My journey healing my body with nature led me to dive deeply into improving the body’s calcium utilization to achieve tooth remineralization. If you’re wondering how to remineralize teeth naturally, this guide will help you get started effectively for long-term results!
Why Do Teeth Lose Minerals?
Teeth lose minerals due to a process called demineralization, which occurs when acids produced by bacteria in the mouth attack the tooth enamel. These acids can come from foods and beverages high in sugar and starches and from the natural bacteria in the mouth.
When the enamel is exposed to these acids, the minerals in the enamel, such as calcium and phosphate, begin to dissolve, weakening the structure of the tooth. Over time, this can lead to cavities and other dental problems.
In addition to demineralization, teeth can also lose minerals due to other factors, such as aging, genetics, and certain medical conditions. For example, people with eating disorders or gastrointestinal disorders may be at higher risk for mineral deficiencies that can affect the health of their teeth.
To maintain healthy teeth and prevent mineral loss, practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and beverages, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups is important. Additionally, eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and other minerals can help to support healthy teeth and bones.
Causes of Tooth Demineralization
Several practices can cause tooth demineralization, including:
Poor oral hygiene: Failing to brush and floss regularly can lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth, which can produce acids that attack the enamel and cause demineralization.
Dairy and milk: Instead of providing calcium that the human body can utilize (the calcium it contains is only utilized for the babies of the species it is meant for), milk and dairy are highly acidic and very hard for the body to process, leading to calcium loss from tissues and bones as a means to offset this acidic state. It has been documented that consuming dairy can make bones and teeth brittle over time – not stronger. Instead, to attain proper calcium levels, consume leafy greens and other plant-based foods recommended in this article.
Dry mouth: A lack of saliva in the mouth can lead to demineralization, as saliva helps to neutralize acids and remineralize the teeth. Possible causes of dry mouth include regular use of medications, dehydration, radiation therapy or other medical therapies, diabetes, and nerve damage.
Chewing gum: Chewing gum can cause tooth demineralization if it contains sugar or artificial ingredients. When sugar is consumed, it interacts with bacteria in the mouth to produce acid. This acid and the unnatural ingredients in the chewing gum can erode tooth the enamel, leading to demineralization. However, some herbal-based, sugar-free chewing gums may help prevent tooth demineralization by stimulating saliva production.
Consuming and drinking acidic foods and beverages: Consuming foods and beverages that are high in acids, such as meats, dairy, carbonated drinks, and coffee, can erode the enamel and cause demineralization. Starch, grains, and nuts, which are also mildly to highly acidic, have also been known to cause demineralization. Therefore, decreasing all acidic foods during your tooth remineralization regimen is key to seeing long-term results!
However, these are only the “apparent” culprits. In fact, most foods we consume in modern times are very hard to digest and assimilate, and much of them produce acid ash as it is chemically broken down.
Depending on the health of the body and the constitution of our elimination organs, these acids can be expelled regularly with a net loss to overall body energy levels, but most likely, they fester in tissues, breaking down cells, hair, skin, and bone integrity. Indeed, when the body becomes too acidic because of our diets and lifestyle, the body must use alkaline chemistry (which is full of mineral electrolytes) to balance out the pH levels of the cellular environment.
If it doesn’t receive any alkaline chemistry from foods, it then has to rely on its internal supplies of minerals, which are found in bones, teeth, and connective tissues. So, to account for long-term survival, its wise intelligence allows it to compensate and leach minerals from less essential parts of the body for survival.
That’s where tooth enamel integrity starts to diminish and demineralization of teeth can be noticeable. You can also experience skin wrinkling, sagging of skin/body parts, as well as spider veins (which show up when the connective tissue is compromised due to body acidity).
Bruxism: Grinding or clenching the teeth can cause excessive wear on the enamel, leading to demineralization and other dental problems.
Acid reflux: People with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may experience regurgitation of stomach acid into the mouth, which can erode the enamel and cause demineralization.
