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Tooth decay is cavities in various stages of development, but should you know how to remove tooth decay yourself? As we know, teeth are made up of layers. These layers are enamel, dentum, cementum and pulp. 

Enamel is the tooth’s outermost layer. Your enamel protects your teeth from the elements that cause cavities and decay. Directly beneath the enamel is dentin, made up of microscopic tubes! Your cementum is the layer between the root of teeth and gums. 

It is primarily beneath the gum line and helps anchor teeth to the bones in the jaw. The dental pulp is the living tissue at the core of teeth. It acts as an alarm bell that sends signals from the dentin to the brain.

At home, we can prevent cavities from getting worse. To do this, we need to remineralise weakened areas of your enamel before a hole develops.

Once the cavity has reached the dentin part of the tooth, you can no longer use home remedies and need to see a dentist for proper interventions. 

The below home remedies for decay might help prevent cavities.  They may also help you treat any “pre-cavities”.

REMEMBER: If tooth decay has spread to the tooth’s pulp, it may harm the nerves. Then you may need a root canal treatment. That may only be performed by a dental practitioner. If a tooth is so damaged to the degree that it can’t be restored, it may need to be removed. Please do not attempt this at home.

DIY Dentistry

First, we need to discuss the dangers of DIY dentistry. When trying a home remedy, always practise extreme caution. Do not use sharp objects or strong acids at home. 

A popular DIY among many is filling cavities. You can’t perform a proper, sterile filling at home or in your mouth. Fillings are intricate surgeries that require a trained eye and hand. 

Millennium Dentistry says, “Most dentists will fill thousands of cavities during their careers. It is a very routine procedure. But what if you’re suffering from a painful cavity and cannot get to a dental office? 

A truck driver once decided to do the job himself. He “cleaned out” the cavity using a dental pick and an electric toothbrush. He ” filled the cavity with a metal adhesive designed for automotive work. Once he could visit a qualified dentist, the tooth had to be pulled.

This example is undoubtedly extreme, but patients poke, prod and scrape at suspected cavities. While most will not try giving themselves DIY fillings, many will attempt minor, at-home dentistry before visiting a licensed dentist.

 

How Do You Prevent And Slow Down Decay?

 

As mentioned above, you cannot treat decay at home. You can however prevent it and slow down any cavities that haven’t reached the dentin.

 

Eat Better 

What we eat directly affects our oral health (and overall wellness). 

Here are a few adjustments you can make to your diet to ensure you receive the best vitamins and minerals:

• Eat foods rich in calcium. These include dairy products and leafy greens. Dairy is famous for strengthening teeth and bones. 
• Avoid sugary food and drinks, including juice and fizzy drinks. If you have to drink it, use a straw so that it surpasses the teeth and goes straight to the back of the mouth. However, sugar is the main culprit for tooth decay and other issues like diabetes and lifestyle illnesses, so still, be early. 

 

Use Supplements

Micronutrients are crucial for bone health since they keep inflammation under control to prevent cavities. Not regulating your vitamin D levels weakens your teeth, making you highly susceptible to cavities, fractures, and decay. Vitamin D levels are significantly associated with the occurrence of dental caries.

Some vitamins can even help you produce saliva, which can wash away bacteria before it sticks to your teeth. 

Some foods increase saliva production:

• Bananas,  
• Brussels sprouts,
• Peas,
• Lemons,
• Cranberries, and
• Grapes. 

These are sour and aggravate salivary glands. 

Remember to take the following vitamin supplements: B, D, iron, and magnesium.  

If supplements don’t sound appealing, you can eat whole-grain foods and seafood, such as canned tuna, salmon, and sardines, to get your vitamin D.

The sun is also a great source of vitamin D that gets absorbed through the skin. Spend some time outside just sunbathing and relaxing. What a great way to fight decay! 

 

Proper Oral Care Is Essential!

 

Remember that the best way to take care of your teeth and avoid decay is to brush, floss, and repeat daily! Use products that are high in fluoride. It strengthens the enamel and prevents further cavities. 

• Brush minimum twice a day. Reach every surface, crevice, pocket, and corner. Ideally, brushing in the morning and before sleep would be best.
• Floss once a day, preferably before going to bed, as it can help remove food particles from under your gums and prevents bacteria from growing. 
• Swirl the mouthwash all over. Mouthwash has antibacterial properties to eliminate the remaining bacteria in your mouth.

Again, be sure not to try and actually remove decay or fill cavities yourself. You can really hurt your mouth and gums. 

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