Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is not easily available through your diet, although fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel and tuna) are an excellent source of the vitamin. Instead, get plenty of sunshine (though you can’t wear sunscreen and still metabolize vitamin D so limit your time to a maximum of 15-30 minutes a session). During the winter months, when sun exposure may be less available to you, you can also take vitamin D supplements. [4] X Research source
Animal (especially crab and lobster) innards Skate liver oil Bone marrow
If you can’t get or don’t want to try fermented cod liver oil, you can add more vitamin A to your diet by eating large amounts of chicken liver or goat cheese, or drinking whole milk. Keep in mind that it will take 2 ounces (57 g) of liver, 17 ounces (480 g) of goat cheese, and 2 gallons (7. 6 L) of milk to equal just 1 teaspoon (4. 9 mL) of fermented cod liver oil. Likewise, you can add more vitamin D to your diet by eating large amounts of salmon, eggs, and again, drinking whole milk. To equal the amount of vitamin D in 1 teaspoon (4. 9 mL) of fermented cod liver oil, you’ll need to eat 18 ounces (510 g) of salmon, 5 dozen eggs, and 21 gallons (79 L) of whole milk.
If you can, try eating cheese. Cheese helps stimulate saliva, which in turn restores minerals to the teeth and washes away remaining food particles.
You can also make your own mineralizing toothpaste if you want to save some money. Combine 4 tablespoons (59 mL) of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons (29 g) of baking soda, 1 tablespoon (13. 4 g) of xylitol (or a pinch of stevia), 20 drops of peppermint oil, and 20 drops of trace minerals or calcium/magnesium powder.
In addition, consider the sensation of pain. If the pain seems to be changing from a long-lasting, throbbing pain to a more incidental pain or sensitivity to hot and cold foods, the cavity may be improving. However, if the pain intensifies, you should consult your dentists for treatment. Note any food impaction. When a tooth fractures, food can get stuck inside the cavity. This creates a wedging effect and causes discomfort and sensitivity. In addition, it can greatly impair the healing process. Watch for fractures. Depending on the size of your original cavity, your cavity-filled tooth may be significantly weaker than a normal, healthy one. If you are opting not to get dental treatment, be especially aware of this.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as the tongue can also carry bacteria and food particles. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Use a soft toothbrush. Your teeth can be damaged by brushing too hard or using toothbrushes with hard bristles. You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Leave the toothpaste in your mouth without rinsing. Spit out the extra foam, but don’t rinse your mouth out with water. You want to give the minerals in the toothpaste some time to be absorbed onto your teeth. If your teeth are sensitive, use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth—these can help reduce gum inflammation as well. [9] X Research source Liu, Y-L. , Nascimento,M. , Burne, RA. , Progress toward understanding the contribution of alkali generation in dental biofilms to inhibition of dental caries. Int J Oral Sci. 2012 September; 4(3): 135–140.
If you’re uncertain about the proper flossing technique, you can watch a video produced by the American Dental Association.
Although some have expressed concern about the use of fluoride, the 2007 National Research Council report indicated that fluoride is an essential mineral and is healthy and necessary for tooth and bone structure. You can also use a special toothpaste meant to rebuild enamel, such as Squigle Enamel Saver toothpaste (with fluoride).
If you must snack, make a healthy choice like cheese, yogurt, or a piece of fruit. Avoid snack foods that are unfriendly to your teeth, such as chips or sweets.
You should also avoid soda and any other sweetened drinks because these foods tend to contain a lot of added sugar. In addition, sodas are very acidic and can damage the enamel on your teeth. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If still want to enjoy something sweet, try using honey, which is anti-bacterial. You could also use stevia, which is an herb that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. To satisfy your urge to eat grains, try fermented grains, like real sourdough bread, and only in moderation. When you do indulge in carbohydrates or sugar, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards to clean them of debris which can stick to your teeth and hasten the development of decay.
Try to moderate the amounts of citrus fruits you eat as these are quite acidic and can break down tooth enamel over time. Eat them as part of a meal (and not by themselves), and always rinse your mouth out with water afterwards to wash away the food particles.
Sour foods tend to increase saliva production, but sour foods are also acidic, so chew, chew, and chew some more to increase the amount of saliva you make. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Enough calcium that you get at least 1000 mg every day. Men older than 71 and women older than 51 should get 1200 mg every day. Enough magnesium so that you get about 300-400 mg every day. Children have different needs—for children from birth to 3 years, 40-80 mg/day; for kids between 3-6 years, 120 mg/day; for kids up to 10 years, 170 mg/day. For children, use children’s vitamins.
Adults and children should get about 600 IU (International Units) of vitamin D every day. Adults over 70 years should get 800 IU every day.
There is a lot of controversy around fluoridated water. It is unclear how great an effect fluoridated water has on dental health, and some have concerns about potential side effects of drinking fluoride and prolonged exposure. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
To make tea: Boil water and pour it into a covered bowl. Use 2 teaspoons (about 2 g) of dried herb for every 2 cups (470 mL) of water. Gently stir the herbs and cover the bowl. Let the water cool completely and then pour the concentrated tea into a jar with a lid through a sieve (to catch the dried herb) and refrigerate. You can use these for up to 2 weeks after refrigeration. To make mouthwash: When you want an antibacterial mouthwash, get a glass and add equal parts of concentrated tea and water. Use this as a rinse. Keep it in your mouth for 1 to 2 minutes and do not rinse with water for about 5 minutes.
Fillings are the most common form of treatment and involve removing the decayed part of the tooth and “filling” the region with composite resin, porcelain, or other materials. Evidence in favor of natural treatments is extremely limited and dated. In fact, the one study that does suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, meat, milk, and vitamin D can heal cavities dates back to 1932![26] X Research source Mellanby M, Pattison CL. The Influence of a Cereal-Free Diet Rich in Vitamin D And Calcium on Dental Caries in Children. British Medical Journal 1932; 1(37): 507-510. It’s best to get the care you need as soon as possible. The earlier you get the cavity treated by a dental professional, the better the chances of preventing the progression of the cavity. Moreover, if a cavity is treated before you even experience any pain, you likely won’t need more advanced—and costlier—treatments, like a root canal. [27] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Getting regular dental care can help prevent new cavities from forming. Additionally, your dentist can often spot new cavities that you are not aware of and treat them before they become severe. Follow your dentist’s guidelines on how to properly care for your teeth and their particular structure and makeup.
One of your teeth is fractured, knocked out, or displaced. You have symptoms of a dental or oral infection, such as swelling around your jaw, difficulty breathing, or severe pain, especially if it’s bad enough to keep you awake even with over-the-counter pain relievers. You have sudden sensitivity to sweets or to hot or cold foods and drinks.