Certain medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat asthma or allergies, can dehydrate the body and cause dry mouth or other side effects that can lead to tooth demineralization.
Parathyroid dysfunction: The parathyroid glands are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body. When the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), it can result in hyperparathyroidism, which can lead to increased levels of calcium in the blood and decreased levels of calcium in the bones and teeth.
Likewise, a dysfunctional parathyroid gland can have trouble assimilating calcium and other minerals from food. Therefore, even if you are consuming a high-mineral diet, if the body is not utilizing the minerals correctly, this may be in vain. In my opinion, most tooth demineralization issues occur because of a dysfunctional parathyroid gland, which doesn’t assimilate calcium correctly.
The parathyroid gland is a part of the endocrine gland network that manages and regulates hormonal production in the body. Hormones serve as messengers telling the body what to do, and if these messages are not clear, the body becomes dysregulated, causing many of the side effects that the medical community often misdiagnoses or dismisses as unreal (because they may not be in line with bloodwork and other tests).
Given the important role of the endocrine glands in mineral absorption and utilization, let’s look at why strengthening the function of the endocrine glands is vital when it comes to strengthening the integrity of your teeth, bones, and tissues.
The Role of Endocrine Glands and Mineral Absorption in The Body
The endocrine glands play a crucial role in regulating mineral absorption in the body. Endocrine glands are glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then travel to target organs and tissues throughout the body. These hormones play a key role in regulating many physiological processes, including mineral absorption.
The endocrine glands that are particularly important for mineral absorption include the parathyroid glands, thyroid glands, and adrenal glands.
The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands located in the neck, near the thyroid gland. They are responsible for producing and secreting parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body.
When calcium levels in the blood are low, the parathyroid glands release PTH, which stimulates the bones to release calcium into the blood. PTH also stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb calcium and excrete phosphorus, which helps to increase calcium levels in the blood. Additionally, PTH stimulates the production of vitamin D in the kidneys, which helps the body to absorb calcium from the intestines.
When calcium levels in the blood are high, the parathyroid glands stop releasing PTH, which helps to prevent calcium from being released from the bones and is absorbed from the intestines. This helps to maintain a stable level of calcium in the blood.
Overall, the parathyroid glands play a crucial role in maintaining the proper balance of calcium in the body, which is important for many bodily functions, including bone health, muscle function, and nerve function.
Similarly, the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which are important for regulating metabolism and energy production. These hormones also play a role in calcium metabolism, helping to regulate the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body.
The adrenal glands produce several hormones, including aldosterone and cortisol, which are important for regulating electrolyte balance and fluid balance in the body. These hormones help to regulate the absorption and excretion of minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Overall, the endocrine glands play a crucial role in regulating mineral absorption in the body, helping to ensure that the body has the minerals it needs to maintain healthy bones, teeth, and other tissues.
Medical Conditions That May Cause Tooth Demineralization
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, may have difficulty absorbing nutrients, including calcium and other minerals that are important for healthy teeth and bones.
Eating Disorders
People with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, may have nutrient deficiencies that can lead to tooth demineralization and other dental problems. Vomiting also entails acid reflux, meaning that purging food can cause erosion of the esophagus and the demineralization of the teeth over time.
Chronic Kidney Disease
People with chronic kidney disease may have high levels of phosphorus in their blood, which can lead to demineralization of the teeth and bones.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to demineralization of the body, particularly of the bones. This is because the kidneys play an important role in regulating the levels of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, in the body. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, the levels of these minerals can become imbalanced, which can lead to a loss of bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
In CKD, the kidneys are not able to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood as effectively as they should. This can lead to a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, which can contribute to bone demineralization.
Additionally, the kidneys are responsible for producing a hormone called calcitriol, which helps the body to absorb calcium from the intestines. If they are sluggish, they may not produce enough calcitriol, which can lead to decreased calcium absorption and further contribute to bone demineralization.
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that can cause dry mouth and other dental problems, including demineralization of the teeth. The disorder causes the body to attack glands that moisturize the mouth, eyes, and other parts of the body.
