How to Get Rid of Cavities: 6 Home Remedies

With a dentist visit being costlier and more time-consuming than ever, one begins to wonder, how to get rid of cavities at home?

Cavities can be the culprit behind many health concerns. From mild sensitivity to dental abscesses and infections, a cavity can escalate into a serious medical situation. With how expensive and inconvenient a visit to a dentist can be, you may ask yourself, Can I get rid of a cavity at home?

The answer is a little more complicated than you would think. You cannot get rid of a bad cavity that you already have (without a dentist), but you may be able to stop them from happening in the first place. There are many convenient remedies for an individual who wants to maintain their oral health at home. From natural solutions to some more surprising ones, this blog will inform you on six of the most effective remedies to prevent and soothe cavities at home. Firstly, we should take a look at just how serious the health effects of cavities are.

Cavities: More Insidious Than You Think

Cavities can lead to a litany of unfortunate health consequences that far surpass a simple toothache. The anatomy of teeth clearly displays just how aggressively an untreated cavity can damage a tooth, rotting it down from the outer layers to the enamel. Here are some of the conditions that untreated cavities can cause:

• Foul Breath: The bacteria in your mouth that create cavities can create a bad smell by releasing sulfurous compounds.
• Systemic Infections: The germs from a dental abscess or a mouth infection can spread into your bloodstream and harm your organs.
• Tooth Loss: A bad case of cavities can lead to you losing a lot of teeth. This will hurt your confidence and ability to socialize.
• A Weaker Immune System: Due to the infections caused by tooth decay, which places a burden on your immune system, you will be far more susceptible to various illnesses.
• Malnutrition: If your teeth and gums are constantly swollen and in pain, you will simply start eating less, and it will hurt to do something as rudimentary as chewing. This will inevitably lead to numerous nutritional deficiencies.
• Worsening Pre-Existing Chronic Conditions: The constant infections and discomfort caused by untreated cavities can disrupt your ability to manage your other health complications.

These are just a few of the health effects of cavities. They are not something that can be neglected. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that untreated cavities affect 2.5 billion people worldwide. Making them a very common issue in our day and age. Cavities are definitely preventable. Let's get started on the at-home remedies that can help you protect your oral health.

Clove Oil

Dried cloves being crushed and processed is how clove oil is made. Their oil is then extracted and distilled. You can also make it at home by putting crushed cloves in olive or coconut oil. It’s well known for its pain-relieving and antibacterial properties. It is an excellent tool for tooth decay self-care. Its active compound, eugenol, can numb pain caused by tooth decay and assist in eliminating the harmful bacteria that cause cavities. Simply apply a cotton ball coated with a few drops to an affected tooth for relief.

Saltwater Gargle

Using a basic saltwater solution is quite effective for oral hygiene and when treating a cavity. It’s got anti-bacterial qualities and can help neutralize mouth acids. Gargling some salt mixed into warm water can speed up the healing process of infected or painful areas. If you're trying to get rid of a cavity at home, salt is very helpful. Convenient and as affordable as it gets, it’s another useful tool for your at-home anti-cavity arsenal.

Sugar Free Gum

A strip of sugar-free gum with xylitol can also be useful. Xylitol increases the amount of saliva your mouth produces. With more saliva, your mouth can better clean itself by washing away leftover food particles and neutralizing acids. The next time you have a big meal, chew some sugar-free gum afterward to help ward off cavities.

Garlic

Garlic has been used forever for its health benefits. It contains a large amount of allicin. Alicin is a natural sulfur that’s good at stopping the growth of harmful bacteria. Crush a clove of garlic with a little salt and apply it to an area affected by inflammation or infection. This will prevent further decay and minimize the chances of more cavities developing.

Baking Soda Toothpaste

Baking soda already comes in handy quite often, from making your cakes light and fluffy to being a surprisingly effective cleaning agent. It also has its uses in the realm of oral health. A natural abrasive, baking soda can remove plaque and stains from your teeth, whilst also neutralizing acids in your mouth, preventing further tooth decay, and aiding in the treatment of small cavities. An extremely convenient addition to your dental care routine, simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a couple of drops of water to make a potent cavity-fighting paste, and brush with it at least a few times a week for the best results.

Dietary Changes

Lastly, the most important at-home remedy for getting rid of cavities is your diet. What you eat every day plays a big part in preventing tooth decay. Using clove oil, garlic, or baking soda toothpaste won't make a difference if you’re always eating extremely sugary or starchy foods. Bad bacteria that live in our mouths eat sugar and starch. When you consume an excess of either, the aforementioned bacteria will convert it into acids. Bacteria, dental plaque, and acidity will eventually dissolve your enamel, directly causing cavities. In short, if you want to get rid of cavities at home, stop stocking the pantry with candy.

In Conclusion

Home remedies can provide you with a convenient way to treat and prevent numerous oral concerns, including cavities. While you cannot cure a severe cavity with just at-home treatment, it is necessary to be proactive with your oral health to ensure that you do not experience further complications. The world has given us countless remedies for an ailing tooth, from salt, garlic, and clove oil to baking soda and a careful diet; an expensive dentist visit isn't your only option when treating an ailing tooth. Go ahead and try some of these at-home remedies and start saving yourself from tooth decay today.