We’ve been struggling with demineralization on my toddler’s teeth, there’s one in particular I’m concerned with. It keeps getting better and then worse again. Im trying everything i can to remineralize his teeth at home before they’re beyond repair.
We’ve been told that if it turns into a cavity, he’ll have to be put under to fix it (he’s not even 2 yet so there’s no way he would sit still). for obvious reasons I do not want it to come to this.
I’ve tried many different commercial toothpastes accompanied with regular brushing/flossing and nothing seems to work.
Changes we’ve made
I’ve recently changed his diet to temporarily cut back on high acidic foods that eat away at his enamel until I can remineralize his teeth.
Unfortunately I had no idea just how acidic some of his favorite foods are (applesauce has an average PH level of 3.4 that’s almost as acidic as citrus fruits) From what I’ve been able to find once the mouth’s PH balance drops below 5 – 5.5, damage starts to occur to that important protective layer (if there are any dental professionals here please correct me if I’m wrong, I just want what’s best for his teeth).
So for the time being, I’m cutting back his fruit intake and am focusing on veggies and protein as the main components of his meals.
When I do give him fruit, I make sure to give him plenty of water to drink afterwards to balance the PH in his mouth.
It turns out that starches are just as bad for tooth enamel as sugar and acids are, I had no clue. Not only have I cut back on high acidic foods but also starches such as bread, tortillas, potatoes, pasta and the like.
Not only have I made changes to his diet but I’ve started giving him a small dose of unrefined cod liver oil every other day.
I’ve always heard great things about this supplement but I’ve never tried it first-hand. After reading about all the benefits CLO provides, I knew I had to give it a try.
Not only is this oil a great source of Vitamins A and D but it is one of the best sources of DHA and EPA (omega-3 fatty acids) I could write an entire post about the benefits of this oil but I’ll spare you and leave some bullet point instead.
Cod liver oil is believed to help with:
- Reducing inflammation
- Reducing joint pain
- Cardiovascular disease
- Improves bone health (like the living bone tissue under the enamel layer)
- And much, much more
We’ve also been drinking filtered water for almost 2 years now because our water just doesn’t taste good since we moved. Thats what happens when you switch from spring water to city water. So not only are we filtering out all the impurities but all the beneficial minerals.
I’m wondering if this is also part of the problem that we’re facing? I’m not sure what to do about that, other than buy him his own supply of spring water.
I also switched him to an electric toothbrush to make brushing more exciting. It seems to be working so far.
DIY Remineralizing Toothpaste
Things You’ll Need:
4 OZ Jar with Lid
Measuring Spoons
Mini Spatula for Mixing
Ingredients:
3 TBS Organic Coconut Oil
3 TBS Calcium Carbonate
2 TBS Baking Soda
12 Drops Trace Minerals
Food Grade Essential Oil for Flavor (Optional)
Directions:
- Melt coconut oil for easier measuring
- Thoroughly mix remaining ingredients
- Store covered in a cool place, brush 2x daily. Follow with regular flossing
Notes:
If you omit the flavoring to this, it will taste very salty due to the trace minerals. I didn’t add any because I’m using it primarily for my toddler and he seems to like the flavor the way it is. Plus I didn’t have any essential oils on hand that I trust him ingesting.
If mixture is too hard, place in a bowl of hot water to soften coconut oil.
I’ve also seen these recipes with bentonite clay (gently polishes) and stevia (antimicrobial properties/sweetener) added. I didn’t have any stevia or enough clay on hand so I left them out. If you choose to add these ingredients, keep the ratio of powders to liquids the same To keep the consistency.
It is impossible to take clear pictures of this kid’s mouth, but the changes we’ve made have been helping to remineralize his teeth. If I can get some, I’ll update this post to visually include his progress.