Ever wondered how to reverse a cavity?
Some are even claiming its possible to reverse a cavity on your own.
But are these trends legit, or total bogus?
And can you actually reverse a cavity with them?
We talked to three dentists to find out.
It involves swishing an oillikesunflower seed oilor coconut oilaround in your mouth.
assistant clinical professor at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
This natural alternative to mouthwash has beentrending on TikTok, but is there any validity behind it?
There may be some truth to these claims.
However, more scientific research needs to be conducted before Dr. Koumaras recommends oil pulling in his practice.
Influencers and celebrities like Kylie Jenner swear bycharcoal toothpasteto whiten teeth.
Research shows that claims about charcoal whitening teeth are partially true.
While it does make your teeth white in the short-term, the long-term effects are less than desirable.
In the long term, the damage to the teeth is irreversible.
Might not be the best choice for everyday use.
Baking soda is as hard as our dentin, and less hard than our enamel, says Dr. Paolino.
assistant clinical professor at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
But when baking soda is combined with other ingredients, it can harden and wear the enamel down.
Thats because baking soda hardens when it comes into contact with these ingredients.
Even professional dental bleaching products have this chemical compound.
But its not ideal to use it yourself, and moderation is key.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
While tartar must be removed by a dentist, plaque can actually be removed at home.
But the safest way to remove plaque?
With a toothbrush and floss, says Dr. Koumaras.
A hand or foreign object often does more harm than good.
He also says hands and objects can scratch your gums, increasing your risk of mouth ulcers.
While this process isgenerally safe and effective4, its pretty pricey.
This isnota trend you should try.
Filing down healthy teeth is dangerous and irreversible, says Dr. Boyle.
It should only be done by a dentist in a professional setting.
In these cases, its best to address the underlying condition, not tape your mouth shut.
While some are spot on, others are…not so much.
The closer you get to bedtime, the more important your diet becomes, says Dr. Koumaras.
Dr. Paolino also recommends eating added sugars at your meals anddrinking waterafter.
Its not about the quantity of food, but the frequency, she says.
Can you actually reverse tooth decay or cavities yourself?
Some dentists on TikTok say you might reverse tooth decay on your own.
Regular trips to the dentist are a really important step.
Beyond that, brushing and flossing remain the gold standards for preventing cavities.
Other lifestyle factors can help, too.
How to actually prevent or treat tooth decay
TikTok trends dont always live up to the hype.
Thankfully, there are proven, safe, and effective ways to protect your teeth.
When in doubt, dentists, not TikTok creators, are the best collaborators to improve oral health.
Ripari, Francesca et al.
The Role of Coconut Oil in Treating Patients Affected by Plaque-Induced Gingivitis: A Pilot Study.European journal of dentistryvol.
14,4 (2020): 558-565. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1714194
Greenwall, L., Greenwall-Cohen, J.
& Wilson, N. Charcoal-containing dentifrices.Br Dent J226, 697700 (2019).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-019-0232-8
Muller-Heupt, Lena Katharina et al.
Effectiveness and Safety of Over-the-Counter Tooth-Whitening Agents Compared to Hydrogen Peroxide In Vitro.International journal of molecular sciencesvol.
19 Jan. 2023, doi:10.3390/ijms24031956
Alothman, Yousef, and Maryam Saleh Bamasoud.
The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material key in.Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciencesvol.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
