3 Ways to Heal Dental Cavities Naturally
Introduction
Dental cavities, also known as caries, are decayed areas in your teeth caused by acids created by plaque bacteria. Over time, the acid breaks down your tooth’s enamel, resulting in tooth pain, infection, and loss. If not treated promptly, dental cavities can lead to severe dental problems. Fortunately, there are natural methods to help heal dental cavities and improve your overall oral health.
1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique used for maintaining oral hygiene and detoxifying the body. This method requires swishing oil in your mouth for a few minutes daily to reduce the buildup of harmful bacteria responsible for cavities.
To perform oil pulling:
– Choose a high-quality oil such as coconut oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil.
– Take one tablespoon of your chosen oil and gently swish it around your mouth for 15-20 minutes.
– Spit the oil out after swishing and rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.
– Practice this daily before brushing your teeth.
Oil pulling works by drawing out toxins from the body and reducing inflammation. It also strengthens gums, whitens teeth, and helps eliminate bad breath.
2. Proper Nutrition
A healthy diet plays a vital role in preventing and healing dental cavities. Consuming calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds helps strengthen teeth enamel. Also, ensure adequate intake of vitamins D and K2 as they aid in calcium absorption.
Avoid sticky, sugary foods that feed bacteria and promote plaque buildup in the mouth. Incorporate more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet as they help clean teeth naturally.
Some recommended foods for healing cavities include:
– Dairy products: milk, yogurt, and cheese
– Leafy greens: spinach, kale, and collard
– Nuts & seeds: almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds
– Bone broth and fish (for vitamin D and K2)
3. Remineralizing Toothpaste
Using a remineralizing toothpaste can help restore your tooth enamel by providing essential minerals such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. These minerals penetrate the enamel’s surface, repairing minor cavities and preventing further decay.
Look for toothpaste that contains natural ingredients like baking soda, which has proven antibacterial properties, or xylitol, which is a sugar-alcohol that prevents plaque buildup.
You can also make your remineralizing toothpaste by combining:
– 4 tablespoons of calcium carbonate
– 2 tablespoons of baking soda
– 1 tablespoon of xylitol (optional)
– 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (optional, for smooth texture/style>)
– A few drops of essential oil like peppermint oil for flavor
Conclusion
Healing dental cavities naturally is possible with consistent care and a proactive approach to your oral health. Incorporating practices like oil pulling, maintaining proper nutrition with cavity-fighting foods, and using remineralizing toothpaste can help manage dental cavities effectively. As always, it’s essential to consult with your dentist to ensure you are taking the best course of action for your oral health.