Tooth Decay and pain natural help and prevention of tooth cavities, keep your gums healthy
September 12 2018

While overall spending for dental services appears to be favorable during the period after the last recession, a review of a series of government and private agency reports indicates an increasing proportion of the population is unable to secure needed services due to cost factors. In addition, projections for annual increases in future spending for dental services are lower than for other professional health services.

There is no link between breastfeeding and tooth decay in very young children.

Mexican-American children, those living in poverty and those whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are at greater risk of dental caries.

Older adults who have lost all their teeth have faster decreases in memory and walking ability than people who still have at least some of their teeth.

The American Dental Association says foods that can damage teeth include:

Hard candies, because of the sugar content and because they can break a tooth.
     Use stevia no calorie sweetener since it does not cause tooth cavities.

Caffeinated coffee and tea can dry out your mouth.

Sticky foods, such as dried fruit.

Crunchy foods, such as potato chips, that can get stuck between teeth.

Acidic, sugary and caffeinated sodas.

Sugary sports drinks.

Even sugar-free sodas, sports drinks and candy can damage your teeth. Australian researchers tested 23 sugar-free and sugar-containing products, including soft drinks and sports drinks, and found that some with acidic additives and low pH levels (a measure of acidity) harm teeth, even if they are sugar-free.

Herbs, dietary supplements that are helpful in reducing tooth decay or pain include:
Clove spice in the form of oil or ground powder is quite effective in reducing discomfort or pain when rubbed against the gums near the toothache.
   Asian Pac J Trop Medicine. 2011. Anticariogenic potentials of clove, tobacco and bitter kola. To investigate three tropical plant materials - clove seeds [Syzygium aromaticum (S. aromaticum)], bitter kola fruits [Garcinia kola (G. kola)] and tobacco leaves (Nicotiana species) as potential targeted killers of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), a cavity-causing bacterium (gram-positive, facultative anaerobe) that resides in a multispecies microbial community (dental plaque) for the treatment of dental caries (tooth decay). Since the n-hexane extract of clove seeds demonstrated preferential growth-inhibitory activity against the causal cariogenic pathogens (S. mutans) in dental caries, we therefore, report here that clove extract be henceforth considered as a potential ingredient in toothpaste preparation.

Garlic is able to kill certain bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities. Perhaps regular consumption of fresh garlic could reduce dental caries. Garlic should be eaten raw and there is a good chance it could kill bacteria if there is an infection.
   Indian J Dent. 2014. Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of garlic, tea tree oil, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, and ultraviolet sanitizing device in the decontamination of toothbrush.To assess and compare the efficacy of 3% garlic extract, 0.2% tea tree oil, 0.2% chlorhexidine, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, and ultravoilet (UV) toothbrush sanitizing device as toothbrush disinfectants against Streptococcus mutans. The antimicrobial agents used in this study effectively reduced the S. mutans counts and hence can be considered as toothbrush disinfectants to prevent dental caries. The 3% garlic was the most effective among the antimicrobial agents.

Food components with anticaries activity. Curr Opin Biotechnology. 2012. Department of Drug Sciences, Pavia University, Viale Taramelli, Pavia, Italy. Until now convincing evidence exists only for green tea as a functional food for oral health, partly owing to its high content of catechins, especially epigallocatechin-gallate. A number of other foods showed potential anticaries activity. Some other foods able to act against pathogen mutans group Streptococci growth and/or their virulence factors in in vitro tests are: apple, red grape seeds, red wine (proanthocyanidins), nutmeg (macelignan), ajowan caraway (nafthalen-derivative), coffee (trigonelline, nicotinic and chlorogenic acids, melanoidins), barley coffee (melanoidins), chicory and mushroom (quinic acid). In vivo anticaries activity has been shown by cranberry (procyanidins), glycyrrhiza root (glycyrrhizol-A), myrtus ethanolic extract, garlic aqueous extract, cocoa extracts (procyanidins), and propolis (apigenin, tt-farnesol).

