Teeth are a window into health (Lila Volkas)

The first time I made the connection between teeth and the well-being of the whole body was when I became acquainted with the work of Weston Price, a dentist who saw teeth as a window into health. His life’s work in the 1930s involved traveling to Africa, Polynesia and Australia, studying the teeth of Native communities who still ate traditional diets. Price discovered that when people ate their ancestral food, their health flourished, and their oral hygiene was remarkable. When missionaries introduced a more western diet, however, the dental health of Native communities declined rapidly. Price attributed this decline in wellness to foods such as: refined sugar, white flour, vegetable oil and canned goods and the loss of fermented grains and seasonal vegetables and bone broth.

Rupam Henry, who integrates her wisdom as an herbalist and holistic health educator with her 20+ years as a RDA in general and pediatric dentistry, also supports Price’s work. Besides combining holistic and western approaches in her practice and products, she comes from 13 generations of medicine makers and pharmacists originating in Germany.

Is oral hygiene just brushing and flossing? (Lila Volkas)

Are brushing and flossing the keys to caring for your teeth?

RH: Brushing and flossing are actually just a small part of oral health. What it really comes down to is nutrition, the health of the immune system and your body’s chemistry (registered in saliva and urine pH levels). Some people who brush and floss five times a day may still have cavities, while others who less frequently brush and floss may not have cavities. Brushing and flossing daily, however, is still important to your oral health.

Acidic monster stealing minerals from bones and teeth (Lila Volkas)

Why is it important for your body to be in a balanced pH state?

RH: In a pH-balanced body, bacteria cannot grow because they need an acidic environment to grow and thrive. For most people, this means that they will need to alkalize, which usually translates in eating a less acidic diet. Stress is also acidifying to your entire bodily system, therefore finding ways to relieve stress, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, are important to your bodily function and overall well-being. When your body is too acidic over a long period of time, the endocrine system will draw minerals from your bones, including the teeth, to feed your organ systems to keep them functioning correctly. Tooth decay, bone loss, arthritis, osteoporosis, all stem from having too much acidity, or inflammation, in your body.

Acidic monster enjoying his favorite foods of caffeine, white flour and white sugar. (Lila Volkas)

What are some foods that feed acidity in the body?

RH: White sugar, white flour, caffeine, and processed foods are some of the most acidifying foods that are part of the American diet. Too much red meat, pasteurized dairy, grains (especially non-soaked), and anything deep-fried are also acidifying.

It’s not only food that can create this imbalance in our bodies, but our environment and stress are also factors when our “fight or flight” response is activated.