I’ve seen numerous sufferers through the years 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 respiration, a dry mouth, or disrupted oral flora.
Cavities don’t simply present up. They type slowly, as your oral setting shifts out of steadiness—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 instructed. However all of them mirror what the science now reveals: 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 useful 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 keep a more healthy oral pH by supporting saliva manufacturing.
Necessary: be sure 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 could possibly do its job.
What to do as a substitute: Spit. Don’t rinse. Depart nano-Hydroxyapatite toothpaste in your tooth to let the minerals do their work.
3) I chew xylitol gum after meals
Xylitol helps scale 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 could 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 assist saliva high quality, which buffers acid and helps remineralization. Low mineral consumption = decrease pH = greater 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 type, and it’s one of many easiest methods I assist my tooth 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, but it surely’s one of many easiest, strongest methods to guard in opposition to cavities whilst you sleep. The objective isn’t to drive your mouth shut—it’s to softly encourage nasal respiration 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 instantly onto enamel. It’s one of many easiest, most satisfying methods to assist remineralization after a meal. I additionally hold 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 assist oral well being in related 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 might 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 ensure the pantry is stocked with meals that defend their tooth—and form their airway for the long term. As a result of what you feed youngsters now issues. It influences how their jaw develops, how they breathe, and whether or not their tooth have room to return in naturally.
Smooth meals = weak chewing = slender jaws = crowded tooth.
Chewing, then again, 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 respiration, poor sleep, ADHD-like habits, 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 are usually not simply holes. Cavities are alerts that your terrain is off. That your saliva isn’t buffering acids. That your airway is perhaps restricted. That the great micro organism meant to guard you may have been worn out.
Brushing tougher received’t repair that. What’s going to? A more healthy terrain—mineral-rich, well-oxygenated, and microbially various.
Help that, and your tooth know precisely what to do.
Ahead this to somebody with good brushing habits—and nonetheless getting cavities.
If you happen to’re searching for a dentist who “will get it”—begin right here. You deserve a accomplice who understands airway, diet, and the oral-systemic connection.
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