When it comes to dental care, most people just do the bare minimum --- brush teeth twice a day. While doing this is good but not taking care of your overall oral hygiene can lead to many dental issues such as tooth cavities. Do you know tooth cavities are the most common diseases --- second only to the common cold? When left untreated, tooth cavities can lead to a variety of complications such as tooth pain, infection, chipping of the tooth, difficulty in chewing food and loss of the tooth.
To know more about tooth cavities and their ayurvedic treatment keep on reading:
Tooth cavities are holes that form in your tooth
Cavities are permanent holes that are formed on the hard surface of your teeth. Initially, cavities start small and gradually they get bigger. Tooth cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, having too many sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. Though people of all ages get cavities, they are more common among children.
Tooth cavities: How to tell if you have one?
Tooth cavities do not cause problems or pain in the beginning. But as the cavities get bigger they may cause symptoms. Regular dental checkups can help you detect cavities early and seek treatment.
Symptoms of tooth cavities
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Mild to sharp sensation when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
- Visible holes or black spots on your teeth
- Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
- Pain when you eat
Why tooth cavities form? The causes of tooth cavities you need to know
When you eat food particles stay on your teeth. Naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth thrive on them and produce acids. These acids then combine with bacteria, food particles and saliva to form plaque, a sticky film that covers the teeth. The plaque damage the teeth, creating tiny holes called cavities.
Stage of cavity formation
Stage 1: Once plaque forms, the tooth's hard outer surface wears off.
Stage 2: After attacking the outer surface, the acid and bacteria make their way to the next layer of the tooth, a softer substance called dentin.
Stage 3: Bacteria and plaque continue to damage the tooth. At an advanced stage, the decay starts to reach the pulp and root of the tooth.
Ayurvedic treatment for tooth cavities: Take a holistic approach
According to Ayurveda, ahara-vihar (diet and lifestyle) are important to leading a physically healthy lifestyle and dental health is no exception. The prevention and management of tooth cavities involve a combination of ayurvedic medicine (aushadhi), diet changes (ahar) and lifestyle changes (vihar).
Diet (ahar) recommendations:
- Reduce intake of sugary foods and drinks. Rinse mouth after eating something sweet.
- Eat foods that are rich sources of calcium.
- Eat plenty of raw vegetables and fruits. Fibrous fruits and vegetables help clean your teeth and increase salivation, which can neutralise the acids left behind in your mouth.
Lifestyle (vihar) recommendations)
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Besides brushing your teeth twice a day, floss your teeth regularly.
- Gargle with salt water to prevent tooth decay and its progression to tooth abscess
- Avoid smoking and drinking since they contribute to dental problems.
Looking for an effective Ayurvedic medicine for toothache? Forgum is an effective Ayurvedic medicine for toothache and other dental problems such as gum swelling, bad breath and gum bleeding. The antibacterial and astringent action of the ayurvedic medicine clears plaque and removes bad breath. Available as paste and powder, the ayurvedic medicine exerts antibacterial and astringent action and offer relief from dental problems.
