As science continues to discover the incredible healing powers of the body, things that were once thought to be impossible are now feasible. Regenerating organs, stem cells repairing previously irreparable damage, reversing clogged arteries, and many more feats continue to be discovered. Conventional wisdom would say that repairing damaged teeth and gums isn’t possible. Yet there is research and evidence that may prove otherwise. Just like other cells in the body, teeth and gums respond positively when the body has what it needs to maximize its capacity for healing.
The work of Weston Price and other researchers gave us insight into the underlying dietary problems with tooth and gum decay. Weston Price discovered that in areas of the world where specific foods were being consumed in large quantities, dental decay was extremely rare. While in other areas where staple foods were different, it was rampant. This has led people to experiment with diets, supplements, and rinses to minimize torturous visits to the dentist to be drilled, filled, and charged many dollar bills. Visiting a dentist on a fairly regular basis is important, but the high expense and pain may be minimized with understanding of what contributes to decay.
Vitamin D3 & K2
Vitamins D3 and K-2 are fat-soluble nutrients that work together to absorb and guide calcium to the right places. There is strong evidence dating back to the 1930’s and 40’s linking lower levels of vitamin D3 with a higher number of cavities. Modern studies have shown tremendously positive benefits to teeth when vitamin D levels are raised. The number of cavities that children experienced dropped dramatically after cutting back on grains, sugars, and raising vitamin D3 levels according to one study. (1)
Vitamin K-2 is absolutely critical to healthy teeth and gums. Eating a higher level of grass-fed butter, pasture raised eggs, raw cheese, and liver can be a powerful addition to supplementation. Research on vitamin K-2 has found that when levels increase in the body, certain species of bacteria in the mouth associated with tooth decay decreases. Vitamin K2 plays a much different role than the commonly eaten K-1 in greens. Among K-2’s many roles, it acts as a protector and guide for calcium. It may even help to strengthen tooth enamel, and has even had reports of healing cavities. (2,3)
Many people have improved their cardiovascular health when supplementing with a high quality, full spectrum K-2 supplement because of its ability to bring calcium out of the vascular system. Vitamins D3 and K2 are almost like secret weapons for improving a multitude of dental issues. Taking a K2 and D3 supplement while eating a diet high in sugars, unhealthy, indigestible, and mineral binding grains (certain sprouted grains can be healthy in moderation) will not work miracles unless dietary changes are addressed as well.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a trace element that plays an important role in converting certain compounds like sulfites, xanthines, aldehydes, and others that can cause DNA mutations into a more harmless form. According to recent research, molybdenum may help to prevent tooth decay and reinforce enamel. Studies on cows have shown that it may play a role in the repair and remineralizing teeth. Supplementing with a low dose may have good benefits, but be careful not to overdue molybdenum in an attempt to gain greater benefits. (4)
Gum Health
Gum health may also be improved over time with certain critical nutrients like CoQ10, myrrh, folic acid, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, and other nutrients. Two clinical studies done in the 1970’s showed that people with periodontal disease usually have deficiencies in CoQ10. A more recent study at the University of Maryland also showed that supplementation improved gum healing and decreased repair times. (5,6) Myrrh is also very useful for gum health according to several studies and personal testimonies. Certain compounds in myrrh can promote tissue repair, wound healing, combat gum inflammation, and fight infections. (7)
Eucalyptus oil and folic acid are great additions to mouthwashes and may help to stimulate healing. Although total healing may not be possible in some cases, many have reported amazing improvements using some of these nutrients. Dietary changes, supplements, and a homemade rinse with the ingredients mentioned may go a long way to decreasing torturous visits to the dentist. Unless you’re into that kinda thing.
References:
1. https://www.acam.org/blogpost/1092863/185723/Vitamin-D-Deficiency-and-Tooth-Decay
3. https://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f6340/rr/675595
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2640940/
5. http://ariix.com/isr/coq10-to-combat-gum-disease/
6.https://dentalhealthandwellnessboston.com/research-suggests-that-coenzyme-q10-supports-gum-health-and-decreases-gum-disease/7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1013905219309186
