Although it took some time, people are finally starting to recognize the importance of proper nutrition. When the body has all the nutrients it needs, it can heal itself and defeat even the toughest diseasesand conditions. This goes for dental cavities and tooth decay as well – we have been thought that reversing the damage done to the teeth is irreversible and only a dentist can fix the problem, but nature hides numerous remedies which can fight tooth decay and heal the affected teeth completely.
Tooth decay is a process which occurs when food particles rich in carbs get stuck in our teeth after a meal. After a short time, the bacteria that commonly live on our teeth produce acids which start degrading the leftovers, destroying tooth enamel and causing the tooth to decay. To fight these problem, we brush our teeth with expensive toothpastes and use a variety of oral products that are supposed to provide results, but how did people in the past have a low rate of tooth decay when mouthwash or toothpaste weren’t even invented?
Tooth decay is actually caused by not enough minerals in your diet, lack of fat-soluble vitamins in the body and low-bioavailable nutrients such as phytic acid. Lacking minerals can make the body take them from the bones, causing tooth decay, bone loss and other major problems. Sugar is responsible for tooth decay too, but not in the way we’ve all been led to believe. Sugar depletes the body of nutrients, which results in tooth decay and cavities.
Knowing this, it’s logical that changing your diet will help you stop tooth decay. To do this, you need to eliminate processed foods and sugar from your diet, and focus on consuming healthy foods that will balance your mineral levels. Mineral supplements can help as well. Here’s a list of remedies you can use to stop tooth decay:
8 Home Remedies For Tooth Decay And Cavities
1. Cloves
Cloves have a strong analgesic effect and are commonly used for a variety of oral pains. They can also prevent a cavity from expanding. To stop the pain, chew a few fresh cloves, or mix a few drops of clove oil with a bit of coconut oil, then soak a cotton ball in it and put it on the painful tooth. Repeat the process before going to bed every night and you will defeat the pain.
2. Oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient technique that can destroy bacteria in your mouth and reduce cavities and pain. It will also defeat bad breath and stop the bleeding of your gums. Put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for 20 minutes, then spit it out and brush your teeth as usual in the end. Repeat the process every day for best results.
3. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a powerful antibacterial agent that can fight toothaches and prevent tooth cavities. The grass contains a lot of important nutrients such as vitamin A and E, magnesium, iron and calcium which will keep the levels of minerals in your body steady. Drink half a glass of wheatgrass juice every day, or swish a mixture of the juice and some water to fight tooth decay and cavities.
4. Nutmeg
According to a Chinese study, nutmeg can prevent tooth decay and cavities caused by cariogenic oral bacteria. Grate a few nutmegs and mix them with clove oil or oregano, then apply the mixture on the painful tooth and leave the remedy to work for 15 minutes. Rinse with water in the end, and the pain should start retreating. You can also find nutmeg essential oil in health stores and use it directly on your teeth.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular spice which has been used against different kinds of pain in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It’s an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that will keep your gums healthy and destroy bacteria in your mouth. Whenever a tooth hurts, apply a bit of turmeric powder on it for a couple of minutes, then rinse your mouth with water.
6. Salt
Salt is an antibacterial and antiseptic that can fight infections, stop the growth of bacteria, reduce inflammation and pain as well. Put a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water, then swish the mixture in your mouth for a minute or two before rinsing with water. Whenever one of your teeth hurts, repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
7. Garlic
Garlic is another powerful antibacterial agent that can easily fight tooth decay and cavities. Garlic will also reduce the inflammation and pain in your gums and teeth. Crush 3 garlic cloves and add ¼ a teaspoon of salt in the paste, then apply it on the painful tooth and leave it to work for 10 minutes. Repeat the process twice a day for best results.
8. Licorice
Licorice root has been found to effectively reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities. The root contains a few compounds that prevent bacterial growth and reduce the amount of plaque on your teeth. Brush your teeth with a bit of dry licorice root every day and drink plenty of water as well to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.