Dental caries are the result of demineralization or weakening of the tooth and are the cause of injury.
A very advanced lesion progresses to form a cavity or a hole in the enamel causing particularly severe pain.
What to do if you have cavities? How to treat tooth decay and are there ways to relieve it naturally?
This is what we will find out together.
Contents
- 1 How does tooth decay happen?
- 2 Tooth decay what causes it?
- 3 Sugar and tooth decay
- 4 Painful decay
- 5 Complications of cavities
- 6 Symptoms of a tooth infection
- 7 How do I know if I have cavities?
- 8 Cavity prevention
- 9 Tooth decay treatment
- 10 Dental caries and natural remedies
- 11 How to get rid of tooth decay naturally?
How does tooth decay happen?
The formation of a cavity can be summed up in a conflict between pathogenic factors which generate demineralization and protective agents supposed to participate in the remineralization of the tooth.
In short, the film covering the tooth is attacked by bacteria from the streptococcus group.
These bacteria are colonizers that attach themselves to surfaces through proteins.
And since they reside on the surface of the tooth, they are also in contact with sucrose from ingested foods such as sugar.
Sucrose is made up of glucose molecules bonded to fructose molecules, and the bacteria use an enzyme to separate them.
Thus, it converts fructose into energy and uses glucose to make a chain of molecules called glucans (polymers of glucose).
By this means, it will manage to attach itself to the surface of the tooth and form dental plaque, an overgrowth of bacteria.
The initial bacteria multiply to form multiple microcolonies which unite to create dental plaque.
If the environmental pH of the tooth surface remains above 5.5, the enamel does not demineralize.
Tooth decay what causes it?
The major factor in the breakdown of a small cavity is saliva.
Indeed, suffering from a dry mouth caused by Sjögren’s syndrome, undergoing treatment for cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease or side effects of some drugs induce saliva low in bicarbonate.
The second factor is sugar which contributes to the demineralization of the tooth.
Certain bacteria ferment sucrose to produce lactic acid.
In addition, the combination of acidic foods and drinks lowers the PH.
So a drink that contains a lot of sugar and acidity like a soda that has a PH of around 3 can damage the tooth in two manners :
– Bacteria living in the mouth are diverse and if the pH is too low, it alters the balance.
– Bacteria that proliferate in this too low pH like streptococci or lactobacilli end up dominating oral flora.
Dental plaque forms and deprives the enamel of oxygen. The tooth eventually enameled.
Thus, the surface of the enamel becomes conducive to the invasion of anaerobic bacteria, the only ones capable of metabolizing sugar with or without oxygen.
Lactic acid rapidly increases and lowers the pH of the enamel below 5.5.
In such an acidic environment, the calcium and phosphate in the enamel begin to dissolve and demineralization begins.
Sugar and tooth decay
Each time the sugar comes into contact with the mouth, the bacteria produce more and more acidity causing progressive destruction of the tooth surface.
Over time, this surface becomes even more refined until it crumbles.
The intact enamel keeps bacteria away from the dentin.
But if demineralization continues, dentin is eventually damaged. Bacteria get in there.
Painful decay
When bacteria attack dentin, it becomes infected.
At this stage, rapid restoration of the tooth should be considered.
But if the destruction continues, the lesion formed by the decay widens and eventually reaches the pulp.
Bacteria enter the pulp and cause severe irritation while damaging the nerve.
The pain then becomes unbearable.
Note that pain can also be notified when dentin is affected since nerve endings are also lodged there.
Complications of cavities
Bacteria can sometimes infiltrate the tooth deeply until it reaches the root.
It may be noted that decay may not start by attacking the tooth enamel.
If there is recession of the gum or the formation of dental plaque between the gum and the root, bacteria and acidity access the cement which is less strong than enamel and dissolves faster.
Demineralization of cementum and dentin occurs if the pH is between 6.2 and 6.8.
Symptoms of a tooth infection
Symptoms of tooth decay are severe pain and marked tenderness when chewing or drinking.
The person becomes sensitive to cold, heat, and sugar.
He undergoes what he calls a toothache.
If decay is not treated quickly, it can lead to devitalization of the tooth or even to its removal.
How do I know if I have cavities?
The diagnosis is mainly based on the experienced symptoms.
