Cavities

Cavities can be rather painful and at times even frustrating as they can interfere with something as simple as eating certain foods. Some people are just more prone to the onset of cavities due to genetics or lifestyle, but they can affect anyone at any time.

Cavities are especially common in children and those that aren’t as good about brushing their teeth as they should be. Good oral hygiene can help remove food particles and bacteria that over time can turn into a cavity.

When you find that you are suffering from pain or having difficulty chewing on a spot in your mouth, then it’s highly likely that you have a cavity.

For those that get cavities, it can be really helpful to seek medical attention. In most cases, cavities need to be filled and only a dentist can be of assistance with that.

Natural Cures for Cavities

Cavities usually go away when treated by a dentist but there are certain measures that one can take on their own to prevent them from coming back.

Fortunately, there are some very simple home remedies that can help you manage the symptoms of cavities and prevent them from returning.

Brushing Your Teeth

Just taking the simple measure of brushing after every meal or snack can certainly help act as a natural cure for cavities.

No matter the type of food, the longer bacteria and plaque are allowed to remain on the teeth, the likelihood of cavities developing will increase.

If you always brush right after or very close to the time you will be eating there will be less bacteria, acids and plaque on your teeth which will help you avoid getting cavities.

For young children and young teens, studies have shown that using a fluoride toothpaste regularly can help prevent cavities.

Cut out the Sugary Foods

Besides brushing your teeth on a regular basis, cutting out the sugary foods is also important. Try eating the sugary stuff as an after dinner treat and adding more fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole wheat breads during the day. For dinner eat a healthy meal of fresh meat, chicken, seafood and salads, rice, and vegetables.

Using a Straw. Fact or Myth?

By using a straw, you are eliminating any sugary drinks to coat your teeth. It may sound too simple, but drinking through a straw can help in the prevention of tooth decay.

Is this fact or myth? Many dentists will tell you this is the case, that it will lessen the exposure of harmful sugars and staining. But – are you putting the straw in your mouth so far back that it does not touch your teeth?

Most of us only put the straw in our mouth at the base of our lips. If this is the case then those sugary drinks, acidic drinks, coffee, tea, etc. are still getting on your teeth.

It’s possible a straw can help prevent enamel from deteriorating, prevent cavities, prevent discoloration or lessen sensitivity, ask your dentist.

Dragons Blood/Sangre de Drago

A resin from a tree called Dragons’s Blood or Sangre-de-drago, can be used as a mouthwash or put directly on your toothpaste to fight decay and receding gums. This is an old remedy that has been used by the natives of the Amazon Rainforest for many issues.

When adding to toothpaste a few drops is all you need. When using as a mouthwash, use a small amount, swish for 60 seconds then spit and lightly brush teeth after. Most people use with toothpaste as it does not taste so bad.

Cloves or Clove Oil

Clove and Clove oil can help with the pain of tooth decay and also contains anti-bacterial qualities to help with dental hygiene.

Eating Cheese

Eating cheeses like cheddar, brie and blue can be an excellent and most delicious home remedy for cavities.

The calcium and phosphate in cheese helps to act as a barrier to plaque, breaking down cavity causing acids and thus protecting the teeth from decay.

This can be a very helpful natural cure to cavities and work well towards the prevention. Cheese can also be a tasty snack eaten after and between meals.

What Else is There?

There’s always more but here are a few other things to try:

• Green tea and Black tea both have anti-bacterial properties that fight tooth decay.
• Eating apples helps clean the teeth. Eat between meals to remove plaque and other food debris from teeth.
• Carrots are also another healthy snack that can help clean and remove plaque from teeth.