Gluten Sensitivity, Vitamin D, and Cavities

 Worldwide, 60–90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities, according to the World Health Organization. What makes this statistic so concerning is that oral health is essential to general health and quality of life. Something many are unaware about is the connection between gluten sensitivity, vitamin D, and oral health.

A study conducted in 2012, confirmed that gluten causes the body to produce an immune reaction against one of the main proteins responsible for producing enamel on the teeth. The lack of enamel causes excessive cavities, tooth wear and tear, and thus the premature destruction or loss of teeth.

Vitamin D, on the other hand, produces two proteins (cathelicidins and defensins) which have antibacterial effects to fight the bacteria that cause cavities. Vitamin D deficiency is proven to be a cause of tooth decay within clinical trials involving 3,000 children. What Dr. Hujoel found was that an increase in vitamin D levels reduced cavities to 50 percent.

Gluten sensitive people, eating a normal diet with gluten have low vitamin D from many different mechanisms, including their skin has trouble making vitamin D. Eliminating gluten from the diet stops further destruction, but does not in most cases heal. For that you need to heal the gut, and do a GAPS diet.  

In light of this information, I have a few recommendations to improve the quality, mineralization and health of your pearly whites. 

1. Commit to a GAPS diet, which consists of eating fermented foods, probiotics, and foods high in vitamin D while eliminating grains, dairy, legumes, and sugar. A GAPs diet helps increase the absorption of nutrients, minerals, and fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamins K, D, E, and A. 
   
2. Take silica supplements that can be found as liquids, powders, or tablets. 
   
3. Drink green and black tea frequently (without any sweeteners, milk, or cream) as it reduces plaque buildup and suppresses bacteria levels in your mouth
4. Brush your teeth with baking soda with or without peroxide and then rub a small amount of xylitol powder (corn free, made from birch or any hardwood tree on your teeth. Commercial toothpaste contains glycerin, which prevents the mineralization of your teeth.
   
5. “Oil Pulling”, an ancient art popularized by Dr. Bruce Fife, involves rinsing your mouth with a few teaspoons of oil. I recommend coconut oil and unpasteurized butter for the oil used, for whiter and healthier teeth!
   
6.  Avoid the “dirty dozen” as described by the Environmental Working Group, which include, seed oils, farmed fish, and chemical exposure of all kinds (creams, toothpaste, tap water with fluoride, ‘Raid’, baby shampoo, etc).
7. Keep your vitamin D serum levels above 100. You will need a blood test to determine your vitamin D level.  

      To Your Health

       Dr. Barbara