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Saliva is the body’s most important protection against tooth decay
Saliva ...
- Lubricates the mouth
- Washes away food debris
- Acts as an anti-microbial and cleanser by breaking down bacterial cell walls and inhibiting growth
- Contains bicarbonate, which acts as a buffer by neutralizing acid production and controlling plaque pH
- Protects the enamel by using calcium and phosphates to help repair tooth decay
Our saliva controls the environment of the teeth and provides the body’s own natural protection against tooth decay. According to Dr. Mark Manhart DDS, nothing cleans your teeth better than your own saliva, as it is low in salt and anti-microbial. Additionally, according to the Archives of Internal Medicine, saliva is an excellent "buffer" for the entire mouth, as our saliva is ‘supersaturated’ using the ions which make up the mineral content of the teeth (calcium, phosphate and hydroxyl ions) .
In a healthy healthy person the loss of minerals is naturally balanced by saliva. As long as the plaque's pH is above 5.5 pH, the calcium and phosphate ions from saliva can repair the damaged mineral crystals from the enamel. However, when the pH level is below 5.5 (acidic), the saliva and plaque are unsaturated and demineralization occurs -- which basically means that teeth soften and even dissolve.
Sstimulated saliva contains more calcium and bicarbonate and has a higher pH than unstimulated saliva. Therefore, chewing gums actually helps keep the teeth healthy. However, only if the gum is free of any sugars (in any form) or sweeteners (except maybe Stevia). Unfortunately, the vast majority of chewing gums available in the grocery stores contain harmful chemicals, including artificial sweeteners. However, natural alternatives are available at local health food stores.
Causative Factors:
- Sugary and Starchy Foods & Drinks: After eating and drinking, bacteria ferment the starches and sugars found in many food and beverage items - thus producing acid. Within 5 to 10 minutes after a meal or drink, the acid can cause the pH to drop low enough for minerals from the tooth’s enamel to be dissolved. This process is referred to as " demineralisation."
- Dry mouth - Insufficient Flow of Saliva
Easy Prevention:
Some dentists and scientists claim that 100% of all cavities can be prevented by simply rinsing out the acids after each meal and each sugary beverage. The good news is that the plaque pH rises when the acids are washed out and neutralized by saliva as the bicarbonate helps stop demineralization.
The saliva's calcium and phosphate content can then go one step further and help repair the damaged mineral crystals from the enamel. This is (referred to as "remineralisation".
An increased saliva flow actively reduces demineralization and improves the rate of remineralization.
Dry Mouth / Insufficient Flow of Saliva:
- Causes:
- Side effect of medication
- Systemic disease
- Pathologic changes from the salivary glands
- Associated Health Concerns:
- Tooth decay and denture problems
- Pain or uncomfortable swelling
- Mouth and salivary gland infections
- Mouth ulceration
Tooth Pain & Toothache Natural Remedies. (Cure For Cavities Tour) Tooth pain happens when the tooth nerve is inflamed. Generally this occurs due to compromised tooth enamel which is allowing material to enter directly into the tooth pulp (the center of your tooth). Sometimes tooth pain can also actually be gum pain, from gum disease or from other gum problems, just be aware of this. Tooth Pain Home Remedy Suggestions I have never had a significant tooth ache. The reason is because I have made my teeth strong and healthy with a careful diet. In addition to the quick home remedies below, I urge you to understand the real cause of tooth pain, and see how you can take long term steps to get your teeth out of pain. Some suggestions have been reported to work by other people. olive oil soaked on cotton applied to tooth vanilla extract or almond extract applied to tooth cut a slice of onion and put it into your mouth near pain crushed garlic on tooth oregano oil clove oil golden seal powder baking soda swished in mouth oil pulling (swishing in the mouth organic sesame seed oil for 5-10 minutes .) Marine grade coral calcium applied to the tooth or mouth Other: Ozone tooth treatments from a dentist.
Types of Tooth Pain
This will help you get an idea of what type of problem you have. This is not meant to be a replacement for dental advise, but to help you understand what you are needing.
Pain: Temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods without recent dental work.
Meaning: Minor breech of tooth nerve or beginning gum disease.
Pain: Lasting sensitivity and more constant awareness of hot or cold foods without recent dental work.
Meaning: The tooth pulp is likely infected, the tooth may be cracked or chipped, or the beginning of gum disease.
Pain: Temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods after recent dental treatment.
Meaning: Dental work can cause tooth pulp inflammation which would be an intense but very short pain. Tooth pulp should heal within 2-4 weeks.
Pain: Lasting or prolonged sensitivity and constant awareness of hot or cold foods after recent dental treatment.
Meaning: The tooth cavity may have been too close to tooth pulp and dental treatment did not protect the pulp sufficiently. One person wrote to me about this issue after having their mercury amalgam's replaced. Dentists will normally recommend root canals to treat this.
Pain: Sharp pain from biting down on food
Possible Meanings:
- Loose Filling
- Tooth Decay
- Cracked or Fractured Tooth
- Infected Tooth
Pain: Constant and severe pain with pressure, swelling of the gum, and sensitivity to touch.
Meaning: Tooth abscess(infection).
Pain: The tooth hurts when you tap your finger from the side.
Meaning: The periodontal ligament is degenerating or inflamed
“I was in pain and the cheek had actually started to swell up. Within three weeks of trying the diet I could tell I was turning the corner. The tooth stopped hurting; my teeth all over became whiter. After over a month on the diet it is hard for me to fell which tooth was bothering me. When I look at it in the mirror it still has a hole but the tooth feels like it is healing. Thanks a million to Ramiel Nagel for writing this book. Unbelievable!" Leroy, Utah
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