Finding out you have cavities can be quite upsetting – after all, your smile is a large part of your personality, and having any problems with it can affect your self-confidence. More importantly, cavities are a sign of an oral health problem that you must treat promptly. However, some people might not want to go to the dentist and try to search for home remedies for cavities. But do they work?
In this article, we’ll discuss some home remedies for cavities and which ones are effective.
First Of All, Why Do I Have Cavities?
It’s important to understand what causes cavities so that you can take steps to prevent them from getting worse or happening in the first place.
Cavities are just as the name implies: holes in the surfaces of your teeth. They happen because the bacteria in your mouth feed on leftover food particles in your mouth. After this, they produce acidic waste as a byproduct. These acids are strong enough to dissolve the normally resilient enamel that forms the outer layer of your teeth. Over time, the enamel dissolves to the point that the underlying dentin layer is affected, and the cavity becomes quite apparent.
So, what can you do to treat cavities with home remedies?
Home Remedies for Cavities: Do They Work?
Unfortunately, once the inner dentin layer of a tooth is exposed, you won’t be able to get rid of a cavity. However, you can try some home remedies that can help prevent cavities or even treat cavities that haven’t completely eroded the enamel yet.
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Ultimately, cavities most often form due to poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly prevents bacteria from building up on your teeth and gums in the first place. This means the chances of getting a cavity decrease significantly.
- Cut down on sugary or acidic foods. Eating too much sugar spurs the bacteria in your mouth into feeding, which means they’re constantly attacking your teeth. Similarly, acidic foods and beverages weaken tooth enamel, making it easier to compromise.
- Include more Vitamin D in your diet. Research shows that eating foods high in Vitamin D and calcium correlates to lesser cavities in young children.
- Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride in your toothpaste is there for a reason – there’s extensive research that shows that it integrates with your tooth enamel and prevents cavities.
- Try oil pulling. An ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing an edible oil (such as coconut oil) in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out. Evidence suggests that it reduces dental plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
Conclusion: Is It Better To See A Dentist?
While you might be able to treat some “pre-cavities” with these home remedies, cavities – particularly larger ones – require the attention of a dentist. A dentist can thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any shred of bacteria and decay. They can then fill the tooth to restore it to its original form and function. Seeing a dentist immediately means that you’re less likely to develop sensitive teeth and tooth infections from a cavity progressing too far!
Pasadena Dental Doc offers state-of-the-art dental care with fair, transparent prices. We specialize in a wide variety of dental procedures. We also have flexible office hours and accept most insurance plans. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us at (713) 947-0293. We pride ourselves on being the best dentist in Pasadena, TX.
BY GARGLE