How to Get Rid of Cavities: 5 Amazing Home Remedies

What are cavities and why do they develop? A good set of teeth is an indication of good health and well-being. Just like every living thing in the world has a tendency to decay over time if not treated well, our teeth as well, are prone to decaying if proper hygiene is not maintained. In such cases, with the help of bacteria in the mouth, the accumulated food is converted into acid, which further transforms into plague and creates holes in the teeth. These holes are referred to as cavities. It is important to note that, both the cause of cavities and its treatment lies in our hands. Our diet forms an essential component of our well being and any change in one's diet or following an unhealthy diet regularly is one of the most common causes of cavities. Essential habits like brushing after every meal, gargling and so on, if ignored could have troublesome consequences like cavities.If you have regularly experiencing tooth ache, sensation in the teeth while drinking something hot or cold and some kind of swelling around a particular tooth, it is best to check with your dentist if its a cavities and in case it needs medical treatment. However, here are some simple home remedies that can help you deal with cavities. While it is always important to visit the dentist in such cases, there is no harm trying these out as precaution is always better than cure. Here's how you can keep your teeth safe. 
 

Home remedies for cavities: How to get rid of cavities

1)  Reduce Sugar: Reduce your daily sugar intake. Sugar is highly acidic and has the tendency to transform into plague which further causes cavities. Sugar is a magnet for bad bacteria. The destructive bacteria that are found in the mouth generally feed on the sugar you eat and form dental plaque, which is a sticky, colourless film that forms on the surface of the teeth. If the plaque is not removed by saliva or brushing, the environment in the mouth becomes more acidic and cavities may start to form. (Is Sugar Really Addictive?)
 2)  Oil Pulling: Gargling with oil is an ancient technique that is known to cure several problems. It is highly effective for cavities as well. Coconut oil and mustard oil are mostly recommended. The oil must be gargled for at least 5 minutes daily. It is more effective if you do so on an empty stomach. While the practice of oil pulling may be about thousand years old, it has helped improve oral health, which has become a widespread trend in the past few years. (How to Do Oil Pulling and it's Unbelievable Benefits Like Whiter Teeth)
 
3)  Salt Water: Mixing a tablespoon of salt with warm water and rinsing your mouth with it is really helpful in order to get rid of cavities. This should be done daily every night for better results. Salt is known to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help treat cavities. It can reduce inflammation, ease pain, draw out any infection and prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Make sure you follow this procedure daily to minimise the pain. (4 Amazing Benefits of Drinking Water (and Why You Should Skip Cold Water)
 4)  Vanilla essence: Surprising, isn't it? Vanilla essence consists of a small amount of alcohol that acts as a natural pain reliever. It almost numbs the area, which is affected by a cavity. Dab a small amount of vanilla essence on a cotton ball and massage the affected area including the gums with it. This will help in soothing the pain. Vanilla essence has analgesic and antiseptic properties, which is why it is so much effective in combating cavities. One of its properties, Eugenol, is often used in dental offices for temporary fillings. (6 Natural Pain Killers for Toothache, Stomach Cramps & More)
 
5)  Clove Oil: An age-old home remedy for all your tooth problems, clove oil continues to maintain its value in case of dental ailments. Its medicinal properties help in reducing the sensation caused by a cavity. Apply the oil on the tooth using cotton and make sure you don’t ingest the oil. It will provide relief from pain and sensation. Cloves have anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-fungal agents that help cleanse the oral cavity. (Health Benefits of Cloves (Laung): A Spice That Deserves More Attention)
 
In conclusion, while it is almost inevitable that one must visit the dentist in case of any tooth trouble, minor or major, the aforementioned home remedies are a sure shot way of getting rid of the trouble that cavities bring along with them. Disclaimer:The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.