Minerals That Help To Mineralize Teeth
Diet plays a crucial role in body mineralization, as the minerals that we consume through food and drink are essential for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, and other tissues. Some correlations between diet and body mineralization include:
Calcium: Calcium is a mineral that is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Foods that are high in calcium include leafy green vegetables and fortified foods such as cereals and orange juice. Consuming adequate amounts of calcium through the diet can help to promote healthy bone growth and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and utilization in the body. Vitamin D is best assimilated by the body through direct sunlight on the skin (without sunscreen). For best results, get at least 30 minutes of sunlight per day whenever possible.
Magnesium: Magnesium is important for healthy bone growth and maintenance, as well as for many other physiological processes in the body. Magnesium is found in fruits, leafy green vegetables, and legumes.
Phosphorus: Phosphorus is another mineral that is important for healthy bones and teeth. Phosphorus is found in many foods, including broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and avocados.
Sodium: Consuming too much sodium can lead to the loss of calcium from the bones, which can weaken them over time. To maintain healthy bones, it is important to consume a balanced diet that is not too high in sodium.
How to Remineralize Teeth and Rebuild Tooth Enamel with Diet
Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for many physiological processes in the body, including fluid balance, nerve function, muscle function, energy production, and strong bone/tooth integrity.
The foods below are part of an alkaline diet protocol and will help you hydrate the body with an infusion of minerals, which, if done so with commitment, will alkalize tissues (adding more alkaline chemistry to the body) and correct endocrine dysfunction naturally.
And don’t fear fruits! Many health advocates and professionals will tell you that all sugars are the same and that they will feed bacteria and candida – and this is not true at all! Simple sugars found in fruits and vegetables are ‘the essential fuel’ our cells need to keep us alive.
In fact, if you don’t get energy from fruits and veggies, your body will starve energetically and will send you signals that it needs sugar. But, most of us don’t know this and misconstrue the signal as a craving for processed sugar…which we most likely succumb to. By providing your body with simple sugars, you will have your battery charged for life and ensure a long lifespan.
However, processed sugars undergo chemical and heating processes that lose all of this nutrition and become poisonous to the body, feeding pathogens, bad bacteria, and parasites and helping them proliferate (causing disease over time).
Fruit, on the other hand, strengthens cellular function and is one of the healthiest foods found in nature! However, certain fruits such as citrus are usually not picked ripe and can be too acidic for the enamel. In this case, my suggestion is to juice your citrus and be diligent to rinse your mouth with purified water afterward.
That being said, here are some of my favorite fruits and vegetables that are full of electrolytes:
Watermelon: Watermelon is one of my favorite detoxification, cleansing, and hydrating fruits. It is a kidney tonic and one of the best lymphatic system cleansers found in nature. Watermelon is incredibly rich in minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and sodium.
Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium, which is an important electrolyte that helps to regulate fluid balance and muscle function.
Oranges: Oranges are a good source of potassium and also contain other electrolytes, particularly calcium and magnesium.
Spinach: Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in many vitamins and minerals, including electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Avocados: Avocados are nutrient-dense fruits that are rich in many vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and copper. One medium-sized avocado contains around 487 mg of potassium and 58 mg of magnesium.
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium and also contain other electrolytes, such as magnesium.
Coconut water: While not a fruit or vegetable, coconut water is one of the best natural sources of electrolytes, as it is largely composed of potassium, sodium, and magnesium. It is the best natural alternative to sports drinks (which are acidic) and helps correct acidosis in the body.
Dates: Dates are some of my favorite kidney foods and are rich in simple sugars (important for energy production) and many vitamins and minerals that are important for healthy bones and teeth, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Celery and celery juice: Celery contains a variety of minerals and electrolytes, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Additionally, celery is high in water content, which can help keep the body hydrated and support electrolyte balance.
Figs: Figs are a nutrient-dense fruit that is rich in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium. One dried fig contains around 13 mg of calcium!
