Dental cavities, also known as caries, are small voids that can develop in the enamel layer of the teeth. The bacteria that live on the surface of teeth convert sugar into acid, which is what causes cavities. The bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans is the most frequently encountered offender.
Plaque is the name given to the sticky film that the bacteria produce. The acids that are found in plaque can demineralize your enamel, which is the protective coating that covers your teeth and is composed of calcium and phosphate in the majority. This erosion results in the formation of very small holes in the enamel. A cavity will develop once the damage caused by the acid has spread into the dentin layer underneath the enamel.
GETTING RID OF CAVITIES AT HOME
Children whose diets were supplemented with vitamin D had a lower incidence of cavities, supporting the theory that a deficiency in vitamin D is the root cause of cavities. The participants who increased their intake of vitamin D and cut out grain products from their diets saw the greatest improvement in their symptoms. This may be due to the fact that grains have the ability to adhere to teeth.
It is possible that teeth will be more prone to cavities if an insufficient amount of vitamin D is consumed, but as of now, we understand that this is only one piece of the puzzle. Other factors that put people at risk for cavities are as follows:
- If you have dry mouth or a medical condition that reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, you may experience some discomfort
- Consuming candies and other foods that are sticky and prone to sticking to teeth
- Consumption of sugary foods and drinks on a regular basis, such as soda, cereal, and ice cream, for example, can lead to weight gain.
- Burning in the chest (caused by acid)
- Insufficient brushing of the teeth Before bedtime feeding for infants
- You won’t be able to get rid of a cavity on your own at home once it has spread into the dentin layer of your tooth. The following home remedies might help prevent cavities or treat “pre-cavities” by remineralizing weakened areas of your enamel before a cavity develops. This can help prevent cavities from developing in the first place.
SEE HOME REMEDIES BELOW
Sugar-free gum
It has been demonstrated in clinical trials that remineralizing enamel can be helped by chewing sugar-free gum after meals. Extensive research has been conducted on gum containing xylitol for its potential to stimulate saliva flow, raise the pH of plaque, and reduce S. Mutans, but more in-depth research over a longer period of time is required.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for assisting the body in the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the food that it consumes. Milk and yogurt are two examples of dairy products that are good sources of vitamin D. Sun exposure is another potential source of vitamin D.
Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities
Both the prevention of cavities and the remineralization of enamel are vitally important functions that fluoride performs. It has been demonstrated through a significant amount of research that the prevention of cavities can be achieved by using fluoride toothpaste and brushing one’s teeth on a consistent basis.
The vast majority of studies have been carried out on either children or adolescents; consequently, additional research on adults and the elderly is required.
Get away from sugary foods
Stop eating so much sugar is the cure for cavities that no one wants to hear, but it’s the only one that works. According to the World Health Organization, the consumption of sugar is the single most important factor that can lead to cavities. They suggest keeping your daily consumption of sugar to less than 10 percent of your total calorie intake for the day.
If you are going to consume sugar, you should make an effort to avoid eating sugary foods as snacks throughout the day. When the sugar is no longer present, your enamel will have the opportunity to remineralize. However, if you continue to consume sugar on a regular basis, your teeth will not have the opportunity to remineralize.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is an age-old practice that involves swishing around an oil in your mouth for approximately 20 minutes, such as sesame or coconut, and then spitting it out. Claims that oil pulling “removes toxins” from the body are not supported by evidence.
SEEING A DENTIST
There are many dental issues that can develop without any pain or other symptoms, even more severe cavities. Visits to the dentist on a routine basis are the most effective way to detect cavities in their earliest, most treatable stages. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the simpler the treatment.
At the dentist, possible treatments for cavities are as follows:
Fluoride treatments
Fluoride treatments performed by professionals contain a higher concentration of fluoride than toothpaste and mouth rinses that can be purchased in a store. If your dentist determines that you require a more potent fluoride on a daily basis, they may write you a prescription for it.
Fillings
When a cavity has progressed beyond the enamel, the most common treatment option is to place a filling.
Crowns
A crown is a covering or “cap” that is placed over the tooth to treat extensive decay. This covering is custom-fitted to the tooth.
Root canals
A root canal procedure may be required if the pulp, the living tissue at the center of your tooth, has been affected by tooth decay.
Tooth extractions
The removal of a tooth that has been severely decayed is referred to as an extraction.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin D, oil pulling, licorice lollipops, chewing gum, and other home remedies will not eliminate cavities on their own if they already exist in the mouth. However, these techniques have the potential to stop cavities from getting worse and stop new cavities from forming. At best, they can assist in remineralizing areas of your enamel that have become softer or weaker prior to the development of a cavity.
It will be much simpler for your dentist to fill a cavity if it is discovered at an earlier stage, so make sure to schedule regular checkups at the dental office.