If you ask most people whether or not you can heal a cavity, the answer you would get 99.9% of the time is that it is impossible.
Even conventional dentists would agree with this assessment. Ask a typical dentist at a routine cleaning whether you can heal a cavity on your own and he/she is likely to look at you like you’re crazy (I know this from experience).
In stark contrast to this current conventional “wisdom”, Dr. Weston A. Price DDS wrote of numerous situations in his dental practice back in the 1920s and 1930s where cavities healed with no need for drilling and filling. Dr. Price discovered through research that cavities are caused by nutritional deficiency and when this nutritional deficiency is corrected, the cavity heals.
Biological dentists also understand and teach their patients that teeth can remineralize naturally when the diet and microbial conditions in the mouth are conducive to the healing process.
If you think about this in an open-minded manner leaving all preconceived ideas about cavities behind, doesn’t this make sense? Shouldn’t the body be able to heal a cavity just like it heals a broken bone or a cut on your arm? Why would teeth be any different from a broken wrist after all?
Having read Dr. Price’s epic work Nutrition and Physical Degeneration some years ago, I’ve been of the school of thought that cavities can indeed be healed with proper nutrition for some time. But believing something intellectually and knowing it works from experience are two very different things, are they not?
For this reason, I am very excited to relay to you a recent story regarding one of my children. You see, my oldest child (12 years old at the time) developed a cavity in his top right lateral incisor. It was behind the tooth right on the gumline. My husband noticed it one night as he was checking his teeth to see if he was doing a good job brushing and flossing (he’s way too old for nightly brushing by Mom or Dad).
There was a definite hole in the tooth and not a small one either. My husband called me over to take a look and I was alarmed to see the hole and I used a rubber-tipped tooth probe that we have on hand to check how deep it was. The tip of the probe went way into the hole. There was no doubt that this was a cavity, and we both agreed that we needed to get it filled pronto.
Our reasoning was that the incisors are very prominent teeth and taking a chance that the nutritional approach would not work quickly enough to save the tooth was a big concern for us especially given that our soon to be teenager’s diet could likely not be controlled closely enough to ensure rapid success.
I called the dentist right away and made an appointment. In the meantime, I began insisting that my son take 3 butter oil capsules every morning along with his normal, daily teaspoon of fermented cod liver oil. I’ve always been pretty strict about the daily cod liver oil dose before school, but a bit slack about the butter oil along with it to be perfectly honest.
Not anymore. With this big hole in the back of his incisor, I knew that he needed to take both together. Dr. Price discovered that cavities healed faster when these two therapeutic and nourishing oils were taken together.
The dental appointment was a few weeks out, so I continued with the butter oil capsules every single day. I also told my son that he really needed to go back to his breakfast of two slices of toast each morning with raw butter and honey. This instead of tahini and honey which is what he had been having in recent months.
He was fine with that as he loves raw butter and had just gotten out of the routine of having it every morning. Did this simple change of breakfast have an impact on the development of his cavity?
Probably.
I didn’t change anything else. He didn’t go off grains and he still ate the occasional sugar junk that he gets at school (ugh). It was Easter time too so this type of stuff was rampant. He is almost a teenager, after all. Try to take all grains and sugars out of their diet and you are going to get a rebellion. Kids need to learn some things on their own.
I’ve found you can’t protect your kids from this stuff and raise them in a bubble. You can only teach them to be wise and they will learn moderation on their own over time.
On a side note, I was pleased to see that at a party following his class’s Poetry Day that he bypassed the big bottles of soda and Hershey bars. Amazingly, this junk was being handed out by the parents afterward (no, I’m not kidding).
I was very very proud of him. He knew that eating that stuff would give him a couple of zits for sure and make him feel lousy all afternoon and probably the next day too. We Moms have to celebrate little victories along the way, don’t we?!
Anyway, back to the cavity story.
