Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for overall health. This guide provides instructions for basic dental procedures and managing common dental problems, especially in situations where professional dental care is not accessible.
Everyday Dental Care
- Brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a pea-sized amount of non-fluoride toothpaste, or water if toothpaste causes problems. Gently brush all surfaces of each tooth in short, back-and-forth strokes, taking care to angle the brush at the gumline. Electric toothbrushes can also be used, guiding the brush slowly across each tooth without pressing too hard. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or after a contagious illness.
- Flossing: Floss between your teeth daily to remove food particles and plaque that brushing can’t reach. Interdental brushes can also be used. You can use floss with essential oils for better control of mouth bacteria.
- Diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay. If you consume sugar, avoid snacking on sugary foods throughout the day to give your enamel a chance to re-mineralize.
- Regular Check-ups: Visit a dentist for regular check-ups to detect and address any issues early[11].
- Disinfect: Cavities are caused by Streptocuccus mutans bacteria. See the section on preventing cavities below.
Managing Cavities
* Professional Treatment: Cavities require professional treatment by a dentist[10].
* Remineralization: Strengthen tooth enamel to reverse early demineralization and prevent tooth decay[10]. Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings, can help reverse cavities[10].
* Oil Pulling: Swish a tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes, then spit it out[3][10]. This practice may reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bacteria in the mouth[3].
* Licorice Root: Consuming licorice root may help target bacteria that cause cavities due to its antibacterial properties[10].
* Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can reduce levels of bacteria that damage enamel[10].
Preventing Cavities by Understanding the Cause
Cavities are primarily caused by bacteria, most notably species from the mutans streptococci group. These bacteria eat sugar and make acid which removes minerals from teeth. The bacteria are frequently found in the human mouth but not in all mouths. You can get the bacteria from some foods and from kissing someone who has it. Yes, dental cavities are a little known contagious bacterial disease. The mutans streptococci, including Streptococcus mutans and related species, create biofilms on tooth surfaces, which, if not managed well, can persist and lead to the progression of tooth decay.
Effective control of oral biofilm infectious diseases represents a major global challenge. Approaches to managing the biofilm include:
- Mechanical Disruption: Toothbrushing is the most powerful way to disrupt supragingival biofilm at home, preventing colonization of microbes subgingivally.
- Antimicrobial Strategies: Innovative antimicrobial strategies can help control oral biofilm-related infections. Natural substances with antimicrobial properties can be incorporated into oral hygiene routines to help combat these bacteria[3]. Some effective options include:
- Garlic: Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its strong antimicrobial effects. Crush a few garlic cloves and apply directly to the affected area[1].
- Clove Oil: Clove oil contains eugenol, a potent antimicrobial and analgesic agent. Dab a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it directly to the affected tooth and gum area[1].
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has well-documented antimicrobial properties. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) before applying it to the affected area[1].
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera contains compounds such as aloin and aloe-emodin, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the infected area[1].
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Create a paste by mixing turmeric powder with a small amount of water or coconut oil, and apply to the affected area[1].
- Wasabi: Wasabi strips the harmful bacteria from the mouth and restores the alkalinity, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Wasabi has antimicrobial properties that may aid in oral health[4][6].
- Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (APDT): APDT has emerged as an alternative to antimicrobial regimes and mechanical removal of biofilms.
- Chlorhexidine (CHX) Application: Eradication of mutans streptococci from the oral cavity is feasible using a combination of CHX application in custom-made trays and intensive professional mechanical tooth cleaning (PMTC).
- Ultrasonic Scalers: Ultrasonic scalers have a metal tip that vibrates, and the ultrasonic cavitation bubbles that occur in the cooling water flowing over the tip may help to clean biofilms from dental implants more effectively without damaging the surface.
- Antimicrobial Dental Materials: Experimental dental adhesives and composites containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are effective against plaque biofilms.
- Plant Extracts: Several plant-derived compounds, including those of licorice root, cinnamon, green tea, hibiscus, coffee pulp, and Triphala, as well as curcuma extracts, papaya extracts, honeycomb extracts, and many more plant-derived extracts, exhibit significant antimicrobial properties against various oral pathogens[3].
Common Dental Procedures
Teeth Cleaning: Regular teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar, preventing tooth decay and gum disease[5]. This “scaling” is not recommended as it removes the protective layer from your teeth and can cause more cavities if done wrong. Instead, use a product known as Periogen to dissolve tarter (aka calculus) from teeth. These removes bacteria that hide and cause gum disease. Scaling is better than nothing if Periogen is not available, but should be done with great care.
Fillings
- If you have a cavity, the dentist will numb the area around the damaged tooth.
- The decayed part of the tooth will be removed using a drill or laser.
- The cavity will be cleaned to remove bacteria and debris.
- The filling material is applied to the cavity and hardened, often with a special light for composite resins.
- The filling is shaped and polished to ensure a smooth and comfortable fit.
Extractions
Extractions involve removing a tooth that is damaged or decayed beyond repair[5]. The area is numbed to minimize pain, and the tooth is removed from its socket[6]. The area is then cleaned and sealed[5].
