Also known as caries, cavities are small holes or openings in the teeth usually caused by tooth decay. So many factors play a role here. You may get cavities due to poor dental hygiene, a lack of essential minerals in your diet, and a buildup of bacteria on the surface of your teeth. Once you get cavities, it is usually not possible to reverse the damage. Your doctor will most likely be using fluoride treatments and fillings to control the situation. However, some scientific studies have found that using certain home remedies may prove effective in some cases.

Home Remedies for Cavities

You can try many home remedies to treat cavities. Some remedies help prevent cavities in the first place. In most cases, you have to stick to a combination of tooth remineralization and diet.

1.    Clove

Clove can help treat many dental issues, including cavities. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Not only does it help reduce toothache, it also keeps the cavity from spreading.

Direction: Add ¼ teaspoon of sesame seed oil to a couple of drops of clove oil. Mix well and apply the solution directly on the affected tooth using a cotton ball. Repeat daily before going to bed.

2.    Salt

One of many effective home remedies for cavities is none other than salt. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so it helps ease pain, reduce inflammation, prevent growth of bacteria, and draw out any infection.

Direction: Take a glass of warm water and dissolve a teaspoon of salt in it. Simply swish it around your mouth for a minute and then spit it out. Do it thrice a day to get good results.

3.    Oil Pulling

This age-old practice still proves effective against cavities and dental problems. It also helps treat bad breath and bleeding gums. It also eliminates bacteria from your mouth.

Direction: Take a tablespoon of sesame oil and put it in your mouth. Swish it around for 20 minutes and then spit it out. Now, use warm water to rinse your mouth. You can also use salt water for it. Finish by brushing your teeth.

4.    Garlic

Garlic is among the best home remedies for cavities because it has antibiotic and antibacterial properties. You can use garlic to treat cavities and tooth decay.

Direction: Take 3 garlic cloves and crush them. Now, add ¼ teaspoon of rock salt to it. Apply this paste to your affected tooth and leave for about 10 minutes. Rinse with a mouthwash in the end. Repeat twice a day for a couple of weeks to improve your condition.

5.    Turmeric

With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, turmeric may also help treat cavities and alleviate toothache.

Direction: Take some turmeric powder and apply it directly to your affected teeth. Let it sit there for a few minutes and rinse your mouth with warm water.

6.    Sugar-Free Gum

In order to re-mineralize your teeth, you can consider chewing sugar-free gum soon after having a meal. You should opt for gum that contains xylitol because it triggers the production of saliva and helps raise the pH of plaque. You may also consider opting for sugar-free gum containing a compound called CPP-ACP, which helps reduce S.mutans and keep cavities from spreading.

7.    Use Fluoride Toothpaste for Brushing

It is important to brush your teeth regularly and using fluoride toothpaste will offer better results. It helps re-mineralize your teeth and prevent cavities. You may also notice some benefits when you already have cavities.

8.    Limit Use of Sugar Foods

Excessive intake of sugary foods is one big reason why you get cavities. Ideally, less than 10% of your caloric intake should come from sugar. You are going to damage your teeth even more if you eat sugar regularly throughout the day.

9.    Use Clove and Sesame Seed Oils

The combination of sesame seed and clove oils works amazingly well to treat cavities. It reduces inflammation, eases pain, and eliminates bacteria. All you have to do is combine both oils and then use a cotton ball to apply it to the affected area. Be sure to press the cotton ball onto your affected teeth to get better results. Do it before going to bed.

10.   Use Nutmeg

Nutmeg is also among the most effective natural home remedies for cavities. It improves healing and helps relieve pain and inflammation. Take a fresh nutmeg clove and grind it well. Now, add half teaspoon of oregano or clove oil to it. Mix well and apply to the affected tooth. Rinse it with warm water after 10 minutes. Do it twice a day for a couple of weeks to treat cavities.