As it turned out, the day before his dental appointment, the receptionist calls to say that the appointment needed to be rescheduled as the dentist had to unexpectedly go out of town for family reasons. This pushed out the appointment for another couple of weeks, but all the while, we continued with the 3 capsules of butter oil with a teaspoon of fermented cod liver oil after a breakfast of 2 slices of raw butter and honey toast.
Last weekend, I decided to take a peek at the cavity to see if it was getting any worse. It had been about a month since my husband discovered it and I was a bit concerned given that it was one of his top front teeth. I took a flashlight and he tipped his head back and I looked, and looked, and LOOKED!
NO CAVITY!
That’s right. There was no hole at all. It had completely filled in and was as smooth as the tooth next to it. I told my husband and he took a look too. He was delighted to see that the hole was gone.
I took the probe and pressed around just to be sure and confirmed what my eyes were telling me – the cavity had indeed healed over.
I will still be taking him to the dentist to have a check-up but there is no doubt that there is nothing wrong with that tooth any longer.
The best news of all is that I changed very little to get this tooth to heal. He didn’t use coconut oil pulling or any special remedy. He simply continued on his normal, nourishing traditional diet at home with the lapses that typically occur at school and playdate events. We added the butter oil with his daily dose of cod liver oil, and he substituted raw butter for tahini on his toast every morning. The butter oil added critical Vitamin K2 to his diet which supercharges the absorption of the Vitamins A/D in cod liver oil.
That’s it!
I hope you find this story encouraging! Dr. Price’s research really does work in practice!
Dentist’s Conclusion After Examining My Son’s Cavity
This brief update has been added since the original posting date of this blog. I did indeed take my son to the dentist to have a full examination and there was no cavity to be found anywhere in my son’s mouth. A hole was there, the hole is gone. Nutrition can indeed heal cavities!
Diet not only heals early cavities, but it can also heal severe ones where a root canal is recommended. This article on avoiding root canals details that scenario.
Please note that a cavity in a tooth that has already been drilled and filled in the past cannot be healed. Please see a dentist right away to have that cavity filled with non-toxic materials (not mercury amalgams).
Also, a tooth that is cracked or has had part of it broken off cannot be healed with diet. Again, consult with a dentist to have that situation properly handled.
Best Cod Liver Oil and Butter Oil to Heal a Cavity
Please click here for where to buy cod liver oil and butter oil. Note that any old store brand of cod liver oil is not going to work for healing cavities. These brands contain synthetic Vitamin A and D and are heavily processed. Only use these vetted and tested brands to ensure quality results.
Click here to watch my video blog on how to make ghee if you are not able to order butter oil where you live.
Also, this article which provides photographic proof cavities heal can help you see the visual results.
Child Needs to Be on Traditional Diet
Please note that if your child is not on a healthy diet already, the addition of cod liver oil and butter oil (for Vitamin K2) alone will not be sufficient to heal a cavity. A diet consisting primarily of convenience foods that resulted in a cavity problem cannot be rectified with a couple of superfood supplements. It will definitely help and may prevent future cavities, but won’t fix existing ones.
For more information on the diet necessary to heal cavities including high vitamin cod liver oil and butter oil, read the book Cure Tooth Decay.
A Second Cavity Healed!
In May 2017, the same child mentioned in the story above healed yet another cavity. This time he did it all by himself (he is 18 years old now). He noticed a small hole in one of his front teeth. Like the last time, the early cavity was right along the gumline. It was also on the front of the tooth and easy to see in the mirror. I am kicking myself now that we didn’t take before and after pictures!
He asked me what to do about it, and I referred him to what we did 6 years earlier to heal a hole in one of his lateral incisors. He hadn’t been taking much cod liver oil for awhile. So he immediately went back on 1 tsp raw, extra virgin cod liver oil per day (which we are now using instead of fermented liver oil). To supercharge the absorption of the Vitamin A/D in cod liver oil, he also doubled his Vitamin K2 intake (180 mcg/day). Finally, he cut out the few sweets he was eating. Within 2 weeks, the hole was gone!
