Our teeth are constantly going through a natural process of demineralization and remineralization. Minerals can be lost from the enamel when the mouth becomes acidic, while minerals from saliva can be deposited back into the tooth surface. The can become sensitive to hot and cold, stained, and experience cavities.

Nutrition is one piece of this process.

At Healing Cornerstone, we look at oral health from a functional perspective: Are you providing your body with the minerals and nutrients it needs to maintain healthy teeth? Are those nutrients being absorbed properly? And is the oral environment allowing remineralization to occur?

What Is Tooth Remineralization?

Tooth enamel is primarily composed of a mineral structure called hydroxyapatite, which contains calcium and phosphate.

Every day, teeth are exposed to acids produced by oral bacteria as well as acidic foods and beverages. This can cause minerals to leave the enamel, a process known as demineralization.

Saliva helps counter this process. It contains calcium and phosphate that can return to the tooth surface and contribute to remineralization.

The goal is therefore not simply to take large amounts of calcium or phosphorus. The goal is to support the entire mineralization process.

 

Calcium and Phosphorus Work Together

Calcium and phosphorus are important structural minerals in teeth.

Since phosphorus is already plentiful in most diets, more phosphorus isn’t necessarily better. A functional approach looks at the individual’s overall diet and mineral balance before adding a phosphorus supplement.

We typically muscle test to determine the support your body requires and the following supplements are often considered when determining your custom protocol.

Calsol® provides a nonanimal source of calcium and phosphorus. Calsol as supports bone health, normal bone growth and development, and bone remodeling.

Cal-Ma Plus® can be used as synergistic product support for Calsol®.

Calcifood® wafers provide calcium and phosphorus supports calcium absorption to help the body build strong, healthy bones.

Calcium Lactate is a non-dairy, vegan source of calcium and magnesium. It supports healthy bone structure and providing ionized and diffusible calcium.

 

Vitamin D Helps the Body Use Calcium

While you may consume adequate calcium, your body still requires the ability to absorb and utilize it. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption.

Cataplex® D provides vitamin D and supports bone health, mineral absorption, and immune system function. Specifically, vitamin D encourages healthy calcium absorption from the intestinal tract into the blood and one of the reasons a functional approach do

Calcium + vitamin D + adequate magnesium + appropriate phosphorus intake provide a more complete nutritional picture.

 

Don’t Forget Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in bone formation and proper calcium utilization.

Standard Process’ E-Z Mg™ is an organic, plant-based multi-magnesium supplement developed to support individuals with inadequate dietary magnesium intake.

Magnesium Lactate is another Standard Process option, providing magnesium.

Magnesium as being involved in bone formation and proper calcium utilization. Which form is appropriate depends on the individual’s needs rather than simply choosing the highest dose.

 

Vitamin C and the Tooth’s Connective-Tissue Foundation

Minerals are not the entire story. Vitamin C is important for collagen formation, and collagen provides an important structural framework throughout the body.

Cataplex® C is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin C and supports skin, connective tissue, and bone health. It supports healthy bone tissue by helping normal collagen formation.

Another option is Cataplex® A-C-P, which combines vitamins A and C with whole-food ingredients. Standard Process specifically lists support for dental health in relation to gums among its product benefits.

What About Bio-Dent®?

Bio-Dent® is particularly interesting when discussing nutritional support for teeth.

Bio-Dent supports normal cell function and a healthy skeletal system. The company specifically states that a daily serving supports the body’s natural processes of growth, development, and repair of teeth.

Each tablet provides calcium, phosphorus, and manganese. Bio-Dent is also described as support for the production of cartilage and collagen. This does not mean Bio-Dent can rebuild a tooth with an established cavity. Rather, it provides nutrients associated with the body’s normal tooth and skeletal processes.

Can Supplements Reverse a Cavity?

This is where it is important to distinguish remineralization from regeneration.

Early enamel demineralization may be capable of remineralization when the oral environment is favorable. Nutritional support can be part of an overall approach to maintaining healthy teeth, but it should not replace dental evaluation or treatment.

Supporting the Oral Environment

Supplements are only one piece of the puzzle.

A functional approach also considers:

  • Adequate hydration
  • Healthy saliva production
  • Reducing frequent sugar exposure
  • Limiting frequent acidic beverages
  • Adequate protein and nutrient intake
  • Healthy digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Consistent oral hygiene
  • Regular dental examinations

The Functional Medicine Perspective

Rather than asking, “What supplement will rebuild my teeth?”, a better question is:

“What does my body need to support healthy teeth and normal remineralization?”

That question leads to a more complete assessment of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, protein, digestion, saliva, diet, and oral health.

At Healing Cornerstone, nutritional support is individualized rather than based on a one-size-fits-all supplement protocol.

Healthy teeth begin with a healthy foundation.

Book your custom protocol appointment today!