Bad Breath: You Don't Have to Live with It

If you have found out you have cavities, you may not be able to have them filled right away. Because of this, you may wonder if there is anything you can do at home to keep them from getting worse, as well as treat any symptoms they are causing. If so, use the following two-step home treatment with ingredients found in pharmacies and grocery stores.

Step 1:  Brush With A Homemade Toothpaste

The ingredients used in this homemade toothpaste serve several purposes. The salt acts as an antibacterial that kills any germs in and around the cavity. It also helps dissolve and clean away built-up tartar and food residue that could eat away at the enamel, making the cavity grow larger.

The baking soda neutralizes the pH of the mouth, creating an alkaline environment in which bacteria cannot grow. It also fills the porous tooth enamel, providing a temporary coating that protects it from further decay.

The peppermint oil not only makes the toothpaste taste better, but it also numbs any exposed nerve endings. It relieves any toothache you may be experiencing.

Along with the above ingredients, you will need a small bowl and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Soft bristles should be used to keep any vulnerable enamel around the cavities from chipping away.

In the small bowl, thoroughly combine a teaspoon each of salt and baking soda. Then, add 15 drops of peppermint oil. The paste should have a thick, creamy consistency. If it is too dry, add a couple of drops of oil at a time. If it is too wet, add a pinch of baking soda.

Once you have prepared the paste, wet your toothbrush and coat the bristles with it. Gently brush the entire surface of your teeth and tongue for three minutes. Then, leave it in your mouth for an additional two minutes.

After the time has passed, rinse your mouth with warm water. Then, go on to the second step of the treatment. 

Step 2:  Rinse With Salt And Mineral Water

This homemade mouthwash contains only two ingredients but can help your teeth enamel in several ways. As with the paste used in the first step, the salt cleans and sanitizes your mouth. If you have any inflammation in the gum tissue surrounding the affected teeth, it will also draw out the swelling.

The mineral water penetrates the enamel and provides it with a small amount of protection. The minerals remain in the pores, filling them in temporarily. If you do not have any mineral water, you can also add five drops of mineral oil to a half cup of water to create a substitute.

In a small glass or cup, pour in a half cup of the store-bought or homemade mineral water. Then, add two tablespoons of salt. If you are experiencing any pain from your cavities, you can also add five drops of peppermint oil to soothe the ache.

Let the salt dissolve for 5 minutes before using it. This allows it to evenly disperse throughout the mouthwash. 

Rinse your mouth with half of the salt and mineral water for two minutes. Spit it out, then rinse with the other half for an additional minute.

When you are finished, do not rinse your mouth with water. If possible, do not eat or drink anything for an hour to allow the treatment to take its full effect.

 Until you can have your cavities filled, use the above home remedy twice a day to keep them from getting worse. However, if you start having increased pain or discomfort, you may want to contact your dentist, like one at Dentistry For the Entire Family, as soon as possible.