Most people think that once they have a cavity, the only remedy is to have that tooth drilled and filled in with a biocompatible artificial material. We realize that cavity reversal might sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, but it is possible to heal tooth cavities naturally, despite widely held beliefs.

Traditionally, treating cavities has involved drilling and filling the affected area, but recent research suggests that it may be possible to heal a cavity naturally or prevent their progression in the early stages. In fact, one study published in the The Beverly Hills Center asserts that cavities and tooth decay can potentially be reversed with a healthy and balanced diet.

Studies have shown that under the right conditions, cavities in their earliest stages can be stopped or even reversed without invasive treatments. These alternatives focus on boosting the body’s natural ability to repair tooth enamel and control harmful bacteria in the mouth.

At Bedford Dental Group, our expert cosmetic dentists with over 30 years of experience are always up to date with all the latest research and procedures for healing cavities naturally. Contact us to schedule an appointment for personalized advice.

If you’re looking for a way to reverse cavities and improve your oral health, this blog post is for you! Continue reading as we explore the various ways to heal cavities naturally.

Reversing Cavities Naturally with Curodont Repair

Cavities have long been seen as irreversible without the help of traditional drilling and filling methods. However, thanks to advancements like Curodont Repair, there’s a natural way to reverse cavities in their early stages by encouraging the regeneration of the tooth’s enamel.

Curodont Repair is a bioactive material that works with your tooth’s natural processes to heal cavities, particularly in the earliest stages, without drilling. At Bedford Dental Group Cosmetic Dentists, we are committed to providing the most advanced and patient-friendly dental care available, which is why we offer Curodont Repair as part of our preventive treatment options. Our approach with Curodont Repair is simple and pain-free, making it an ideal choice for patients who want to stop early cavities in their tracks. By using this advanced technology, we can help preserve your natural tooth structure, avoid more invasive procedures, and maintain your dental health with minimal discomfort.

This treatment uses a special peptide technology called P11-4, which allows us to treat these areas without the need for drilling or fillings. When applied to the affected area, the peptide penetrates the demineralized enamel and forms a matrix that attracts calcium and phosphate ions, effectively rebuilding and strengthening the tooth from within.

While Curodont Repair can effectively reverse cavities, maintaining good oral hygiene practices is critical to prevent tooth decay and ensure good long-term dental health. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps prevent the buildup of dental plaque, which leads to tooth decay. Regularly visiting your dentist for checkups can also catch cavities before they progress.

Additionally, a diet rich in calcium-rich foods and vitamin D will support dental enamel health. These nutrients strengthen the outer layer of the teeth and can aid in cavity prevention. Avoiding sugary foods and acidic foods is also essential for reducing harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and the formation of dental cavities.

Cavity Reversal Case Study

This study was performed on 62 kids with cavities, all of which were divided into three separate diet groups. Group 1 would eat a standard diet plus oatmeal (which is rich in phytic acid). Group 2 would eat a normal diet supplemented with vitamin D. Finally, Group 3 would eat a grain-free diet supplemented with vitamin D.

The results found that Group 1 had the least satisfactory results. This diet high in grains and phytic acid showed an increase in cavities across the board. Group 2 showed slight improvements in their cavities. Group 3 showed the most promising results – nearly all cavities were healed. Group 3’s diet followed grain-free parameters and replaced grains with nutrient-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, meat, milk, and vitamin D supplementation).

This study helps to prove that most of us have a grave misunderstanding of cavities and also of the effects of a healthy diet that goes beyond weight and physical appearance. This highlights the importance of understanding the connection between oral health and overall well-being. It’s not just about brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist regularly; it’s also about making conscious dietary choices that promote long-term health.

At Bedford Dental Group, we educate our patients about the link between good oral health and good overall health. This is yet another example of how living a health-conscious lifestyle can make your life better on multiple fronts.

Raw Milk for Teeth

Milk has always been associated with healthy teeth and bones due to its high calcium and phosphorus content. These minerals are vital for maintaining the strength and integrity of our teeth. Raw milk, which is milk that hasn’t been pasteurized, has garnered attention in recent years both for its potential health benefits and risks. Let’s dive into the implications of raw milk for dental health, and particularly the practice of swishing it around in the mouth.

Benefits of Raw Milk for Teeth:

Rich in Minerals: As with all milk, raw milk is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, minerals essential for strengthening enamel and preventing tooth decay.
Contains Beneficial Enzymes: Raw milk possesses certain enzymes that pasteurization may destroy. These enzymes might help in breaking down biofilm on the teeth and potentially combat harmful oral bacteria.
Presence of Casein: Casein, a protein found in milk, may help in the stabilization of tooth enamel, especially in the presence of calcium and phosphate.

Swishing Milk: Is It Good for Your Teeth?

