Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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I've become aware of the fact that my teeth are starting to be more translucent (especially the front, but also the tops of the others). I did some research on this and it seems that I have some dental erosion going on. Since the summer I'd been drinking a lot of lemon water and since that has a very low PH (=very acid) I'm betting this is part of the reason. After reading this thread (http://paleohacks.com/questions/12347/solutions-for-transparent-teeth#axzz1BW4PELLt) I think a lack of vitamin D,K2, calcium and/or magnesium might also have something to do with it.

I've already ordered a special toothpaste (Miradent Nanosensitive HCA 50g) which is supposed to help with it and an appointment with my dentist is coming up next month.

So my questions are: - Am I right in assuming Paleo + too much acid-based liquids are the source of this problem? - Has anyone else experienced the same problem? - Is this reversible? I'd like it to be because I need that perfect white teeth smile to lure girls back to my cave! - (This one is obvious:) Anybody knows of a solution for this? - I've read that it's best if the stuff that the teeth needs to restore enamel (whether that's calcium, or whatever) is put on the teeth itself instead of supplementing (like with capsules). Seems to make sense, but is this true?

My background info: - Been Paleo since Feb 2010 - Supplements: 2000IU D3 (since 1 week), fish oil, NOW Food Super Enzymes (irrelevant).

I hope somebody has some good info on this!

flag	asked Jan 19 2011 at 21:11 Tom 947●1●6●12

Daniel Smith · Accepted Answer · 2011-01-19 21:27:05Z UTC

Enamel never regrows. Dentine, the layer beneath it, apparently can.

You should read what Stephan Guyenet has written about this: http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2009/03/reversing-tooth-decay.html

A while ago I thought my teeth were getting translucent, too, but it turned out it was just caused by insufficient brushing + sleeping with mouth open. The bacteria or their residue or whatever hardened and darkened slightly. I was able to scratch it off with something metallic (which is how I figured out it wasn't translucence); the dentist cleaned it all off last time I was there. Now I make sure to brush my teeth and not just my gums (I use only water when brushing-- and I was shocked that the dentist agreed that toothpaste doesn't really add to the effectiveness of brushing), it's not come back... >.<

Beefboy · Answer 2 · 2011-11-01 23:38:42Z UTC

Well just my 2 cents but I just 'cured' my transparent teeth. i had transparent horizontal lines on my front teeth that i'd noticed getting more prominent in the last 6 months. it's probably been like that for ages but it started getting noticeable and i was pissed off. I don't really use toothpaste per-se, and i drink strong black coffee each day, but i thought i'd try cure it with nutrition first. I took a before picture of my teeth and ordered some funky new tooth soap (google it) with coral calcium in, and i bought a magnesium and calcium supp from the chemist and started taking 400mg a day. Literally the change was within days. i just took my pictures from a week later and its night and day difference. i think the magnesium and calcium are probably responsible but the toothpaste may have helped - i dont know but im super happy it worked. I have pics if anyone is curious, pm me.

EDIT: By the way, I supplemented with D and K2 for quite a while and it didn't seem to affect the teeh. Here's a before and after pic when I used cal/mag supp for a week: http://www.freeimagehosting.net/f9fb5

texasleah · Answer 3 · 2011-01-19 22:35:17Z UTC

I used to have a very visible translucent line running through the middle of my front teeth. I asked the hygenist about the issue and she told me that it was not acid erosion of the enamel, but just something "that happens" to the dentin(?) as you get older. I really thought that I had over-bleached my teeth, but she assured me that it was a mineral loss from the inside of the tooth and not an enamel problem. After I started regularly supplementing Vitamin D (five months ago: first month 8,000 IU for 30 days then lowered to 6,000 IU per day) this translucence has visibly improved. My teeth actually look thicker if that is possible. Incidentally, I started taking the vitamin D after reading information on PaNu in order to clear up some skin issues and not to improve my teeth, but I have had such great results in both areas. Good luck!

paula · Answer 4 · 2012-03-11 10:17:30Z UTC

I have just noticed that my two front top teeth have suddenly developed transulcent lines in them. These lines appeared overnight as I was unaware of them two days ago, and I do check my teeth daily. I was really shocked, it definately is not due to staining as the translucent looking stripes are acutually running inside my teeth. I have read the advice on taking magnesium and calcium supplement and I am going to get some today. I think that something like this must be due to a deficiency in a mineral or something... Anyway will try it and update this blog on my results !!

Travis Culp · Answer 5 · 2011-01-19 21:37:42Z UTC

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As always, make sure calcium, D, A, and K2 are in sufficient supply. There is evidence that K2 can lead to remineralization of calcium in teeth and bone to such an extent that existing caries can be repaired.

answered Jan 19 2011 at 21:37

Travis Culp♦
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Tom · Answer 6 · 2011-02-16 16:47:29Z UTC

Been to the dentist today. Apparently it was just some plaque from a natural sweetener (either red wine, coffee, or green tea..) The slight translucent edges is healthy teeth enamel. All is good now, Daniel Smith's answer turned out to be right.

Albo · Answer 7 · 2011-11-23 03:22:36Z UTC

acid erosion by definition is irreversible loss of tooth structure. Dentin cannot regrow. loss of thickness of enamel gives the translucent appearance.

Removal of the acidic diet seems to be most sensible. Anytime a drink lowers the pH of saliva <5.5 enamel is demineralized. This enamel is now prown to either complete dissolution of tooth structure by acids if frequency of the offending substance continues. It is further compounded if teeth grinding or hard toothbrushing occurs. I personally feel the former to be the more significant culprit.

Raakhee Chavda · Answer 8 · 2012-04-04 18:28:17Z UTC

Dear Paleohacks

I have an underdeveloped tooth, and it looks quite small it is transparent form the edges, and the dentine is clearly visible. If I take codliver/butteroil and some magnesium supplements, will this tooth grow into a normal tooth?

Please answer this question

Ailis Goddard · Answer 9 · 2012-12-13 18:28:59Z UTC

I cannot express how much all of your advice has given me hope. I woke up one morning with white lines above the bottom half of my teeth that had gone transparent, it literally happened overnight.

So, I got some repair and protect by sensodyne, some calcium and magnesium and the improvement in 3 days is amazing. Am going to get some vitamin d tomorrow to help further. I am not a vain girl, but I was so depressed when I saw it as I have always had lovely teeth...

So thank you all, got a dentist appointment lined up for next week!

mister worms · Answer 10 · 2012-12-13 19:52:33Z UTC

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Dentine does regrow, btw. Secondary dentin is normal growth as we age and tertiary/reparative dentin is growth in response to some stimulus like injury, a cavity, etc.

answered Dec 13 at 19:52

mister worms
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Ian · Answer 11 · 2013-02-21 04:56:15Z UTC

I use arm and hammer Complete Care + Enamel strengthening. It contains Calcium to help rebuild the enamel of your teeth and fill any cracks or crevices over time. It also whitens. I love the stuff! Haven't seen my teeth look this great in years.

Restoring teeth enamel after dental erosion

11 Answers