This is the million-dollar question. There are a ton of websites, books, and magazines where you will find detailed diet plans claiming to cure your cavities naturally.
You will also see glowing reviews of people who tried those foods and found their cavities cured.
While reading them, you may think that an inexpensive and painless answer to a disease that affects one in five Americans has been found and decide to explore further.
But just when you dig deeper you hit the wall. You find that there is little research on if foods can reverse cavities and dentists remain suspicious of any claims from natural healers.
Food does not heal cavities:
There is as much scientific support for cavity-healing foods as there is for the existence of UFOs.
Just as placing aspirin next to your tooth can not help with a toothache—though the acid in the pill can burn your gum tissues and cause a painful abscess—eating non-sticky and non-sugary foods will not undo the damage from cavities.
You will have to consult your dentist who can suggest scientific treatments, such as filling, and what foods to avoid to prevent your dental condition from getting worse.
But food can prevent cavities and stop them from getting worse.
Though foods do not heal cavities, if you are careful to select what you eat, you can prevent cavities.
Avoid sticky foods:
Sticky foods remain on your teeth after chewing.
The bacteria in the mouth decompose them. If a food is acidic—sugary foods usually are—decomposition kicks start a reaction between the enamel (a hard, transparent layer that surrounds the teeth) and the acid from the food.
The enamel can dissolve if the acid attacks are frequent, leaving the soft surface of teeth exposed. Once your teeth are in the open, without the protection of enamel, they are more likely to develop cavities.
Stay way from carbohydrate-rich diets:
Carbohydrates are essentially sugars (sucrose, fructose, and lactose).
They contain bacteria that consume minerals in the mouth and subsequently cause cavities.
They are found in popular foods such as candies, sodas, and milk products. Taking them in moderation is an effective way to reduce the risk of cavities.
Carbohydrate-moderate diets and non-sticky foods can also stop cavities from getting worse, but for treatment, you need to visit the dentist.
Treatment:
Fillings:
Fillings are a common way to treat cavities.
A dentist fills out the affected part of a tooth and fills the hole caused by the cavity to prevent further decay. The filling may consist of amalgam, porcelain, gold, or composite resin.
Crowns:
If the cavity is large, the dentist may put on a crown, usually made of porcelain or gold, to prevent your tooth from breaking.
Extraction:
In extreme cases, your tooth may have to be extracted.
In any case, it is best to see your dentist because he or she is the right person to figure out your individual health needs to determine the best course of treatment.
Dr. Safarian is a highly experienced dental practitioner of general dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and cavities.
He is a graduate of the Tufts School of Dental Medicine and practices in San Diego and Chula Vista. He can treat you dental cavities. If you are suffering with cavities, book your appointment with Irresistible Smiles today!