Fact Check: Can a combination of turmeric powder, coconut oil, clove essential oil and sea salt reverse cavities and heal tooth decay?

A Pinterest post claims that a combination of turmeric powder, coconut oil, clove essential oil and a pinch of sea salt heal tooth decay. This claim is False.

Claim 

A Pinterest post titled, "fits-health - Unlocking Dental Care Secrets: Tips for a Radiant Smile" claims that a combination of turmeric powder, coconut oil, clove essential oil and a pinch of sea salt can reverse cavities naturally and heals tooth decay. In the post user, fits-health describes this remedy as a powerful "tooth mask," consisting of 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon of organic coconut oil, 2 drops of clove essential oil, and a pinch of sea salt, claiming it can reverse cavities and heal tooth decay.

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. First, cavities, once formed, cannot be reversed, and tooth decay cannot heal naturally. Furthermore, while turmeric powder, coconut oil, clove essential oil, and sea salt have various health benefits, reversing caries or healing cavities is not one of them. There is no cure for existing dental caries, and no drug or ingredient is recommended by the dental community for their treatment.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay/cavitation, in medical terms, known as dental caries, was described by Shafer in 1993 as an irreversible microbial disease of the calcified tissues of the teeth, characterized by demineralization of the inorganic portion and destruction of the organic substance of the tooth, which often leads to cavitation.

This widespread chronic condition is primarily caused by cariogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, which attach to the teeth. These bacteria metabolize sugars into acid, which gradually erodes and weakens the tooth structure.

The formation of dental caries requires four key elements: the presence of bacterial biofilm (plaque), fermentable carbohydrates, dental hard tissues, and a sufficient amount of time.

There is no cure for tooth decay, that has already taken place. 

Prevention of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by microorganisms found in dental plaque, and regular removal of this plaque through tooth brushing and flossing is considered the most effective preventive approach. Fluoride helps prevent dental caries by reducing demineralization and promoting the remineralization of tooth structure, forming acid-resistant fluorapatite crystals.

Health benefits of turmeric, clove essential oil, coconut oil, sea salt

Turmeric, a plant from the ginger family widely used as a spice in Southeast Asia, especially India, has been a staple in traditional medicine like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Turmeric, primarily known for its active compound curcumin, has been valued in traditional medicine for its diverse health benefits. In Ayurveda, it is believed to enhance overall energy, aid digestion, regulate menstrual cycles, relieve gas, expel worms, and ease arthritis symptoms. It has also been widely used as an antiseptic for treating cuts, burns, and bruises due to its antibacterial properties. Modern in vitro studies support its medicinal value, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial effects.

Clove, or Syzygium aromaticum, is a popular spice that has long been used for preserving food and treating various health issues. Clove oil possesses antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. It is traditionally used both as a flavoring agent and as an antimicrobial substance in food. In addition, clove oil is also used as an antiseptic for oral infections and has been shown to prevent the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria. Its potent biological and antimicrobial effects are largely due to its high eugenol content.

Coconut oil is a widely used cooking oil obtained from the kernel of mature coconuts sourced from the coconut palm. Coconut oil (CO) has shown potential benefits, including reducing waist circumference, improving HDL cholesterol, and acting as an antimicrobial agent through monolaurin. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) contains polyphenols and higher vitamin E, which may provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, studies are limited, mainly short-term or animal-based, making the evidence inconclusive.

Sea salt is made by letting seawater evaporate naturally, which depends on location, salt levels, and temperature. It contains minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium, which is why it's often seen as nutritionally better than table salt. Salt, in general in sodium chloride and sodium is essential for maintaining fluid balance, and a lack of it can cause dehydration, particularly during intense exercise. Maintaining proper fluid balance in the body is crucial for keeping blood pressure levels healthy. Salt is a vital electrolyte for human life, so consuming too little or too much sodium can affect blood pressure, especially in individuals sensitive to dietary salt.

Can a combination of turmeric powder, coconut oil, clove essential oil and a pinch of sea salt reverse cavities and heal tooth decay?

There are several health benefits associated with turmeric, sea salt, coconut oil and clove essential oil such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial effects, antifungal, insecticidal and many more. Studies have mentioned their role in preventing dental caries but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that a combination of turmeric powder, coconut oil, clove essential oil and a pinch of sea salt can reverse cavities and heal tooth decay.

Some studies have explored the roles of turmeric, sea salt, coconut oil, and clove essential oil in dental health. A review article published in the journal Bioinformation mentioned that turmeric mouthwash is effective in the prevention of plaque which is the responsible element for the formation of dental caries, also turmeric extract is also used to make a coloured pit and fissure sealant that is known to be applied on the tooth surface for the prevention of dental caries. However, this study does not mention the healing or reversal of caries.

Clove essential oil and its two main compounds can inhibit decalcification and/or potentially promote remineralization caused by acidic apple beverages, as concluded in a study published in the International Journal of Dentistry. The study, however, does not explore clove oil's effectiveness in healing or reversing tooth decay. 

A study on the role of coconut oil pulling in plaque-induced gingivitis found that coconut oil pulling when used as an additional oral hygiene aid, is effective in reducing plaque formation and subsequent plaque-induced gingivitis. The study was published in the Journal of the Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry. There is no information about reverting caries or healing them.

Similarly, another review article published in the American Journal of Dentistry mentions that sea salt aids in dental demineralization but there is no role of sea salt in reversing tooth decay or dental caries.

Although studies have shown that turmeric, sea salt, coconut oil, and clove essential oil individually aid in preventing tooth decay and plaque formation—a key factor in dental caries—there is no research indicating their combined effectiveness in preventing dental caries. Additionally, there is no scientific evidence supporting their ability to reverse or heal cavities. These ingredients are also not recommended by the dental community as a treatment for tooth decay.

Dr Ritu Thawait, Dental Surgeon, Medical Officer, CHC, Risali, Durg, C.G told Medical Dialogues, "Turmeric, sea salt, coconut oil, and clove essential oil have properties that may aid in plaque prevention. However, they cannot reverse cavities or heal tooth decay. Effective cavity treatment requires proper oral hygiene and professional dental care, rather than relying solely on these natural remedies."

Dr Meenakshi Sahu, Senior Associate Dentist, at Vyas Dental Inn, Raipur(C.G), added, "While natural ingredients like turmeric, sea salt, coconut oil, and clove essential oil have benefits for oral health, they are not substitutes for professional dental treatments. Currently, there is no cure for dental caries, and no ingredient can reverse it. According to its standard definition, caries is an irreversible disease process means it cannot revert back and can only be managed manually in dental clinics."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Turmeric, sea salt, coconut oil, and clove essential oil have beneficial properties for oral health, such as reducing plaque. However, they are unable to reverse cavities or heal tooth decay.. While they can support oral hygiene, they should not be relied upon as a solution for existing cavities, which require more than natural remedies. Hence the claim, that a combination of turmeric powder, coconut oil, clove essential oil and a pinch of sea salt can reverse cavities and heals tooth decay is FALSE.