Cavity Treatment At Home: Best Practices To Improve Oral Health

Some people are fortunate enough to be born with pearly whites that never seem to decay. However, others have to deal with it as a common occurrence in their lives. While it is entirely normal for anyone to develop cavity build-up, getting rid of it can be a real challenge. If you happen to be looking for ways to fight and prevent cavities, perhaps natural remedies will do the trick. Cavity treatment at home is one of the most effective solutions to improve your oral health.

This article discusses at-home remedies that would bring a whole new meaning to oral care. You’ll be amazed how some of these unique methods can enhance your dental health without needing to see the dentist.

But before anything else, let us define what cavities are and what causes them in the first place.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities, otherwise known as tooth decay, is an oral concern that affects both the enamel and hard surfaces of the teeth. It appears as holes resulting from bacteria and plaque build-up, which weakens the enamel coating. As the condition progresses, the rupture becomes large enough to compromise and destroy the entire tooth structure.

Cavities are known to build up in deep spaces of our teeth, such as the following:

• Grooves, cracks, and pits in the teeth
• Between the gaps of the teeth
• Along the gum line
• Around dental fillings, particularly in broken and chipped spaces

What Can Cause Cavities?

According to experts, food is the main culprit that causes a cavity. Some foods contain high levels of sugar, which are more likely to cling on to our teeth. If a person fails to maintain their oral care routine, these residues sit in several areas of our tooth surface for a more extended period. Without brushing and flossing, these cavities can progress and create pockets across your gum line. These pockets of plaque serve as a reservoir of bacteria which is the perfect recipe for an oral health disaster.

Cavities are known to form gradually. Over time, it reaches the teeth’ inner layers. These sheets are what most people identify as the term dentin. During this point, the cavity develops, which can lead to tooth decay.

When cavities are left untreated, severe problems may happen. If the decay extends to the tooth’s center and reaches the delicate nerves, the tooth root may become compromised, or a painful abscess may form in the gum. The patient may need root canal therapy, oral surgery, or tooth extraction to resolve the issue.

Are There Natural Remedies for Cavities?

If you happen to detect a cavity at its early stages, you are in luck. At this time, the decay has not yet reached the dentin, and it is still possible for you to cover a cavity with natural remedies. You can protect your teeth through various processes known as remineralisation, which can prevent cavities from creating further damages.

Here are several ways to treat cavity at home:

Flouride

Fluoride is the simplest yet most forgotten way to maintain dental health. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day plays a crucial role in your oral care routine. Many pieces of research have tested and proven the use of fluoride toothpaste as the best way to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It significantly hardens the enamel giving the teeth natural protection to fight off decay.

Oil Pulling

Ayurveda, an ancient method of alternative medicine, is where oil pulling got its start. The process involves swishing a tablespoon of either coconut or sesame oil in the mouth. After a set amount of time, you should spit out the oil, where you will see the debris present between the teeth.

Although some assumptions about oil pulling are unsupported by science, studies show that it can improve dental health. In a recent study, the use of sesame oil as a part of the pulling method eliminates plaque and bacteria to the same degree compared to mouthwash.

If oil pulling helps minimise plaque, it can aid in the remineralisation of enamel and prevent cavities. However, more extensive research is necessary to validate these findings.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera tooth gel can aid in the battle against cavity-causing bacteria. According to a trusted source, the antibacterial properties of an aloe vera gel can help destroy and kill dangerous bacteria within the mouth.

Aloe vera gel can help to remineralise enamel at its pre-cavity level, but further research might be necessary.

Vitamin D

Reports have shown that Vitamin D supplements have helped to reduce the prevalence of dental cavities significantly. The vitamin may have a mineralizing function, which aids in the strengthening of tooth enamel.

Licorice Root

According to a study, licorice root contains antibacterial properties which can target the bacteria that cause cavities. Although, dental professionals must do further studies before they can use these lollipops for cavity prevention.

Sugar-free gum

According to the findings of a review, chewing sugar-free gums after meals can lower the levels of bacteria that damage the enamel. The presence of fewer bacteria will result in a stronger enamel that can withstand decay better.

How Do I Take Preventive Measures at Home?

Improving your diet will help avoid cavities by reducing the number of acids on your tooth enamel. However, it is best to keep in mind that a better diet may not stop a pre-existing condition.

Avoid Phytic Acid

Since phytic acid can weaken tooth enamel, some people claim that eliminating it from their diet can help them avoid tooth decay and cavities. A recent study has found out that this constituent may affect mineral absorption. This research has been used in several web publications to draw further conclusions. They believe that phytic acid can dissolve minerals in enamel, causing tooth decay. It is worth noting, though, that further study is crucial to confirm whether phytic acid affects the minerals in tooth enamel.

The most common sources of phytic acid are legumes and cereals, which include the following:

• Wheat
• Maize
• Rye
• Rice
• Beans

Stay Away from Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugar consumption is one of the main reasons for cavity build-up. As the substance reacts with bacteria in the mouth, it produces an acid that erodes tooth enamel. According to a review made by the World Health Organization, people can avoid cavities by eating less sugary snacks and beverages.

When Should I Seek Dental Care?

Home remedies can help prevent the formation of cavities or reverse enamel damage before its progression. Cavity treatment can is helpful in conjunction with dentist-recommended procedures, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste. However, since not all cavities can cause discomfort, it is still essential to visit a dentist on a regular basis.

Dental professionals have the necessary training and experience to detect early signs of cavities. Aside from providing tips on how to avoid cavities, they may also recommend the steps needed to take during advanced cases. When there are indications that show possibilities of decay, you might be required to have dental fillings, crowns, or other procedures. By doing so, you can prevent cavities from becoming more extensive and weakening your tooth.

Final Thoughts

Several home remedies such as fluoride, oil pulling, Vitamin D, licorice lollipops, sugar-free gums, and others may not be enough to eliminate existing cavities. However, these strategies can prevent cavities from growing and stop new ones from appearing. These are basic methods that will assist in the remineralisation of softened or damaged areas of the enamel before a cavity could develop.

Many dental concerns, including deep cavities, manifest without causing any form of discomfort or other symptoms. Perhaps, it is better to handle a condition with early detection and intervention. Therefore, the easiest way to spot a cavity before getting worse is to get regular dental checkups.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2021.638909/full

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/tooth-decay-young-children