Good nutrition is essential for maintaining overall health, including the health of our teeth and gums. Weston Price, a dentist and researcher who lived in the early 20th century, believed that the diet plays a crucial role in oral health and that nutrient-rich foods can help prevent and treat dental problems.
In this blog post, we will explore Weston Price’s perspective on nutrition and its role in dental health and discuss the key principles of his approach to treating dental problems through diet.
The Weston Price Philosophy on Nutrition and Dental Health
Weston Price was a pioneer in the field of dental health and nutrition, and he spent much of his life studying the diets of indigenous peoples around the world. He believed that the diet was the key factor in determining dental health and that a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods was essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Price also believed that modern diets, which were heavily processed and lacked essential nutrients, were contributing to the rise in dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease. He believed that by restoring nutrient-rich foods to the diet, people could prevent and treat dental problems, and promote overall oral health.
Key Principles of Weston Price’s Approach to Dental Health
- Whole Foods: Weston Price believed that whole foods, including nutrient-dense animal products, were essential for maintaining dental health. He emphasized the importance of consuming animal products that were from pasture-raised animals and rich in nutrients, such as butter, eggs, and organ meats.
- Fermented Foods: Weston Price also believed in the importance of fermented foods, such as kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut, in promoting oral health. Fermented foods contain probiotics, which help to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria that can contribute to dental problems.
- Vitamin D: Weston Price believed that vitamin D was essential for oral health, and that sunlight exposure was the best way to obtain this nutrient. He also emphasized the importance of consuming vitamin D-rich foods, such as cod liver oil and fatty fish, to support oral health.
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Weston Price believed that fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K2, were essential for maintaining dental health. He emphasized the importance of consuming these vitamins in the form of whole foods, such as grass-fed dairy products and organ meats.
- Minerals: Weston Price believed that minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, were essential for maintaining dental health. He emphasized the importance of consuming mineral-rich foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, to support oral health.
Conclusion
Weston Price’s perspective on nutrition and its role in dental health is still relevant today, and his approach to treating dental problems through diet is a holistic and nutrient-rich approach. By incorporating whole foods, fermented foods, vitamin D, fat-soluble vitamins, and minerals into the diet, people can support their oral health and prevent and treat dental problems. If you are looking for a natural and nutrient-rich approach to maintaining dental health, consider incorporating the principles of Weston Price’s approach into your diet.
