In a true SHTF scenario, finding a dentist might be difficult to impossible.
This is not a guide about how to do your own root canal, but preventative care to better the odds of avoiding getting cavities that turn into a bigger infection.
Acid Dissolves Tooth Enamel
Your tooth is made up of three layers. The outer layer is the enamel, inside of that is the dentin, and inside of that is the pulp where the nerve and blood vessels are located.
Your enamel is the hardest and most critical layer of defense. It is made up of a group of minerals called hydroxyapatite.
But enamel can be dissolved by acid, creating a cavity. A big enough cavity allows bacteria to gain entry into the dentin and pulp which then becomes more difficult to treat and may require a visit to the dentist.
Acid is introduced in the mouth two ways: from the acid you eat or drink, like lemonade, Arnold Palmers or tomato juice, and from acid produced by bacteria after the bacteria consume sugar from sodas and sweets and other simple carbohydrates.
The second way you can lose your tooth enamel is when your body needs to draw minerals away from the stores in the body. This can happen if you have a broken bone, or more commonly, during pregnancy, where the growing fetus requires minerals.
Keep Your Mouth pH Balanced
So the first thing is, if you do eat or drink acidic or sugary things, rinse with water afterwards. This will help your saliva do its job and keep the mouth pH balanced.
Not only does saliva neutralize acids, it also forms a protective membrane on tooth surfaces, and enhances remineralization by providing calcium, phosphate and fluoride to enamel and dentin.
To ensure that your saliva can provide those minerals to your teeth, you must ensure that you’re getting enough of them through your diet.
If you’re consuming enough minerals through your diet, and are still deficient, you should look at improving your gut health and microbiome. Eating fermented foods like misoshiru, kim chi, yogurt, natto and sauerkraut are very good at helping gut health.
Remineralizing Teeth
When a cavity is still in the enamel layer of the tooth, it’s early enough that the enamel can be repaired through remineralization.
| Steps For Healthy Teeth • Brush your teeth • Avoid acidic and sugary drinks and foods • If you do indulge, gargle with water afterwards • Care for your gut health to ensure mineral absorbtion • Eat a healthy diet with sufficient minerals and Vitamin K2 especially • Fermented foods like natto and sauerkraut are both healthy for your gut and high in Vitamin K2 |
Diet High in Fat-Soluble Vitamins
In the 1930s, Dr. Weston Price found that in addition to minerals like calcium and phosphate, vitally important vitamins for teeth health were Vitamins A, D, E and K2.
Of those Vitamins, K2 is the most difficult to get through diet.
Coincidentally, some of the foods that are very good for gut health, are also high in Vitamin K2.
• Natto (fermented soy beans, an extremely acquired taste and texture)
• Sauerkraut (not sure that putting it on a hot dog is a net positive)
• Butter from grass-fed cows
• Chicken breast, chicken livers
• Egg yolks
In conclusion, maintaining good dental health is crucial, especially when professional care may be unavailable. By understanding how cavities form, keeping a balanced oral pH, ensuring proper nutrition with essential minerals and vitamins (particularly K2), and practicing good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of dental problems. Remember, prevention is key – a combination of proper diet, regular brushing, and mindful eating habits can go a long way in preserving your dental health for the long term. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you’ll be better prepared to maintain healthy teeth and gums, even in challenging circumstances.