Addressing cavities naturally can be a complex issue, especially once decay has set in. While traditional Siddha-Ayurveda practices offer ways to support oral health and perhaps manage very early stages of decay, it’s important to note that once cavities have advanced, professional dental intervention is usually necessary. Untreated cavities can progress and lead to more serious issues, such as infections or tooth loss, so consulting a dentist is paramount if pain increases or persists.
For overall oral health and perhaps managing very early decay, you can indeed consider the practice of oil pulling. Sesame oil, a staple in Siddha-Ayurveda, is beneficial for this. You can try swishing a tablespoon of warmed (not hot) sesame oil in your mouth for about 10-15 minutes every morning before brushing your teeth. It can help to reduce the bacterial load in your mouth, which contributes to decay and poor oral health. Ensure that you spit the oil out into a trash bin and rinse your mouth with warm water; never swallow.
Clove oil is another remedy that is often suggested due to its eugenol content, which has natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Applying a small amount of clove oil to the affected area may provide temporary relief from pain, but remember it doesn’t heal cavities. Use a cotton swab to dab the oil directly onto the tooth — use it sparingly to avoid irritation.
Your friend’s suggestion of xylitol gum does have merits, as xylitol can support saliva production, which in turn helps maintain a neutral pH in the mouth and may contribute to remineralizing early stages of enamel issues. Chewing xylitol gum after meals could be a useful adjunctive measure to your oral hygiene routine, but again, it’s not a cure for existing cavities.
Lastly, balancing your diet can make a meaningful difference over time. Aim for a diet rich in whole foods, reducing processed sugars, and choosing foods that encourage remineralization, like those high in calcium and phosphorous.
Overall, these measures support oral health but once a cavity reaches beyond the enamel into the dentin layer, a dentist’s care is crucial. If your symptoms worsen or don’t resolve, please consider seeing a dental professional to avoid potential complications.
