8 Unique Ways to Prevent and Heal Tooth Decay

For the holistically minded, you may be shocked when you get a poor report at your bi-annual dental check-up. How did you get a cavity? Why do you need a crown? And is there another option than a root canal?

The dentist isn’t a favorite place for most people. And these reports are terrifying, to say the least. Even if you do need some dental work done, you can prevent future cavities and maybe even heal some of your current cavities with these eight methods.

GREEN TEA EXTRACT

You may already be an avid green tea drinker, but did you know that green tea extract can be used to significantly decrease the presence of cariogenic bacteria in your mouth? As if green tea weren’t a powerhouse already, now you can add it to your oral care regimen. 

WATERPIK

Dentists have insisted you floss for years. There’s no doubt that flossing helps to prevent tooth decay by clearing stuck food from the crevices between and around your teeth. When food sits, bacteria feasts and produces acids that cause tooth decay. But don’t just floss, Waterpik. A Waterpik is a specific brand of a water flossing tool clinically proven to reduce come disease. It’s not meant to replace flossing but to supplement. A powerful stream of water pulses at the gum line to eliminate debris and bacteria.

TOOTH POWDER

You may be used to the foaming freshness of toothpaste, all thanks to a clever advertising man in the 1950s. But toothpaste ain’t got nothing on the power of tooth powder. Scienceshows that tooth powder is superior to toothpaste in removing plaque from your teeth. Plus, most, if not all, tooth powders are made of organic and natural ingredients. And it’s easy to make if you enjoy DIY projects.

FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS

We all know calcium is good for our bones. But calcium means nothing without the right dosage of vitamin D (a fat-soluble vitamin, alongside A, E and K). Vitamin K plays an important role in keeping your teeth and bones intact by preventing demineralization. Vitamin A helps your mucous membranes stay healthy by promoting a moist environment in which saliva can heal and remineralize your teeth after an onslaught of food. These are the most important fat-soluble vitamins and can be found mainly in animal products, otherwise, they must be supplemented to ensure adequate dosing.

ELIMINATE OR REDUCE CERTAIN FOODS

You already know what tops the list: sugar. But sugar isn’t the lone culprit. Think about how much coffee you drink or processed foods you eat on a given day. Unless you’re super cognizant, then you most likely unconsciously drink and eat all kinds of things that erode the enamel on your teeth throughout the day. If you’re super serious about getting those cavities in check, then eliminate acid-producing foods and beverages ASAP.

GARLIC EXTRACT

Streptococcus mutans is a nasty bug that plagues our mouths and causes cavities. Luckily, research shows that garlic extract can work as an all natural way to keep this bug at bay and prevent tooth decay. You may be self-conscious about your garlic breath all day but at least you’ll know you’ve done something good for your oral health.

RINSE YOUR MOUTH AFTER EATING

One of the easiest ways to prevent and heal tooth decay is to keep your mouth clean especially right after you eat. Most of the time you have a beverage with your meal to rinse down your food. But if it’s not water, it’s hurting, not helping. Take a big swig of water and swish it around your mouth to loosen and remove stuck debris and prevent the production of acid by local bacteria. But whatever you do, don’t brush your teeth right after eating. Wait at least 30 minutes. That window after eating is when your enamel is softest and most at risk for erosion caused by the toothbrush itself.

EAT AND DRINK ONLY EVERY 2-3 HOURS

Saliva plays one of the most important roles in maintaining good oral health. If you dilute or interrupt salivas action every hour with snacking or constant drinking, you eliminate its protective and healing properties. Eat larger meals and stop snacking to help your saliva do the best it can.

Most people don’t put this much thought into their oral care. But just like any other part of your body—you only get one set. So take care of your teeth the best you can while you still have them. In the process, you’ll be taking great care of your body, too.