28: Can Cavities Remineralize?

Years ago, I wrote about how I remineralized a small cavity in one of my teeth and I never expected the response it would get.

Now, there are dozens of comments from readers who have remineralized their own teeth, and dozens more from readers and dental professionals who claim this isn’t possible. I wanted to get to the bottom of this. I knew what worked for me, but wanted a dentist to really delve in and explain if remineralization is actually possible, and if so, how it works and the science behind it.

A Dentist’s Perspective on Remineralization

I was elated to meet Dr. Judene Benoit who uses a specialized approach to dentistry that combines the research and knowledge she learned in dental school with a holistic research-based approach to oral health. She has helped many people remineralize teeth and is the author of the book How to Stop Cavities: A Natural Approach to Prevention and Remineralization.

In this podcast, she and I delve into the difference between healing and remineralization and when each one happens as well as:

Can cavities remineralize?
How the body remineralizes
How large cavities can’t actually “heal” to completely regrow their normal shape, but they can stop decay, remineralize and actually become stronger (without the need for a filling)
Ways we can prevent tooth decay
What cavities cannot be reversed
The connection between oral health and overall health
What diet and lifestyle factors to optimize for better oral health
What Matrix Metalloproteinases are and why you need them (in moderation)
How bacterial balance in the mouth impacts oral health and how to create good bacteria in the mouth
The ways that hormones impact risk of tooth decay
Is Oil Pulling safe?