Arch Microbiology. 2014. A comparative study of the effect of probiotics on cariogenic biofilm model for preventing dental caries. Dental caries is induced by oral biofilm containing Streptococcus mutans. Probiotic bacteria were mainly studied for effect on the gastrointestinal tract and have been known to promote human health. However, the information of probiotics for oral health has been lack yet. In this study, we investigated influence of various probiotics on oral bacteria or cariogenic biofilm and evaluated candidate probiotics for dental caries among them. The antimicrobial activity of the spent culture medium of probiotics for oral streptococci was performed. Probiotics were added during the biofilm formation with salivary bacteria including S. mutans. The oral biofilms were stained with a fluorescent dye and observed using the confocal laser scanning microscope. To count bacteria in the biofilm, the bacteria were plated on MSB and BHI agar plates after disrupting the biofilm and cultivated. Glucosyltransferases (gtfs) expression of S. mutans and integration of lactobacilli into the biofilm were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Among probiotics, Lactobacillus species strongly inhibited growth of oral streptococci. Moreover, Lactobacillus species strongly inhibited formation of cariogenic biofilm model. The expression of gtfs was significantly reduced by Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The integration of L. rhamnosus into the biofilm model did not exhibit. However, L. acidophilus and L casei integrated into the biofilm model. These results suggest that L. rhamnosus may inhibit oral biofilm formation by decreasing glucan production of S. mutans and antibacterial activity and did not integrate into oral biofilm, which can be a candidate for caries prevention strategy.

Tooth cavities
Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2015. Triphala in prevention of dental caries and as an antimicrobial in oral cavity- a review. Dental caries is a widely prevalent infectious disease afflicting the humans worldwide. Each year oral infections such as dental caries, periodontal diseases and oral candidiasis significantly adds to the economic burden of the world. Though there are standard management techniques for these diseases; they do have side effects and are not cost effective. Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that is being practiced in the Indian peninsula since ages. Among the various herbal medicines in ayurveda, triphala occupies a royal position due to its wide beneficial systemic actions. Triphala is a mixture of fruits of Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula and Emblica officinalis. The antimicrobial actions of triphala are well documented in the literature. However availability of review articles regarding triphala as an antimicrobial against oral infections is limited. Need was felt to review this aspect of triphala. The present article reviews the use of triphala and its constituents in the prevention and control of dental caries and other common oral infections. Thorough review of the literature indicated that triphala can be effectively used to manage dental caries, gingival and periodontal diseases. Further it can also be utilized as a root canal irrigant and against oral candida species.

Causes of tooth decay and damage
Besides the obvious, sugar consumption, other causes should be kept in mind: Methamphetamine, crack cocaine and soda -- sweetened or not -- are all highly acidic and can cause similar dental problems. Constant exposure to the acid in soda in the form of citric acid and phosphoric acid, can cause erosion and significant oral damage.
   Grinding teeth is common and should be evaluated by a dentist with the potential need to use a mouth guard while sleeping.

CDS Rev. 2013. A glass of milk after eating sugary cereals may prevent cavities.

Scand J Med Science Sports. 2015. Effect of endurance training on dental erosion, caries, and saliva. The aim of this investigation was to give insights into the impact of endurance training on oral health, with regard to tooth erosion, caries, and salivary parameters. The study included 35 triathletes and 35 non-exercising controls. The clinical investigation comprised oral examination, assessment of oral status with special regard to caries and erosion, saliva testing during inactivity, and a self-administered questionnaire about eating, drinking, and oral hygiene behavior. In addition, athletes were asked about their training habits and intake of beverages and sports nutrition. For saliva assessment during exercise, a subsample of n = 15 athletes volunteered in an incremental running field test (IRFT). Athletes showed an increased risk for dental erosion. No differences were observed with regard to caries prevalence and salivary parameters measured during inactivity between athletes and controls. Among athletes, a significant correlation was found between caries prevalence and the cumulative weekly training time. In athletes after IRFT and at maximum workload, saliva flow rates decreased and saliva pH increased significantly. Higher risk for dental erosions, exercise-dependent caries risk, and load-dependent changes in saliva parameters point out the need for risk-adapted preventive dental concepts in the field of sports dentistry.

Take care of your teeth
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric brush two or three times daily.
Use dental floss every day.
   The American Dental Association says flossing before or after brushing doesn't really make a difference. What's most important is to pick the time of day that works best for you. Some dentists recommend brushing before flossing.
Clean dentures each day and don't sleep with them in your mouth.
Smoking damages oral health.
Visit a dentist regularly and have tooth cleaning twice a year.

