What are cavities and what causes them?
Caries, or dental cavities, are microscopic cracks in the tough surface of the teeth. They are caused by bacteria on the tooth surfaces that produce acid from sugar. Streptococcus mutants, bacteria, is the most prevalent cause.
Plaque is a sticky coating formed by microorganisms. Plaque acids demineralize your enamel, which is a calcium and phosphate-based layer on your teeth. The enamel gets eroded as a result of this. A cavity forms when acid damages the dentin layer beneath the enamel.
Dental cavities are the most frequent noncommunicable illness in the globe, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). Untreated dental decay affects one in every four adults in the United States, according to Trusted Source.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Cavities
Many home remedies are based on research from the 1930s that claimed that a deficiency of vitamin D in the diet causes cavities. In this study, children who increased their vitamin D intake had fewer cavities. Those who supplemented with vitamin D while simultaneously eliminating grain items from their diets had the highest results. This is probably due to the fact that grains can adhere to the teeth.
Lack of vitamin D can make teeth more prone to cavities, but we now know that this is only one piece of the story. Other variables that increase your chances of getting cavities are:
- Having a dry mouth or a medical condition that causes a reduction in the quantity of saliva in the mouth
- Consuming items that adhere to your teeth, such as sweets and sticky meals
- Gorging on sugary foods or drinks, such as soda, cereal, and ice cream, on a regular basis
- Heartburn due to acid reflux
- insufficient dental cleansing
- Infant feeding at nighttime
You won’t be able to remove a cavity that has entered the dentin at home. The following home treatments may help prevent or cure “pre-cavities” by remineralizing weakening parts of your enamel before they grow into cavities:
Chewing sugar-free gums
Clinical research has demonstrated that chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help remineralize enamel. Long-term studies are needed to determine the potential of xylitol-containing gum to promote saliva flow, elevate plaque pH, and decrease S. mutants.
Sugar-free gum with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) has been demonstrated to diminish S. mutants even more than xylitol-containing chewing gum. This sort of gum is available in shops.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling began in Ayurveda, an ancient school of alternative healing. It consists of swishing a spoonful of sesame or coconut oil around the mouth for around 20 minutes before spitting it out.
While certain claims concerning oil pulling have not been scientifically proven, studies show that practice can enhance tooth health. According to a review in 2017, it decreases germs in the mouth, plaque, and gum irritation.
According to a 2020 study, oil pulling with coconut oil may enhance tooth health and oral hygiene. However, the experts stated that more study is needed to evaluate the usefulness of the procedure.
Vitamins especially vitamin D and minerals intake
Our teeth are made up of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Vitamin D is essential for:
- establishing healthy teeth
- prevention of dental caries
- releasing calcium into the saliva to mineralize the enamel of the teeth
According to a 2020 article, a lack of minerals might cause absorption issues, an elevated risk of bleeding, and tooth loss.
Vitamin D is also important for dental health. It defers the formation and advancement of dental cavities. According to a 2021 study, children with dental caries had lower vitamin D levels in their blood and lower calcium levels in their saliva.
Furthermore, the intake of vitamin D without magnesium results in fragile enamel that cannot withstand the acids in the mouth, leading to tooth decay. Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, contain vitamin D. The sun can also provide vitamin D.
Avoid sugary meals and beverages
Diet, particularly the intake of free sugars, is one of the primary causes of cavities. Sugar reacts with microorganisms in the mouth to generate an acid that erodes tooth enamel.
The World Health Organization advises people to reduce their consumption of sugar. Aside from the quantity, research in 2017 discovered that eating free sweets before night elevates the risk of dental caries.
Consume licorice root to keep cavities at bay
The antibacterial capabilities of licorice root can target S. mutants, the bacterium that causes cavities. Research says that the antibacterial effects of licorice root extract are equivalent to chlorhexidine mouthwash and stronger than fluoride mouthwash. A similar analysis was done in 2021, and it was shown that licorice extract possesses antibacterial effects.
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride is essential for cavity prevention and enamel remineralization. Extensive research has shown that brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste on a daily basis helps to prevent cavities. Since most studies have been done on children or adolescents, further study on adults and the elderly is required.
Eggshell
Eggshells contain calcium, which can be used to help remineralize dental enamel. It may also be used to remove plaques as an abrasive cleaning. According to research in 2018, a customized eggshell with titanium oxide compound shields teeth against acidic chemicals.
Clove essential oil
Applying clove oil to the afflicted region 2-3 times per day provides pain alleviation. Because clove has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities, they can help prevent cavities. Apply a cotton swab with a few drops of clove oil to the cavity. As the oil absorbs, it provides pain relief.
Guava leaves are great for preventing tooth cavity
Guava leaves are high in antibacterial qualities, which aid in cavity prevention. By combining crushed leaves with hot water, it may be used as a mouthwash. Regular usage of this natural mouthwash can be effective in keeping cavities at bay.
Lemon
Lemon contains citric acid, which aids in pain relief. After eating, chewing a lemon slice for a few minutes can effectively deter teeth decay and aid digestion.
Garlic
Every day, one slice of garlic should be consumed on an empty stomach to preserve dental health. Garlic is an essential food for good dental health. Garlic destroys germs, which aids in the relief of dental discomfort.
Green tea
Green tea has been shown to help reduce plaque development in the mouth. For a better flavor, green tea can be combined with lemon juice and honey.
Saltwater
After eating, add salt to a glass of warm water and gargle with the combination. Saltwater aids in the removal of stickiness from the tooth and so proves to be beneficial for the protection of teeth against cavities.
Prevention of tooth decay
Cavities and tooth decay can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene and brushing with fluoride-rich toothpaste on a regular basis. Reducing sugar intake and seeing the dentist on a regular basis can also aid in the detection of pre-cavities. When deterioration is in the pre-cavity stage, it is also feasible to avoid a cavity with home treatments.
When to see a dentist?
Home cures may lower the likelihood of cavities or restore enamel damage in the pre-cavity stage. Because not all cavities produce discomfort, it is essential to see a dentist on a frequent basis.
Many dental disorders, including deep cavities, emerge without the presence of pain or other signs. Regular dental visits are the most effective strategy to detect a cavity before it worsens. Early detection leads to less difficult therapy.
Cavity treatments that are done by the dentists may include:
- Fluoride treatments: Professional fluoride treatments include more fluoride than store-bought toothpaste and mouth rinses. If you require more fluoride on a daily basis, your dentist may write you a prescription.
- Fillings: When a cavity has advanced beyond the enamel, fillings are the primary therapy.
- Crowns: They are custom-fitted coverings or “caps” that are put over the tooth to cure serious decay.
- Root canals: A root canal may be required if tooth decay reaches the interior substance of your tooth (the pulp).
- Tooth extraction: The extraction of a badly deteriorated tooth.
The Takeaway
Vitamin D, oil pulling, licorice lollipops, chewing gum, and other home cures will not eliminate existing cavities. However, these approaches may help to keep cavities from growing worse and block new ones from forming. At most, they can assist in remineralizing softened or weaker parts of your enamels prior to the formation of a cavity. The sooner a cavity is identified, the easier it is for your dentist to fix it, so make sure you see your dentist on a regular basis.