The two most common oral health problems are tooth decay and cavities. These problems are most often seen in older adults, teenagers, and children. But every single person can get it.
Dental cavities are also referred to as caries. Cavities are holes in the teeth which are caused by tooth decay. Decay is usually caused by a bacterial infection which causes destruction and demineralization of the hard tissues in the teeth. There are some factors that can increase your risk of getting cavities which are included worn fillings or dental devices, dry mouth, not getting enough fluoride, poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking or sipping, and foods that cling to your teeth for a long time.
Also, some eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia can lead to serious dental problems which are due to repeated purging. The signs and symptoms of cavities can vary depending on the type and severity of your problem.
The most common symptoms are black, brown, or white stains on the tooth’s surface, visible holes or pits in the infected tooth, mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking, tooth sensitivity, and toothache. If you leave the tooth cavity not treated, then it could lead to infection, toothache, and even tooth loss.
Some of the treatments which are used for tooth decay and cavities are root canals, crowns, and fillings. You should take good care of your teeth. This is the first step that can stop the existing cavities, or it can prevent cavities. You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes, two times per day, in the morning and before you go to sleep. You should floss once a day, and you should clean your tongue on a daily basis. You need to talk with your doctor or dentist to conclude which is the best natural treatment for you before you start using them.
10 Home remedies for cavities
Contents
Turmeric
In Ayurvedic medicine, this home remedy has been used to provide respite from cavity pain. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help to keep the gums healthy, and it can prevent tooth decay due to bacterial infection. You should apply some turmeric powder to the affected area. You should let it stay there for a few minutes, and then you should rinse it well with warm water.
Also, there is another option, and that is to mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little mustard oil, and you should use it to massage your gums and teeth. You should let it stay there for ten minutes and then spit it out. You should repeat either of these home remedies once or twice per day for at least a few days. [1]
Nutmeg
There is one study which was conducted at Yonsei University in Korea in which is said that nutmeg extract has anti-cariogenic properties, which can prevent cavities and tooth decay that are caused by cariogenic oral bacteria [2]. You should simply grate some nutmeg and mix it with a little oregano oil or clove oil. You should apply it to the affected teeth. Let it sit there for ten minutes, and then rinse it off using warm water. You should repeat this natural treatment at least three or four times per day. Also, you can apply nutmeg oil directly to your teeth using cotton swabs.
Licorice root
The licorice root can help to keep your teeth healthy. Licorice root has licorisoflavan A and licoricidin, which are two effective antibacterial compounds, and they can prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Also, this herb can help to reduce plaque. You should use dried licorice root powder to brush your teeth on a daily basis. Also, you can use a soft stick of licorice like a toothbrush to brush your teeth on a daily basis. [3]
Garlic
Garlic is rich in antibiotic and antibacterial properties, and this is a reason why it is often recommended as a natural treatment for tooth cavities and decay [4]. It can provide respite from the pain, and it can promote healthier teeth and gums. You should prepare a paste from three to four crushed garlic cloves and ¼ teaspoon of rock salt. You should apply this home remedy to the infected tooth. Let it stay there for ten minutes before you rinse with a mouthwash. You should do this natural treatment two times per day for a period of a few weeks to reduce the cavities.
