When our teeth decay, they form small holes that are known as cavities. Cavities are caused when the tooth’s inner layer, known as dentin, decays. This, in return, requires you to go for professional treatment to remove a decayed tooth. It is advisable to visit Family Dental Station – Glendale to avoid certain tooth complications.
However, there are home remedies that you can adopt to prevent your teeth from having cavities or prevent decay in your teeth, especially if they are at the pre-cavity stage. Home remedies help in strengthening your tooth enamel and further remineralizes your enamel. Also, they are essential in preventing any formation of a cavity. Here are six home remedies to help you in getting rid of cavities:
Brushing Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing your teeth regularly is not only important in preventing cavities but also for general oral health. It is advisable to brush your teeth twice a day, once before sleeping and after waking up. Brushing helps in avoiding the buildup of plaque that may attract bacteria that causes tooth cavity. Additionally, it is advisable to rinse your mouth every time after you eat.
Avoid Sugary Drinks and Foods
Among the leading causes of cavities is the consumption of too much sugar. Changing your food diet by reducing sugary foods’ consumption goes a long way in reversing tooth decay. Eating sugary foods enables bacteria to grow in your mouth, after that forming an acid that wears down your tooth enamel. In simple terms, sugar is known to be a magnet for harmful bacteria. Additionally, sugar is highly acidic and can transform itself into plaque that causes cavities. It would be best to alter your diet from sugary foods to intake of foods that will strengthen your jawbone and tooth enamel. Ensure that you take foods rich in calcium like broccoli, kales among others.
Eating Licorice Roots Regularly
Licorice root is known to have many antibacterial properties and antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria. According to research carried out in 2011, licorice root is a good home remedy to avoid tooth cavities. Licorice root has antibacterial properties that fight bacteria in your mouth. Ensure that you chew on licorice root or use Chinese licorice root that is available in health stores. Additionally, licorice root is also beneficial as it helps strengthen your tooth enamel, therefore, discouraging any cavities.
Gargling Saltwater
Saltwater is an excellent remedy to avoid cavities due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Mix warm water with a tablespoon of salt and gurgle it. It is very effective when done regularly. Gargling salt water reduces inflammation and draws out bacteria that are intending to grow in your mouth. It is also known to neutralize the pH in your mouth by removing acids that later cause tooth cavities. You must note that an imbalanced pH level in your mouth creates an environment suitable for bacteria to grow in. Additionally, gargling warm salt water is effective in rinsing out any stickiness present in your cavities.
Oil Pulling
Despite being an old remedy, oil pulling has been known to reduce cavities. You should gargle oil at least five times a day. You can use any vegetable oil available like olive or coconut oil to pull out any present bacteria in your mouth. Additionally, oil pulling is also known to decrease any swelling present in your gum. It helps relieve you of any pain present. Not only is oil pulling effective in reducing cavities but also in keeping your teeth white.
Using Vanilla Essence
Despite this remedy sounding surprising, it has been seen to be very effective in preventing tooth cavities. Vanilla essence has alcohol that acts as a pain reliever. This can be done when your tooth cavity is unbearably painful. With the presence of alcohol in it, vanilla essence numbs the area, therefore, relieving you of any pain. Additionally, vanilla essence has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it an effective remedy to use at home.
As much as home remedies are advisable, it would be best to use them alongside dentist-recommended techniques. The home remedies mentioned above remedies act as a pain reliever before visiting a dentist. Additionally, ensure that you floss every time after your meal to avoid bacteria buildup and use a mouthwash rich in antibacterial properties. Even so, have your dentist check your teeth if they are in good condition while still using home remedies. This ensures that the medication is effective in preventing cavities.
