I have a tiny cavity that I’ve been trying to get to heal on its own for a few months now. I don’t think it’s getting worse, but it’s not getting better either. I want to avoid having it filled if at all possible. Will a holistic dentist give me nutritional guidance so I can get it to self-repair? I’ve read about the process online, but I think I must be missing some part of the process.

Thank you,

Doug

Dear Doug,

As of right now, there are no reputable sources that say it’s possible to heal a cavity and no evidence to indicate any supplement will help. As such, you’re probably not going to find a holistic dentist who will give you the guidance you’re hoping for. Most of the stories you find online can’t be traced to anyone, let alone someone with a background in science or medicine. There are, however methods being studied that may help people regrow teeth, but it’s based on stem cell research, not nutrition, and these treatments are still in the very early stages of testing.

With that said, a holistic dentist can still help you. Because they’re generally trained in alternate methods of fillings, as well as proper removal of old amalgams, they understand how to protect you most. If you want to avoid a mercury filling, a holistic dentist is a sound choice.

It’s not advisable that you continue trying to heal the tooth on its own. You may not see any difference in the size of the cavity, but it could be burrowing away deep into your tooth. If allowed to continue, you may need additional treatments, like a root canal, to be able to save it. If you decide to go forward with your experiment to see if you can make it heal anyway, please do so under the watchful eye of a professional. It’s a good idea to have someone monitor the size and take measurements, so you’ll know for sure what’s happening both inside and out.

This blog is brought to you by Buffalo Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.