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A new study demonstrates that grape seed can help with the remineralization of teeth. This would help strengthen teeth and increase their resistance to cavities.
Teeth are porous by nature. Imbalanced bacteria in the mouth can produce excess acid, which can lead to pore enlargement and loss of minerals from the tooth structure. In essence, this process can dissolve the hydroxyapatite structure of tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.
Fluoride is routinely used by dentists to promote remineralization by creating abnormal acid resistance in the enamel. Calcium combines with fluoride to make fluorapatite, rather than the normal hydroxyapatite. Fluorapatite can appear as brown spots in teeth, which is a cosmetic concern. It is also inflammatory when accumulating in bone, increasing the risk for bone problems. Fluoride can also interfere with thyroid and brain function, making it a questionable choice for use in dental applications. Thus, researchers are trying to find more natural alternatives.
In an eight-day study, human tooth sections were exposed to various substances, one of which was grape seed extract. The tooth sections were placed in acid solutions (promoting demineralization) and neutral solutions (when remineralization would be more likely to occur), alternating six times through the day. Using a confocal laser-scanning microscope to determine whether or not remineralization was taking place, researchers found that an acid solution containing grape seed extract (6.5 percent of the solution) resulted in less demineralization. When combined with the neutral solution, the grape seed extract promoted more remineralization than other tested substances or the control.
This study supports using grape seed extract to promote stronger and healthier teeth. The experimental conditions involved direct contact of the grape seed extract with the tooth structure. This can be accomplished by emptying a capsule of grape seed extract into a small amount of water and then swishing it around in your mouth before swallowing, remembering to let it sit on the teeth even after swallowing. Since grape seed extract has a pleasant dried grape flavor, this should not be a problem for children, who will benefit from ingestion of the nutrient as well.
Researchers did not identify a specific mechanism as to how grape seed extract promoted remineralization. It is known from previous studies that grape seed extract attaches to collagen strands and dramatically strengthens them. Teeth are mineralized collagen. Grape seed extract also reduces free radicals and inflammation, adverse processes that occur during demineralization. It is likely that grape seed extract helps in multiple ways to create an environment that promotes remineralization.
The remineralization process makes the normal hydroxyapatite structure of tooth enamel. It is also likely that calcium dissolved in this mixture would benefit remineralization, since calcium is needed to form hydroxyapatite and because it reduces the acidity of saliva.
To make your own anti-cavity mouthwash, simply mix ¼ teaspoon of oral calcium powder in water with the grape seed extract, then swish it around in your mouth and swallow. A good time to do this is after brushing your teeth before bedtime and/or after breakfast.
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Teeth are porous by nature. Imbalanced bacteria in the mouth can produce excess acid, which can lead to pore enlargement and loss of minerals from the tooth structure. In essence, this process can dissolve the hydroxyapatite structure of tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.
Fluoride is routinely used by dentists to promote remineralization by creating abnormal acid resistance in the enamel. Calcium combines with fluoride to make fluorapatite, rather than the normal hydroxyapatite. Fluorapatite can appear as brown spots in teeth, which is a cosmetic concern. It is also inflammatory when accumulating in bone, increasing the risk for bone problems. Fluoride can also interfere with thyroid and brain function, making it a questionable choice for use in dental applications. Thus, researchers are trying to find more natural alternatives.
In an eight-day study, human tooth sections were exposed to various substances, one of which was grape seed extract. The tooth sections were placed in acid solutions (promoting demineralization) and neutral solutions (when remineralization would be more likely to occur), alternating six times through the day. Using a confocal laser-scanning microscope to determine whether or not remineralization was taking place, researchers found that an acid solution containing grape seed extract (6.5 percent of the solution) resulted in less demineralization. When combined with the neutral solution, the grape seed extract promoted more remineralization than other tested substances or the control.
This study supports using grape seed extract to promote stronger and healthier teeth. The experimental conditions involved direct contact of the grape seed extract with the tooth structure. This can be accomplished by emptying a capsule of grape seed extract into a small amount of water and then swishing it around in your mouth before swallowing, remembering to let it sit on the teeth even after swallowing. Since grape seed extract has a pleasant dried grape flavor, this should not be a problem for children, who will benefit from ingestion of the nutrient as well.
Researchers did not identify a specific mechanism as to how grape seed extract promoted remineralization. It is known from previous studies that grape seed extract attaches to collagen strands and dramatically strengthens them. Teeth are mineralized collagen. Grape seed extract also reduces free radicals and inflammation, adverse processes that occur during demineralization. It is likely that grape seed extract helps in multiple ways to create an environment that promotes remineralization.
The remineralization process makes the normal hydroxyapatite structure of tooth enamel. It is also likely that calcium dissolved in this mixture would benefit remineralization, since calcium is needed to form hydroxyapatite and because it reduces the acidity of saliva.
To make your own anti-cavity mouthwash, simply mix ¼ teaspoon of oral calcium powder in water with the grape seed extract, then swish it around in your mouth and swallow. A good time to do this is after brushing your teeth before bedtime and/or after breakfast.
More...
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