Are there natural ways to prevent cavities?

Cavities are small holes in the teeth caused by decay. Several home remedies can prevent this decay or stop it before it forms a cavity.

A buildup of food and bacteria form a film on the teeth. The term for this is plaque. If plaque is not removed, it will cause tooth decay.

Streptococcus mutans is a type of bacteria known to play a role in this decay.

Plaque builds up more easily in places such as:

• cracks, pits, and grooves in the teeth
• between the teeth
• around any fillings, particularly when they are chipped or broken
• close to the gum line

Over time, decay reaches the tooth's inner layer, called the dentin. At this point, a cavity starts to develop.

It is possible to prevent a cavity using home remedies when decay is at the pre-cavity stage. This is when decay has made holes in a tooth's enamel but has not yet reached the dentin.

Once the dentin decays and a cavity starts to form, professional treatment is necessary.