And you didn't understand why because you brush your teeth properly and after every meal?

 

Well, there are in fact other factors that we don't talk about very much and that explain why, with the same hygiene and diet, we don't all have the same propensity to develop cavities.

 

Caries means demineralisation!

 

The tooth is a mineralised organ in the same way as the bones. Enamel is made up largely of calcium and phosphate.

 

Minerals are therefore necessary for its formation but can also repair a recent and not very serious lesion.

 

It is therefore important to have a balanced diet in minerals but also in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and to avoid industrial food.

 

A diet too rich in phytates (wholegrain cereals, soya, nuts, etc.) will also disrupt the assimilation of minerals.

 

If the body's mineral balance is disturbed, either by diet or because of assimilation problems (intestinal hyperpermeability, stress, etc.), the body, which needs them to function properly, will look for minerals where they are stored. And to begin with, it will be in the teeth! (the bones will be victims of the same process in the second place, hence the problems of osteoporosis...)

 

What about excess sugar?

 

Of course sugar is guilty anyway because once degraded in the body, it will lead to an important acidity and the saliva which is supposed to protect our teeth when its PH is alkaline will in fact cause alterations of the enamel and the entry of cariogenic bacteria in our teeth. These acids dissolve minerals such as calcium and phosphorus which are essential for the health of the tooth.

 

Solutions to protect my teeth as much as possible!

 

To protect my teeth, I avoid eating industrial foods that are low in essential minerals and vitamins. They are also rich in saccharose and synthetic sweeteners which are poisons. In fact, on the one hand, sucrose consumes the body's minerals in order to be transformed into glucose and, on the other hand, all refined foods have a high glycaemic index and therefore pump up the mineral reserves in order to be assimilated. I eat foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, without forgetting magnesium which allows a better use of the other two.

 

  • Green vegetables
  • Cheeses (emmental, cantal, morbier, comté, gouda, etc.)
  • Dairy products
  • Legumes
  • Sesame
  • Dried fruit
  • Oilseeds
  • Banan
  • Cocoa
  • Wholegrain cereals
  • Seafood

Don't forget the fat-soluble vitamins:

  • Fatty fish
  • Carrots
  • Liver
  • Tuna liver oil, cod, halibut
  •  Eggs
  •  Wheat germ oil, sesame, peanut, olive, camelina, sunflower
  •  Green vegetables (broccoli, spinach)
  •  Oilseeds

What kind of hygiene should you adopt?

 

It is still important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss. You can, for example, make a remineralising toothpaste at home using baking soda, coconut oil, diatomaceous earth and mineral powders. Adding xylitol will be very interesting for the prevention or treatment of cavities, but also against plaque, dry mouth and bad breath. This sweet substance is present in small quantities in certain plants and is also synthesised by the liver. The xylitol on the market, especially in organic shops, is usually derived from the birch tree. Plant powders can also be used. Some, such as horsetail and nettle, will have a remineralising effect, while others will be antibacterial (peppermint, thyme, etc.), purifying (sage), soothing for the gums (calendula, marshmallow, etc.), etc. Regular mouthwash will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

 

In Ayurvedic medicine, vegetable oils are used, especially sesame oil, which will have a detoxifying effect. You should keep the oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, passing it between your teeth until it emulsifies. When you spit it out, it should be white and liquid. Rinsing your mouth well and brushing your teeth afterwards is essential to remove the remaining oil that has become engorged with germs.

 

Ideally, you should do this mouthwash before every meal!

 

You can add essential oils. For example: 100 ml of sesame vegetable oil (calcium and fat-soluble vitamins) + 6 drops of clove essential oil (anti-bacterial and anti-infectious) + 12 drops of peppermint essential oil. Propolis mouthwash and salt gargle can also be effective. In case of visible and recent caries and which is not painful. A Horsetail silica supplement is recommended, as well as a magnesium treatment. In case of pain and while waiting to see a dentist if it is already too late, 1 drop of clove EO in the tooth will anaesthetise it and avoid the beginning of an infection. Remember that it is always necessary to refer to a qualified therapist: consultation

 

Fluoride toothpastes

 

We tend to believe that using a fluoride toothpaste will prevent cavities, but what is really the case? It is important to know that fluoride, above 2mg/day, can be toxic and lead to erosion of the tooth enamel and bone problems. Since drinking water, certain mineralized waters, salt, saltwater fish and certain foods (watercress, milk, goat's cheese, beetroot, spinach, sauerkraut, red and white cabbage, egg yolks, oats, radish, garlic, tea and dandelion) already contain fluoride in varying amounts, it is not necessary, or even dangerous, to use fluoride toothpastes.

 

It is obviously not advisable to give children supplements either!