Have you noticed sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet or cold? That could be a sign of a cavity! Cavities are small holes in your teeth caused by bacteria breaking down sugars into acids. These acids eat away the protective enamel of your tooth. It can lead to toothaches, sensitivity, and gum problems. If not treated at an early stage, cavities can cause bigger problems such as infections or tooth loss. It is essential to understand how to get rid of cavities, which includes taking proper oral care to seeing your dentist regularly. Also, do not wait until it gets worse!

What are cavities?

Cavities and tooth decay are the most common issues that affect oral health, particularly in children, teenagers, and older adults. However, anyone with teeth, including infants, can develop cavities. A cavity starts as a small hole in a tooth, forming when acids in the mouth erode the tooth’s hard outer layer, known as enamel. Ignoring the signs of cavities can allow it to grow larger and impact deeper layers of the tooth, potentially causing tooth pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

What causes cavities?

Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth that turn sugars from food into acids. These acids break down the hard outer layer of your teeth, called enamel. This creates small holes or cavities over time. The risk of cavities increases when you often eat sugary foods and drinks, do not brush and floss regularly, and snack a lot on a daily basis. While saliva helps protect your teeth, if acids keep building up, your teeth cannot repair themselves, leading to cavities.

What are the signs of cavities?

Cavities often start without noticeable symptoms, but you may experience several signs as they progress, which include:

• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks
• Bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease
• Persistent toothache or sharp pain
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Staining usually brown, black, or white spots

In severe cases, you may experience swelling or pus around the gums and teeth that can indicate an infection. Regular dental check-ups can catch cavities early, even before symptoms arise!

How to get rid of cavities?

Here are 9 tips that can help you prevent and get rid of cavities:

1. Use fluoride toothpaste

One of the simple yet most effective ways to prevent and manage cavities is by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Ensure you are brushing for at least two minutes and using the right technique, making gentle circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your enamel. As per a study published by the Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, brushing your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste can prevent cavities and remineralize enamel.

Try fluoride toothpaste to improve your oral health. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock.

2. Floss daily

Brushing alone cannot remove all the food particles and plaque that can build up between your teeth. Flossing is crucial for getting rid of those stubborn bits of food and bacteria that hide between teeth, which can lead to cavities. It also helps maintain healthy gums, which are essential for overall oral health. Use a mouth rinse with strong antibacterial properties.

3. Use sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production. Saliva is the natural defense of your mouth against cavities, as it helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids, according to a study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. Choose sugar-free gum containing xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that bacteria cannot digest, meaning it reduces the ability of the bacteria to produce harmful acids.

4. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also essential for maintaining good oral health. Water helps rinse away food debris and bacteria, keeps your mouth moist, and promotes saliva production. It can also dilute acids and sugar in your mouth, which can reduce the risk of cavities.

5. Load up on vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for your overall health, including your oral health. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate, two minerals that are vital for maintaining strong teeth and bones. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to weakened enamel and a higher risk of cavities, found in a study published in the Journal of Dentistry. To ensure you are getting enough vitamin D, spend time in the sunlight, eat vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products, or take supplements after consulting the doctor.

6. Avoid sugary foods

Foods high in sugar and acids are the main culprits when it comes to cavities, as per the American Society for Nutrition. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars, producing acids that wear away your enamel. Try to reduce your intake of candy, soda, and other sugary snacks. Also, be mindful of acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, wine, and carbonated beverages. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush your teeth after 30 minutes to protect your enamel.

7. Try oil pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient practice where you swish oil, commonly coconut or sesame oil, around your mouth for 10-20 minutes before spitting it out. This can help remove bacteria and improve oral hygiene, reveals a study published in the International Journal of Health Sciences. While it should not replace brushing and flossing, oil pulling can be a beneficial addition to your oral care routine, especially in reducing the bacteria that contribute to cavities.

Oil pulling has a host of oral health benefits, such as removing plaque and preventing gum disease. Image courtesy: Pexels

8. Licorice root can help

Extract of Chinese licorice root has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the bacteria that cause cavities, states a study published in the Journal of Natural Products. However, make sure instead of eating licorice candy (which is often loaded with sugar), you choose licorice root extract that is commonly found in some oral care products, such as toothpaste or mouthwash. You can also purchase dried licorice root to chew on or make tea. Its cavity-fighting properties make it a natural remedy to fight against tooth decay.

9. Visit your dentist regularly

Last but not least, regular dental check-ups are very important to find cavities early before they become bigger problems. During these visits, your dentist will clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. If a cavity is starting to form, your dentist can treat it early with fluoride treatments or other preventive measures to protect your teeth. So, try to visit your dentist every six months, or more often if you are prone to cavities.

Treatment

Here are 5 treatment options that a dentist may consider to treat a cavity based on how serious the decay is:

1. Fluoride treatment

This is often used when the cavity is in its very early stages. Fluoride helps remineralise the enamel, potentially reversing minor tooth decay before it progresses. It is a preventive measure that aims at strengthening the tooth structure and is typically applied as a gel, foam, or varnish during a dental visit. If needed, your dentist may give you a fluoride prescription as well.

2. Fillings

If the cavity has progressed beyond the enamel, your dentist will need to clean out the decayed part of the tooth and fill the hole. Materials like resin, metal, or porcelain can be used to fill the space. This can restore the daily function and shape of your teeth.

Filling can help reverse the damage and control the cavity. Image Courtesy: Freepik

3. Crowns

For teeth that are significantly damaged or weakened by decay, a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it. The dentist reshapes the tooth to fit under the crown, which is then placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.

4. Root canal

If the decay reaches the pulp, which is the inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, a root canal is necessary. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the space with a special material.

5. Tooth extractions

In cases where the tooth is too damaged to be saved, extraction may be the only option. The dentist will remove the affected tooth to prevent oral infection from spreading and to alleviate any pain. After an extraction, your dentist will suggest options for replacing the lost tooth, such as implants, bridges, or dentures.

So, follow these tips and consult these treatment options with your dentist to help prevent further damage and keep your mouth healthy!

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