TL;DR
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Cavities start when plaque builds up on teeth and attacks enamel.
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Early tooth decay may be slowed or stopped with better home care.
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Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.
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Limit sugary foods, get enough vitamin D, and chew sugar-free gum.
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Some people also try oil pulling as an extra oral care step.
Natural Ways To Stop Cavities Before They Start
Most of us will get a cavity or two in our lifetime. A cavity is a small hole that forms in the teeth caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by plaque, or the buildup of food and bacteria that form a film over the teeth. Plaque can form on the teeth, in between the teeth, close to the gumline, and around fillings and grooves in the teeth.
When tooth decay reaches the inner layer of a tooth, or the dentin, a cavity will develop. Once the dentin, or inner layer of the tooth, begins to decay and a cavity is formed, then the patient will have to seek professional dental treatment. However, it may be possible to prevent a cavity using natural remedies if the tooth decay is in the pre-cavity phase.
That means trying home remedies if the decay has not yet reached the dentin. Read further as we explain some home remedies to try to prevent cavities from forming.
Tips for Healing Cavities Naturally
To avoid cavities from forming, there are a few natural tricks a person can try for a more holistic approach to oral health. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, a patient can use these tips to try to avoid dental work for cavities.
Use a Flouride Toothpaste
Studies have shown that brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can prevent cavities from forming. Remember to brush twice daily and floss as well. Fluoride helps harden the enamel of teeth, which helps keep cavities away. Keep in mind not to brush the teeth too hard.
Cut Back on Sugar
Although it may be hard to hear, it is recommended that a person cut back on sugary foods to avoid cavities. The World Health Organization suggests reducing sugar intake to less than ten percent of your total calories. If you do indulge in a sweet treat, brush and floss your teeth afterward to reduce your risk of cavities.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can help a person absorb calcium and phosphate from the foods they have eaten. You can get more vitamin D in your diet by eating more dairy products like milk and yogurt. You can also absorb vitamin D from the sun, but be careful not to overdo it and protect your skin with sunscreen.
Chew Sugar Free Gum
Chewing gum containing xylitol can stimulate a person’s saliva flow, which helps reduce plaque from forming on teeth. Sugar-free gum now comes with a compound called phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, or CPP-ACP has been shown to reduce cavities even more than gum with xylitol. You can find both types of gum at grocery stores. Chew a piece after meals to stop cavities from forming.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling involves using an oil, like coconut or sesame, to remove toxins from your mouth. It is an ancient practice of swishing the oil around inside the mouth for about twenty minutes. It is supposed to pull the toxins that cause cavities out of the mouth when the oil is spit out.
Contact our professional dentist here in Fountain Hills for more information.