Are Home Remedies Effective for Eliminating Cavities?
Cavity Conundrum: A Teethy Tale
Listen up, fam! You might have heard whispers about home remedies for cavities, but let's debunk these myths right here, right now. We chatted with our trusty dentist, Dr. Anne Clemons, DMD, and here's the lowdown on those supposed magical cavity cures.
DIY Cavity Extraction? Nope, Sorry.
Don't even think about trying to remove a cavity at home, bud. It's not gonna happen, especially if that decay has advanced past your tooth's outer enamel shell and dug into the softer dentin below. Think of it like Pac-Man devouring power pellets - the more bacteria munch on sugars and carbs, the more acid they secrete, breaking down your tooth. The larger the cavity grows, the more likely you'll need a dental filling. If it approaches the pulp chamber, you might need a root canal.
Tooth Decay Dilemmas: What to Do?
If the cavity is small and barely into the enamel layer, you can take steps to prevent it from growing. Dr. Clemons recommends daily flossing, using toothpaste with fluoride, and potentially using a mouth rinse with fluoride to strengthen the enamel and prevent further decay. But once the cavity grows larger, it's harder to maintain its size - it's likely gonna progress with time.
Debunked DIY Cavity Remedies
You'll find plenty of folks claiming they know how to get rid of a cavity at home, but Dr. Clemons says these methods don't work. Here are a few to avoid:
Oil Pulling
Swishing coconut oil around in your mouth isn’t harmful, but it won't offer cavity relief. A cavity's a hole in your tooth, and you can't fill that with swishing or any DIY remedies you find online.
Supplemental Vitamin D
While calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong bones and growing teeth as a kid, taking supplements won't help adults' teeth. Although teeth are like bones, they aren't exactly the same makeup, and your teeth are fully formed as an adult. They aren't growing or developing anymore.
Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free gum can keep you from snacking and carbs, but it won't help you get rid of a cavity. However, it's a good alternative if you're a frequent snacker, and you need something in your mouth.
Preventing Cavities the Right Way
Instead of chasing di-y cavity cures, stick to these tips for healthier teeth:
Limit Snacks
If a patient has frequent meals or snacks, they're more prone to dental cavities. Stick to three meals a day, and try to limit snacks.
Brush Immediately After Snacking
Brushing your teeth soon after snacking helps remove the food source for bacteria to consume and returns your mouth to a neutral pH.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Apart from preventing snacking, sugar-free gum boosts your saliva flow, protecting your teeth from dental cavities forming.
Say No to Mouthwash as a replacement for Brushing and Flossing
Swishing some mouthwash around in your mouth isn't enough to prevent cavities. You need to physically remove plaque and bacteria by brushing and flossing.
Regular Dental Check-ups
See your dentist regularly for check-ups to catch cavities early and avoid bigger problems down the line. Letting cavities progress could lead to pain and the need for costly treatments like root canals or tooth extractions.
Your best bet to avoid cavities is to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, follow Dr. Clemons' tips for a healthy smile, and visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and check-up. Now go show 'em those pearly whites!
- Following a balanced diet that emphasizes health-and-wellness is crucial in protecting the environment by reducing food waste and, in the long run, supporting our overall health, including dental health.
- The science behind cavity prevention involves regular dental check-ups, a proper oral hygiene routine, and maintaining a healthy diet, which all contribute to promoting healthier teeth and a healthier environment.
