Let me give you things that can do at home that are considered more natural that does have the support of science so naturalists don’t have their morals violated:
Baking Soda
If your great grandparents brushed with this as one of the main ways to protect their teeth, there’s a reason for it. Baking soda is extremely effective at countering cavity-causing bacteria. In short, bacteria that cause cavities need a very acidic environment and the pH of baking soda is on the opposite spectrum. This neutralizes and nullifies the bacteria until the next time you eat. The mild abrasiveness of it also helps clean teeth. Brush or use it as a mouthwash (8oz water + 2oz baking soda). You can use it 1-2x/day.
Herbal Extract
Cavibloc comes from a specific licorice root that inactivates not only the bacteria that create cavities (streptococcus mutans) but also the different family of bacteria that propagate cavities after they’re formed (lactobacilli). These come in lollipop form and all you need to do is suck on a separate lollipop morning then night about five minutes each for 10 days. The claim is if you do this for 10 days straight the bacteria takes about 6 months to return back to its original destructive environment assuming you continue to care for your teeth as usual. Do this regimen every 6 months and you’ll be protected...and it’s yummy too. The lollipops can be purchased at Loloz.com.
Xylitol Ingredients
Xylitol is naturally found in most plants, fruits, and vegetables. It’s also extracted from birch wood to make medicine. It’s similar to the ubiquitous and more affordable sorbitol sugars that are added to most American foods. Xylitol tastes similar to sugar except it’s not converted into an acid in the mouth and that is a game changer in enjoying the sweet things of life without getting cavities! You will find that xylitol is replacing a lot of sugars in health-conscious products from foods to cavity-prevention products, and chewing gums. Trident, Mentos, and Ice Cube chewing gums are great sources of small amounts of xylitol. Chew this after every meal.
Drinking water
Probably the most natural thing you can do. Though not all water is created equal, water in general washes out the acidic foods you just ate, helps neutralize your mouth, and prevents cavities. If you’re going to snack, drink water afterwards. After eating a meal, drink water afterwards. This is the easiest thing you can do to try preventing cavities and least controversial.
Natural Mineral
Minerals like calcium and phosphates are abundant everywhere and are imperative in keeping teeth healthy, but not as crucial as a third mineral that’s commonly found in foods like teas, raisins, oatmeal, almond milk, white rice, shrimp, and even asparagus [yuck!]. This mineral when applied to teeth has several benefits. It creates a buffer that makes acids work much harder to decay your teeth. Think of it as a shield on the external surface of your teeth that guards against bacteria. It gives teeth a uniform appearance that removes the streaking white clouds that produce demineralization (breakdown of tooth structure) when applied in conservative amounts. We highly suggest topical application and not systemic in this case. When you come to our office and at your request, we will happily administer this medicament on your teeth that acts as a shield for up to 2-3 months. This natural mineral is called fluoride and is one of the most effective ways to help prevent cavities.
What About the Others???
Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, oil pulling, fluoride-free toothpastes, sucking on honey, brushing with charcoal all have their benefits. They really do; however, there are more cons than pros with each of them, or the benefits don’t outweigh the other remedies that we recommend.
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