Medical Dialogues
  • Dermatology
Login Register
This site is intended for healthcare professionals only
Login Register
  • MD Brand Connect
  • Vaccine Hub
  • MDTV
    • Breaking News
    • Medical News Today
    • Health News Today
    • Latest
    • Journal Club
    • Medico Legal Update
    • Latest Webinars
    • MD Shorts
    • Health Dialogues
  • Fact Check
  • Health Dialogues
Medical Dialogues
  • Medical News & Guidelines
      • Anesthesiology
      • Cardiology and CTVS
      • Critical Care
      • Dentistry
      • Dermatology
      • Diabetes and Endocrinology
      • ENT
      • Gastroenterology
      • Medicine
      • Nephrology
      • Neurology
      • Obstretics-Gynaecology
      • Oncology
      • Ophthalmology
      • Orthopaedics
      • Pediatrics-Neonatology
      • Psychiatry
      • Pulmonology
      • Radiology
      • Surgery
      • Urology
      • Laboratory Medicine
      • Diet
      • Nursing
      • Paramedical
      • Physiotherapy
  • Health news
      • Doctor News
      • Government Policies
      • Hospital & Diagnostics
      • International Health News
      • Medical Organization News
      • Medico Legal News
      • NBE News
      • NMC News
  • Fact Check
      • Bone Health Fact Check
      • Brain Health Fact Check
      • Cancer Related Fact Check
      • Child Care Fact Check
      • Dental and oral health fact check
      • Diabetes and metabolic health fact check
      • Diet and Nutrition Fact Check
      • Eye and ENT Care Fact Check
      • Fitness fact check
      • Gut health fact check
      • Heart health fact check
      • Kidney health fact check
      • Medical education fact check
      • Men's health fact check
      • Respiratory fact check
      • Skin and hair care fact check
      • Vaccine and Immunization fact check
      • Women's health fact check
  • AYUSH
    • Ayurveda
    • Homeopathy
    • Siddha
    • Unani
    • Yoga
  • State News
      • Andaman and Nicobar Islands
      • Andhra Pradesh
      • Arunachal Pradesh
      • Assam
      • Bihar
      • Chandigarh
      • Chattisgarh
      • Dadra and Nagar Haveli
      • Daman and Diu
      • Delhi
      • Goa
      • Gujarat
      • Haryana
      • Himachal Pradesh
      • Jammu & Kashmir
      • Jharkhand
      • Karnataka
      • Kerala
      • Ladakh
      • Lakshadweep
      • Madhya Pradesh
      • Maharashtra
      • Manipur
      • Meghalaya
      • Mizoram
      • Nagaland
      • Odisha
      • Puducherry
      • Punjab
      • Rajasthan
      • Sikkim
      • Tamil Nadu
      • Telangana
      • Tripura
      • Uttar Pradesh
      • Uttrakhand
      • West Bengal
  • Medical Education
      • Ayush Education News
      • Dentistry Education News
      • Medical Admission News
      • Medical Colleges News
      • Medical Courses News
      • Medical Universities News
      • Nursing education News
      • Paramedical Education News
      • Study Abroad
  • Industry
      • Health Investment News
      • Health Startup News
      • Medical Devices News
      • Pharma News
      • Pharmacy Education News
      • Industry Perspective
  • MDTV
      • Health Dialogues MDTV
      • Health News today MDTV
      • Latest Videos MDTV
      • Latest Webinars MDTV
      • MD shorts MDTV
      • Medical News Today MDTV
      • Medico Legal Update MDTV
      • Top Videos MDTV
      • Health Perspectives MDTV
      • Journal Club MDTV
      • Medical Dialogues Show
This site is intended for healthcare professionals only
LoginRegister
Medical Dialogues
LoginRegister
  • Home
  • Medical news & Guidelines
    • Anesthesiology
    • Cardiology and CTVS
    • Critical Care
    • Dentistry
    • Dermatology
    • Diabetes and Endocrinology
    • ENT
    • Gastroenterology
    • Medicine
    • Nephrology
    • Neurology
    • Obstretics-Gynaecology
    • Oncology
    • Ophthalmology
    • Orthopaedics
    • Pediatrics-Neonatology
    • Psychiatry
    • Pulmonology
    • Radiology
    • Surgery
    • Urology
    • Laboratory Medicine
    • Diet
    • Nursing
    • Paramedical
    • Physiotherapy
  • Health news
    • Doctor News
    • Government Policies
    • Hospital & Diagnostics
    • International Health News
    • Medical Organization News
    • Medico Legal News
    • NBE News
    • NMC News
  • Fact Check
    • Bone Health Fact Check
    • Brain Health Fact Check
    • Cancer Related Fact Check
    • Child Care Fact Check
    • Dental and oral health fact check
    • Diabetes and metabolic health fact check
    • Diet and Nutrition Fact Check
    • Eye and ENT Care Fact Check
    • Fitness fact check
    • Gut health fact check
    • Heart health fact check
    • Kidney health fact check
    • Medical education fact check
    • Men's health fact check
    • Respiratory fact check
    • Skin and hair care fact check
    • Vaccine and Immunization fact check
    • Women's health fact check
  • AYUSH
    • Ayurveda
      • Ayurveda Giuidelines
      • Ayurveda News
    • Homeopathy
      • Homeopathy Guidelines
      • Homeopathy News
    • Siddha
      • Siddha Guidelines
      • Siddha News
    • Unani
      • Unani Guidelines
      • Unani News
    • Yoga
      • Yoga Guidelines
      • Yoga News
  • State News
    • Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    • Andhra Pradesh
    • Arunachal Pradesh
    • Assam
    • Bihar
    • Chandigarh
    • Chattisgarh
    • Dadra and Nagar Haveli
    • Daman and Diu
    • Delhi
    • Goa
    • Gujarat
    • Haryana
    • Himachal Pradesh
    • Jammu & Kashmir
    • Jharkhand
    • Karnataka
    • Kerala
    • Ladakh
    • Lakshadweep
    • Madhya Pradesh
    • Maharashtra
    • Manipur
    • Meghalaya
    • Mizoram
    • Nagaland
    • Odisha
    • Puducherry
    • Punjab
    • Rajasthan
    • Sikkim
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Telangana
    • Tripura
    • Uttar Pradesh
    • Uttrakhand
    • West Bengal
  • Medical Education
    • Ayush Education News
    • Dentistry Education News
    • Medical Admission News
    • Medical Colleges News
    • Medical Courses News
    • Medical Universities News
    • Nursing education News
    • Paramedical Education News
    • Study Abroad
  • Industry
    • Health Investment News
    • Health Startup News
    • Medical Devices News
    • Pharma News
      • CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) News
    • Pharmacy Education News
    • Industry Perspective
  • Home
  • News
  • Fact Check
  • Fact Check: Can Dental...

