Sugar Is Not The Main Cause Of Cavities In Your Mouth. Here’s What It Is
Right now, there are colonies of microbes living in your mouth. They are on your gums, tongue and lips. Most importantly, they are on your teeth. If you do not take the right steps to deal with them, they can create cavities in your teeth. Having microbes in your mouth is entirely normal and they will continue to live there no matter how often your brush your teeth.
Not all of the microbes in your mouth are harmful, most are harmless and some are actually beneficial to you. The microbes in your mouth will change from time to time based on a number of factors including who you kiss. Consider the fact that, couples who live together often have the same microbes.
The Core Microbiome
Most people have roughly 150 different types of microbes living in their mouths; this includes the helpful microbes that can provide protection against conditions like thrush, which is a yeast infection of the mouth. This population of microbes is referred to as the core microbiome. Researchers are learning that a healthy core microbiome is required for good oral hygiene. In fact, cavities are among the issues that can arise without the right balance of microbes in your mouth.
RELATED ARTICLE: Scientific Reasons Why Some People Get Cavities More Than Others
About Plaque
This is a biofilm formed by many of the microbes on teeth. The term biofilm is used for a colony of microbes that adhere to a particular surface. These microbes in plaque communicate with each other via molecular signals and the swapping of genetic material. Over time, the biofilm community can develop a kind of circulatory system that enables water and nutrients to be distributed. The microbes that make up the biofilm need to eat. Many of these microbes get their energy from sugar and release acid as a waste product.
How Cavities Are Formed
The acid produced by microbes after consuming sugar has the effect of pulling minerals from teeth. Eventually, this results in the formation of cavities. If plaque is removed by brushing and the consumption of sugary foods is eliminated (or at least moderated), then teeth get a chance to recover. However, if you continue to eat sugary foods then the microbes in the plaque just keep making acid with nothing to control them. Not only will this result in more cavities, it can also kill off many of the beneficial microbes in your mouth. You are likely to have other dental problems along with tooth decay.
Tips for Natural Cavity Prevention and Treatment
• Try Oil Pulling
This practice has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a method of oral detoxification. It has gained considerable popularity over the last few years in the US. It is believed that oil pulling can draw out toxins from teeth thus preventing tooth decay while also delivering nutrients to the teeth. It is done by swishing one or two tablespoons of oil in the mouth for 20 minutes first thing in the morning and then spitting it out. Coconut oil is recommended. A drop of clove oil can be added maximize the antiseptic benefits.
• Improve Nutrition
Focus on foods high in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These foods will encourage your body to secrete fluids needed for healthy teeth. This means eating raw dairy and green leafy vegetables along with meat, eggs and fish.
• Use a Mineralizing Toothpaste
This will provide your teeth with the minerals that are lost when you brush your teeth. It strengthens you tooth enamel and makes your teeth more resistant to cavities.
The microbes in your mouth will produce plaque and release cavity-causing acids continually if you keep eating sugary foods and ignoring oral hygiene. The result will be tooth decay and other issues. However, you can prevent these problems by following the right dental care steps.
