Last Updated on: 17th October 2024, 04:36 pm
Q.F. Nayibe Cubillos Morales
Dr. Gustavo Assatourians D.D.S
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Homemade Remedies for Sensitive Teeth: A Complete Guide
Ever felt uncomfortable eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee? Does drinking water bring discomfort? Sensitive teeth can spoil oral enjoyment. It’s a common issue making everyday actions unpleasant, but there are effective home remedies for instant relief. In this article, we will explore what causes sensitivity and share simple DIY dental care that you can make with ingredients from your kitchen.
What Causes this Tooth Sensitivity?
A key player – the hard external layer of teeth that shields the inner layer. When you brush too hard or frequently consume acidic foods and drinks, this enamel wears down, revealing the dentin. Dentin has minor tubes that carry sensations to nerves at the center of the tooth. It makes sensitive teeth susceptible to pain when there are shifts in temperature.
Common Triggers of Sensitive Teeth
Here are some things that can wear away the protective layer on your teeth:
● Tooth whitening treatments or abrasive bleaching strips
● Excessive consumption of citrus fruits or juices
● Frequent soda or sports drink intake
● Brushing teeth aggressively with a hard-bristled brush
● Grinding or clenching your teeth at night
● Gum recession from periodontal disease
Pay close attention to these triggers. Doing so could help prevent enamel damage. It might even stop sensitive teeth in the future.
5 Homemade Remedies for Immediate Relief
Whether you want quick relief or simply want to avoid OTC medications, these all-natural toothache reliefs provide soothing comfort:
1. Salt water rinse
● Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 cup warm water and mix until dissolved.
● Rinse your mouth with the solution, swishing for 30 seconds before spitting out.
● Saline helps draw out inflammation and is antibacterial against the germs that may irritate the exposed dentin.
2. Clove oil application
● Soak a cotton ball with 2-3 drops of clove oil and apply it to the sensitive area.
● Leave on for 2 minutes before rinsing with water.
● Clove oil’s eugenol content numbs pain and has analgesic, and antibacterial properties.
3. Garlic paste application
● Mash 1-2 garlic cloves into a paste and mix with 1/4 teaspoon salt
● Apply to the affected area and let sit for 1 minute before rinsing
● Garlic’s allicin fights germs and provides anesthetic relief from tooth sensitivity
4. Honey and warm water solution
● Mix 1 teaspoon honey into 1/4 cup warm water.
● Swish gently and hold in mouth for 1 minute before spitting out.
● Honey’s antimicrobial qualities help reduce inflammation for soothing comfort.
5. Turmeric massage
● Make a paste by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and salt into a small amount of water.
● Use your finger to gently massage it onto gums and teeth for 2 minutes.
● Turmeric’s curcuminoid pigment has anti-inflammatory properties.
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity at Home
Tooth sensitivity at home can be prevented with the proper care. Here are ways to minimize enamel damage and ensure proper daily care:
● Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice daily.
● Floss daily to remove debris between teeth that brushing can’t reach.
● Limit acidic foods and drinks ice cream, sodas, red wine, juices, candies, coffee, fruits, yogurts, and even pickled products
● Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth and schedule regular dental cleanings.
When to See a Dentist
You should visit the dentist if over-the-counter oral care products or homemade remedies for sensitive teeth afford little relief, or if the pain won’t stop after a couple days. The earlier you act, the better to prevent complications. Your dentist can properly diagnose and treat the underlying dental issue.
● Extreme hot/cold sensitivity spreading to other teeth or the face.
● Gradually intensifying pain originating from one area.
● Inability to properly chew due to throbbing tenderness.
● Inflamed, red, or bleeding gums accompanying tooth discomfort.
● Teeth feel loose or have visible cracks/chips.
Conclusion
With proper care and these homemade solutions, you can manage tooth sensitivity safely at home; if the pain persists, please schedule an appointment. Your dentist will identify the underlying cause and recommend the most effective long-term solution. When in doubt, it’s always best to seek professional guidance for lasting relief from sensitive teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tooth sensitivity go away on its own?
Yes, mild cases of tooth sensitivity can resolve without treatment. However, severe tooth pain should be examined by a dental professional.
How often should I use these homemade remedies for sensitive teeth?
Apply them 2-3 times daily if you need relief quickly. As the sensitivity reduces, using them 1-2 times should be adequate to stop it from coming back.
Are these remedies safe for children?
Yes, but only in modest amounts, and make sure to watch young children closely to get the right dosage. If your child is under 6 years old, check with a pediatric dentist first.
Can I use these remedies alongside my regular toothpaste?
Yes, these remedies offer temporary relief between brushing sessions. However, keep using a fluoride toothpaste for ongoing tooth protection.
What are the signs that my tooth sensitivity is getting worse?
If the pain intensifies, you can’t bite or chew properly, or there is inflammation, it may mean you need dental treatment.
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References
1. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (n.d.). Foods to Avoid. Listerine. https://www.listerine.com/tooth-sensitivity/foods-to-avoid
2. Cleveland Clinic. (Augs, 2022). Teeth Sensitivity. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity
3. British Dental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Sensitive Teeth. Dental Health Foundation. https://www.dentalhealth.org/sensitive-teeth
4. Dentaly.org.(Jul 2023). Sensitive Teeth Remedies: 9 Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity. Dentaly.org. https://www.dentaly.org/us/sensitive-teeth/sensitive-teeth-remedy/
5. Healthline Media. (Apr 2023). 10 Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/sensitive-teeth-home-remedy