5 Best Home Remedies to Cure Tooth Cavities
About 90% of adults aged 20 or older have suffered from tooth cavities at least once. People between 20 to 64 are the most likely to have teeth problems. 1 in 4 adults of this age group has at least one cavity.
So, The worst part is that cavities can lead to many oral health issues and infections. Thus, curing them at once is the best solution. Do you want to avoid the invasive surgical procedures to fix your tooth cavity?
Then, you can utilize some home remedies to cure cavities between Teeth. Continue reading to learn more about them.
Read: How To Protect Your Teeth From Sugar Bugs?
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a damaged area that creates holes or openings on your teeth surfaces. It is formed when the tooth’s top layer (enamel) is disrupted. Also known as tooth decay, cavities are common among adults.
Untreated cavities can create infections in your gums and other body parts. In some rare cases, cavities have also proven to show fatal results.
Causes Of Cavities
Now, you know the dangers and effects of a tooth cavity. But what causes it? Here are the different causes:
1. Acid & Bacteria
Erode is the acid created in our mouths. It is the leading cause of cavities as it damages enamel (the top coating of our teeth). So, It also sticks to a tooth surface to absorb incoming minerals, weakening your gums and teeth.
2. High Sugar Consumption
Regular consumption of sugar can also lead to cavities. That includes sweets, processed snacks, and sugared beverages. Starchy foods, like bread, potatoes, and cereals, can also lead to tooth decay.
3. Lack of Care
If you don’t floss or brush frequently, you will likely develop cavities. The lack of care opens doors for dental plaques that can affect enamel, leading to tooth decay.
Read this guide to learn more about the risk factors of getting a cavity.
How do you know if you have a cavity between your teeth?
Treating tooth cavities at early stages is the best practice. But how do we identify it? One of the most accessible symptoms is bad breath, but it’s not the only one.
Here are some other symptoms of cavity:
- Mouth swelling
- Sensitivity in teeth to extreme (cold or hot) foods & drinks
- Frequent toothaches
- Gum diseases or bleeding
One thing to note is that you will observe most of these symptoms only if your enamel is permanently damaged.
Generally, people experience mouth pain and other symptoms when the decay reaches the inner teeth layer (dentin).
5 Home Remedies to Fix Cavities
In some cases, tooth cavities have been cured by home remedies. That is possible if you detect it at the early stages of demineralization.
However, you must consult a dentist if your tooth enamel is damaged.
That said, these home remedies can strengthen your enamel and gums. Hence, you are less likely to develop cavities. Let’s look at the five most effective ones:
1. Limit Your Sugar Intake
The first step you can take is a healthy diet. You should avoid sugary drinks and foods to minimize the chances of cavities. World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized limiting sugar intake to prevent dental caries.
2. Increase Mineral Intake
Like your body, your mouth requires some minerals. What you can do is increase your intake and strengthen your teeth.
Here are the minerals your teeth need:
- Phosphorus
- Calcium
- Magnesium
Many ordinary household items can help you fulfill these mineral requirements. For instance, eggshells have high calcium concentrations and are available in almost every house.
Other than that, the teeth also rely on Vitamin D. Dentists have concluded that low Vitamin D consumption leads to lower calcium levels, resulting in tooth decay.
3. Oil Pulling
One effective home remedy is oil pulling. You must rotate a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in the mouth. You will have to continue this process for at least 20 minutes.
Studies have suggested that oil pulling is a practical dental approach. So, It helps you maintain oral hygiene and reduces the chances of tooth cavities.
4. Avoid Foods with Phytic Acid
Phytic acid is a harmful ingredient that can lead to tooth cavities. Its concentrated amount in your mouth can absorb all the essential minerals your teeth need.
So, Many of your favorite food items might contain phytic acid.
Here are some common foods with phytic acid:
- Cereals
- Beans (blackeye, broad, haricot, kidney, navy, and pinto)
- Rye
- Maize
- Rice
- Wheat
5. Consume Sugar-Free Gum
Some items can strengthen your teeth and minimize the likeliness of tooth cavities. One such snack is bubble gum. But make sure to choose a sugar-free option, or you will damage your enamel.
A sugar-free gum can cut down the presence of harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay.
Another item is licorice root, which has healthy extracts for your teeth. It is considered an antibacterial against S.mutans (the bacteria behind tooth cavities).
Here are some more tips to prevent cavities and healthy teeth.
When to see a Dentist for Cavity?
Generally, you will notice the cavity symptoms after the enamel is affected. Thus, you will feel mouth pain, toothaches, sensitivity to cold and hot foods, and gum infections.
Any or all of these signs are your indication to visit a dentist. So, That’s because your cavity might have passed the early demineralization stages.
And now, only a dentist can cure it with surgical procedures.
How Dentist Can Help You to Treat a Cavity?
Are you planning to consult a dentist to treat your cavity? Then, here are the possible procedures you should prepare yourself for:
1. Root Canal
If your cavity has passed to your inner teeth, a root canal is a viable surgery. The dentist will remove the diseased tooth pulp with medication to cure infections.
2. Flouride Treatments
In this surgery, a liquid or gel may be used to brush your teeth with higher fluoride concentrations than in a toothpaste.
3. Crowns
The dentist will drill the area affected by tooth decay to replace it with an artificial, custom-made crown to eliminate the bacteria-causing cavity.
4. Fillings
Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures consisting of several materials, including porcelain, amalgam, and composite resins, to restore the decayed part of the tooth.
5. Tooth Extraction
The last option is tooth extraction. It is the dental procedure to conduct when no other procedure would work due to the severity of tooth decay.
Conclusion
One possible and practical solution against tooth cavities is minimizing sugar intake while maximizing minerals and vitamins.
Furthermore, you can integrate some simple home remedies, like oil pulling, into your routine to avoid tooth decay.
But if you notice any symptom of the tooth cavity, consulting a dentist is your safest bet.
Book an appointment today and consult our dentists to have a cavity-free smile.
FAQ
1: Is it possible to treat a cavity at home?
Treating a cavity at its early demineralization is possible at home by adopting practices like fluoride toothpaste, oil pulling, and avoiding sugar.
2: How do they fill a cavity between two teeth?
The filling procedure utilizes different materials, such as porcelain and dental amalgam, to fill the decayed area of the tooth.
3: Can cavities between teeth be fixed?
Yes, a dentist can cure cavities between teeth using procedures like root canals, fillings, and crowns, with the last resort being tooth extraction.
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