Swishing or rinsing the mouth with various substances is a practice that dates back millennia, but the efficacy and safety of each substance varies. Here’s what you need to know about swishing milk:

Potential for Remineralization: Due to the presence of calcium and phosphorus, swishing with milk might aid in the remineralization of teeth. This can be particularly beneficial after consuming acidic foods or drinks that have eroded some of the enamel.
Neutralizing Acids: Milk has a relatively neutral pH, which means it can help neutralize any acids present in the mouth after a meal, reducing the risk of acid-induced tooth erosion.
However, Beware of Residue: While swishing with milk may offer benefits, leaving milk residues in the mouth, especially overnight, might not be advisable. Milk contains natural sugars, which, if left on the teeth, can feed harmful bacteria, leading to tooth decay. Always rinse the mouth with water after swishing with any substance, including milk.
Considerations for Raw Milk: Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria since it hasn’t undergone pasteurization. This might pose a health risk not just for the teeth but for overall health, especially if the source of the raw milk isn’t known to be clean and reputable.

The practice of swishing should be approached with caution. It’s essential to ensure that no milk residues remain in the mouth after the practice, as these can lead to dental issues over time.

More on Tooth Decay

The American Dental Association (ADA) defines tooth decay as a process that occurs when foods containing carbohydrates, such as milk, soda, raisins, cakes, or candy, are frequently left on the teeth. According to the ADA, “Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over an extended period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.” You can find more about this description on the ADA’s official site. This explanation is widely accepted, but it only addresses part of the picture.

While the ADA emphasizes excess consumption of sugars and starches as a major cause of tooth decay, tooth decay can also be triggered by nutritional deficiencies. When key vitamins and minerals are missing from your diet, your teeth become more vulnerable to decay. A healthy, well-balanced diet isn’t just crucial for your overall well-being but also for tooth health.

Beyond the sugars and starches mentioned by the ADA, there are other factors that contribute significantly to tooth decay. These include lack of minerals in the diet (magnesium, calcium, etc.), lack of fat-soluble vitamins (particularly Vitamin D, but also A, E, and K), and excessive phytic acid-rich food and beverage consumption.

Reversing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common concern among most people. The good news is that it’s possible to halt or even reverse tooth decay at its early stages.

Tooth decay begins when the bacteria in our mouths convert the sugars from our foods into acids. These acids erode the tooth’s protective enamel layer. Over time, this can lead to cavities – holes in the teeth. If not treated, these cavities can deepen, leading to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Can Tooth Decay Be Reversed?

Yes and no. The early stages of decay can be halted and even reversed. But, once enamel has been lost, it cannot regenerate. However, minerals can be redeposited in the enamel layer through a process called remineralization, which strengthens it and prevents further decay.

How to Reverse Tooth Decay:

Tooth decay can be reversed through dietary changes. This includes limiting sugar as it is the main culprit behind tooth decay. When consumed, it feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth and leads to acid production. It also entails increasing calcium and phosphorus intake (daily products, nuts, and meats), and consuming foods that promote saliva production (apples, carrots, crunchy fruits and vegetables).

Another way to reverse tooth decay is to have good oral hygiene. This can be done by using fluoride toothpaste, brushing, and flossing regularly. Brushing and flossing regularly removes food particles and plaque, while fluoride helps strengthen teeth and can aid in remineralization.

It also helps to go for regular dental check-ups. Even if you are diligent with your home care, regular dental dental check-ups can help spot early signs of decay and provide interventions to prevent progression. You should also consider sealants which are protective coatings that your dentist can apply to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They act as barriers, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.

Furthermore, drinking fluoridated water can help reverse tooth decay. You should also chew sugar-free gum and avoid acidic drinks. Note that beverages like sodas, citrus juices, and even some sports drinks can erode enamel. If consumed, rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Points to Note:

Once a cavity has formed, it can’t be reversed. It needs to be treated by a dentist. The above methods are preventive or for very early-stage decay.
Everyone’s mouth is different. What works for one person might not work for another. It’s essential to find a routine that’s effective for you and stick to it.
The health of your mouth reflects the health of your body. Other conditions, like diabetes, can impact oral health, so it’s crucial to manage overall health as well.

How to Heal Cavities Naturally

Here are a couple of ways that you can naturally reverse the effects of cavities:

Cut sugars and phytic acid (mineral blocker and enzyme inhibitor found in grains – also in nuts, seeds, and beans that forgo sprouting and sourdough fermentation)
Eat raw dairy. Raw dairy is rich in important vitamins and minerals that contribute to healthy dental fluid flow. This helps maintain tooth strength and overall oral health wellness. Goat’s milk kefir, raw cheese, and organic grass-fed butter are good options.

For more information about how you can naturally reverse the effects of cavities and tooth decay, schedule a consultation with Bedford Dental Group today. We are dedicated to providing our patients with preventive dentistry education that will save them time, money, and hardship down the road. Give us a call today!

Can you Heal a Cavity Natuarly?