The Origin of Tooth Decay By Mrs Vera West

There is a theory, backed up by archaeological evidence, that cave men did not have tooth decay, at least to any degree of modern times. Nor for that matter did many traditional societies, as Weston Price also noted.

https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/

The trouble is not just refined sugar, but grains as well, coming at the dawn of agriculture. From a dental point of view, civilisation has not been so good.

https://blog.paleohacks.com/how-grains-wreck-your-teeth/

“An estimated 92% of Americans, between the ages of 20-64, have had at least one cavity, which we can easily blame on the typical Western Diet that’s high in processed sugar. But studies suggest a certain food many of us are raised to believe is healthy, may be just as bad for tooth decay as sweet treats: grains .

When you were young, you may have been told that if you avoid those 5 cent candies at the corner store, you’ll be cavity-free. The truth is, when you eat carbohydrates such as grains and refined sugar, a specific type of oral bacteria digests the particles or ‘residue’ of carbs that are left behind on your teeth after you eat. This bacteria mixes with your saliva and forms plaque, which eats away at your tooth enamel and — you guessed it — causes cavities.

Without dentists, orthodontists or store-bought dental floss, you’d think a caveman’s teeth and gums wouldn’t stand a chance. However, if you look back at the history of cavities and tooth decay, research shows that while cavities did exist in the prehistoric times; they only became common once grains, such as wheat and barley, were introduced to our diets.

In one study, scientists tested for the oral bacteria that causes cavities in various human skeletons ranging from 100-6000 years old. When they analyzed the DNA in the mouths of the skeletons, they found that the rate of problematic oral bacteria increased significantly in the skeletons from the era that humans first began to farm grains. This was due to a significant change noted in this era’s ‘oral ecosystem,’ which allowed gum disease bacteria to flourish (3). [tweet_quote]Ever wonder why cavemen didn’t need dentists? Cavities became common when grains were introduced into our diets.[/tweet_quote]

Fast forward several hundred years, and our oral ecosystem shifted again as we began to consume refined sugar and flour — this time providing the perfect ‘home’ for the bacteria that cause tooth decay .

So, how and why did grains cause the initial decline in our oral health? It has to do with a nutrient that’s off-limits on the Paleo diet at all times: phytic acid.

The Bottom Line: The rate of cavity-causing oral bacteria increased as humans began to farm grains.

If you follow the Paleo diet, you know that grains and legumes are off-limits because of the protective ‘coating’ they contain, known as phytic acid .

Phytic acid is a compound found in plant-based foods, such as grains, nuts and seeds. It helps plants store phosphorus, a mineral that allows them to grow. While phytic acid allows plants to survive, it doesn’t quite have the same effect for humans.

Instead, phytic acid has the ability to bind to essential nutrients, which prevents us from absorbing them. Among these nutrients are zinc, iron, magnesium, as well as one of the most important minerals for building healthy gums and teeth, and preventing tooth decay: calcium. Furthermore, phytic acid has been shown to interfere with vitamin D absorption, which is needed to absorb calcium .

As a sidenote, you may be wondering… “If nuts and seeds contain phytic acid, why are they allowed on the Paleo diet?” [tweet_quote]Soaking or sprouting grains  and legumes can help reduce the phytic acid that causes cavities.[/tweet_quote]

The Paleo diet recommends soaking nuts and seeds before eating them, which helps eliminate some of the phytic acid. Since nuts are extremely filling due to their high fat content, they generally aren’t eaten in large enough quantities to cause the same problems grains and legumes do. For example, one serving size of nuts or seeds is a small handful, whereas a serving size of grains is around 1 cup.

If you aren’t a primal-eater and do include grains and legumes in your diet, soaking, sprouting and fermenting each of these foods can help reduce the phytic acid as well. (However, soaked, sprouted and fermented grains are still off-limits on the Paleo diet.)

The Bottom Line: Phytic acid is the primary reason why grains cause cavities because it interferes with vitamin D and calcium absorption, which are two critical nutrients for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.”

Basically, stick to high quality meats vegetables and fruits. You can just feel its goodness. Yes, the hated old style Anglo-Saxon diet.