Five Natural Remedies for Common Dental Health Issues

Five Natural Remedies for Common Dental Health Issues 

Visiting your dentist twice yearly is imperative for removing plaque and staving off potential dental problems that can lead to severe pain and more costly repairs later.

However, there are some natural remedies you can incorporate on your own in between your regular dental checkups, or until you can get in to see your dentist if a dental issue exists, to also help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy for improved overall dental health. Some natural remedies for common dental issues include:

1. Vitamin D and Calcium for Strong Teeth 

Vitamin D and calcium are necessary for strong teeth and bones; however, it may be difficult to reach the daily recommended amounts via our diets. Therefore, some dentists recommend vitamin D and calcium supplementation, in addition to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, to help rebuild the enamel and keep your teeth strong.

In fact, one study conducted on more than 100 adults over a five year period showed that the participants who took 700 IUs of vitamin D along with 500mg of calcium daily were more than 35% likely to retain their natural teeth.

When taking vitamin D and calcium supplements, health experts warn against consuming more than 1,000 IUs of vitamin D and 2,500 mg of calcium a day to prevent over-supplementation, which can affect your heart, liver, and kidneys.

2. Baking Soda to Help Prevent Tooth Decay 

Though products that contain fluoride have been proven to help strengthen the enamel and protect the teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay, new studies show that baking soda can also be used as a natural remedy against tooth decay. As a matter of fact, some studies show that it prevents more plaque than regular toothpaste.

Baking soda helps balance pH levels in the body, which helps deter plaque from forming by decreasing the acidity of sugar and other acid-forming foods that can cause demineralization of the tooth, also known as tooth decay, and gum disease. It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight harmful bacteria to help further protect the teeth, and because it is mildly abrasive, it also gently scrubs away sticky plaque from the teeth without damaging the enamel.

3. Eat for Whiter Teeth 

Whether you are looking to prolong the effects of your professional teeth whitening, or you just want a natural way to whiten your teeth, research shows that certain foods can help. For instance, strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid, which has been proven to brighten your smile. Apples, celery, and carrots also contain malic acid, which helps whiten the enamel, and they are also crunchy, which helps scrub the teeth to prevent stains. Meanwhile, pineapples contain a mixture of enzymes called bromelain, which is also the same ingredient found in some teeth whitening toothpaste.

Dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk, have also been shown to help keep your pearlies white because they are high in neutralizing lactic acid, which helps prevent a loss of enamel and dentin, a major cause of teeth discoloration, especially as you mature. Additionally, because dairy products tend to adhere to teeth, they also create a sort of buffer against the penetration of acids, which can erode the enamel.

4. Vanilla Extract for Tooth Pain or Sensitivity

Sensitive or painful teeth can be caused by various factors, including tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, exposed or infected tooth roots, receding gums, and clenching or grinding the teeth, in which case you will need to see your dentist for a more permanent remedy. However, it can also be caused by teeth whitening, eating acidic foods, and brushing too hard, in which case you should cut back on these actions to help relieve the discomfort.

In the meantime, if you suffer from tooth pain or sensitivity, studies show that vanilla extract can be used to provide temporary relief. Vanilla extract contains a trace amount of alcohol, which, when rubbed on the gums, can help numb the area around the affected tooth.

Pour a small amount of the extract onto your finger, a cotton ball, or a cotton swab, and then gently apply it to the gums for instant relief.

5. Fresh Herbs for Fresh Breath 

There are various scientific arguments regarding fresh herbs and their ability to treat bad breath in humans. However, many people swear by its effects.

One claim is that the chlorophyll in green plants, such as parsley, cilantro, mint, and basil, has deodorizing properties that can combat bad breath. Another claim is that chlorophyll helps aid with digestion, which helps prevent bad breath; however, little research has been done to support either claim.

Meanwhile, chlorophyll has been proven effective for treating bad breath in dogs. In fact, according to studies, it both aids in digestion and deodorizes the breath for a fresher mouth from the inside out.

Hopefully, you've enjoyed these simple ways to address many common dental issues or to help maintain the results of your professional dental services at home, and many of the natural remedies you probably already have on hand. Because certain issues can be a sign of a more serious dental problem, it is important to maintain your regular dental visits and schedule an emergency visit for pain that lasts for more than two to three days, you experience a knocked out, cracked, or broken tooth or you have an abscessed tooth, which can lead to complications.

About the Author

Dr. Marichia Attalla is a leading Periodontist in Nassau County NY. Learn more about her services by visiting her website.