The Causes of Cavities (tooth decay) and How to Reverse It
Health & Nutrition Grade 7-12 Building Strong, Healthy Teeth Through Better Food Choices
The 4 Main Causes of Tooth Decay
Too much sugar in your diet Too much phytic acid in foods Not enough minerals like calcium Not enough fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
How Sugar Affects Your Whole Body
Bad bacteria feed on sugar in your mouth Bacteria produce acid that eats tooth enamel Poor oral health connects to heart problems Healthy mouth = healthier body overall
Reversing Cavities: Remove Processed Sugar
Cut out all processed sugar from your diet Choose natural sweeteners like fruit Try stevia, coconut sugar, or monk fruit Natural sugars are better for your teeth
Phytic Acid: The Mineral Blocker
Found in grains, beans, nuts, and seeds Blocks your body from absorbing vitamins and minerals Makes healthy foods less nutritious than they appear Sprouted grains unlock nutrients your body can use Choose sprouted oats, germinated rice, and Ezekiel bread
Load Up on Essential Minerals
Focus on magnesium, selenium, iron, phosphorus, and silica Take mineral supplements or eat mineral-rich foods Best sources: vegetables, sprouted seeds, lean meats Include probiotic foods to boost mineral absorption Flaxseeds and other sprouted seeds are excellent choices
Essential Minerals for Healthy Teeth
Phosphorus: Second most abundant mineral in your body Helps build strong bones, teeth, and DNA Silica: Natural trace mineral for body structure Acts as building block for connective tissues Both minerals work together to strengthen teeth
Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Building Strong Teeth
Vitamins A, D, K, and E help build tooth enamel Vitamin K and D strengthen bones and teeth Get vitamins from vegetables or supplements Diet changes repair AND prevent cavities Dental fillings only cover problems temporarily
What Do You Know About Tooth Decay?
True or False: Only sugar causes tooth decay True or False: Vitamins help keep teeth strong True or False: Some healthy foods can actually harm teeth
Learning Targets: 'I Can...'
I can explain the four main causes of tooth decay I can describe how each cause impacts my health I can identify foods that prevent tooth decay I can make better dietary choices for strong teeth