While visiting the dentist to have a cavity properly treated is effective, there are a few additional steps you can take to help slow the growth of cavities to prevent them from becoming deep or painful. A cavity that is left without proper treatment can get worse and eventually grow deeper into the tooth, reach the nerve and causing great pain and even more significant damage. These remedies can help to provide some relief and support your oral health.
1 Oil of Oregano to Stop Decay
Some people have achieved good results by using Oil of Oregano as a natural antiseptic to prevent tooth decay. A study in 2008 discovered that one of the naturally occurring compounds found in Oregano had strong antimicrobial properties. You can brush with Oil of Oregano daily to help slow the growth of cavities and prevent further tooth decay from forming.
2 Establish a Healthy pH Level with Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sweetener which can help to prevent the spread of bacteria and prevent tooth decay. For these reasons, it is often used as an ingredient in toothpaste. Xylitol is derived from plant fibers and can break down sugar to keep the pH levels in your mouth neutral. It also helps to stop bacteria in the mouth from emitting the acid that causes tooth decay and cavities, while also making it more difficult for these bacteria to stick to the teeth, gums, and other areas inside the mouth.
3 Clove Oil for Pain Relief and Prevention
Cloves are an established natural remedy to treat toothache. Use a cotton swab to apply one or two drops of the oil directly on the spot of the tooth cavity and allow it to soak in. Clove oil has been used often before the modern advances of dental methods to treat both the pain of a cavity and to restore enamel. The oil produces a numbing effect to combat pain and can help your tooth retain minerals. You can apply it every two to three hours as needed or add a few drops to a teaspoon of coconut oil and swirl it around in your mouth.
4 Neem Bark to Fight Infection
You can brush with Neem sticks or chew on the leaves or seeds to destroy cavity-causing bacteria. The powerful oil in this plant has a long history as a remedy for oral infections, tooth decay, and for preventing bleeding and sore gums. All over India Neem twigs are used as chewing sticks to reduce oral bacteria and naturally clean and whiten teeth and even fight bad breath.
5 Green Tea as a Natural Fluoride Treatment
Drinking (unsweetened, or at least sugar-free) Green Tea daily can help to eliminate harmful bacteria buildup in your mouth. Green Tea contains a decent amount of naturally occurring fluorine which acts as a decay preventative. You can even use Green Tea to gargle or swish with it to use it as a mouthwash. Just be sure not to replace your actual mouthwash with Green Tea, and only use it as a supplemental mouthwash in addition to your primary mouthwash.
6 Keep Teeth Healthy with Licorice Root
Chewing on licorice root can help slow tooth decay. Licorice Root is a natural antimicrobial which inhibits the bacteria that cause cavities to form and grow. Keep in mind that Licorice Root is not the same as Licorice candy! Rather, this is the actual root of the herb itself from which the candy is flavored. You can often find Chinese licorice root at your local health food store combined with other ingredients to enhance its toxicity fighting properties, treat tooth decay, and gum disease.
