Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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However, I'm also trying to re-build the enamel on my teeth and have come to find out that 99% of every mouth care product on the market has glycerin in it. From what I've read, glycerin coats the teeth and prevents the minerals in saliva from repairing the enamel on teeth after eating.

I floss before I go to bed and brush twice a day. I also swish with baking soda after I eat lunch, in order to neutralize the acidity in my mouth and prevent sugars from doing any damage to the enamel.

I recently went to the dentist and got a full debridement and polishing done, and the oral hygienist said I needed to work on reducing the depth of the pockets around my molars. Over these past few weeks my gums have bust out into a full-blown gingival swell-fest, with bleeding gums, 3 ulcers (two on my upper gums and one along the tooth on my lower gumline). I'd been using Burt's Bee's toothpaste and not doing anything out of the ordinary. But after going back to brushing my teeth with baking soda rinse, my gums are already starting to improve and they have stopped bleeding when I brush.

I'd tried a multitude of things to alleviate it: Non-SLS toothpastes, flouride-free toothpastes, coconut oil & mint, tea tree oil (toothpastes & mouthwashes), Listerine (helps some), etc. The only thing that works is the baking soda. I worry that the baking soda is too harsh on my enamel, but I'm torn between wanting healthy gums and trying to repair my tooth enamel. If it's diluted with water (1/2 tsp baking soda to 1 fl oz of water) is it really that abrasive?

EDIT: Sorry it took me a while to list my diet, I'd burned the hell out of my fingers earlier while cooking lunch and was nursing second degree burns all afternoon. Feeling better now!

I generally eat potatoes (white and sweet), small apples, bacon, eggs, ground beef, sauteed greens, baked chicken w/ skin, melon, broccoli, nuts, water and coffee. This can change day to day, of course, but that's an average day. I try to keep my sugars to less than 50g/day. I also take calcium, magnesium and folic acid supps to top off what I may not get 100% from diet.

edited Sep 19 2011 at 2:13

asked Sep 18 2011 at 18:28

Nemesis
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Don · Answer 1 · 2011-09-18 19:02:18Z UTC

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Flax oil and CoQ10 work very well in most cases.

http://blog.sethroberts.net/2007/11/06/omega-3-and-dental-health-even-more/

http://www.lef.org/protocols/dental/gingivitis_01.htm

I have to conclude that dentist just aren't interested in non-procedural ways to help their patents. My gums cleared up in a week or two with CoQ10. If your over age 30 get the ubiquinol form of CoQ10.

answered Sep 18 2011 at 19:02

Don
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I have periodontal disease - would CoQ10 help at all with that or am I too far gone? – HeatherC Sep 18 2011 at 21:31

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100mg of ubiquinol twice a day for a month is under $30. One bottle will tell you if it works. A lower dose might be fine for someone who just has bleeding gums. – Don Sep 18 2011 at 22:38

Thanks Don, I'll give that a shot and see if it helps – HeatherC Sep 18 2011 at 23:04

Ann · Answer 2 · 2011-09-18 18:35:59Z UTC

you might try brushing with a naked toothbrush, floss as usual, then rinseing with the Baking soda solution. this might be the best of the available choices. haven't checked the 'enamel rebuild' protocol so can't comment to that part.

Patrik · Answer 3 · 2011-09-18 18:37:47Z UTC

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1) What is your diet?

2) Consider supplementing with FCLO & Butter Oil ala this article - http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2009/03/reversing-tooth-decay.html

3) Your probably brush TOO much.

answered Sep 18 2011 at 18:37

Patrik♦♦
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That was an interesting article. Luckily I've never had a cavity nor do I show signs of developing one. The enamel is not that bad, but something that I need to pay attention to as I get older. My parents do not have great teeth (dad especially), despite having taken good care of them over the years. I think I'll pick up some cod liver oil supps today and give those a try. – Nemesis Sep 18 2011 at 18:50

majkinetor · Answer 4 · 2011-09-18 19:35:06Z UTC

pH <= 5 is threshold for loosing enamel. Baking soda in that context can help.

However, I doubt acidity is reason for gum disease. Probable mechanism is antiseptic property of baking soda.

Now, I had gingivitis for 16 years so I have XP in it:

You need to take lots of sodium ascorbate (gram doses). U can use ascorbate acid, but its acidic so wash your teeth with water after it. While you have gingivitis, you should rub it with AScorbate.
Following supplements will help you: CoQ10 (at least 30mg), Fish oil (500mg dha/epa)
Use clay paste and dental thread.

Amount of ascorbate is crucial. I suggest you 4x2 g.

scott bushey · Answer 5 · 2011-09-18 22:04:03Z UTC

I agree with majkinetor x for the fact that I would suggest taking more ascorbate to begin with: 5 grams followed by 1 grqm each hour while awake-you will get loose stools; rehydrate. The next day, 2 grams 3 x day. Gingivitis is a level of scurvy. The Vit C should knock it out in a couple of days.

scott bushey · Answer 6 · 2011-09-18 22:06:39Z UTC

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I forgot to add, you should stay on the 2 grams 3 x day indefinitely.

~For more information on the Pauling Orthomolecular standard:

link text

answered Sep 18 2011 at 22:06

scott bushey
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Mr. Trashcan · Answer 7 · 2011-09-18 23:37:00Z UTC

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Patrik asked what your diet was and you didn't answer. What are you eating? I happen to be a dentist.

answered Sep 18 2011 at 23:37

Mr. Trashcan
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	Answered in my post edit ;) – Nemesis Sep 19 2011 at 1:56
	Yeah, I'm generally not a VLC pusher, but VLC + cod liver oil + high vitamin butter oil seems to be the best treatment for dental issues and many other bacteria-related problems. You are striking it at the root by starving bacteria and providing your body with rebuilding nutrients. I think Mr. Trashman would agree? – Bread-Eating Beelzebub Sep 19 2011 at 3:38
	It's odd, certain fruits like bananas cause the flare up, yet I can eat apples, berries and other fruits which don't cause any gum issues. I've even been eating medjool dates every day this past week (at least a half dozen a day), and this is during the period in which my gums have been improving. Kind of weird :/ – Nemesis Sep 19 2011 at 11:29
	Well, unless Bananas are native to your region I'd say that's not particularly odd. But other than that I agree with Melissa. I am VLC myself. I won't indict paleo carbs since I haven't experimented with them (still trying to lose weight), but I know that VLC works for my oral health--no plaque, no bad breath, no inflammation, no pain. – Mr. Trashcan Sep 19 2011 at 13:09
	I live in Florida (born and raised), so while it's my birthplace it's not my genetic birthplace (north-western European, mixed races). I already weigh 112-115lbs and am 5'4", and have no desire to go LC because I have a difficult enough time getting enough calories now as it is. What brand of cod liver oil do you recommend? Also, I've never heard of butter oil. – Nemesis Sep 21 2011 at 1:04

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Gingivitis and baking soda--why is it the only thing that seems to work?

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