Suffering from painful cavities? Tooth-related problems are always painful to deal with, but cavities are the worst.
Tooth decay and cavities are among the world’s most common oral health problems. These problems are most often seen in children, teenagers and older adults. However, anyone can get cavities. Cavities are basically small holes that occur in the teeth as a result of tooth decay.
This tooth decay happens due to the lack of dental hygiene and accumulation of bacteria and plaque. It can also be due to the lack of sufficient amount of minerals in the diet. For a long time, it was believed that only dentists can treat cavities. But, new natural and home remedies have shown that dental care is not always necessary.
While elders can observe about the changes happening with their teeth, children and young kids may not be able to understand or notice it. So, as parents you need to keep checking their teeth often and ensure regular visits to the dentist. Besides the cavities in the teeth becoming prominent, the onset of tooth decay is also characterized by:
Sticky deposits on teeth that are usually of a darker color (towards black). There is also an increased presence of plaque, which causes bad breath.
Certain factors can increase the risk of getting cavities, including foods that cling to your teeth for a long time, frequent snacking or sipping, poor oral hygiene, not getting enough fluoride, dry mouth, worn fillings or dental devices. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can also contribute to serious dental problems due to repeated purging.
The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on the type and the severity of the problem. Some common symptoms include toothache, tooth sensitivity, mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking, visible holes or pits in the infected tooth, and black, brown or white stains on the tooth’s surface.
Here are the top 8 home remedies for tooth decay and cavities.
1. Clove
Clove is one of the most important ingredients for treating any kind of dental issue, including cavities. Due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties, clove can help alleviate pain and prevent the cavity from spreading. Take a bit of clove oil on your forefinger and lightly massage the teeth affected by cavities with it. Clove oil helps in relieving some of the pain caused due to cavities and tooth decay. You can also gently chew on a whole clove to extract the oil.
2. Salt
Salt can also be used to treat cavities due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can reduce inflammation, ease pain, draw out any infection and prevent growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish a mouthful of this solution around in your mouth for 1 minute, concentrating on the affected tooth. Follow this treatment 3 times a day until your symptoms subside.
Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a little mustard oil or lemon juice to make a paste. Massage the gums gently with this paste for a few minutes, then gargle with warm water. Repeat twice daily for a few days to kill bacteria.
3. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an age-old practice that can reduce cavities as well as bleeding gums and bad breath. It helps clean the mouth of harmful bacteria that are responsible for different types of dental problems.
Put 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in your mouth.
Gently swish it around for about 20 minutes.
Spit it out. Avoid gargling or swallowing the oil.
Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Use salt water for added antimicrobial benefits.
Brush your teeth as usual.
Do this daily in the morning, on an empty stomach.
This can also be done with sunflower or coconut oil.
4. Garlic
We all love garlic in our daily food, but if we are asked to eat a raw garlic clove, we are sure to find that repulsive. But garlic is a wonderful spice and herb found in every kitchen. It is rich in anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and at the same time helps relieve pain by working as a pain killer.
5. Licorice
According to a study published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Natural Products, licorice root may help keep teeth healthy. There are two effective antibacterial compounds in dried licorice root – licoricidin and licorisoflavan A – that can prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Plus, this herb can also reduce plaque.
Use dried licorice root powder to brush your teeth on a regular basis.
You can also use a soft stick of licorice like a toothbrush to brush your teeth daily.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Many of us use tea tree oil to treat pain. It is also a good way to keep the tooth decay away. Massage your teeth and gums properly and thoroughly with tea tree oil. Rinse with warm water. Do this twice a day to keep the mouth healthy, gums strong, and the teeth decay free!
7. Neem
The good old neem datun may seem like an outdated way to keep teeth clean but it is definitely an effective way to healthier teeth! While chewing the hard neem branch makes the teeth and gums stronger, the powerful plant oils and compounds released in the mouth are highly effective against the bacteria that cause tooth decay. They also have high fiber content that makes them highly effective in keeping plaques away.
8. Wheatgrass
With anti-bacterial properties, Wheatgrass keeps the growth of bacteria in check. One can have wheatgrass juice to kill the bacteria in the mouth. Wheatgrass can also help alleviate the pain that comes with tooth decay.
With these remedies and suggestions, you can naturally prevent cavities and show off your healthy smile with pride!
via dailynaturalremedy.com