Fact Check: Can Dental Decay Heal Naturally Without Treatment?

A Pinterest post claims that dental decay heal naturally through proper hydration, sleep, exercise, and nutrition without dental intervention. The claim is False.

Claim

The Pinterest user 369Recipe posted a reel on Pinterest that claims that "dental decay heals naturally through proper hydration, sleep, exercise, and nutrition without dental intervention". The reel states, "Did you know that teeth can heal themselves teeth are exposed bone? And I have said, I have had many people testify about this and I even saw it in my own children. A little bit of decay began, but it healed itself. How does it heal itself through two fluids? The inside fluid is your blood and your lymph. And the outside fluid is your saliva. And your saliva is affected by your nutrition. Your inside, fluids is affected by your nutrition. Also, the saliva the out fluid, and the in fluid are affected by how hydrated you are. How well slept you are. How exercise do you are? If you're giving the body, the right conditions, those fluids are able to heal but also dental health is important.

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. Good hydration, sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet support oral health and reduce the risk of dental issues, however, they cannot reverse tooth decay naturally.

What is Dental Decay?

Dental Decay or decomposed tooth in medical terms known as Dental Caries. Shafers in 1993 defined dental caries as 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 common chronic condition is primarily caused by cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, which stick to the teeth. These bacteria break down sugars into acid, gradually eroding and weakening the tooth structure.

Four essential factors lead to the development of dental caries, they are: bacterial biofilm (plaque), fermentable carbohydrates, dental hard tissues, and sufficient time.

Understanding hydration, proper sleep, regular exercise, and good nutrition

Water is vital for life and plays a role in almost every function of the human body. It helps regulate body temperature, acts as a solvent for chemical reactions, maintains blood volume, and transports nutrients while removing waste. The balance of water in the body depends on how much water is gained versus how much is lost. This process of maintaining the right amount of water in the body is called "hydration."

Do hydration, proper sleep, regular exercise, and good nutrition heal dental decay naturally?

No, once dental decay starts, it cannot heal on its own.

Hydration, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition are crucial for physical and mental well-being, enhancing overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Some studies suggest these habits may lower the risk of dental decay, but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim proper hydration, sleep, regular exercise, and good nutrition can heal dental decay naturally.

To highlight the connection between proper hydration and oral health, a study published in the journal Water highlighted the role of proper hydration, concluding that individuals who drank more water had a lower risk of dental caries and periodontal disease. However, the study associates water intake with reducing the risk of dental caries, not with the healing of existing tooth decay.

A study published in BMC Oral Health explored the relationship between sleep and dental caries, concluding that individuals who slept ≥7 hours per night were less likely to have dental caries compared to those who slept <7 hours. There are no studies that indicate that proper sleep can reverse tooth decay.

A study published in the journal Odontology explored the relationship between regular exercise and dental caries, concluding that good physical fitness and self-reported physical activity are linked to a reduced caries burden. The study does not state that regular exercise can reverse dental decay.

A review published in the Journal of the Academy of Dental Education examined the connection between proper nutrition and dental caries, recommending a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and starchy foods to prevent diet-related chronic diseases such as oral cancer, gingival and periodontal disease, and dental caries. But this study does not claim that dental decay can be reversed with proper nutrition.

All these studies emphasize the role of hydration, proper sleep, regular exercise, and good nutrition in lowering the risk of dental caries. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that these habits can heal dental decay. Dental decay is a chronic condition that cannot be healed or reversed once it occurs and requires treatment under dental supervision. Additionally, there is no agreement within the dental community that these habits can cure tooth decay naturally.

Dr Alpha Mary Mathew, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Rungta College of Dental Sciences & Research, Bhilai, Chattisgarh said "Good hydration, proper sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are all important for maintaining oral health. Staying hydrated helps keep your mouth clean, sleep allows your body to repair and maintain overall health, and exercise improves blood flow, including to your gums. A healthy diet supports strong teeth and gums. While these habits can reduce the risk of dental problems, they cannot reverse existing tooth decay. For that, professional dental care is essential."

To this, Dr Akash Kumar Swarnkar, Dr Swarnkar’s Dental clinic, Bhilai, Durg Chattisgarh, added, "Taking care of your overall health with good hydration, enough sleep, exercise, and a nutritious diet plays an important role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. These habits support your body’s natural defences and can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. However, once tooth decay has set in, it can’t be undone, and you’ll need professional dental treatment to address the damage."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Healthy habits like proper hydration, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining oral and overall health. These practices can lower the risk of dental problems but cannot reverse existing tooth decay. Once a cavity forms, it requires professional treatment, highlighting the importance of prevention through a combination of a healthy lifestyle and consistent oral care.

Hence, the claim that dental decay heal naturally through proper hydration, sleep, exercise, and nutrition without dental intervention is False.