However, you can examine the tooth and note discoloration or a darker spot in the damaged area.
For his part, the dentist takes an x-ray to determine the extent of the internal damage.
Cavity prevention
It is of course preferable to ensure the prevention of these lesions caused by decay.
Knowing the triggers is essential:
– an abnormal level of oral acidity
– bad eating habits
The best way to ensure this prevention is to reduce the pathogenic risk by regularly using:
– an antibacterial mouthwash
– products that increase saliva production
– careful brushing preferably with a sonic toothbrush (#ad)
– the use of dental floss
Products containing fluoride may help remineralize areas with damaged enamel.
Tooth decay treatment
If the enamel is intact, decay can be healed without piercing the tooth.
The chemical remineralization is then implemented.
But if the enamel is damaged, it may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and replace it with a dental dressing that allows the person to chew normally while disinfecting the area.
Dental cement will then come to reconstitute the missing part of the tooth.
If the infection is too deep, the top part of the tooth is removed to be replaced with a crown.
All these solutions however are only means of restoration but do not treat the real causes of cavities.
Dental caries and natural remedies
You will tell me that there is no cure for cavities.
It all depends on the stage of its evolution.
If your decay has just started or even if it is a little advanced, you can still work on the outside of the tooth to try to treat it.
But for that, you have to adopt a specific routine and care.
Tooth decay and Diet
The major point of course is to stop consuming sugar and grains.
Indeed, cereals contain too much phytic acid.
This acid binds to minerals in grains, nuts, and seeds and prevents their absorption.
So you think you get all the nutrients from these foods when in fact you lack them and need them to strengthen your teeth, hair, bones, and nails.
So try to eliminate grains or at least keep processed grains at bay.
For its part, sugar should also be banned.
As we have seen, sugar is primarily responsible for the proliferation of bacteria.
But be careful, when we talk about sugar, it is processed sugar.
You can easily replace it with honey, which has no side effects.
Vitamin D and cavities
Vitamin D deficiency (#ad) increases the risk of cavities and gingivitis.
This powerful hormone works for bone and dental health by increasing calcium absorption and aiding remineralization.
Note that vitamin D guarantees the strength of your teeth and fights loosening.
The recommended dosage is a minimum of 2000IU per day to achieve optimal effectiveness for the bones.
It must also be associated with calcium (preferably through food).
Vitamin K2 remineralize teeth
Vitamin K offers real protection against dental caries.
It also reduces bleeding and helps with wound healing.
Vitamin K2 (#ad) is indicated in the fight against bone demineralization.
The recommended dosage is 45mg per day.
Vitamin A tooth decay
If you suffer from dry mouth, vitamin A (#ad) is indicated to you for prevention.
It is also involved in accelerating wound healing.
The recommended dosage is 2000IU per day.
Magnesium deficiency and teeth
Magnesium is an essential mineral for oral health.
It is even very indicated to fight periodontitis.
As it is also essential for the formation of bones and teeth, it plays a major remineralizing role.
The recommended dosage of magnesium for teeth prevention (#ad) is 100mg per day for a cure of 1 to 3 months.
In case of proven deficiency, the dose of 300mg per day in cure of 1 to 3 months is recommended.
Lack of Calcium cause cavities
Of course, calcium is essential for dental and bone health.
You can easily find it in dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and mineral water.
Probiotics and teeth
Kefir milk contains the nutrients necessary for your dental health.
It will bring you vitamin D, K, magnesium, and calcium in quantity.
Remember that all the probiotics including capsules (#ad) help eliminate harmful bacteria, especially those that contribute to the formation of dental plaque which is, as you know, the origin of gingivitis and cavities.
Apple cider vinegar and tooth decay
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which make it a perfect ally in the fight against canker sores, caries, and periodontal disease.
Get in the habit of starting your day with an apple cider vinegar mouthwash (#ad) before brushing your teeth with your usual toothpaste to maintain your oral health.
How to get rid of tooth decay naturally?
Cavities can be stopped before they are too severe and require the intervention of the dentist.
Dental hygiene maintained by rigorous and regular brushing accompanied by a carefully selected diet can save you a lot of inconveniences.
But if you have already suffered or are even now suffering from the throbbing pain of this lesion, consider refueling with vitamins to remineralize your teeth and no longer have to rush to the dentist.
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