Looking at a tooth, it can be hard to realize that each one is a living organ. They look so hard—white, bone-like. But that’s just the enamel we are seeing, which protects the living tissues inside. In fact, enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body. Structurally, it’s amazing stuff.

Enamel is also irreplaceable. If any of it is damaged—by decay, for example, or excessive wear from habitual clenching and grinding, or the effect of acids from a heavy soda habit—we can’t grow new enamel. Once our teeth have developed, we no longer have the specialized cells needed to do so.

Damaged enamel means sensitive teeth—and easier access for harmful bacteria to get to the more delicate living tissues within.

Our Teeth Have Natural Defense Mechanisms

The good news is that our teeth have defense mechanisms. As with the rest of our body’s defense systems, they just need our support. Eating right is where it starts.

Underneath the enamel of a tooth is a softer layer of tissue called dentin. It actually consists of miles of microscopic tubules through which fluid flows, delivering nutrients from the pulp chamber to the dentin that surrounds it. Normally, it flows in an outward direction, which also helps repel pathogens. But under certain circumstances—most notably, high-sugar intake—the flow can stagnate or even reverse, drawing pathogens into the tooth.

By limiting sugars, we not only keep this from happening, we maintain more alkaline conditions in the mouth—a more favorable state of affairs overall.

A healthful, nutrient-dense diet is also key for providing minerals that our saliva continually delivers to the enamel, naturally remineralizing it. Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are especially important, along with the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which help with calcium absorption and transport.

One mineral we don’t need is fluoride. It doesn’t occur naturally in tooth enamel, and too much of it can actually damage tooth enamel, discoloring and even pitting it—a condition called dental fluorosis.

Calcium and phosphorus, on the other hand, make up the bulk of natural tooth enamel in a combined form called hydroxyapatite. (This same mineral compound is dominant in our bones, as well.)

We should consider why we’d want to give our teeth a mineral they don’t need—one that is highly toxic to human life, at that—when we can give them what they’re actually made of.

Boost Remineralization with a Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

While the ideal is to get all the nutrients we need through healthy eating, the reality is that a lot of us can use some extra help now and again. That’s where a product like hydroxyapatite toothpaste comes into play.

Research has shown quite consistently that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is just as or even more effective than fluoride toothpaste in preventing demineralization, reducing tooth sensitivity, and even treating early decay.

One important aspect to keep in mind: Not all toothpastes advertised as “remineralizing” contain hydroxyapatite. So, make sure to check ingredient lists carefully. Look for the presence of hydroxyapatite and the absence of fluoride (not to mention SLS, artificial colors and flavors, or other sketchy ingredients).

Source: For over two decades, the Holistic Dental Center of NJ has provided exceptional biological dentistry with surgical expertise in a friendly, home-like environment. For more information or to schedule a dental appointment, call at 973-609-5984 or visit HolisticDentalCenternj.com.