Like every other part of your body, your teeth require your attention and proper care throughout life. If you don’t like to visit the dentist, you can maintain good oral hygiene all by yourself to prevent dental decay. Doctors advise you to combine excellent dental hygiene with a few simple changes in your diet. A dietary change can reverse the decay of a tooth. We already know that consuming sugar-rich food items can lead to the decaying of the teeth and the phytic acid can block the absorption of calcium. If you change your eating habits then you might never face such problems.
Cavities are the most common health problems. Several factors are responsible for the development of cavities. Streptococcus mutants are the principal bacteria that play a major role in decay. Dental cavities, or caries, are minute holes in the teeth’s hard surface. They result due to bacteria that create acid out of sugar on the teeth surface. Food and bacteria sometimes form the filth on the teeth that can be termed as plaque. Plaque removes minerals and ends up causing tiny holes in the enamel. Plaque must be properly removed as it may eventually lead to tooth decay. These bacteria form a sticky plaque film that demineralizes the enamel and causes cavities. It may sound ironic but sugarless gum chewing can help prevent tooth decay. Most sugarless gums contain xylitol, a component which is a natural sweetener. Unlike food, xylitol doesn’t cause bacteria to grow in your mouth and your mouth fills up with saliva when you chew, which can naturally wash away the remains of the food.
Brush your teeth twice a day — once after waking up in the morning and once before sleeping at night. It is not only an ideal way to get rid of cavities but also a good way for general dental health. After eating anything, you should rinse your mouth too. Basic habits, such as brushing, gargling, and rinsing your mouth after meals and so on, if ignored can have problematic effects, such as cavities. Untreated cavities can lead to toothache, infection, and teeth loss.
Symptoms of Tooth Cavities
Cavities and tooth decay are the most common problems of oral health. Some of the cavity symptoms are as follows:
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Mild to sharp pain while eating or drinking anything sweet, hot, or cold.
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth.
- Brown, black, or white stains on any tooth surface.
If you experience toothache regularly and feel the pain or sensitivity in your teeth while drinking something hot or cold or some sort of swelling around a particular tooth then there may be chances that you might be suffering from a cavity. So, it is best to check with your dentist if you need any medical treatment. But, here are some simple home remedies that can help you handle cavities and also prevent or stop this decline before it forms a cavity.
6 Easy Yet Effective Home Remedies for Tooth Cavities:
- 1. Clove Oil:
Clove oil is and always will be a valuable remedy for soothing tooth decay and cavity pain resulting due to dental ailments. Its medicinal properties help to reduce the sensation or sensitivity due to cavities. Use cotton to apply the oil on your tooth, and ensure that you do not ingest the oil. It will soothe the pain and sensation. Cloves have anti-microbial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that help to cleanse the oral cavity. Clove includes very essential oil called eugenol that is responsible for the pain-relieving action required.
- 2. Salt Water:
To get rid of cavities, mixing a tablespoon of salt with warm water and rinsing your mouth with it is truly helpful. For better results, this should be done daily every night. Salt is known to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in cavity treatment. It can reduce inflammation, alleviate the pain, draw any infection, and prevent bacteria from growing in the mouth. To minimize the pain, make sure that you follow this procedure daily.
- 3. Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is very much good for teeth and helps to restore the minerals in the teeth. As demineralization or lack of minerals is a causative factor for tooth decay, it’s very important to start using fluoride-containing toothpaste. Fluoride plays an important role in enhancing the health of your teeth and also helps in preventing teeth-related diseases, such as cavities. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride mouthwash can be a great home remedy to get rid of both cavities and tooth decay. - 4. Garlic
Besides being an amazing taste enhancer, garlic is also a health wonder. Eating raw garlic is also very useful for good oral health. It has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that act as a painkiller. - 5. Oil Pulling
The way vegetable oil is used to eliminate impurities in your mouth is called oil pulling. You need to rinse your mouth with oil in this technique for 5-10 minutes. You can use any vegetable oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, for oil pulling. The rinsing process takes out the bacteria from your mouth. It is very effective in treating cavities and tooth decay, and it also reduces gum swelling. - 6. Turmeric
Turmeric is often used to benefit cavity relief. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that prevent tooth decay and keep your gums healthy. There are two different ways of using turmeric. First, apply the turmeric on the affected teeth for a few minutes, and then rinse your mouth. Second, add turmeric with mustard oil and massage your teeth and gums with it for 10 minutes. - 7. Baking soda paste:
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is known for its mild abrasive properties and ability to neutralize acids in the mouth.
Make a baking soda paste by combining a small quantity of baking soda with water until it achieves a thick consistency. Apply the paste to the affected tooth or teeth and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water. Baking soda can help remove plaque build-up, reduce acidity in the mouth, and promote remineralisation of the enamel. - 8. Green tea rinse:
Green tea boasts an abundance of antioxidants known as catechins, renowned for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial attributes. Brewing a strong cup of green tea and using it as a mouth rinse can help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and promote healing of cavities. Gargle with green tea for 30 seconds to a minute, then dispose of it. Regularly incorporating green tea rinses into your oral care routine may help prevent cavities and improve overall oral health. - 9. Xylitol gum:
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that has been shown to inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria and stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth. Chewing xylitol gum after meals or snacks can help reduce plaque build-up, prevent cavities, and freshen breath. Look for gum sweetened with xylitol and chew it for about 5-10 minutes after eating to reap its dental benefits. - 10. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements:
Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Calcium fortifies tooth enamel, while vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption and supports bone strength. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements or consuming foods rich in these nutrients, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fatty fish, can help support tooth remineralisation and prevent cavities.
Incorporating these natural home remedies into your oral care routine can help alleviate pain, promote healing, and prevent further decay. Nevertheless, it’s important to bear in mind that these solutions do not replace professional dental care. If you think you might have a cavity or are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, consult with your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Prioritize regular dental check-ups to ensure comprehensive oral health care. Your dentist can provide exact solutions and interventions to address specific dental issues effectively. Always prioritize professional guidance alongside home remedies for optimal oral health maintenance.
Now that you know how effective these simple home remedies are to prevent or treat tooth cavities, follow them, and enjoy healthy teeth and good oral hygiene.
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