Also, you can rub garlic oil on the affected tooth because it can help you to get quick relief from the pain that is caused by the cavity. Also, you can eat raw garlic on a regular basis to get positive results.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has natural antibacterial properties, which can help to fight tooth decay and cavities, and it can reduce the pain which is resulting from cavities. Also, wheatgrass has high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin E with minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron, which are very important for strong and healthy teeth. You should drink ½ a glass of wheatgrass juice every day on an empty stomach as a preventative measure to fight cavities. [5]
Oil pulling
This is an age-old practice that can help to reduce cavities as well as bad breath and bleeding gums. Also, it can help to clean the mouth from the harmful bacteria which are responsible for different types of dental problems. You should put one tablespoon of sesame oil in your mouth. You should gently swish it around for about twenty minutes. You should spit it out. You should avoid swallowing or gargling this oil. You should rinse your mouth out with warm water. You can use salt water for added antimicrobial benefits. You should brush your teeth as usual. You should do this natural treatment once per day in the morning on an empty stomach. Also, you can do this natural treatment with coconut oil or sunflower oil. [6]
Salt
You can use salt as your natural treatment for cavities because it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which can help to reduce inflammation. Also, they can ease the pain, prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth and draw out any infection. You should dissolve one teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm water. You should swish a mouthful of this home remedy around in your mouth for one minute, and you should concentrate on the affected tooth. You should follow this home remedy three times per day until your symptoms subside. Also, there is another option, and that is to mix ½ teaspoon of salt and little lemon juice or mustard oil to make a paste. You should massage your gums gently with this paste for a few minutes and then gargle with warm water. You should repeat this natural treatment two times per day for a period of a few days to kill bacteria. [7]
Clove
This is one of the most important home remedies which can help to treat any kind of dental problem in which cavities are also included. It has antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to alleviate the pain and to prevent the cavity from spreading. You should dilute two to three drops of clove oil with ¼ teaspoon of sesame seed oil. You should put a few drops of this home remedy on a cotton ball, and you should dab this home remedy on the affected tooth. You should repeat this home remedy every night before you go to bed.
Also, there is another option, and that is to chew a whole clove to extract its oil gently. Then, you should keep the clove under your tongue for several minutes. You should not use the clove oil too frequently or in excess because it is best when it is used for temporary relief. [8]
Indian gooseberry
Amla or Indian gooseberry is also a very effective home remedy that can help to reduce cavities. It is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help to fight infections and combat bacteria. It can promote healing and development of the connective tissues, which benefit your gums. Also, it can clean your mouth, and it can help to rid of bad breath. You should eat one fresh amla on a daily basis. Also, you can take ½ teaspoon of dried amla powder along with ½ glass of water on a daily basis. If you do not have fresh amla, then you could take ample capsules. Talk with your doctor before you take them. [9]
Indian lilac
Neem or Indian lilac is a very effective home remedy for cavities. It has antibacterial properties, which can destroy the cavity-causing bacteria. Also, it can help to maintain healthy and strong teeth and gums. You should rub the juice of neem leaves on the gums and teeth. You should let it stay there for a few minutes and then rinse it off using warm water. You should follow this home remedy once or twice daily. Also, you can use soft neem sticks to brush your teeth. Also, you can use toothpaste that has neem oil. [10]
References
[1] Nagpal M, Sood S. Role of curcumin in systemic and oral health: An overview. Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine. 2013;4(1):3-7.
[2] Chung JY, Choo JH, Lee MH, Hwang JK. Anticariogenic activity of macelignan isolated from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) against Streptococcus mutans. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(4):261-6.
[3] Sidhu P, Shankargouda S, Rath A, et al. Therapeutic benefits of liquorice in dentistry. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2018;S0975-9476(17)30510-7.
[4] Ajay Rao HT, Bhat SS, Hegde S, Jhamb V. Efficacy of garlic extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reduction of oral salivary microorganisms, an in vitro study. Ancient Science of Life. 2014;34(2):85-88.
[5] Chauhan M. A pilot study on wheat grass juice for its phytochemical, nutritional and therapeutic potential on chronic diseases. International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2014;2(4):27-34.
[6] Shanbhag VKL. Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene – A review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2017;7(1):106-109.
[7] Estupiñán-Day S. Promoting oral health: The use of salt fluoridation to prevent dental caries. Scientific and Technical Publication no. 615. 2015.
[8] Marya CM, Satija G, Avinash J, et al. In vitro inhibitory effect of clove essential oil and its two active principles on tooth decalcification by apple juice. International Journal of Dentistry. 2012.
[9] Jain I, Jain P, Bisht D, et al. Use of traditional indian plants in the inhibition of caries-causing bacteria – Streptococcus mutans. Brazilian Dental Journal. 2015;26(2).
[10] Lakshmi T, Krishnan V, Rajendran R, Madhusudhanan N. Azadirachta indica: A herbal panacea in dentistry – An update. Pharmacognosy Review. 2015;9(17):41-44.
