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The internet is full of weird and wonderful remedies that promise to stop tooth decay the natural way. One of the most popular is oil pulling, where you dissolve a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and then swish it around. Some say it detoxifies your mouth and whitens your teeth, such as current celeb favourite CocoWhite.

But can 100% natural methods such as oils, certain foods or homemade toothpaste really do anything to stop tooth decay?

To judge if natural or alternative remedies can reverse tooth decay, we need to understand the science of what tooth decay is and what causes it.

What causes tooth decay

Sugar in everyday food and drinks causes the bacteria in tooth plaque to produce acids. It’s these acids that attack the hard outer cover of the tooth – the enamel. Enamel is tough stuff, but if it’s under constant attack, say from snacking, it will eventually weaken.

If your dentist spots decay at the enamel stage, it may be possible to repair it with fluoride varnish to stop the damage spreading and re-mineralise the tooth.

But, if decay goes untreated, it will go deeper into the tooth affecting the dentine. Dentine is the layer of tissue under the enamel that makes up most of the tooth. It is decay reaching the dentine that causes toothache. Once tooth decay has reached this stage, it is irreversible.

Prevention is the key to avoiding decay

While it may not be as glamorous as some of the health trends out there, a good oral health routine is proven to prevent tooth decay. While oil pulling, on the other hand, is not.

Brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash are the best ways to protect your teeth from decay.

Best natural way to prevent tooth decay

On top of your daily oral health routine, you can help your teeth naturally through your diet. You don’t need any exotic ingredients, just healthy meals three times a day with two healthy snacks in between, such as raw veg sticks, nuts and cheese. Keep fizzy drinks, sugary sweets, cakes and biscuits to a minimum too, and you’ll enjoy healthy teeth for years to come.