Take care of your gums
Taking care of your gums plays an important role in protecting your teeth. Gum disease and tooth decay cause about 90 percent of tooth loss. Gum disease is largely preventable through regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings. A buildup of bacteria can cause gums to recede and become inflamed or infected. All particles such as food and drink that enter the mouth can potentially lead to inflammation and decay if they are not removed properly. Particles often are trapped between the teeth and gum, that's why toothbrushes sweep out the buildup. Dental work can be expensive and takes time away from work and other activities.

Dealing with sensitive teeth
Brush with a desensitizing toothpaste.
Obtain a fluoride gel treatment at your dentist's office.
Have the dentist apply a crown, inlay or bonding to fix tooth abnormalities.
Consider a surgical gum graft to protect an exposed root.
Discuss with your dentist about the potential need for a root canal.

Tooth whitening studies
Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2017. Controlled clinical trial addressing teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide in adolescents: a 12-month follow-up. Thirty adolescents were randomly assigned to the following groups: 1) 6% hydrogen peroxide (White Class with calcium - FGM); 2) 7.5% hydrogen peroxide (White Class with calcium - FGM); 3) 10% hydrogen peroxide (Oral B 3D White - Oral-B); 4) Control group - placebo. Similar results were obtained one month after treatment with both tooth whitening gels and whitening strips. Patients were partially satisfied with the treatment after the first and second weeks and would recommend it. All products demonstrated color stability after 12 months of follow-up. The bleaching procedure was efficient, and the patients could perceive its result.

Braz Dent J. 2017. In-Office Tooth Bleaching for Adolescents Using Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Gels: Clinical Trial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate colorimetric changes and tooth sensitivity in adolescents and young patients submitted to tooth bleaching with 20% and 35% hydrogen peroxide. A randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted with 53 patients aged 11 to 24 years who were allocated to groups based on the use of the following commercial products: Whiteness HP - FGM (35% hydrogen peroxide); Whiteness HP Blue Calcium - FGM (35% hydrogen peroxide); and Whiteness HP Blue Calcium - FGM (20% hydrogen peroxide). Tooth sensitivity occurred in a transitory way and did not influence the tooth bleaching process. Significant differences in color were found after each of the two bleaching sessions. In-office tooth bleaching was considered an effective method for adolescents and young adults.

Am J Dent. 2017. Efficacy of different protocols for at-home bleaching: A randomized clinical trial. 80 participants were enrolled and divided into four groups, (1) 10% carbamide peroxide 1 hour a day; (2) 10% carbamide peroxide overnight; (3) 7.5% hydrogen peroxide 1 hour a day; and (4) 7.5% hydrogen peroxide overnight. The duration of treatment was 14 days. Color measurement was performed using a dental spectrophotometer on the right maxillary central incisor and the canine, at baseline and 2 weeks after. Participants recorded daily tooth sensitivity. Group 2 showed the highest value of ΔE, followed by Group 4, Group 1, and Group 3. The same product applied overnight was more effective than applied 1 hour a day. Different concentrations during the same application time achieved similar results. The reported tooth sensitivity was mild. At-home bleaching is time but not concentration dependent and its secondary effects depend on the active agent concentration; therefore, there is no need to use high concentration products. The most effective protocol is low concentrations (10% carbamide peroxide) with overnight use.

J Clin Dent. 2014. Placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating 9.5% hydrogen peroxide high-adhesion whitening strips.  In this parallel-design, double-blind clinical trial, 54 adult volunteers were randomized to an experimental 9.5% hydrogen peroxide whitening strip or placebo strip balancing for age and baseline tooth color, and received treatment. Strips were worn on the maxillary arch 30 minutes daily for 20 days. This placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that an experimental 9.5% hydrogen peroxide strip yielded significant tooth whitening relative to a placebo strip as early as after three days of product use.

Toothpaste products sold online
Jason Natural, PowerSmile, Anti-Cavity & Whitening Gel, Powerful Peppermint, 6 oz (170 g)
Now Foods, Solutions, Xyli-White, Kids Toothpaste Gel, Bubblegum Splash, 3 oz (85 g)