Prevent Tooth Cavities Through Diet

Tooth cavities are a result of demineralization and destruction of teeth

caused by bacterial infection. It is a result of the acid produced by bacteria
that feeds on food particles accumulated on the tooth surface.
Bacteria in person's mouth convert
carbohydrates (glucose, fructose and
sucrose) into acids such as lactic acid, the
process is called fermentation. When the
pH at the surface of the tooth drops below
5.5, demineralization proceeds faster than
re-mineralization (meaning that there is a
net loss of mineral structure on the tooth's
surface). Cavities are produced when demineralization of teeth hard tissues
exceeds mineralization. Once the enamel and dentine of tooth are
destroyed, cavity is more visible, dentinal tubules are exposed. This allows
bacteria to overwhelm the soft tissue and results in constant pain,
sensitivity to pressure and frequent infections. Today dental caries remain
one of the most common diseases throughout the world.
Depending on the extent of tooth destruction, treatments can be
used to restore teeth to proper function and form. Prevention of tooth
decay is recommended because large amounts of damage can't be
restored. Regular oral hygiene and dietary modifications helps avoid dental
cavities.
Oral hygiene will minimize the bacteria
and bacterial growth. The primary purpose of
brushing and flossing is to remove and prevent
the formation of plaques on the teeth The
plaque consists mostly bacteria. As the amount
of bacterial plaque increases, the tooth is more
vulnerable to dental caries when carbohydrates
in the food are left on teeth after every meal
or snack. A toothbrush can be used to remove
plaque on accessible surfaces. Flossing when

used correctly will remove food particles between teeth or inside pits and
fissures. The use of dental sealants is a means
of prevention. This prevent food from being
trapped inside pits and fissures and deprives
nutrition to plaque bacteria.
Reducing the frequent sugar intake and
snacking will help reducing dental carries. The
more frequently teeth are exposed to this
environment the more likely dental caries are to
occur. Frequent snacking result in continuous
supply of nutrients to acid producing bacteria.
Foods that increase the release of saliva which contains buffers to prevent
the lowering of pH in the mouth will prevent tooth demineralization.
Chewing and stimulation of flavor receptors on the tongue will increase the
production and release of saliva.
Calcium in milk and green vegetables is recommended to prevent
cavities. On the traditional side of the story, Dr. Page's research suggest

that tooth decay is the result of changes in body calcium- phosphorous

ratio. This imbalance reduces the flow of nutrients c dental tubules.
Decreased supply of nutrients causes physical degeneration of teeth
resulting in cavities. Whether dental caries is due to deficiency of one
nutrient or several is not known.

There is a little controversy over the topic that normal, well

developed teeth are more resistant to caries than poorly developed. One
preventive method of attacking caries is to produce teeth with good
structure through diet. Nutrients that promote the development of teeth
will also support the strength and healing. Nutrients such as calcium,
phosphorous, & vitamin D. The source of these nutrients and factors that
enhance the availability of these nutrients play an important role in this
process. The power of resistance in living tooth is enhanced when there is
sufficient supply of vitamin D in the diet, a defensive mechanism against
the infection. This may delay or arrest the process of infection. Vitamin K2

has been associated with enhancing the absorption of calcium. Grass fed
high vitamin butter oil has 60-80 ug of Vitamin K2 per 100 g. Certain fatty
acids from grass fed butter oil increases the absorption of fat soluble
vitamins (Vitamin A, D, E & K).
Mellanby and Pattison, 1932 (Br Med J. Mar 19; 1(3715): 507510)
divided 62 children with cavities into three different diet groups for 6
months. Group 1 ate their normal diet plus oatmeal (rich in phytic acid).
Group 2 ate their normal diet plus vitamin D. Group 3 ate a grain-free
diet and took vitamin D. In group 1, oatmeal prevented healing and
encouraged new cavities, presumably due to phytic acid preventing mineral
absorption. In group 2, simply adding vitamin D to the diet caused most

cavities to heal and fewer to form. The most striking effect was in group 3,
the group eating a grain-free diet plus vitamin D, in which nearly all
cavities healed and very few new cavities developed. Grains are the main
source of phytic acid in the modern diet, although we can't rule out the
possibility that grains were promoting tooth decay through another
mechanism as well. Diet 3 included a moderate amount of carbohydrates,
for plenty of milk, jam, sugar, potatoes and vegetables were eaten by this
group of children.
Oral hygiene and dietary changes may prevent tooth decay and promote
healthy teeth.

Source: Whole health source. Nutrition and Health Science. Saturday,

December 2011.