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When we smile, our pearly white teeth are the beautiful highlight of our face, and if that’s affected by some dental issues like tooth decay or cavities, then it’s time for a visit to the dentist. Here are the best ways how to get rid of cavities, but before that, let’s understand what a cavity is caused and its symptoms.
1. Cavities And Their Formation
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are the ultimate breakdown of teeth caused by bacterial acids on the surface of a tooth by breaking down the sugary substances. The ultimate cause of cavities is the sugars in our food which are the primary energy source of the bacteria. It creates a hollow space known as tooth decay which is usually yellow or black in color. Cavities cause extreme pain and difficulty in chewing and eating food.
According to the WHO reports, approximately around 48% of the world population suffered from cavities in 2016, and almost every adult across the globe had to bear the pain from cavities.
Cavities are the most common dental problem globally, with the major root cause of having simple sugar in our regular meals. It is most common in developed countries than in developing countries, where sugar consumption is lower. There are several medical and home remedies on how to get rid of cavities in a short span with proper care.
2. Symptoms Of Cavities
People who suffer from cavities don’t really experience or understand the disease at its first stage. The foremost symptom of the cavity is the powdery white substance on the tooth surface. If noticed at an early stage, it’d help the tooth maintain its shape, or otherwise, the structure would be destroyed and could not be transformed into the old shape.
The cavity passes via enamel to the nerve of the tooth. It turns brown if there is no treatment for tooth decay1, which develops into extreme pain while eating and temporarily gets worse when it comes to heat, cold, or sweet things.
The bacterial acid attacks the external part of the tooth, making it sensitive to heat and cold, resulting in a persistent toothache. Cavities or tooth decay induce not only distress and difficulty but also foul breath and a bland mouth.
Now, that we know what is a cavity, what causes cavities, and their symptoms, now let us know how to get rid of cavities.
3. How To Get Rid of Cavities
Truth be told, there is no permanent cure for cavities if it reaches the tooth’s internal structure. The only way is to visit the dentist for a full proper check-up. Besides the visit to the dentist, several other remedies are natural to prevent cavities.
Most people try remedies at home before booking an appointment with the dentist. Some of the major home remedies on how to get rid of cavities are as follows:
- Sugar-free Products
It is suggested that if you chew sugar-free gum2 after your meal, it will help the enamel gain minerals.
- Vitamin D
According to studies, Vitamin D is rich in calcium and phosphate, which is essential for teeth. Dairy products like curd and yogurts are rich in Vitamin D.
- Less Sugary Food
Cutting out sugar from your meals would be extremely helpful in preventing cavities from an early stage.
- Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel helps in fighting bacteria that cause cavities. It also helps in providing minerals to the enamel during the pre-cavity stage3.
- Licorice Roots
Licorice Roots help in the prevention of cavities.
- Fluoride
It helps in the protection of teeth and reduces the ability of bacteria to produce any acid. Fluoride toothpaste helps in the prevention of cavities naturally.
4. Steps To Take Care of Your Teeth
Since our childhood, we have been taught to brush our teeth two times, once in the morning and then before going to bed. But there is more to the care of our teeth to keep them healthy, strong, and just like the white pearls.
Here are a few steps to take care of our teeth and how to get rid of cavities:
4.1. Brush Properly
Brushing properly is the very basic answer to your question ‘How to get rid of cavities?‘ We all know how to brush but do we know the proper way to do it? Here is the video of brushing properly, so your teeth get both external and internal cleaning.
4.2. Use Flouride Toothpaste
Choose your toothpaste wisely. Don’t just go for the flavor or whitening of teeth, you must look for the substance, especially fluoride, to produce the toothpaste. Fluoride Treatments4 help in the maintenance of oral health and hygiene and prevent any dental disease.
4.3. Flossing
Flossing is the third best way where you will know how to get rid of cavities. Flossing is as important as brushing. It is not just helpful in getting out stuck food in your teeth but also helps stimulate gums, prevent dental issues, and reduce the chances of plaque. Brush and floss work wonders in preventing cavities if followed regularly.
4.4. Drink Water
Hydration5 is very important for human beings, and it provides all extensive benefits to every part of the body, including the teeth. Make sure that you drink water after every meal so that the mouth keeps getting washed out of negative, sticky, or acidic substances.
4.5. Mouth Wash
Mouthwash that every dentist recommends is good for preventing bad breath and helps in the maintenance of oral health by reducing the acidic amount in the teeth, cleaning the internal part of the teeth, and mineralizing the teeth.
4.6. Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Raw and fresh vegetables and fruits are essential for overall health, including dental. It is advisable that one should not eat much-mashed food, and prefer crunchy food to make their jaws work and exercise.
4.7. A Regular Visit to the Dentist
One should visit the dentist twice a year for a regular checkup for dental hygiene and medical advice. People should make this a regime to prevent any dental disease.
5. Conclusion
Cavities are painful, and if not taken care of at an early stage, it would be really troublesome for the people suffering from them. The above-mentioned helpful ways to get rid of cavities will work like magic if one regularly follows them. One should take care of dental health just the same as mental and physiological health.
It also requires care and exercise for proper functioning.
FAQ
1. Can cavities be reversed or healed naturally?
In the early stages of tooth decay, when the enamel is demineralized but not yet broken down into a cavity, it may be possible to remineralize the tooth with fluoride treatments or through natural methods like using fluoride toothpaste and eating foods rich in calcium and phosphates. However, once a cavity has formed, it cannot be naturally healed or reversed; it requires dental intervention.
2. How are cavities treated by dentists?
Dentists treat cavities by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the space with dental filling material, such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain. For more extensive decay, a dental crown may be necessary. In advanced cases, root canal treatment or tooth extraction may be required.
3. Can cavities affect overall health?
Yes, untreated cavities can potentially lead to more serious dental problems, such as tooth infections or abscesses. Moreover, research suggests that poor oral health, including untreated cavities, may be associated with certain systemic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Proper dental care is essential for maintaining good overall health.
Read more
- Network, Fluoride Action. “The mystery of declining tooth decay.” Nature 332 (1986): 125-129. ↩︎
- Tangade, Pradeep, et al. “The effect of sugar-free and sugar chewing gums on plaque deposition.” Dental Research Journal 9.3 (2012): 309. ↩︎
- SUECICA, STUDIA FORESTALIA. “Microscopic studies of cavity formation by.” ↩︎
- Gao, Sherry Shiqian, et al. “Caries remineralisation and arresting effect in children by professionally applied fluoride treatment–a systematic review.” BMC oral health 16 (2016): 1-9. ↩︎
- Popkin, Barry M., Kristen E. D’Anci, and Irwin H. Rosenberg. “Water, hydration, and health.” Nutrition reviews 68.8 (2010): 439-458. ↩︎
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