Typically what’s lacking isn’t a greater toothbrush. It’s a mineral.
I’ve seen too many sufferers who brush and floss and eat a “wholesome” weight-reduction plan—and nonetheless get cavities. Nonetheless grind their tooth. Nonetheless clench their jaws so tightly at night time that their facial muscle tissue are sore within the morning. They get up drained, wired, or each—regardless of doing the whole lot proper on paper.
That sample reveals up over and over. And it nearly all the time leads me to look deeper.
Cavities are multi-factorial—affected by diet, sleep, airway well being, mineral steadiness, and extra.
A lot of what we deal with on the floor—cavities, dry mouth, poor sleep, jaw rigidity—hyperlinks again to at least one lacking factor: magnesium (hyperlink to the one I take).
Not a greater toothbrush. Not a stricter routine. A lacking mineral.
Practically half to three-quarters of People don’t meet the really useful day by day consumption of magnesium.⁽¹⁾ Normal blood exams typically miss it, since solely about 1% of the physique’s magnesium is in blood serum.⁽²⁾
Even individuals who eat effectively could be low!
Magnesium is the co-pilot to calcium.
It’s important for regulating the parasympathetic nervous system—the half that controls relaxation, digestion, and saliva manufacturing.⁽³⁾ When magnesium is low, saliva slows down, the mouth will get drier, and the pH shifts.
Magnesium acts as a cofactor for enzymes concerned in calcium transport and utilization—particularly in bone and enamel formation.⁽⁴⁾ With out it, calcium can find yourself in tender tissues. Remineralization doesn’t occur. Enamel stays weak to demineralization.⁽⁵⁾ Your jaw muscle tissue keep tight. Your nervous system by no means actually settles down.
Ten indicators of magnesium deficiency that present up within the mouth:
- Dry mouth
- Jaw clenching or rigidity
- Cravings for chocolate
- Tooth sensitivity (typically multifactorial, however value noting)
- Dangerous breath not defined by weight-reduction plan or hygiene
- A scalloped tongue
- Problem swallowing (when not linked to structural points)
- Mouth ulcers (also can contain B vitamin or zinc standing)
- Elevated cavities regardless of good hygiene
- Tongue twitching or tingling
These indicators don’t verify magnesium deficiency on their very own. However when a number of present up collectively, they’re purpose to look nearer.
I’ve seen magnesium shift these patterns—particularly when nothing else appears to assist. It’s fundamental, missed, and a essential a part of the inspiration.
Your mouth is a part of your physique—we overlook that.
For those who’re questioning the place to start, begin with meals. Pumpkin seeds, spinach, almonds, black beans, and darkish chocolate are among the richest pure sources of magnesium.
And should you’re not getting sufficient by weight-reduction plan alone—as many individuals aren’t—a well-absorbed complement may also help fill the hole (hyperlink to the one I take).
I hope this helps you join the dots in your individual well being journey. What questions would you want me to handle in an upcoming e-newsletter? I might love to listen to from you.
Dr. B
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Sources:
(1) Fulgoni VL et al. “Meals, Fortificants, and Dietary supplements: The place Do People Get Their Vitamins?” J Nutr. 2011.
(2) DiNicolantonio JJ, et al. “Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of heart problems and a public well being disaster.” Open Coronary heart. 2018.
(3) Ghezzi EM et al. “Salivary secretion and its management by the autonomic nervous system.” Neuropharmacology. 2012.
(4) Impolite RK. “Magnesium Deficiency: A Reason behind Heterogeneous Illness in People.” J Bone Miner Res. 1998.
(5) Eisenburger M et al. “Impact of Fluoride and Magnesium on Enamel Demineralization.” J Dent. 2001.