Please note that instead of butter oil to add K2 to the diet, this time he used a potent natto extract supplement. Both butter oil and natto extract contain the critical Vitamin K2 necessary to heal cavities. It is best used synergistically with cod liver oil for optimal and fast results. Butter oil contains MK-4 and natto extract contains MK-7. This article contains more discussion on MK-4 vs MK-7 forms of Vitamin K2.
Diet is Always First to Heal a Cavity Followed by Cod Liver Oil/K2
My son felt very empowered by the experience. Please note that other than lagging on his cod liver oil/K2 supplement regimen, he was eating an excellent Traditional Diet. Certainly no fast food (ever), candy or soda. Junk to him is a piece of pizza at a party and sweets are a couple of organic cookies after a quality whole foods dinner.
As a Mother, there is nothing better than knowing your children have learned from your efforts raising them and are able to successfully put traditional health into practice for themselves as young adults.
Where to Find a Biological Dentist
I get many requests about who I recommend as a truly holistic dentist. If you are looking for one, I recommend Dr. Carlo Litano of Natural-Smiles.com – (727) 300-0044. Be sure to tell Dr. Litano that the Healthy Home Economist sent you and get 10% off your first visit!
He sees children and does phone consults too!
More Information
Child’s Severe Tooth Decay Healed with Diet
Whiten Your Teeth Without Dangerous Chemicals (that will eventually destroy the enamel)
Healing Periodontal Problems with Bone Broth
Natural Alternative to Baby Teething Gels
Coconut Oil Stops Oral Strep Bacteria from Damaging Tooth Enamel
Cause of Crooked Teeth
10 Signs Your Dentist is Truly Holistic
Could the Cause of Your Illness Be Right Under Your Nose?
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Ok so I am looking up remedies as I am 15 weeks pregnant, and just had SEVEN fillings. All on the left side. However they are trying to push 2 root canals on me. Aside from them being mega expensive, I dont see anything positive long term from them. A lot of failed and redone root canals, etc.
I looked up hypericum but am unable to take it because I am pregnant and there are studies saying to avoid until you’ve given birth and have finished breastfeeding. Im wondering if this diet will help with the pain/sensitivity I am still getting in my gums from all this trauma. I do not want to yank teeth, especially since one is a front tooth.
This “story” is an utter and complete lie. Whether or not fermented cod liver and butter oil helps prevent cavities i won’t comment, but to suggest it causes existing cavities to fill in and disappear is ludicrous. Why would someone make this up? Because they are selling those products immediately below the story.
Its shameful that someone would willfully instruct others to allow their teeth to decay further for a few bucks in sales commission. But if you allow it to happen to yourself (or your kids) the shame is on you… as are the lost teeth.
@WillJohnston, agreed. I’ve heard this “story” all over the internet and the one thing that I get hung up on every time is . . . what kind of dentist makes you wait “several weeks” for an appointment for a filling? I’ve moved around a lot and thus had many dentists and I’ve never run across one that wouldn’t fit a child in asap for a cavity. Of course, if the dentist had been willing to see the child that week, the story wouldn’t work, would it?
I’m having trouble believing this as well, Although I’d really like to believe and most definitely see it work for myself. I’m commenting to answer your question about “what kind of dentist makes you wait “several weeks” for an appointment for a filling?”
I’m a single mother living below the poverty line and have medical assistance. My kids and I HAVE to go to the only community health building with dental that will accept state aid. They have a long waiting list. Usually a few month to get in for an initial exam. Then another month or more to get in for fillings or other work. But they do tell you that you can call the office every day after 1pm to see if they have a cancellation or unconfirmed appointment that would fit your time slot with your appointed dentist. So it does happen for those of us who can’t afford our own dental insurance or the normal costs of dentist. But on another note. For those of us who can’t afford any of the matters I’ve just mentioned, we certainly would not be able to afford the costly items for these miraculous cures linked in these types of stories. That’s for sure!
