Looking at a tooth, it can be hard to realize that each one is a living organ. They look so hard. White. Bone-like. That’s the enamel which can be seen and which protects the living tissues inside. In fact, enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body. Structurally, it’s amazing.

Enamel is also irreplaceable. If any of it is damaged—for example, by decay, excessive wear from habitual clenching and grinding, or the effect of acids from a heavy soda habit—one cannot grow new enamel; once teeth have developed, the specialized cells needed to do so are no longer available. Damaged enamel means sensitive teeth and easier access for harmful bacteria to get to the more delicate living tissues within.

 

Teeth Have Natural Defense Mechanisms

The good news is that teeth have defense mechanisms. As with the rest of the body’s defense systems, they just need support. Eating right is where it starts. Underneath the enamel of a tooth is a softer layer of tissue called dentin. Dentin actually consists of miles of microscopic tubules through which fluid flows, delivering nutrients from the pulp chamber to the dentin that surrounds it. Normally, it flows in an outward direction which also helps repel pathogens, but under certain circumstances—most notably high sugar intake—the flow can stagnate or even reverse, drawing pathogens into the tooth. Limiting sugars not only keeps this from happening, but maintains more alkaline conditions in the mouth—a more favorable state of affairs overall.

A healthy, nutrient-dense diet is also key for providing minerals that saliva continually delivers to the enamel, naturally remineralizing it. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are especially important along with the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, which help with calcium absorption and transport.

One mineral not needed is fluoride. It doesn’t occur naturally in tooth enamel and too much of it can actually cause damage, discoloring and even pitting—a condition called dental fluorosis. On the other hand, calcium and phosphorus make up the bulk of natural tooth enamel in a combined form called hydroxyapatite (this mineral compound is dominant in your bones as well). Why give teeth a mineral they don’t need (which is also highly toxic to human life) when you can give them that from which they’re actually made?

 

Boost Remineralization with a Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

While the ideal is to get all the nutrients needed through healthy eating, that is not always the reality and extra help is more than welcome. That’s where a product like hydroxyapatite toothpaste comes into play. In fact, research has shown quite consistently that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is just as/or even more effective than fluoride toothpaste in preventing demineralization, reducing tooth sensitivity and even treating early decay.

Be aware: Not all toothpastes advertised as “remineralizing” contain hydroxyapatite. Look for the presence of hydroxyapatite and the absence of fluoride (as well as the absence of SLS, artificial colors and flavors, and other sketchy ingredients).

 

For more than two decades, the Holistic Dental Center of NJ has provided exceptional biological dentistry with surgical expertise in a friendly, home-like environment. For more information and to schedule a dental appointment, call 973-609-5984 and/or visit HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com.