Generally 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 loss program—and nonetheless get cavities. Nonetheless grind their tooth. Nonetheless clench their jaws so tightly at evening that their facial muscle mass are sore within the morning. They get up drained, wired, or each—regardless of doing all the things proper on paper.
That sample exhibits up again and again. And it nearly at all times leads me to look deeper.
Cavities are multi-factorial—affected by vitamin, sleep, airway well being, mineral stability, and extra.
A lot of what we deal with on the floor—cavities, dry mouth, poor sleep, jaw stress—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.
Almost half to three-quarters of People don’t meet the advisable every day consumption of magnesium.⁽¹⁾ Customary blood checks typically miss it, since solely about 1% of the physique’s magnesium is in blood serum.⁽²⁾
Even individuals who eat effectively might 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 delicate tissues. Remineralization doesn’t occur. Enamel stays susceptible to demineralization.⁽⁵⁾ Your jaw muscle mass 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 stress
- Cravings for chocolate
- Tooth sensitivity (typically multifactorial, however price noting)
- Unhealthy breath not defined by weight loss program or hygiene
- A scalloped tongue
- Issue swallowing (when not linked to structural points)
- Mouth ulcers (may also 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 motive to look nearer.
I’ve seen magnesium shift these patterns—particularly when nothing else appears to assist. It’s primary, neglected, and a essential a part of the inspiration.
Your mouth is a part of your physique—we overlook that.
In case you’re questioning the place to start, begin with meals. Pumpkin seeds, spinach, almonds, black beans, and darkish chocolate are a number of the richest pure sources of magnesium.
And should you’re not getting sufficient by means of weight loss program alone—as many individuals aren’t—a well-absorbed complement may 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.