Fact Check: Can Dental Decay Heal Naturally Without Treatment?

Written By : Dr. Garima Soni |Medically Reviewed By : Dr Arvind Chopra Published On 2025-02-15T11:00:00+05:30  |  Updated On 15 Feb 2025 11:00 AM IST
Fact Check: Can dental decay heal naturally through proper hydration, sleep, exercise, and nutrition without dental intervention?
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
  • Telegram
  • Email

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."

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining optimal health, influencing both physical and mental well-being. Sleep is just as important for your health as diet and exercise. Quality sleep boosts brain function, mood, and overall well-being. Lack of proper sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of various health issues, including heart disease, stroke, obesity, and dementia. Experts suggest that school-age children should get at least nine hours of sleep each night, teens need eight to 10 hours, and most adults require seven or more hours of sleep per night.
Physical activity refers to any movement of the body produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy. Exercise is a specific type of physical activity that is structured, repetitive, and purposeful. Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean going to a gym or club; it simply involves engaging in physical activity, regardless of where or how it is done. Regular exercise helps prevent or manage conditions like coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, weakness, and depression. Strengthening exercises build endurance and muscle strength by providing appropriate resistance. Cardiac rehabilitation exercises are tailored to improve cardiovascular health, aiding in the prevention and recovery from heart-related conditions. A well-rounded exercise program enhances overall health, boosts endurance, and slows the effects of ageing. Additionally, exercise improves emotional well-being alongside physical health.
Proper nutrition is a powerful and cost-effective way to reduce the burden of diseases, including obesity, and manage associated risk factors. It is essential for human growth, development, and the prevention and treatment of various conditions. A balanced diet, derived from plant and animal-based foods, provides the nourishment needed to maintain good health and functionality. Nutrition research continues to play a crucial role in understanding the causes of diseases like obesity and improving overall global health and well-being.

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.

dental decaydental carieshydrationsleepexercisenutritiondr alpha mary mathewdr akash kumar swarnakarreversal of tooth decay
Dr. Garima Soni
Dr. Garima Soni

    BDS, MDS(orthodontics)

    Dr. Garima Soni holds a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) from Government Dental College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) specializing in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from Maitri College of Dentistry and Research Centre. At medical dialogues she focuses on dental news and dental and medical fact checks against medical/dental mis/disinformation

    Dr Arvind Chopra
    Dr Arvind Chopra

      Dr Arvind Chopra (MBBS) completed his medical degree from Motilal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad University, in 1975. He has been practicing in Delhi since then. Currently, he is a member of the Anti-Quackery Committee of the Delhi Medical Council. He is the physician reviewer of our health and medicine related fact checks

      Show Full Article
      Next Story

      Editorial

      National Consensus 2025 on Role of Bisoprolol Across CV Continuum in Women: Top 10 Takeaways

      National Consensus 2025 on Role of Bisoprolol Across CV Continuum in Women: Top 10 Takeaways

      Relevance of Pioglitazone in Indian T2DM Care Continuum

      Relevance of Pioglitazone in Indian T2DM Care Continuum

      Azmarda Outperforms Generic Sacubitril/Valsartan in HFrEF Management, says new study

      Azmarda Outperforms Generic Sacubitril/Valsartan in HFrEF Management, says new study

      First Indian Consensus on Managing Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Recommends Vonoprazan

      First Indian Consensus on Managing Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Recommends Vonoprazan

      Re-visiting the Role of Pneumococcal Vaccination in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases

      Re-visiting the Role of Pneumococcal Vaccination in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases

      View All

      Journal Club Today

      Study Reveals Why Your Immune System Works Better in Daylight

      Study Reveals Why Your Immune System Works Better in Daylight

      View All

      Health News Today

      Health Bulletin 29/May/2025

      Health Bulletin 29/May/2025

      View All
      © 2022 All Rights Reserved.
      Powered By: Hocalwire
      X
      We use cookies for analytics, advertising and to improve our site. You agree to our use of cookies by continuing to use our site. To know more, see our Cookie Policy and Cookie Settings.Ok