I also find it strange that none of the questions concerning the validity of the claims never get answered or addressed.
My wife and i felt quite satisfied John managed to do his analysis from your ideas he obtained from your very own web site. It is now and again perplexing to simply find yourself giving away tips and hints which often the others may have been selling. We really already know we have got the website owner to be grateful to because of that. Those explanations you made, the easy site menu, the friendships you give support to promote – it’s got everything unbelievable, and it’s facilitating our son and us imagine that the idea is satisfying, which is certainly extremely serious. Thank you for all the pieces!
I’d much rather try this than go to some stupid dentist who still believes that fluoride prevents cavities and filling a person’s mouth with mercury is a good thing. Most dentists are fools.
I see lots of fools on this page, but none of them are claiming to be dentists! I noticed one fool in particular: Her name is Michele!
I’ve read through many of the comments on this site, and I have noticed that many of the arguments have devolved into very personal attacks from both sides, and most of the ones aimed at skeptics are accusations of monetary involvement with the industry of dental medicine. for this reason, I would like to preface my statement with the information that I am not a dentist. I’m not a doctor. I have no intention of ever being a dentist or going any nearer to one than necessary. (No offense to the profession, but dentist appointments are not my favorite activity.) I also haven’t read any dental books, including Dr. Price’s. As such, I refuse to regard him either as the ultimate authority or as a quack.
I’m a person with a few cavities who would like to get rid of them. I don’t really care whether this is via alternative medicine or more traditional paths. However, before I buy expensive supplements and postpone a supposedly necessary procedure, I would like to soothe my inborn skepticism.
Here are my questions:
Nearly all of the dissenters have asked for concrete proof, such as dental records or even dated photographs. After each posting have been several other posts from people either promising to use the cure or announcing its success in their cases. Why don’t any of these people document their process, take pictures, and settle the debate?
It’s been established that blood is the body’s healing mechanism. That’s why cuts bleed and the scabs are formed of congealed blood. This theory holds for broken bones too: bone marrow produces a large quantity of blood cells. The counterargument I have seen presented is that saliva serves the same function for the teeth. I’m not so sure, and here’s my reasoning:
If a hole in a tooth can be healed, that means the body is capable of growing enamel in specific patterns onto a tooth without the presence of blood. if this is indeed feasible, why do children lose their baby teeth? no other body part is similarly shed and replaced, so what is the purpose of such a function? It seems so wasteful to grow a perfectly good set of teeth only to wantonly discard it. if baby teeth could be grown inside the mouth by layering on enamel, why would they ever have to go? As for those who point out that we aren’t born with a full set of teeth, that’s true. but the new ones form within the gums, surrounded by blood, then push their way out. why would they do that if they could simply form on the outside from the start.
If you’re going to reply to me, please don’t insult me. I genuinely would like this method to work. if it doesn’t, however, then I have been ill-used by those encouraging me to delay treatment, and I would like to prevent that. I have no expertise on this subject, and I don’t pretend to. just common sense ideas.
also, Sarah, if you read this comment, I would very much appreciate a personal response answering my questions so I don’t waste any more time deliberating the options. thank you very much.
Hi Not A Dentist,
The likely reason for baby teeth is because an infant jaw is too small to hold a full set of adult teeth. Adult teeth are both greater in number and size, thus affecting spacing ratios.
Hi Sarah, I know it’s been a while since you wrote this but thank you! Still helpful after all these years!
I was wondering about the link for butter/oil at the end of the article. It takes you to Green Pastures butter/oil capsules. Is that intended? Don’t you usually recommend the liquid? I much prefer the capsules and would love it if the link to those is intentional but I thought it was difficult (or much more expensive) to get the benefits with those. Thanks!
Interesting read.
