Cavities/Tooth Decay

What are Cavities?

Tooth decay and its related disorders are not natural processes but are caused by bacteria in the mouth that combine with mucus and food debris to create plaque. These bacteria feed on ingested sugars and produce an acid that sucks calcium and phosphate from the teeth. Tooth decay relies on three factors: the presence of bacteria, the availability of sugars, and the vulnerability of tooth enamel. Does nutrition play a role in prevention? You bet; let's see how.

What helps Cavities/Tooth Decay?

• It should come as no shock that calcium is necessary for strong, healthy teeth. Recommendation: Take 1500 mg daily, in tandem with 750 mg of magnesium.

•  Vitamin A is important for healing and for tooth formation. Recommendation: Take 10,000 IU daily. Warning: Do not exceed 8000 IU daily if you are pregnant.

•  Vitamin C is useful in preventing and treating tooth decay because it protects against infection and inflammation. Recommendation: Supplement with 3000 mg daily, in divided doses. Warning: Do NOT use a chewable form, as it can erode tooth enamel. To help calcium absorption and to heal gum tissue, take vitamin D. Recommendation: Take 400 mg daily.

• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that promotes healing. Recommendation: Take 600 IU daily.

• Zinc is a necessary nutrient in the process of bone formation. Recommendation: Take 30 mg daily in the form of zinc gluconate.

• Raw fruits and vegetables keep the saliva from becoming too acidic, which is another factor that puts you at risk for tooth decay.

Herbal remedies for Cavities/Tooth Decay

• Tea contains quite a generous amount of fluoride. Because there are other anticavity compounds besides fluoride in tea, you don't need much to benefit from it.

• Bay has the potential to prevent tooth decay because it kills bacteria. Look for it in toothpaste that is carried at your natural foods store.

•  Studies indicate that bloodroot reduces the amount of plaque and prevents it from adhering to teeth.

Dosages may vary, depending on the duration and severity of your symptoms. Follow package directions, or consult a qualified herbal practitioner.

What makes Cavities/Tooth Decay worse?

• Carbonated beverages contain high levels of phosphates, which promote the loss of calcium from the tooth enamel. Recommendation: Sharply curtail or eliminate your consumption of carbonated drinks.

Other Health Problems:

Calf Cramps
Cancer
Canker Sores
Capillary Fragility
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Cardiovascular Disease
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cataract
Cavities/Tooth Decay
Celiac Sprue
Cervical dysplasia
Cheilosis
Cholesterol Problems
Chronic Ear Infection
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Circulation Problems
Colds and Flu
Cold Sores
Colon, Spastic
Colorectal Cancer
Common Cold
Congestive Heart Failure
Constipation
Crohn's Disease