Oral Health is largely Determined by Diet!

[Mr. Rasel]

Studies from holistic dentists and the research of Dr. Weston A Price, showed that diet has an incredible impact on oral health, even more so than brushing.
Dr Weston A. Price, traveled the world in order to study isolated populations and their native diets. He was astounded to discover that many native people whose diet was devoid of modern food, ubiquitous in western countries, had nearly perfect dental structure and very little tooth decay.

The doctor reached the conclusion that our oral health is largely determined by diet, especially by these main factors:

* The presence of enough minerals in the diet.
* The presence of enough fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) in the diet.
* How bio-available these nutrients are and how well the body is absorbing them. It was found that this is largely influenced by the presence of Phytic Acid in the diet.

What is Phytic acid?

Phytic acid is a form of phosphorus that is not easily absorbed by humans. Phytic acid actually binds to essential nutrients in your digestive tract. This binding stops you from being able to absorb essential nutrients.
People who consume large amounts of phytic acid in the form of grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes have higher rates of tooth decay, mineral deficiencies and osteoporosis. However, the western diet is high in grains, sugars, and vegetable oils, and low in fat soluble vitamins, which are beneficial for optimal bone health and the prevention of tooth decay.
But there’s no need to panic if I’ve just summed up your diet. Your body is capable of healing itself. Through a process called remineralization, specialized cells in the center of the tooth are able to regenerate dentin, the layer of tooth just under the enamel, and the enamel can then properly remineralize from the outside.

You can encourage this process by reducing the amount of phytic acid from your diet. Now you’re probably thinking: “How can I remove phytic acid from my diet entirely, when it is found in so many foods?” And you’re bang on. It would be very difficult to eliminate all foods containing phytic acid. So the advisable thing to do is to reduce the consumption of foods that contain the highest amounts.
Food sources with the highest percentage of phytic acid are almonds, beans, Brazil nuts, brown rice, chick peas, coconut, corn, hazelnuts and lentils. Don’t cut them completely from your menu, as they still have many other health benefits, but eat them in moderation. Everyone who eats plants consumes some phytic acid. It’s all a question of degree.

What foods to avoid

Sugar – Sugar comes in many forms, for example, sucrose, fructose, maltose and glucose. All of which are damaging to your teeth. Oh and when it says: ‘No added sugar’ on a label, don’t be fooled. That does not necessarily mean it is sugar free. It just means that no sugar has been added during its production. The naturally occurring sugars are still in the product. It may contain one of the sugars listed above or be listed as ‘carbohydrates.’
To help prevent tooth decay, try to cut out products containing refined sugars and don’t exaggerate with natural sugars as well, like honey.

But why is sugar so terrible for your teeth?
The bacteria in your mouth like to feed on sugar, which excrete acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, and start the decaying process. However, if you really fancy something sweet, choose a fruit instead. Although fruits also contain sugar, it was found that eating fruit as part of a balanced diet is fine.

The best foods for your teeth

Vegetables – Vegetables are rich in fiber, which keeps saliva flowing and create mineral defenses against tooth decay.
Calcium – Your teeth and jaws are mostly made up of calcium. Without it, you are at risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. So if you don’t consume enough calcium, then do so! Calcium can be found in lots of food and drinks such as milk, yogurt and cheese. But don’t worry if you are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. Vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli are also very high in calcium, as well as boasting other vital nutrients that are great for you.
Magnesium – Helps in creating alkaline environment in the blood, is essential for creating vitamin D and required for the metabolism of calcium. Can be found in green leaves, seeds, almonds, beans, fish, avocado and banana.
Grass-fed meats – Meat helps teeth remineralize from eating acidic food, such as fruit. Red meat, chicken, fish and seafood is also rich in vitamin B12 and B2. Furthermore, people who do not consume enough of these vitamins are more prone to mouth sores.
Healthy Fat – Healthy fat (such as omega-3) is good for you!…In moderation, of course.
Coconut oil – Its anti-bacterial nature will help to get rid of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Organic butter – Many people prefer to use low fat margarine as an alternative to butter as they believe it is less fattening and better for your health. However, eating pastured, cultured butter in moderation will not make you fat. It is completely natural, unlike margarine and other low-fat spreads which are highly processed. Furthermore, butter is rich in calcium, which as you know, helps prevent tooth decay.

Supplements to heal cavities and improve oral health

Fermented cod liver oil – One of the main supplements recommended by Doctor Weston A Price. Furthermore, Raimen A Nigel, the author of the successful book, Cure Tooth Decay, recommends it and says that Green Pastures makes the highest quality fat soluble vitamin food based supplements.
Vitamin D – The sun provides a great source of vitamin D, but I’m not asking you to smile up at the sun every day. That’s entirely up to you.  You can simply eat foods that are rich in Vitamin D, such as, oily fish (salmon, sardines and mackerel), eggs and milk. You can also buy over-the-counter vitamin D supplements after consulting with your doctor. Read here more about 12 common diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency.

Source: Healthy And Natural World