Prunes: Prunes are nutrient-dense fruit that are rich in many vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and copper. One dried prune contains around 66 mg of potassium.
Guava: Guava is a nutrient-dense fruit that is rich in many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. One medium-sized guava contains around 688 mg of potassium, 36 mg of magnesium, and 209 mg of vitamin C. It is a mineral-rich super-fruit!
Kiwi: Kiwi is a nutrient-dense fruit that is rich in many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and copper. One medium-sized kiwi contains around 237 mg of potassium and 14 mg of magnesium.
How to Remineralize Teeth Naturally with Herbs
There are several herbs that are believed to be beneficial for the mineralization of the body. My favorite is the combination of nettle and horsetail with a pinch of mint or rosemary. I have this tea first thing in the morning with a tincture for endocrine gland function.
I encourage you to do the same and see the difference that it makes in your connective tissue integrity (check if you have spider veins, which is a sign of weaker parathyroid, acidosis, and/or calcium malabsorption), skin, nails, and hair quality.
Here are my favorite tea or tincture herbs that help to correct the body’s mineral absorption mechanisms by correcting endocrine imbalances, alkalizing tissues, and helping regenerate the integrity of skin, connective tissues, bones, and teeth.
Nettle: Nettle is a nutrient-dense herb that is rich in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. Nettle tea or supplements may help to support healthy bone growth and maintenance.
Horsetail: Horsetail is an herb that is rich in silica, which is important for healthy bone and connective tissue growth. Horsetail tea or supplements may help to support healthy bone and joint function.
Dandelion: Dandelion is a nutrient-dense herb that is rich in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and potassium. Dandelion tea or supplements may help to support healthy bone and tooth growth.
Alfalfa: Alfalfa is an herb that is rich in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Alfalfa supplements may help to support healthy bone growth and maintenance.
Red clover: Red clover is an herb that is rich in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium and magnesium. Red clover tea or supplements may help to support healthy bone growth and maintenance.
When it comes to choosing the most quality herbs, always look for the source of the herbs and ensure they are organic certified. As for my personal recommendation, I truly recommend organic herbs from Starwest Botanicals. The store has been around since the 1970s, and offers the largest selection of organic herbal products in the US. It is also committed to environmental sustainability and conducts in-house herbal production to ensure its products meet the best quality levels!
*Starwest Botanicals is the herbal store of my preference and is my affiliate partner. You won't be charged anything extra by purchasing herbs through the link above, but a small portion of the proceeds will help support the growth of my small business. Thank you!
How to Remineralize Teeth with Natural Treatments
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil, such as coconut or sesame oil, in the mouth for 10-20 minutes and then spitting it out. Studies have suggested that oil pulling has benefits for oral health. For example, one study found that oil pulling with coconut oil was effective at reducing the levels of certain bacteria in the mouth that are associated with tooth decay and gum disease. Another study found that oil pulling with sesame oil was effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Fluoride-free Toothpaste
Many conventional toothpastes contain fluoride, which may interfere with endocrine gland function and is toxic to the body as it accumulates over time. Using a fluoride-free toothpaste that contains natural ingredients such as calcium and phosphate can help to remineralize the teeth without exposing the body to potentially harmful chemicals.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for healthy tooth enamel, as it helps the body absorb calcium and other minerals. Spending time in the sun without sunglasses or sunscreen (at least for 20 minutes) is the best way to synthesize Vitamin D in the body and is superior to supplements.
Raw Organic Honey
Honey has antibacterial properties, which may help to prevent tooth decay. Some studies have suggested that honey may be effective at reducing the growth of certain bacteria that are associated with tooth decay. Additionally, honey has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the gums and promote overall oral health.
Tooth Putty
Certain topical remineralization treatments, such as natural tooth putties, can help teeth absorb the necessary minerals directly from the concoctions. These putties contain ingredients such as calcium carbonate, hydroxyapatite, sesame oil, oat straw, crushed pearl, and nettle that are full of minerals. These putties are used as spot treatments overnight by being placed on demineralized areas of teeth.
