Do you recall how, as kids, we were routinely chastised for consuming excessive amounts of sweets or chocolate, as well as being prompted to brush our teeth before going to bed? Our parents went to great lengths to keep us from developing dental decay and cavities.
Your dentist will tell you that brushing and flossing on a regular basis is the foundation of good dental hygiene from a young age. Unfortunately, chances are that, at some point in your life, despite your best efforts, you’ll get a cavity.
Although tooth decay is not the end of the world, you should see your dentist or get home dental services right away to get it treated.
What causes cavities?
Plaque is a bacterial film that sticks to your teeth.
Plaque will:
- induce gum disease (gingivitis), which destroys the bone supporting the teeth, to result in tooth decay and tartar buildup.
Plaque is more likely to accumulate in locations like:
- any fillings around the teeth that have cracks, pits, or grooves, especially if they are chipped or fractured close to the gum line.
The bacteria convert the carbohydrates in foods and beverages into acid after a meal or snack. Cavities, which appear as tiny openings or holes, are portions of the hard surface of your teeth that have been irreversibly destroyed. The enamel on your teeth is destroyed by the acid. A cavity may develop if the degradation penetrates the enamel. The cavity might continue to extend deeper into the layers of your tooth once it develops in the enamel.
What are the symptoms of cavities?
According to the size and location of the cavity, the symptoms and indicators can vary. You might not even experience any symptoms as a cavity starts to form. The following indications and symptoms could occur as the deterioration spreads:
- Toothache, a nagging soreness, or discomfort that doesn’t seem to have a specific source
- Dental sensitivity
- Eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold can cause mild to severe pain.
- Teeth with apparent stains or pits
- Any tooth surface that has a brown, black, or white staining
- The discomfort of biting down
IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE CARE OF CAVITES AT HOME?
Dentists must provide professional care for cavities. It will be impossible to remove a cavity at home after it has reached the dentin. Several natural treatments can fortify tooth enamel, halt early demineralization, and stop tooth decay. Remineralization is the procedure that stops cavities from forming.
The following home treatments may help treat “pre-cavities” or prevent cavities by remineralizing weak areas of your enamel prior to the formation of a cavity:
Here are some natural ways to stop tooth decay.
Oil Pulling
Ayurveda, an antiquated alternative medical system, is where oil pulling got its start. A spoonful of sesame or coconut oil is swished around the mouth for roughly 20 minutes before being spit out.
Research suggests that oil pulling can enhance dental health, despite the fact that some of its claims are not supported by science.
Aloe vera
The bacteria that cause cavities may be combated with aloe vera tooth gel. This gel’s antibacterial properties stop bacteria from growing in the mouth.
Vitamin D
In order to properly absorb calcium and phosphate from meals, vitamin D is crucial. According to studies, consuming dairy products like yoghurt, which are rich in calcium and vitamin D, can reduce a child’s risk of developing cavities. Milk and yogurt are dairy products that contain vitamin D. Sunlight is another source of vitamin D.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride is crucial for cavity prevention and enamel remineralization. It has been demonstrated via extensive study that using fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day will prevent cavities
Get rid of sugary foods
Stop eating so much sugar. This is the cavity treatment that no one likes to hear. According to a dependable source like the World Health Organization, ingesting sugar is the main cause of cavities. They advise keeping your daily sugar intake to less than 10% of your overall calorie intake.
If you’re going to consume sugar, try to avoid snacking on sweet items all day. Your enamel has a chance to remineralize once the sugar is gone. However, if you consume sugar on a regular basis, your teeth won’t have a chance to remineralize.
Saltwater
The most popular dental treatment at home for any issue with dental health is salt water. It keeps the mouth free of microorganisms and gets rid of the cavities’ stickiness. Through the elimination of acids, salt in water balances the pH in our mouths.
Licorice root
According to at least one study, extracts from the Chinese licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) can fight the germs that cause tooth cavities.
Licorice extract in lollipops has been shown in pilot experiments to be useful in lowering the amount of S. mutans in the mouth and preventing cavities. It is necessary to conduct larger and longer investigations.
Even deep cavities and other dental issues can arise without any pain or other indications. The easiest approach to catching a cavity before it gets worse is to have regular dental visits. Early detection facilitates simpler therapy.
CAVITY ISSUES? NEED DENTAL CARE AT HOME
DocHome , a home dental treatment specialist in Kolkata, provides the best home dental services. For cavity treatment, too, DocHome is providing multiple options with the best dental expert team.
The following are some cavity treatment options:
Fluoride treatments: Professional fluoride treatments have a higher fluoride content than store-bought toothpaste and mouthwash. Your dentist might provide you with a prescription if daily fluoride that is stronger is required.
Fillings: When a cavity has spread past the enamel, fillings are the primary treatment.
Crowns: To cure severe decay, a crown is a custom-fitted cap that is put over the tooth.
Root canals: When tooth decay spreads to the pulp inside your tooth, a root canal procedure may be required.
Extraction of teeth: A severely decaying tooth is removed in this procedure.
CONCLUSION
Existing cavities cannot be cured by vitamin D, oil pulling, licorice lollipops, chewing gum, or other home remedies. However, using these techniques may prevent cavities from getting worse or from developing new ones. In the best- case scenario, they can assist in remineralizing weakened or softened parts of your enamel before a cavity can form.
Keep in mind that the earlier a cavity is found and treated, the easier it will be for your dentist to do so