(NaturalHealth365)  Are you worried about the health of your teeth?  Grape seed extract is a fantastic example of how good nutrition can help keep your smile strong.  If you’ve ever had a tooth repaired by a dentist, this report is worth your attention.

It’s important to note that most fillings, whether made from amalgam or composite resin, don’t last a lifetime.  Amalgam, a blend of metals, tends to be more durable.  However, its mercury and other toxic materials make it a harmful option.  On the other hand, composite resin offers some great benefits.  This material, made from a mix of plastic and fine glass particles, can be custom-tinted to perfectly match your natural tooth color.

The only downside is that composite fillings generally last about half as long as amalgam fillings.  Still, many consider this a small price to pay for their health and peace of mind.

Dental fillings tend to fail due to secondary cavities

However, research shows that natural compounds contained within grape seed extract could help strengthen the dentin within the teeth.  This, in turn, could increase the lifespan of composite resin fillings.

The dentin portion of the teeth forms most of their calcified extracellular tissue and is located right underneath the hardest portion of the tooth, the external enamel.  In addition, dentin is comprised mostly of collagen – the same protein that gives structure to the skin and connective tissues.

Composite resin fillings must bind to the dentin; however, the interface between the two can weaken, paving the way for tooth restorations to break down.

When fillings fail, what usually happens is that tooth decay has formed around it, compromising the seal between the tooth and the filling.  Reinforcing the interface in the dentin layer sets the stage for a better bond and a longer-lasting restoration.

Flavonoids in grape seed extract support tooth resin in adhering to dental fillings

In one study, grape seed extract was found to increase the strength and integrity of the dentin layer effectively.  This allowed it to be a better receptacle for composite fillings.

The researchers believe that the effectiveness of grape seed extract in preventing tooth decay and preserving dental fillings is due to its support in the self-repair process within teeth.  It seems that damaged collagen can repair itself faster in the presence of plant-based flavonoids called oligomeric proanthocyanidins.

Grape seed extract is particularly rich in these compounds.  It assists in interlocking the collagen-rich dentin and resin of the fillings – creating better adhesion and durability of the filling.

Use grape seed extract to help prevent tooth decay and increase the lifespan of dental fillings

Over 90 percent of U.S. adults have had at least one cavity.  But millions of people have this problem – and don’t even know it!

Cavities form when bacteria produce acid that, in turn, erodes tooth enamel minerals faster than it can self-repair.  Secondary cavities – around the margin of the filling – are the most common causes of failed tooth restorations.

If you have composite resin fillings, consider using grape seed extract to increase their lifespan.  Some tips on caring for your teeth are as follows:

1. First, floss your teeth.
2. Use a Hydro Floss® oral irrigator to clean your teeth and gums.  Inside the oral irrigator, you can put 20-30 drops of grape seed extract in the reservoir with about 20 ounces of water.  Use the oral irrigator to clean your teeth and gums.
3. Finish by brushing your teeth with an herbal toothpaste or make a paste with a small amount of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Naturally, we suggest you see a well-trained biological dentist for any repairs that are needed.  By the way, another related study found that Chinese red pine root bark extract could also have similar tooth-strengthening properties.

Of course, to keep your teeth healthy, minimize the consumption of processed sugars, eat a diet rich in minerals, and maintain good oral hygiene habits, on a regular basis.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
ScienceDaily.com