There are many incidents that showcase that these putties can rebuild tooth enamel naturally, especially when used regularly and left on teeth for long periods.
In fact, I have used Bliss Energetic’s remineralizing tooth puddy myself for less than a year and have noticed my tooth erosion improving significantly! Although the puddy is still a treatment and not a miracle solution (should be used as a complement to a mineralizing herbal protocol and an alkaline diet), it really works beautifully, and I’ve been more than happy with my purchases, so much so, that I’ve decided to partner with the family-run business to help tell others about the puddy as an affiliate partner.
If you’d like to check out and purchase the tooth remineralization puddy or any of Bliss Energetic’s other remineralization products, you can use my links here to do so at no extra expense to you!
Tooth Powder
Although not as powerful as tooth putties, since they are not placed on teeth for long periods, tooth powders help introduce the mouth flora to mineralizing herbs, clay (calcium carbonate), and alkalizing agents that help with overall dental health.
Rinsing with Distilled Water After Each Meal
Bacteria like to show up and proliferate wherever it finds acids, and decomposing food (especially of the acidic kind) can be the ideal environment for bad bacteria to proliferate. Therefore, to alkalize the flora of your mouth after each meal, swish distilled (or purified) water and a pinch of baking soda in your mouth for a minute or so. This is also recommended after any acidic drinks, especially coffee.
Visualization
How do you see your teeth? Are you embarrassed by their appearance and do you always talk badly about them? If so, I suggest that you change the narrative and start sending your teeth some love!
Mind over matter thinking can help supercharge your tooth enamel rebuilding quest, especially if you start visualizing your teeth as you’d like them to be. Imagine smiling with your pearly whites and how you’d feel if your teeth were strong, resilient, and admired by the world.
Signs of Tooth Remineralization
If you are in the process of rebuilding tooth enamel naturally and are wondering about the signs that you’re on the right track, here are some major ways you can tell that what you’re doing is working. Keep in mind that tooth remineralization is a gradual process and may take several months or even years to produce results.
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- As teeth become more mineralized, they will become stronger. You may notice a reduction in tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
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- As the enamel becomes stronger and more mineralized, the teeth may appear brighter and more translucent. As the enamel becomes smoother and more mineralized, you may notice a smoother texture on the surface of the teeth.
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- White spots can be one of the major signs of demineralization. One way to tell your remineralization efforts are working is if your white spots reduce in size or disappear altogether.
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- As the enamel becomes more mineralized, the teeth may become more resistant to decay, which can lead to a reduction in cavities.
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- As you continue in your efforts, you may notice an improvement in overall oral health, including a reduction in gum inflammation, recession, and bleeding.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for comprehensive advice on how to remineralize teeth and rebuild tooth enamel naturally, I hope this article helped you tremendously! I wrote this article out of my personal experience with tooth demineralization and as a result of my own efforts to remineralize my body holistically through an alkaline diet, herbs, and natural treatments.
In my opinion, it will be impossible to rebuild tooth enamel naturally without changing your diet to incorporate highly alkaline foods. This is the essential basis of healing the body so that it can assimilate and utilize calcium and other minerals as well as reverse chronic acidosis that the body keeps in check by leaching out calcium from connective tissues, bones, and teeth.
Remember, to cool acids, the body must have hydrating chemistry at its disposal. By consuming foods that are hydrating and cooling – mostly fruits and vegetables – you can provide the body with what it needs to reverse chronic inflammation.
An alkaline diet, mineralizing herbs (my favorite being nettle and horsetail), and natural treatments should all be in your tooth remineralization arsenal until you see results!
What is important is to stay on course to let the body rebalance naturally in its own time by providing it with what it needs. If you need some help with this, you can find my personal guidance in my e-book advertised on the right.
And lastly, monitor the changes in your tooth integrity by taking before and after photos of your journey. This will be immensely helpful when understanding the impact of your efforts. I wish you the very best!