I’ve seen numerous sufferers over time who brushed and flossed religiously—twice a day, by no means missed a checkup—and nonetheless got here in with new decay.
That’s as a result of brushing doesn’t repair dietary deficiencies, mouth respiratory, a dry mouth, or disrupted oral flora.
Cavities don’t simply present up. They kind slowly, as your oral atmosphere shifts out of stability—typically in mouths that look completely clear.
So what do I do personally to remain cavity-free?
A few of these will sound bizarre or will problem what you’ve been advised. However all of them replicate what the science now exhibits: A wholesome mouth isn’t sterile.
1) I drink inexperienced tea (hyperlink to the one I drink)
Inexperienced tea is wealthy in EGCG, a polyphenol that suppresses dangerous oral micro organism and helps helpful species. In a single examine, EGCG decreased ranges of Streptococcus mutans and acid manufacturing in dental plaque inside hours of publicity. It might additionally assist preserve a more healthy oral pH by supporting saliva manufacturing.
Vital: guarantee that the inexperienced tea you drink is examined for pesticides!
2) I don’t rinse after brushing
Nano-hydroxyapatite is a biomimetic type of the identical mineral that makes up your enamel. It really works by filling in microscopic defects within the tooth floor and binding on to enamel, serving to rebuild and defend it. Rinsing proper after brushing washes away this lively ingredient—earlier than it will possibly do its job.
What to do as an alternative: Spit. Don’t rinse. Depart nano-Hydroxyapatite toothpaste in your enamel to let the minerals do their work.
3) I chew xylitol gum after meals
Xylitol helps cut back ranges of cavity-causing micro organism—particularly Streptococcus mutans—and helps a more healthy oral microbiome. Chewing it between meals additionally stimulates saliva, which delivers minerals that remineralize enamel.
Key research on xylitol and cavity prevention:
PMID: 10096456, PMID: 8281565, PMID: 7486925
4) I brush earlier than breakfast, not after
Brushing after breakfast, when enamel might already be softened by the acid assault of breakfast, causes cavities, gum recession, and sensitivity. Brush earlier than, not after!
5) I salt my water
Hint minerals help saliva high quality, which buffers acid and helps remineralization. Low mineral consumption = decrease pH = larger threat of decay.
Do that: a pinch of microplastic-free salt in your first glass of water.
6) I take cod liver oil
Nutritional vitamins A and D are important for dentin formation and immune resilience. Cod liver oil supplies each in a extremely absorbable kind, and it’s one of many easiest methods I help my enamel and immune system from the within out.
7) I mouth tape each evening earlier than mattress—however solely after clearing my nostril
Mouth tape sounds unusual, nevertheless it’s one of many easiest, strongest methods to guard towards cavities when you sleep. The aim isn’t to power your mouth shut—it’s to softly encourage nasal respiratory with a delicate, easy-to-remove tape (no duct tape, please!)
8) I eat cheese or darkish chocolate (85%) for dessert
Cheese isn’t simply scrumptious—it’s protecting. Casein and calcium buffer acids and assist deposit minerals immediately onto enamel. It’s one of many easiest, most satisfying methods to help remineralization after a meal. I additionally maintain 85% darkish chocolate available—not simply because it’s low in sugar, however as a result of it accommodates theobromine, a compound proven to strengthen enamel and help oral well being in comparable methods to fluoride.
9) I keep away from antiseptic mouthwash
Mouthwash that “kills 99.9%” kills the micro organism you want.
I both oil pull or swish with water, which may neutralize low pH instantly.
10) I don’t give my grandkids pouches
My grandkids are 7 and 4, they usually’re at all times hungry. So earlier than each go to, I be sure the pantry is stocked with meals that defend their enamel—and form their airway for the long term. As a result of what you feed children now issues. It influences how their jaw develops, how they breathe, and whether or not their enamel have room to come back in naturally.
Smooth meals = weak chewing = slender jaws = crowded enamel.
Chewing, however, does actual work: it stimulates saliva, strengthens the airway, and expands the palate.
So I give them issues to chew. Carrots. Apples. Organ meat sticks. Pouches could also be handy. However mouth respiratory, poor sleep, ADHD-like conduct, bedwetting—or needing a CPAP by age 40—aren’t.
Most dentists nonetheless deal with cavities like remoted defects. One thing to drill and fill. However cavities aren’t simply holes. Cavities are alerts that your terrain is off. That your saliva isn’t buffering acids. That your airway is likely to be restricted. That the nice micro organism meant to guard you have got been worn out.
Brushing tougher received’t repair that. What is going to? A more healthy terrain—mineral-rich, well-oxygenated, and microbially numerous.
Assist that, and your enamel know precisely what to do.
Ahead this to somebody with good brushing habits—and nonetheless getting cavities.
Should you’re in search of a dentist who “will get it”—begin right here. You deserve a companion who understands airway, vitamin, and the oral-systemic connection.
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