INTRODUCTION
- Dental caries also known as tooth decay or dental cavities .
- Dental Caries develops when bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugars to produce acid that demineralizes the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel and dentine).
TYPES OF CAVITIES
Common types of cavities :
- Smooth surface : This slow- growing cavity dissolves tooth enamel.
- Pit and fissure decay : In this cavities form on the top part of your tooth's chewing surface.
- Root decay : It is difficult to prevent and treat.
- Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugary , starchy foods and drinks that bacteria convert these carbohydrates into acids.
- Bacteria , acid , food and saliva mix to form dental plaque that sticky substance coats your teeth.
- When without proper brushing and flossing , acids in plaque dissolve tooth enamel , creating cavities or holes in the enamel surface.
SYMPTOMS
- Toothache .
- Mild to sharp pain while eating or drinking like sweet, hot or cold .
- Visible holes or cavities in teeth.
- Teeth sensitivity.
Tooth Decay treatment depends on the severity of your condition . Thus include :
- Root canal therapy.
- Tooth extraction.
According to Ayurveda Dental Caries is correlated with Krimi Danta and is defined as discoloration of tooth caused by vitiated vata dosha.
- Gandusha or Oil pulling : Gandush involves holding a mouthful of oil ( sesame or coconut ) without gargling , while oil puling involves swishing the oil around in mouth for some time . As both practices are believed to help remove toxins from the mouth , improve oral health etc.
- NEEM
- TURMERIC
- CLOVE
- BABUL
- HOLY BASIL
- BANYAN
- HARITAKI
- ARJUNA
- Proper oral hygiene , regular brushing .
- Reduce sugar intake.
- Salt water rinse.
- Cleaning teeth with garlic , rock salt , guava and mango leaves.
- Consuming wheatgrass juice and other foods rich in vitamins A, D and C.
- Herbal mouth rinse with a decoction of triphala or yastimadhu.
- Chewing neem twigs.