Other procedures
- Teeth Whitening: Bleaching is performed by dental professionals using hydrogen peroxide gel and a special light source[6].
- Braces/Invisalign: These treatments straighten and correct crooked teeth[6]. Invisalign is less visible compared to traditional braces[6].
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding can fix teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them[6].
- Root Canal Therapy: This procedure repairs infected or badly decayed teeth[9].
- Dental Sealants: Plastic sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent tooth decay[9].
Managing Dental Problems Without a Dentist
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage tooth pain.
- Infections: For a tooth infection where professional care is not available, maintain very good oral hygiene. If possible, antibiotics may be considered, but consulting a healthcare provider is essential.
- Broken or Lost Filling: If a filling is lost, keep the area clean and consider temporary filling materials available at drugstores.
- Broken Tooth: If a tooth is broken, rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Additional Tips
- Oral Examination: Regularly check your mouth for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other issues[12].
- X-Rays: Dental x-rays help detect problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and infections[5].
- Gum Reshaping: Excess gum tissue can be removed to even out the gum line[5]. Lasers are often used for this procedure[5].
- Implants: Implants replace missing teeth[5]. They are made of titanium and attach to the jawbone[5].
By following these instructions and maintaining diligent oral hygiene practices, you can promote healthy teeth and gums, even when regular dental care is not an option[8].
Here are some additions to your dental care guide, including information on fluoride-free dental filling materials and how to manage an abscess.
Dental Filling Materials
When restoring decayed, worn, or broken teeth, several filling materials can be used[16]. It’s important to select a material that aligns with your body’s needs[16].
- Composite Resin: A tooth-colored plastic that is suitable for small to medium-sized fillings[16]. Composite resin strengthens the tooth and reduces the risk of cracks, unlike amalgam[16]. At Natural Dentistry, composite fillings are BPA and fluoride-free[16].
- Glass Ionomer: Made from a blend of acrylic and fine glass powders, glass ionomer fillings release fluoride over time, which helps prevent tooth decay[14] but this may also cause illness as fluoride is a neurotoxin. They may be suitable for non-load-bearing areas of teeth and they bond well with the natural tooth structure[14].
- Porcelain: Known for its biocompatibility, porcelain offers optimal restoration, providing strength and longevity to the tooth[16]. Porcelain inlays or onlays are recommended for larger fillings or extensively damaged teeth[16].
- Gold: Gold may be recommended for larger fillings or extensively damaged teeth[16].
Managing a Tooth Abscess
A dental abscess is an infection in the teeth or gums that can cause severe pain and discomfort[17]. Home remedies can provide temporary relief while waiting for professional dental treatment[15].
- Saltwater Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and kill bacteria[15][21].
- Baking Soda Paste: Create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected tooth for temporary relief from pain and inflammation[15].
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and pain[19].
- Essential Oils: Dilute a few drops of oregano or clove essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) and apply it to the affected area for its antibacterial properties[15][19]. Clove oil can temporarily numb the area, easing pain[17].
- Avoid Alcohol: Do not use alcohol as a remedy, as it is ineffective and potentially dangerous[17].
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Use pain medication to help improve your comfort temporarily[17].
If a tooth infection occurs where professional care is not available: Maintain very good oral hygiene and consider antibiotics if possible, but consulting a healthcare provider is essential.
Note: Home remedies are temporary measures and do not replace professional dental care[19]. It is vital to seek professional dental care for an abscessed tooth to prevent serious health complications[19].
Read More
[1] https://fresh-dental.ca/navigating-your-dental-journey-a-step-by-step-guide-to-common-general-dentistry-procedures/
[2] https://www.thewhitetusk.com/blog/5-most-common-non-surgical-cosmetic-dental-procedures/
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-cavities
[4] https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/dental-care-every-day-caregiver.pdf
[5] https://www.yourmckinneydentist.com/general-dentistry-procedures/
[6] https://www.crescentdental.ca/10-most-common-dental-procedures-and-how-they-work/
[7] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-care
[8] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-cleaning
[9] https://www.isaacsongentledentistry.com/blog/453920-12-common-dental-services-you-should-know
[10] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321259
[11] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/take-care-of-your-teeth-and-gums/
[12] https://mhdental.ca/blog/a-guide-for-those-who-havent-visited-the-dentist-in-a-while/
[13] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001957.htm
[14] https://www.pureholisticdentist.com/alternatives-of-mercury-in-dental-fillings/
[15] https://www.mywellnessdental.com/blog/tooth-infection/
[16] https://www.naturaldentistry.com.au/fillings
[17] https://www.colgate.com/en-za/oral-health/adult-oral-care/4-home-remedies-for-abscessed-teeth
[18] https://www.jacksonavedental.com/post/fluoride-free-dentistry
[19] https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/how-to-treat-a-tooth-abscess-antibiotics–natural-remedies
[20] https://holisticdentalcenternj.com/blog/non-toxic-tooth-filling/
[21] https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-abscess-tooth