Cavities common oral condition which can affect anybody at any age. If you have teeth, not maintain oral hygiene then it may risk of developing tooth decay or cavities. After research we cover the home remedies for cavities, so you can treat at home!
Study says that nearly 3.5 billion people affected by oral diseases(1)
Table of Contents
What Is A Cavity?
Cavities are the hard surface that appears on your teeth which can permanently damage. It may cause tiny holes or openings on the teeth. This condition also knows as tooth caries or decay.
Causes of Cavities
Cavities are caused by the bacteria on the teeth surface, create acid ou tod sugar. The bacteria are known as Streptococcus mutans. The bacteria sticky to the teeth surface in the form of plaque. The acid in plaque eliminate the mineral form enamel, it is a coating of turn made of phosphate and calcium.
Cavities in children may be caused due to eating sugar content foods and go to bed without brushing.
Read: Home Remedies for Oral Health
Symptoms Of Cavities
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain while biting down
- A mild to sharp pain while eating sugary food, cold, or hot foods
- Appear tiny pits or hole on the teeth
- Black, white, or brown stains on the teeth
Note: Make an appointment with a doctor to treat permanent damage of teeth. The home remedies for cavities help to treat or reverse the pre-cavity stage.
Home Remedies for Cavities
Here are some of the home remedies for cavities treatment:
1. Coconut Oil Pulling
Coconut oil has the antimicrobial activity which fights against oral microbes, which help to prevent develop plaque and cavities. It also supports good oral health (1).
How to Use It
- Swish 1 tbsp of cold-pressed virgin coconut oil in your mouth
- Do it for 10 to 15 minutes
- Spit it out
- Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly
- Do it at least once daily
Read: Oral Health Problems
2. Aloe Vera
According to the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences says that aloe vera can fight against oral microbes which cause cavities than compare to commercial toothpaste (3). You can use this home remedy to treat a dental cavity or caries.
How to Use It
- Take ½ tsp on aloe vera gel on a toothbrush
- Brush your teeth for a few minutes
- Rine your mouth with clean water
- Repeat it for 1 to 2 times in a day
Caution: Don’t use this remedy if you are breastfeeding or pregnant or if you have allergy from the plant of Liliaceae family
Read: Home Remedies For Ear Infections
3. Vitamin D
A study says vitamin D plays an essential role in regulating oral health. It helps with calcium absorption and encourages the production of antimicrobial peptides. Hence, it is important to follow vitamin D diet to prevent cavities and periodontal diseases.
How to Take
- Follow vitamin D rich diet includes egg yolks, cheese, and fatty fish.
- Consult a doctor to take an additional supplement for vitamin D
- You can take regularly
Read: Foods That Can Damage Your Teeth
4. Fluoride Toothpaste
The research found that by brushing your teeth with fluoride-based toothpaste can reduce and control tooth decay or cavities (4).
How to Use It
- Take a good quality toothpaste which contains Flouride
- Brush your teeth
- Rinse your mouth with clean water thoroughly
- You can do it 2 to 3 time in a day
- prefer after meal
Read: Benefits of Fluoride
5. Sugar-Free Gum
A study found that chewing sugar-free gum can help to combat dental caries. More research needs to confirm.
How to Use It
- Take sugar-free gum and start chewing
- You can do this 1 to 2 times daily
6. Licorice Root
Licorice root has the antimicrobial activity effective against oral pathogens and prevents cavities. A study found that it exhibits a better inhibitory effect compare to chlorhexidine (5).
How to Use It
- Take a licorice root
- Start brushing with the root
- You can also use licorice root powder on the toothbrush
- Rinse your mouth with clean water
- Repeat it 1 to 2 time in a day
Read: Tea Tree Oil for Toothache
7. Neem
Neem has excellent antimicrobial properties that fight against bacteria which responsible for dental cavities or caries(6). By chewing neem sticks and protect form cavities.
How to Use It
- Take a neem stick
- Start chewing it
- Repeat it once a day
All the above home remedies are proven scientifically to treat cavities.
Prevention Tips for Cavities
- Avoid foods that contain phytic acid foods like maize, barley, oats, millets, wheat, and rice.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
- Brush after meal
- Always rinse your mouthwash or eater after brushing
- Make an appointment for dental check-up every few months
Bottom Line
The home remedies for cavities include neem, oil pulling, aloe vera, and others not able to cure cavity own. It helps to prevent cavity occurs or getting bigger. Consult a dentist if the cavities getting severe.
References
- http://www.ijdr.in/article.asp?issn=0970-9290;year=2009;volume=20;issue=1;spage=47;epage=51;aulast=Asokan
- http://doi.org/10.4103/0972-0707.157240
- http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/np2004775
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2015.12.013
- http://dx.doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2008.0352
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3469870/pdf/ijos20113a.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2520490/?page=1
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/basics/prevention/con-20030076
- http://advances.nutrition.org/content/7/1/149.full
- https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345010800120801
- http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cdoe.12090/full
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2010.04.009
- http://www.recaldent.com/c_where_find_recal.asp