Did you know you have tiny tubes inside your teeth that are common spots where cavities love to form?
These tubes become exposed when the outer protective covering over your teeth, the enamel, breaks down.
As you age, daily wear and tear takes a toll on this outer later of your teeth.
From lemon water and apple cider vinegar to start your day … to coffee, diet soda, tomatoes, and that evening glass of wine, acidic foods and drinks are everywhere!
Add in a bit of tooth grinding, and your enamel starts to weaken fast.
But here’s the good news: you can strengthen your enamel at any age.
The key? Hydroxyapatite — a naturally occurring form of calcium apatite that rebuilds tooth structure by filling in those little tubes that get exposed when enamel degrades.
These areas are often where cavities start, so hydroxyapatite not only strengthens your teeth, it helps prevent cavities too.
I noticed this firsthand a few months ago.
One of my upper teeth started feeling sensitive.
I realized my new toothpaste didn’t have hydroxyapatite in it like I thought and it’s tomato season so I’d been eating a ton of fresh tomatoes (hello acid overload!).
Two weeks after switching back to my Designs for Health hydroxyapatite toothpaste, the sensitivity was gone.
I’ll be checking in with my dentist soon to see if he notices any changes as last time nothing showed up, so this time I’ll be very curious.
Now, speaking of dental check-ins, is your dentist doing a thorough exam of your teeth and gums?
I highly recommend making sure they do this as your gums are a reflection of your gut lining.
If your gums are degrading, your gut lining is too and this is a crucial part of your health.
As hormones decline in midlife, you become more susceptible to gum disease, especially if you have a dry mouth.
Your oral health is a reflection of your whole-body health and your gums and teeth can reveal early signs of systemic imbalance.
If your dentist points out a problem area, ask which number tooth it is and look it up on a Chinese Medicine Tooth-Organ Chart.
Share what you found with your doctor!
You might be surprised how accurately your teeth mirror what’s happening in your body.
🦷 Check out the chart here → Chinese Medicine Dental Health Chart
Here’s to seeing your mouth as a mirror of your health,
Dr. J
PS: If you haven’t listened to my podcast with Dentist Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, I highly recommend it to learn what your average dentist isn’t telling you about how to care for your teeth and oral health! Click HERE to listen now.
