Do you have a cavity but don’t want to get a filling? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We understand how daunting the thought of getting a filling can be and we want to help. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to get rid of your cavity without needing a filling. Keep reading to learn more!
Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing and flossing your teeth correctly and regularly is essential for keeping your teeth healthy, and can help prevent cavities from forming in the first place. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day helps remove plaque, the sticky film that builds up on your teeth and causes cavities. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride, and gently brush in circular motions. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too, as bacteria can hide there. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria between teeth, which is where cavities often form. Be sure to floss gently so you don’t damage your gums.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist regularly is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of cavities. Your dentist will check for any early signs of decay and can offer you advice on how to best protect your teeth. If they do find a cavity, they may recommend a new treatment such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF). This FDA-approved liquid is used to treat cavities without an injection or drilling, making it ideal for those who are fearful of dental treatment.
Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
If you want to keep cavities from forming, it’s important to avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugary snacks can linger on your teeth and cause acid to build up, leading to the erosion of enamel. This can leave you vulnerable to cavities. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to reduce your intake of sugary snacks and beverages. Instead, opt for healthier options like nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Increase Saliva Production
If you’re looking for a natural way to help protect your teeth from cavities, then increasing saliva production is a great option. Saliva helps to wash away bacteria and food particles that can lead to decay. To increase your saliva production, you can add vitamins and supplements to your diet. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum or sipping on water throughout the day.
Rinse With Hydrogen Peroxide
Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide is a great way to help prevent and treat cavities. Hydrogen peroxide helps to fight bacteria, which can help reduce the risk of cavities. It can also be used to clean the mouth after eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods and drinks, so you can rinse away any residue that may be left behind. To use hydrogen peroxide, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Use it as a mouthwash, swishing it around in your mouth for 30 seconds and spitting it out. Do this twice a day to help prevent and treat cavities.
Use Fluoride Products
In addition to the above-mentioned options, another way to get rid of a cavity without a filling is to use fluoride products. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth and helps prevent cavities. You can add fluoride to your oral care regime by using toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain fluoride, or you can have your dentist apply silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as a topical treatment. SDF is an FDA-approved liquid used to treat cavities without an injection or drilling, and can be great for young children, special needs/medically compromised patients, or anyone fearful of dental treatment.
Try Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, has been gaining popularity as a natural remedy for oral health issues. It involves swishing oil in your mouth for several minutes to reduce bacteria and inflammation. This process can help reduce the amount of acid that causes cavities and can help remineralize your teeth. It is important to note that, while oil pulling is a great preventative measure, it should not be used as a substitute for dental treatments such as fillings and sealants.
Choose Healthy Snacks
In addition to avoiding sugary snacks, it is important to choose healthy snacks that are low in sugar and high in nutrients. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help keep your teeth clean while providing essential vitamins and minerals to keep your teeth strong. Additionally, snacking on dairy products like cheese can help stimulate saliva production which helps to protect your teeth from cavities.
Avoid Acidic Beverages
Acidic beverages such as soft drinks, wine, and citrus fruit juices can erode the enamel of your teeth and cause cavities. To avoid cavities, it’s best to avoid these types of drinks and opt for water or milk instead. If you do choose to have an acidic beverage, make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward. Additionally, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an FDA-approved liquid used to treat cavities without an injection or drilling. This new treatment can be great for young children, special needs/medically compromised patients, or anyone fearful of dental treatment.
Use A Toothpaste With Xylitol
Using toothpaste with xylitol is another great way to help get rid of cavities without a filling. Xylitol helps to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and can help to remineralize teeth. In addition, xylitol is a natural sweetener that can help to reduce sugar cravings, which can help you avoid cavities in the future. Be sure to look for toothpastes that contain xylitol and use them regularly as part of your oral hygiene routine.