Natural Home Remedies for Tooth Decay and Cavities

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People are gradually waking up to the truth about the importance of nutrition. When you give the body the nutrition it needs, it can heal itself from just about anything. That includes dental cavities. Most people mistakenly believe that there are no other options but to drill and fill, but that isn’t true. We will take a look at some of the top all natural remedies that you can use for tooth decay.

First, let’s look at what tooth decay actually is. The American Dental Association describes tooth decay as something that occurs when foods that have carbohydrates (which are sugars and starches) get left behind on the teeth. Bacteria naturally in the mouth live on these foods and produce acid. Over time, acid destroys tooth enamel and eventually results in tooth decay.

Well, just a few of the problems with this belief is that:

Why did Native Americans, who ate carbs yet didn’t brush their teeth, have extremely low rates of tooth decay?
Bacteria today do not eat flour or processed sugars because there are no real nutrients in them
Why is it that foods bacteria like to live on, such as milk, fish, fruit, and cheese, aren’t usually mentioned as the cause of tooth decay?

These statements bring to light the faulty logic of the American Dental Association.

So what does cause tooth decay? Three major issues:

1. Nutrients that are not bioavailable to the body because the digestive system does not absorb them. Phytic acid in the body is the major problem here.

2. Not enough minerals in the diet.

3. Not enough fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K mainly).

When your diet lacks minerals and vitamins from a poor diet (find out mistakes of modern diet), your blood chemistry, along with the ratio of calcium and phosphorous become unbalanced. This results in minerals being pulled from bones, which are what causes tooth decay, tooth loss, and bone loss.

Now that long-held belief that sugar causes tooth decay is true, but not for the reasons you have been led to believe. Sugar results in a depletion of nutrients from the body, which is what causes cavities, not because bacteria eat it.

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To end tooth decay, first start with your diet. Focus on eating healthy foods that will restore your mineral and calcium levels such as:

Grass-fed organic dairy (think butter), seafood, grass-fed meats, bone broth, and coconut oil
Organ and gland meat, like liver and kidneys
Organic vegetables (soups made with veggies and bone broth are perfect)

Foods such as grains, beans, nuts, and seeds should be limited, while sugar and processed flour should be eliminated. These foods are high in phytic acid.

Consider taking supplements such as magnesium, gelatin, and fermented cod liver oil.

Now, take a look at some of the top remedies you can use to restore those pearly whites.

1. Cloves

This is one of the most important agents for treating any kind of dental or mouth issue you might have, including cavities. Cloves can not only help treat mouth pain, but it can actually stop a cavity from growing larger. You can chew on fresh cloves, or dilute 3 drops of clove oil with1/4 teaspoon coconut oil or sesame seed oil. Put this solution on a cotton ball and dab it on the affected tooth. Repeat this each night at bedtime.

2. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a centuries-old practice that reduces cavities, helps heal bleeding gums and stops bad breath. It also helps to kill the harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause many dental problems. Oil pulling is easy. Put a tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame seed oil in your mouth and swish it around for 10 to 20 minutes. Spit it out and brush normally. Do this each morning, before you eat.

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3. Wheatgrass

This plant has natural antibacterial compounds that fight tooth decay and helps to stop the pain from cavities. Wheatgrass also has high concentrations of important vitamins for your teeth such as A and E, along with calcium, magnesium, and iron. Drinking just ½ a glass of wheatgrass juice each day will help fight cavities. You can also mix one part wheatgrass juice in six parts water. Swish this in your mouth for a minute or two, and then spit it out. Try to rinse like this 2 or 3 times each day. Read also why wheatgrass is one of the best natural remedies for detox.

4. Nutmeg

One study, done in Korea at the Yonsei University, found that nutmeg extract has anti cariogenic compounds that can prevent tooth decay and cavities that are caused by cariogenic mouth bacteria. Grate some fresh nutmeg and mix it with a bit of oregano oil or clove oil and apply it on the affected tooth. Allow to sit for about 10 or 15 minutes, then rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat two or three times each day. You can also apply nutmeg essential oil directly on the affected teeth.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is often used in Ayurveda medicine to stop the pain of cavities. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory compound as well as being a natural antibacterial that can keep gums healthy and stop tooth decay that occurs due to bacterial infections. Apply turmeric powder directly to the affected tooth and allow to sit for a few minutes, then rinse. Repeat this two or three times per day.

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6. Salt

You might not think something as simple as salt could do so much for your teeth, but since it has antibacterial and antiseptic compounds, it can draw out infections, prevent the growth of bacteria, reduce inflammation, and ease pain. Simply dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth like mouthwash for about one minute. Do this two or three times each day until your symptoms disappear. Read more what salt to choose.

7. Garlic

Garlic is simply good for everything, isn’t it? Rich in antibacterial and antibiotic compounds, garlic is often recommended for cavities and tooth decay. It promotes healthier gums and teeth while providing some pain relief. Make a paste from about 3 large crushed garlic cloves and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Apply this paste to the affected tooth and allow to sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse well. Do this twice per day for several weeks to reduce cavities.

8. Licorice

Not those whips of candy, but real licorice from the plant. The American Chemical Society published a study in the Journal of Natural Products that showed that licorice root can keep teeth healthy. Licorice root contains two very effective antibacterial compounds that stop the growth of the bacteria that causes cavities. This herb is also effective at removing plaque. Use dried licorice root powder to brush your teeth with each day, or buy some dried licorice root and use it the same way you would a toothbrush to brush your teeth each day.

Be certain that you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water clears your mouth of bacteria and helps your mouth produce more saliva, which also clears away bacteria.

Sources:

Westonaprice.org

Wellnessmama.com

Nagel, Ramiel. Cure Tooth Decay

Page, M. Abrams, L. Your Body is the Your Best Doctor.

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