People often assume that there is no alternative to conventional dental care, just drink fluoridated water, brush your teeth, floss and get those cavities filled when necessary. Yet research is now showing that chronic ingestion of fluoride and use of mercury in fillings are related to health problems. There are natural remedies that can be used to improve dental health, prevent cavities and provide relief for cavities that already exist.
Background
Dental cavities or caries represent a stage of tooth decay. It is generally accepted that tooth decay is the result of a combination of sugar and bacteria in the mouth, although even that long-standing assumption is now being questioned. To promote healthy teeth, many communities have implemented fluoridated water, a practice started during the 1940s. Other common practices include using fluoride-containing toothpaste for brushing, routine dental cleanings by a qualified practitioner and getting cavities filled. Some filling materials actually contain small amounts of mercury. For decades the prevailing belief was that the mercury in this form and amount is harmless, but increasingly this is found to be a fallacy. A common belief is that once cavities form, they cannot be reversed and that the decay process will continue into a more severe stage. Thus, very few people consider leaving a cavity untreated once it is detected. Now, an array of more natural methods are available to promote dental health, prevent tooth decay and provide relief from tooth pain and gum irritation associated with poor dental health. Some individuals and practitioners are even beginning to claim that the progress of tooth decay can be halted and that cavities can actually be reversed.
Remedies
A variety of herbal and natural remedies are available for preventing cavities and providing relief. Some people have even reported that natural remedies can remove the need to have existing small cavities filled by a dentist. One natural substance that is beneficial for preventing cavities is xylitol, a natural sugar that is used as an alternative sweetener. It is presumed to provide benefits by attracting and then starving the microorganisms that can cause tooth decay. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actually allows manufacturers to claim that xylitol does not promote cavities. It is even considered safe for diabetics, as it is a sugar alcohol and thus affects blood sugar less than a regular sugar. Neem is also useful, as it is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial and can remove plaque from teeth. Ginger root is anti-inflammatory and has been shown to have the ability to desensitize teeth. Turmeric and coriander are other substances that are commonly available that promote dental health. A component of natural licorice has shown substantial benefits in preventing tooth decay. Green and black tea both contain components that can inhibit decay-promoting bacteria and even vitamin B6 can prevent cavities by reducing those bacteria and increasing beneficial bacteria. Clove oil and vanilla are used for relief from tooth and gum pain and a rainforest herb is now associated with improved dental health and relief from pain and gum irritation.
Prevention
To prevent cavities from occurring in the first place, use natural remedies in addition to a brushing and flossing routine. Some toothpastes now contain ingredients such as neem and licorice, which can prevent tooth decay. People are finding that rubbing sangre de drago on the gums and teeth or using it for brushing can improve dental health and reduce the need for conventional dental treatment. Drink beverages that promote dental health, such as black and green tea and minimize consumption of sodas and sugar-laden fruit drinks. You can even get special sugar-free lollipops made with a specific component of Chinese licorice root that a scientist showed can inhibit decay-promoting bacteria and promote dental health. Sugar-free gum made with xylitol may be beneficial for preventing cavities as well.
Relief
In some cases, you may need relief from a new cavity before conventional treatment can be obtained, or you may be seeking an alternative to such treatment. Sangre de drago, usually available as a liquid, can be rubbed on teeth and gums or used for brushing teeth, in addition to or instead of toothpaste. Users have found that it quickly relieves and heals gum irritation and reduces tooth sensitivity. Clove oil is commonly used for relief of dental pain; it can be rubbed directly on the sore tooth or gums. Vanilla extract can be used in the same way. Another recommended technique is grinding asafetida with lemon juice, warming it and applying it to a new cavity for pain relief. Drink ginger tea to desensitize a painful tooth as well as relieving any infection.
Conclusion
Clearly there is no shortage of options for pursuing dental health naturally. Consider which methods you are most likely to actually use and incorporate those into your daily routine. Drinking green tea, brushing with neem or sangre de drago, or using xylitol in place of sugar can provide benefits without the expense and health risks of more intensive dental therapies.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and this information is provided for educational purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Tags: dental health, tooth decay, natural remedies, promote dental, promote dental health