Promoting Optimal Oral Health - Lessons from our Ancestors

Ancestral nutrition has become popular in recent years as people search to their not so distant past for clues as to the ideal diet. While a complicated and at times controversial topic, here are some basic observations from traditional societies noted for both their robust health, and almost complete immunity from dental diseases.

Nutritional Status and Missing Fats – Traditional societies free from dental disease consumed a nutrient rich diet that was often three to ten times that of their modern counterparts for most vitamins and minerals. While the fortification and enrichment of foods have improved the nutritional status for many, certain deficiencies may exist. From an ancestral health perspective these include Vitamin A (not the beta-carotene version found in fruits and vegetables), Vitamin K2, Vitamin D, and other potentially essential compounds found in fatty foods considered vital by traditional societies, but often frowned upon by modern day health authorities; such as pastured full-fat dairy, egg yolks, and meats, cod liver oil, and organ meats.

Dr. Weston A Price DDS and other researchers during the first-half of the twentieth century observed that when these fats were restored to the diet in the right proportions, along with nutrients recognized by today’s health authorities, that children were often able to halt and reverse early dental decay, and develop full facial structure. This appeared effective even when problematic foods remained within the diet. While anecdotal evidence from modern day health enthusiast who follow these traditional protocols seem to verify these claims. More evidence is clearly needed before we can prove or disprove these observations. 5 18

* Please note that while dietary cholesterol, found in traditional animal and fish products has been largely vindicated as a culprit in cardiovascular disease; certain saturated fats found in these foods can adversely affect the cholesterol ratio for some individuals, especially when eaten in excess.20 21 Consider speaking with a qualified nutrition profession if this is an area of interest or concern for ones diet.

Traditional Food Preparation – Have you ever tried old-fashioned homemade breads. Did they taste anything like today’s loaves? Probably not, the main reason being they way that they are prepared. Most pre-industrial societies put a good deal of time into preparing whole grains and beans in a way that made them more nutritious and easier to digest. This included soaking beans for an extended period of time or fermenting whole grains into sourdough breads. While individual nutrients by themselves might not prevent dental disease, the sum total of them all can have beneficial systematic effects. 5 18

Sweeteners in Moderation – Did you know that “back in the old days,” like way back in 1822 the average American consumed a mere 45 grams of sugar, or the equivalent of one 12 ounce bottle of soda every five days. Modern day Americans on average consume 765 grams or 17 times more in the same five-day period. When you consider the role that refined carbohydrates play in promoting dental decay, should it come as a surprise that dental diseases have become so prevalent in our modern day societies? While different cultures throughout history have thrived on a wide range of diets, none have ever been found to thrive on a diet rich in refined carbohydrates and sugar. Although the strategies presented within this guide can definitely improve your oral health; being mindful of the sugary foods in your diet will always be one of the best choices that you can make to improve your oral health and overall wellness.22