Oral health tips and anti-cavity diet

Oral health should be considered as one of the most important aspects in maintaining overall health as it’s a part of the digestive mechanism. If you already have or plan on having a root canal procedure done, read important information on root canals.

Tips on keeping your teeth healthy

  • Foods to avoid
    • Processed, frozen, canned
    • Sugar
    • Refined flour
    • Artificial sweeteners and flavoring agents
    • Oatmeal prevents mineral absorption and should be limited
    • Breakfast cereals, crackers and other unfermented grains
  • Foods to eat
    • Grass-fed beef for proper iron & B12 levels
    • More raw and fermented foods to gain benefits from natural enzymes
    • Green leafy vegetables (at least 1 full 8oz glass a day)
    • Limited but not excluded fruits and starchy vegetables
    • Organic foods that are rich in minerals
    • Soaked nuts only, to reduce phytic acid content
    • Reduce the amount of omega 6 vegetable oils and increase omega 3 fats. For everyday oil alternate between olive and coconut oils.
  • Supplements can be helpful in keeping to teeth decay free
    • Boron 3mg per day on empty stomach
    • Fermented cod liver oil
    • Zinc 15mg / copper 1mg per day
    • Manganese 2mg per day
    • 500mg magnesium malate/500mg calcium citrate (optional, can be obtained from diet)
    • Fat-Soluble Vitamins (daily)
      • Vitamin A 2500UI (Present in cod liver oil)
      • Vitamin D3 400UI (Present in cod liver oil)
      • Vitamin K2 (MK-7)  100-400mcg per day
      • Vitamin E 100-200UI (optional, can be obtained from diet)
  • Lifestyle changes
    • Brush and floss after each meal
    • Avoid tooth paste with abrasive properties. Dry brushing is the best way to gently remove food deposits without damaging the enamel. Damaged enamel is one of the primary reasons for cavities to form in the first place. Electric brushes, tooth pastes and excessive brushing are the main factors in tooth health deterioration.
    • Rinse the mouth with 1:1 mixture of salt and baking soda (half a spoon of substance diluted in a glass of water) before going to bed 2-3 times a week. Remember that you can become too alkaline if you use baking soda too often, which could reduce stomach acid over time and increase chances of nutritional imbalances.