2. How do Cavities Form?
• Tiny colonies of bacteria settle in your mouth that is constantly moving on
your lips, tongue, gums and teeth.
• There is nothing to be afraid of, as presence of bacteria in and around your
oral organs is a normal thing.
• Although certain bacteria can be harmful, some bacteria also help built
better oral environment.
3. How is Cavities Caused?
• A particular type of bacteria attaches itself to the enamel and if not
removed quickly multiply and grow very fast to form colonies inside your
mouth.
• In this way, different types of bacteria keep on attaching themselves to
your teeth enamel forming colonies.
• When the proteins in the saliva mix with these bacterial colonies, they
together form a whitish film over the teeth.
• This film is known as plaque and causes cavities.
4. Do Cavities Affect Children or Adults?
• Tooth cavities and decay are the most common oral health diseases in the
world and these are mostly seen among children, older adults and
teenagers. Nevertheless, anyone can get cavities at any age.
5. Home Remedies for Cavities
1. Clove
• Clove is one of the most widely used ingredients for treating different
types of dental problems such as cavities and decay.
• It has antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and hence
is effective in restricting the spread of bacterial infection and in alleviating
pain.
• In ¼ tsp of sesame oil put 2 to 3 clove oil drops
6. • Dip cotton ball in this solution and dab it on the affected teeth.
• Repeat this process every day before sleeping.
• Chewing clove is another option. However, the effect is temporary and you
should consult the dentist for permanent relief.
7. 2. Salt
• Salt has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It draws out infection, eases
pain, reduces inflammation and prevents bacterial growth.
• Dissolve one tsp of salt in warm water and floss your mouth with this
solution.
• Swish more around the area, which is affected.
• Continue the treatment until the symptoms subside.
8. Preventing Cavities
• Fluorine is a common mineral, which is used in tap water in most of the
developed countries. It greatly helps in preventing the progression of tooth
decay.
• It is known to replace the mineral loss and restricts the bacteria from
forming acid that can cause tooth cavity.
• You can prevent your teeth by applying fluoride varnish or gel to the
surfaces of the teeth or by taking fluoride tablets on prescription.
• You can also try using a fluoride mouth rinse.
9. Should you whiten the Teeth When They Have Cavities?
• If your teeth are not in healthy condition and some of your teeth have
cavities or are decayed, you should not opt for teeth whitening as the
whitening material can get inside the cavity leading to excruciating pain.