When it comes to oral health around the world, the most common problems are tooth decay and cavities. Although they are most commonly seen in the elderly, teenagers, and children, anyone can get a cavity at any age.
Tooth decay is defined as the demineralization and destruction of the tooth’s hard tissues because of a bacterial infection. Cavities which are also known as caries, are holes that form on a tooth because of untreated tooth decay.
Risk factors of tooth decay include poor oral hygiene, eating foods that stick to your teeth for an extended period of time, frequent snacking, dry mouth, or worn out fillings and dental devices. People who have eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia may also have serious dental issues because of excessive purging.
Toothaches, tooth sensitivity, pain while eating or drinking, visible holes, and tooth discoloration are all symptoms of tooth decay and cavities. These symptoms will vary depending on the severity and type of problem. If left untreated, cavities can lead to worsening symptoms, infection, or tooth loss.
The most important thing that you can do for your teeth is to take good care of them by brushing your teeth twice every day for at least two minutes each time. It’s best to brush once in the morning and then again before you go to bed. You should also floss and clean your tongue once a day.
In addition to regularly brushing your teeth, there are a number of natural home remedies that you can use to help prevent and treat tooth decay and cavities.
1. Clove
Clove is easily one of the best things to have to help treat dental problems. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and analgesic properties that will help alleviate any pain and keep the cavity from getting worse.
To use, add 2 - 3 drops of
clove oil to 1/4 teaspoon of
sesame seed oil. Then, add a few drops of that mixture onto a cotton ball and apply it to the affected tooth. Repeat every night before going to bed. It is important to note that clove should be used as a temporary relief, so try not to use too much of it too often.
2. Salt
Salt is another tooth treatment option that has both antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It can also help with inflammation, pain, and bacterial growth as well as being able to draw out infections.
To use, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into a full glass of warm but not hot water. Then swish the solution around your mouth for 1 full minute, focusing on the affected tooth. Do this 3 times per day. You can also choose to make a paste by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt with lemon juice or
mustard oil. Massage this solution onto the gums, allow it to sit for 2 - 3 minutes and then thoroughly rinse out your mouth with warm water. This can be repeated twice per day.
3. Oil Pulling
This is a dental practice that has been used for hundreds of years to treat cavities, bad breath, and bleeding gums. It can also help rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that are the cause of many dental problems.
To use this method, put a tablespoon of
sesame,
sunflower, or
coconut oil in your mouth. Gently swish it around in your mouth for about 20 minutes. Then, spit out the oil and use warm water to rinse out your mouth. You can use salt water if you want extra antimicrobial effects. You can then brush your teeth as usual. Oil pulling should be done first thing in the morning before you eat.
4. Garlic
Garlic has a number of strong antibiotic and antibacterial effects and can greatly help with tooth decay and cavities in addition to helping reduce pain and improving gum and tooth health. There are also a number of other health benefits that garlic has beyond oral health.
To use, make a paste by mixing 3 - 4 crushed garlic gloves with 1/4 teaspoon of
rock salt. Apply the paste to the affected tooth and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse our your mouth with warm water. To reduce cavities, you can do this two times a day for several weeks. For fast relief from pain caused by a cavity, garlic oil can be rubbed directly onto an affected tooth.
5. Turmeric
This powder has analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties for cavities. It can also help prevent tooth decay and cavities by killing harmful bacteria.
To use, apply a small amount of
turmeric powder directly onto the affected tooth. Allow it to sit for 2 - 3 minutes before rinsing your mouth out well with warm water. You can also use it to create a paste by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of
turmeric powder with a small amount of
mustard oil. The paste can then be massaged into the teeth and gums, left on for 10 minutes, and then rinsed out. Both methods should be used once or twice daily for best results.
