Are Cavities Really That Bad?

Are cavities really that bad? They may not seem like a big deal. We eat too much sugar and forget to brush enough and eventually our teeth begin to decay. Tooth decay is just another way our bodies let us know that something is out of balance. Tooth decay happens for a multitude of reasons including:

• Lack of fat soluble vitamins (mostly vitamins A and D)
• The standard American diet full of processed foods
• Hormone imbalances
• Lack of minerals in our diet
• A diet high in phytic acid naturally occurring on most grains, nuts and legumes. (Phytic acid can be removed by soaking grains, nuts and legumes overnight in water and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice before consuming them.)

If you belong to the group of people who dislike going to the dentist or you simply want to save on dental costs, there are things you can do on regular basis at home which can have considerable benefits for your oral health. Because they may not seem like a big deal, but cavities left untreated will develop into further stages of decay, leading to much more serious issues.

We all know it starts with a good dental routine. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, there are actually several ways you can reverse cavities to maximize your oral health, and they fall over the dental spectrum. Here are just a few for you to consider:

Because our diet plays such a huge part in our overall health, some changes may need to be made to yours. Make sure to work in foods rich in vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as enough calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other key minerals. Eat high fiber foods to help increase the production of saliva in your mouth, which serves as a natural protector for your teeth. The more you chew, the more saliva you produce. Take a vitamin D supplement. Eat dairy every day to obtain relief from the problem of cavities. The calcium will strengthen your tooth’s enamel. Remove foods and drinks with refined sugar. Consuming too much can create plaque. If you want to go extremely natural, drink 1-2 cups of bone broth daily. Oil pull every morning with coconut oil for 20 minutes is another way to rid your mouth of cavity-forming bacteria.

In addition to these natural ways, there are also things to keep in mind to help prevent cavities from forming. Good dental hygiene is key to preventing cavities, so preventative action will only you’re your mouth, and overall health, in tip top shape.

• Regularly use an antibacterial mouthwash. This can help kill bacteria, remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
• Rinse your mouth with warm water after every snack or drink.
• Drink green and black tea to reduce plaque build-up and reduce the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
• After drinking any kind of acidic beverage, brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate the production of saliva and make your teeth strong.
• Drink an ample amount of water throughout the day. Water not only helps clear away bacteria, but is important for the production of saliva.
• Drinking cranberry juice regularly also helps improve oral hygiene.

With these remedies and suggestions, you can naturally prevent cavities and show off your healthy smile with pride!

If you have questions or concerns about cavities, make an appointment today with Dr. Farless at 336-282-2868 or visit our website at www.gsodentist.com.

Dr. Farless also proudly serves Greensboro, Brown Summit, Jamestown, High Point, McLeansville, Summerfield and all surrounding areas.