Butter oil and cod liver oil contain lots of Vitamin D, a study found that “Vitamin D Linked to Lower Rates of Tooth Decay”
So I think your story is believable, though I’m uncertain if what was identified was actually a cavity.
It seems that the benefit comes from the Vitamin D, I’m not sure if the Vitamin A in the cod liver oil is useful for this purpose.
It’s well established that Vitamin D is essential for healthy teeth and bones. Some research also suggests that omega-3 may help teeth as well (which is found in cod liver oil).
But what’s missing in your treatment I believe is calcium.
My hypothesis is that the combination of Vitamin D, omega-3, calcium (not mentioned in this article), and also something else involved with saliva (which I’m uncertain of) will regrow enamel.
Since correlation isn’t causation I believe that the cod liver oil and butter oil is just one part of the equation, not the full story. But I think you got an important part of it.
To all the doubters, it’s already been scientifically proven that enamel CAN regrow under certain conditions, they’ve already regrown enamel in mice and in humans using a special compound (http://www.medgadget.com/2011/08/a-cavity-filling-fluid-that-regenerates-tooth-enamel-is-this-the-end-of-the-dental-drill.html), so my hypothesis is that it should be possible naturally as well.
So what do the so-called experts and dentists here claiming that enamel can’t regrow have to say about that?
Thanks for the information.
Hi there Anon!.
For your question on vitamin A, what I know is that Vitamin A lowers vitamin D toxicity, and vice-versa.
This means that when the two vitamins in their lipo-soluble form are taken together, higher dosage can be assumed.
I don’t know about enamel regrowth, what i can say is that i have 2 cavities and i managed to freeze both of them since almost 3 years.
In october they will provide me with the scans, by then i’ll be able to scan them and post them online too =) .
I firmly believe and agree on what you said, thanks for the link!!
Marco
Since October has come and gone…can you provide a link to your scans and proof of your claim?
I am amazed and hopeful reading this story. I just got back from a second opinion dentist appointment regarding my daughter’s teeth. She is 2 1/2 and has had some significant discoloration on her front, top 2 teeth. Thankfully it isn’t decay yet. However, the enamel on those teeth did not form properly and the teeth are very susceptible at this point. With traditional dentistry our options arent great. Do you think a similar plan could help with this as well? If so, what brands do you recommend for the FCLO and butter oil? What about doses for her? As I said before she is 2 1/2. She weighs a little under 40 lbs and is off the chart for her height and weight.
We have been working towards a full WAP kitchen and the oil supplements are on my to-change list, we just haven’t done it yet. Maybe now is the time!
Thank you in advance for the help. I am so disappointed about this. I had terrible teeth as a kid and they aren’t great as an adult. If I can spare my children this same fate, I want to try.
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I am wondering if you could give me dosing guidelines for adults, an 8 year old and a 1 year old. I am planning on buying the Blue Ice Royal BO & FCLO gel, but is it more cost effective to buy the BO and FCLO separately? Also, is there a maintenance dose and a dose for treating activty cavities? Thank you so much in advance! We sincerely appreciate it!
Hi, I noticed this little black cavity on one tooth of mine. I noticed it yesterday, and it’s really scaring me. It’s small, so I have started the capsules. I really don’t want to get any kind of flossing done!!! Hope everything works out!!!!
Akshita,
Where did u get the cod liver oil and Butter oil in India? I am finding it hard to get them in Bangalore.
Butter oil was easy. It’s ghee, and you find that everywhere.
I am actually using cloves (long) (putting it regularly), not cod liver oil. The truth is, since a month has passed and the cavity hasn’t “disappeared”, I’m going to visit the dentist. It has made a progress but I think that’s just because of regular brushing, having milk, and perhaps butter oil.
Thanks Akshita!
Mine are deep cavities and i already had few root canals. So there’s little left for me. I am also using clove and mustard oil/rock salt combination. No difference yet.