Tooth decay is a very common dental issue amongst most people because of the lack of proper oral maintenance or unhealthy diet habits.
While you may consider visiting a dentist for proper diagnoses and treatment, here’s what you can try at home when you first notice such symptoms of tooth decay.
In this guide, we are going to look at ten effective ways of how you can remove tooth decay by yourself and, therefore, ensure better oral health avoiding other complications of that kind.
What are the best ways to prevent tooth decay?
Preventing tooth decay requires maintaining proper oral hygiene. We examine the habits and best practices that support dental health at its best in this guide.
👉 Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Anchoring excellent at-home dentistry is, of course, outstanding oral hygiene. Tooth brushing should be done twice a day with either fluoride toothpaste or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Brush the gum line as well as between teeth since those spaces deteriorate. Floss every day to remove plaque and whatever bits of food your toothbrush didn’t get in spaces between teeth.
This integrated program helps promote the best in dental health by identifying key areas of vulnerability and signaling a resilient, vibrant smile.
👉 Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, an all-time practice deriving from Ayurveda, is the process of gargling with oil, usually sesame or coconut, in the mouth for about 15-20 minutes.
Claiming that it detoxifies all impurities and drastically reduces oral bacteria, oil pulling now is a timeless healing regarded as holistic.
While not substituting traditional dental care, recent studies have suggested its efficacy in reducing plaque and gingivitis by promoting a healthier oral environment.
The gentle action is believed to displace debris and thus be beneficial to oral health.
👉 Saltwater Rinse
Mouth rinsing with a saline solution is one of the simple yet proven ways to better oral hygiene. The benefits of mouth rinsing with a saline water solution by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt into a tumbler filled with warm water are as follows.
Rinses like the ones that have saltwater are able to reduce inflammation. It relieves the pain and creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria.
So the process prevents further decay. It is such a simple practice yet so effective. Not only does this relieve oral discomfort but also it acts as a preventive measure promoting the overall well-being of one’s oral cavity.
The natural antiseptic properties of salt thus make this an easily accessible and affordable solution to oral health problems.
👉 Green Tea
Green tea is renowned for harboring various health benefits. It has most of the natural compounds, especially catechins that are helpful in fighting oral bacteria.
Including green tea drinks within your daily routine improves your oral health by a big notch. Having a cup of unsweetened green tea helps you take advantage of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits more often.
Green tea catechins are supposed to have an acerbic effect on the development of harmful bacteria that is, expected to lead to healthier oral surroundings.
👉 Xylitol Chewing Gum
Xylitol, a sugar substitute, will not only sweeten without increasing cavity but also has bactericidal activity. The gum may also increase the flow of saliva which is very important in the neutralization of acids and the re-mineralization process of the teeth.
By selecting the gum that comes as a main ingredient of xylitol, you can have an oral healthy substitute. Apart from bringing joy to the same level as refined sugar in a way that works towards protecting your teeth against the menace of decay, the different features that make this special sugar substitute do more than just that.
Embracing xylitol as part of your chewing routine not only provides a deliciously sweet experience but also aligns with dental-conscious choice, promoting not only your oral health but also the joy of a sugar-free indulgence.
👉 Turmeric Paste
Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, has been in use in traditional forms of medicinal practices for centuries. Mix turmeric powder with water to make a paste, and apply it directly on the infected tooth.
Allow it to stay for some time before washing. While it is by no means a magic bullet, the natural anti-inflammatory properties found in turmeric show some promise towards reducing inflammation and cutting back on this resultantly uncomfortable and painful symptomatology.
With this traditional remedy, one can harness the natural power of turmeric as a means to relieve pain in a simple way to help alleviate dental distress.
👉 Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods
It is important to stop additional tooth decay to minimize the intake of sugary and acidic foods. Such substances contribute to erosion of the tooth enamel at the same time creating a favorable environment for harmful bacteria.
One can go for a healthy diet that includes fruits, and vegetables, and maintain other sources of dairy that will keep your teeth healthy in general.
Going for nutritional choices ensures that one’s teeth remain strong against cavities while one is able to maintain a healthy lifestyle with the aspect of dental health in mind.
👉 Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements
Calcium and vitamin D are an essential component of oral health. They help maintain strong teeth and bones. Look into considering supplementation to enhance re-mineralization for stronger dental health.
Always speak with a health professional prior to beginning any new supplement or exercise program. After all, calcium helps make the teeth up and strengthen their teeth, at the same time vitamin D is responsible for the most optimum intake of calcium.
Together, they form a strong need that reinforces the health of your teeth. With professional supervision in terms of supplements, together as part of a more holistic perspective on well-being, your routine for oral health can help to develop further and also support the stronger build-up of bones and teeth.
👉 Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Good oral health requires regular dental exams and cleanings. Expert dental cleanings remove stubborn plaque and tartar at regular appointments. This prevents cavities and gum disease.
Dental professionals can reach hard-to-reach areas during routine treatment. Plaque and tartar removal throughout these sessions prevents dental problems and preserves teeth and gums.
Regular dental checkups are also included to preserve oral health. They allow your dentist to spot irregularities early, avoiding further issues. Early detection of cavities, gum inflammation, and other dental disorders helps you and your dentist avoid more invasive treatments.
Conclusion
It is admirable that one indulges in taking proactive home initiatives to prevent tooth decay. But then, this fact has to be borne in mind that such measures do not replace the consultation with the dentist.
Regular consultation with a dentist is important so that you can maintain oral health at optimal and limit the development of tooth decay. Together with proper in-home care, regular dental check-ups will ensure your best smile yet.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health Conditions (https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/). Accessed 3/27/2023.
- Heng, C. (2016). Tooth decay is the most prevalent disease.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6373711/ - NIDCR. (2018). The tooth decay process: how to reverse it and avoid a cavity.
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/childrens-oral-health/tooth-decay-process
