In the late 19th century, dental health in Britain was at an abominable low point. The process of urbanization that occurred during the Industrial Revolution completely altered people's diets. Fresh fruits and vegetables were scarce, and sugar consumption was at an all-time high. The new urban diet was the source of widespread tooth decay and tooth loss, especially among children, explains the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

A 1932 study published in the British Medical Journal suggested that a change in diet can actually reverse tooth decay. The researchers concluded that a deficiency of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as overconsumption of phytic acid and processed sugar cause tooth decay.

Public speaker and author David Wolfe uses the 1932 study to make an argument for a 5-step solution to fighting tooth decay and healing cavities. Continue reading to find out why Wolfe's 5-step plan works!

1. Eliminate sugar. Nova Scotia Dental Association explains that sugar helps cavity-causing plaque to multiply quickly into a thick, large substance that in the case of some bacteria, actually acts as a glue. In other words, sugar makes it more difficult to cleanse the teeth of cavity-causing bacteria.

2. Consume nutrient-rich foods. This rule is the same for promoting health and staving off disease in all parts of the body. Precision Nutritionreminds us that periodontal disease is linked to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Calcium, phosphorous, zinc, folate, iron, omega-3 fats, B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, and D are all essential for oral health. The best way to protect against tooth decay is to eat a whole foods diet centered on lean protein and fresh vegetables.

3. Practicing oral pulling. Oral pulling is an Ayurvedic tradition that dates back 3,000 years to ancient India. Oral pulling therapy is performed by gently swishing a tablespoon of oil in the mouth for approximately 20 minutes, or until the oil turns a milky white color. The oil should then be spit into the trash and never swallowed. Oil pulling works by pulling microbes off the teeth. According to founder and owner of Sugar Fix Dental Loft Dr. Jessica T. Emery, in an article on Dentistry IQ, oil pulling does not reverse the effects of tooth decay. It is, however, a useful therapy that prevents cavities and tooth decay when used alongside regular toothbrushing and flossing (twice daily).

4. Eliminate phytic acid. According to the Foundation of Alternative and Integrative Medicine, phytic acid blocks the absorption of such minerals as calcium, necessary to healthy tooth structure. Phytic acid is found in unfermented grains like oatmeal, breakfast cereal, and crackers. To prevent cavities, avoiding all unfermented grains that contain phytic acid is best.

5. Use mineralizing toothpaste. Minerals are essential to fighting cavities and tooth decay. Colgate explains that when tooth enamel weakens, it loses mineral content. The best way to replace the lost mineral content (in addition to eating mineral-rich foods) is to use mineralizing toothpaste, which replaces the lost minerals. This is why many store-brand toothpastes include fluoride, which actively remineralizes enamel. One popular brand of mineralizing toothpaste is available for purchase here.

This simple 5-step plan is easy to start and can make an extraordinary difference in your oral health. But before making any changes to your oral health routine, it is important to talk to your dentist. Only he or she will be able to tell you the best way to promote your unique oral health.

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RESOURCES DAVID WOLFE, ROYAL PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY, PUBMED, NOVA SCOTIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION, PRECISION NUTRITION, DENTRISTRY IQ, FOUNDATION OF ALTERNATIVE AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE, AND COLGATE

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