Tooth decay is often caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria produce acids which erode the teeth to form cavities (holes in the teeth). The excess bacteria also form a sticky plaque which strips your tooth enamel of essential minerals which also makes them more vulnerable to tooth decay. Cavities will usually require a filling from your dentist, however, there are home remedies for tooth decay that can stop cavities from forming.

Home Remedies for Tooth Decay

1. Sugar-free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum between meals helps to encourage the production of saliva. This helps to balance the pH in your mouth and wash away any bacteria that may be lingering in your mouth. As a result, it can also help to remineralize the tooth enamel, lowering the risk of tooth decay.

 

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important to crucial part of calcium absorption. If you have more vitamin D in your diet your body will absorb more of the calcium it needs to maintain strong teeth and bones. The stronger your teeth are, the more protected you’ll be from tooth decay. You can get more vitamin D from safe exposure to the sun or from dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.

 

3. Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is in most commercially available toothpaste brands and is incredibly important in the prevention of tooth decay. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is one of the most basic home remedies for tooth decay.

4. Cut Out Sugary Foods

One of the biggest and most successful home remedies for tooth decay is to cut down on sugar! Sugar is one of the things which will cause the creation of most acids which erode your teeth, causing tooth decay. If you do have sugar, try to avoid sugary snacks throughout the day. By reducing frequent snacking with sugary snacks you’ll also give your teeth a chance to remineralize.

 

5. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is the ancient practice of swilling natural oils (coconut or sesame oils are best) around your mouth for twenty minutes. After these twenty minutes, spit the oils out. The idea is that these oils strip any toxins from the mouth, reducing your risk of tooth decay. However, there’s very little scientific evidence to back this up. Studies have, however, shown a link between oil pulling and a decreased level of plaque and a lower risk of gum disease.  

 

6. Licorice Root

Extracts licorice root have been known to have antibacterial properties. This means that chewing on licorice root or drinking licorice root tea can decrease the number of bacteria in your mouth and therefore protect you from tooth decay.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is also well -known for its antibacterial properties. As a result, swilling a little aloe gel around your mouth will kill harmful bacteria and work as a powerful home remedy for tooth decay. After swilling the gel around your mouth for three minutes, spit the gel out. Not only will this help remove bacteria, but it can also help to remineralize your tooth enamel.

8. Avoid Phytic Acid

Phytic acid is found in a number of commonly eaten foods including cereals and legumes. The acid can cause damage to your tooth enamel and therefore increase your risk of tooth decay. Limiting the amount of phytic acid-containing foods in your diet could, therefore, be a good way to prevent tooth decay. Phytic acid also prevents certain minerals from being properly absorbed, which could further weaken your teeth.

 

9. Clove Oil

Tooth decay can often cause a degree of tooth pain. While clove oil won’t necessarily help your teeth to heal, it can help to combat the pain caused by the decay. Swilling a little clove oil diluted in some water around your mouth for up to five minutes before spitting out. The oil contains a type of anesthetic and antiseptic chemical which will numb the exposed nerve in your tooth to reduce pain. It’ll also help to reduce any risk of infection.

 

10. Salt Water Rinse

A salt water rinse will help to sanitize your mouth, killing off bacteria and thus helping to reduce your risk of tooth decay. Not only that but it can help to ease any pain caused by existing decay.

 

11. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint contains an active ingredient known as menthol which has antibacterial qualities. This means that drinking a natural, peppermint tea could help to cleanse your mouth of bacteria and reduce your risk of tooth decay.

12. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is another home remedy that might not reduce your risk of tooth decay but will ease the pain of any existing decay. This is because it contains an ingredient called capsaicin which has anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it can help to reduce any swelling and bring down your tooth pain.

 

13. Garlic

Garlic is also known for its antibacterial properties. This means adding a little extra garlic to your food or taking a daily garlic tablet could work as an effective home remedy for tooth decay. Not only this, but the allicin in garlic is an anti-inflammatory which helps to reduce any pain caused by existing tooth decay. You could also use this home remedy by chewing on a raw garlic clove (although this could be a bit smelly) or rinsing your mouth with garlic water.

 

14. Room-Temperature Cucumber

Most of us are aware of the soothing qualities of cucumber, yet many of us would never think to use it as a home remedy for tooth decay pain. Simply slice a piece of cucumber and hold it against the painful tooth. This will help to soothe the pain. Make sure you let the cucumber reach room temperature if it’s been in the fridge to prevent any issues with sensitive teeth.

15. Raw Onions

Onions are a powerful antiseptic. As such, they act as a great home remedy for tooth decay by fighting off any bacteria that may be building in your mouth. Place a little raw onion on a painful tooth to dull the pain or swill onion water around your mouth for five minutes.

 

16. Turmeric Paste or Powder

Turmeric is one of the most popular spices in home remedies thanks to its potent antibacterial properties. This helps to ward off any bacteria which may otherwise cause tooth decay. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities which can reduce any pain caused by existing decay.

Simply mix some turmeric with a little water to make a paste and apply this to the affected tooth or over all your teeth as a preventative method. After five minutes, remove the paste by rinsing thoroughly with water. You may want to brush your teeth with toothpaste after using turmeric to prevent its orange color from staining.

17. Ginger

Ginger has powerful antiseptic qualities – as well as a great taste. Chewing a little raw ginger or drinking a ginger herbal tea can help to kill any bacteria in your mouth and reduce your risk of tooth decay. This can also help reduce any pain caused by pre-existing decay.

 

18. Bone Broth

Bone broth is made by the boiling animal bones and fresh vegetables. It’s a great way to get plenty of minerals and nutrients into your diet which makes it beneficial for your health. It also makes it an effective home remedy for tooth decay. This is thanks to its high levels of calcium and magnesium, both of which are needed for strong and healthy teeth.  

 

19. Lemon

Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C which helps your immune system fight off bacteria and therefore could prevent tooth decay. It is naturally acidic, however, so don’t have too many.

20. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is used in a number of home remedies, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities. These properties make it a great home remedy for tooth decay. By reducing the levels of bacteria in your mouth, tea tree oil can protect your teeth from erosion and decay. Simple dilute the oil in some water and swill it around your mouth for five minutes before spitting out.  

 

21. Neem

Before fluoride toothpaste, people would brush their teeth using Neem. Its high fiber content keeps plaque at bay and therefore helps to lower the risk of tooth decay. You can also receive the benefits of this home remedy by chewing on some neem leaves and then spitting them out and rinsing your mouth with water.

22. Baking Soda

Baking soda is antibacterial and helps to neutralize the pH in your mouth. This makes it difficult for bacteria to survive in your mouth and lowers the risk of tooth decay. Simply dip a wet toothbrush into some baking soda and brush your teeth with it. Don’t do this every day though as the abrasive nature of the baking soda could do damage to your enamel if used too often.

 

23. Eggshell

Eggshells are packed full of calcium carbonate which helps to remineralize your tooth enamel. To use this home remedy for tooth decay, clean some used eggshells, boil them for twenty minutes and then grind them down to make a powder. You can then add in some baking soda and coconut oil to create a paste. Brush your teeth with the past two or three times a week to help strengthen your teeth.

 

24. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a rich source of vitamins A and E as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It also has antibacterial properties which help to prevent the build-up of acid-producing bacteria. All of these elements together make wheatgrass a great home remedy for tooth decay.

25. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract can help to calm the pain caused by tooth decay thanks to its antiseptic nature. Simply dip a cotton ball or swab in some vanilla extract or essential oil and dab it onto the tooth which is causing you pain. You can also dab the oil onto any painful gums.

26. Mustard

Mustard is another food which has antibacterial properties to help tackle any bacteria which could go on to cause tooth decay. You can mix two teaspoons of mustard oil with the same amount of rock salt and massage this mixture into your teeth and gums. While the mustard will fight bacteria, the salt with help to neutralize the pH in your mouth and prevent acid damage. Leave the mixture on your teeth and gums for five minutes before rinsing and gargling with fresh water.

 

27. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil can prevent bacteria in your mouth from producing acids which would otherwise damage your teeth. To use, simply add a drop of eucalyptus oil to your usual toothpaste and brush your teeth as normal. It’s a simple but effective home remedy for tooth decay.

Which of these home remedies for tooth decay will you use to prevent or treat your aching teeth? Comment below!

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-cavities

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321259.php

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazingly-effective-home-remedies-for-cavities/

https://doctor.ndtv.com/teeth/home-remedies-for-cavities-1895792

https://www.drstevenlin.com/11-home-remedies-relieve-tooth-pain-naturally/