Having sensitive teeth means experiencing discomfort, or in some instances even pain in the teeth when there is a contact with certain substances or temperatures. The pain that many people go through on a regular basis is sharp and sudden, but it doesn’t last too long. Luckily, there are a few things people can do that help treat this condition. Let’s investigate!
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity
There isn’t only one thing that can determine whether a person will suffer from this condition. It can happen to everyone. Besides reacting to cold, acidic, hot or sweet foods, there are people who also experience teeth sensitivity from simply brushing their teeth.
When a person has healthy teeth the enamel is in a great state and capable of protecting the dentin. The dentin is the layer underneath the enamel. And the root of the teeth is protected by gums. In cases when the enamel is worn down or the gum line is not in a perfect condition – the dentin is no longer protected. This causes a problem as that is the part of the tooth which is directly connected to the nerve that signals pain. Hence, those teeth are considered as sensitive.
Things that cause enamel to wear down:
- Gum diseases
- Decay
- Acidic Foods
- Rough Brushing
- Grinding
- Whitening Procedures
Fortunately, there are simple yet useful home remedies that can help you prevent tooth sensitivity and maintain good oral hygiene. Here are they.
Oil Pulling
For this procedure to work, it is recommended to always use either coconut or sesame oil. It is a procedure that originates from India and it entails washing the mouth with oil for a few minutes and then spitting it out. Oil pulling fights gum diseases (or gingivitis) and the formation of plaque. As a result, it also helps with tooth sensitivity.
Guava Leaves
This procedure can be performed in two ways. People who suffer from tooth sensitivity can either decide to chew guava leaves or use a topical gel that is made of guava leaf extract. Regardless of the choice, both of these methods have proven to be helpful for sensitivity and discomfort in teeth. The guava soothes painful teeth as it comes with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory features.
Clove Gel
Traditionally, people have been using clove oil as a solution for toothache. Today, many believe that it has more than just tradition to it. There is research from 2006 that made a comparison between clove gel and topical benzocaine. Topical benzocaine is used to numb the gums before a dentist starts working on the tooth (mainly for inserting needles). The research has shown that the clove gel used in the study can be effective in relieving pain. It is almost as effective as the benzocaine. Simply put, clove gel helps with the pain caused by tooth sensitivity.
Garlic
Garlic is known amongst a lot of people as a natural remedy for different health conditions. One such use is for the treatment of toothache. When chewing garlic for a couple of minutes, a compound known as allicin is produced. This compound has antimicrobial features and it fights bacteria that lead to oral diseases which later lead to tooth sensitivity.
Saltwater Rinse
Using saltwater as a mouthwash is an effective way to get rid of bacteria and thus improve overall oral hygiene. Everything needed to make saltwater rinse is half a spoon of salt and 200ml warm water.
Capsaicin Gel
This compound is naturally found in chilli peppers. It may burn a little when applied on the gums, but it also reduces pain. How it works is that it numbs nerve ends, thus making them unable to signal pain.
Turmeric
This yellow spice reduces inflammation. It has curcumin in its compound – an ingredient that helps with pain. The optimal way to use it for sensitive teeth is to make a paste. It is supposed to be a mixture of turmeric and water.
The Bottom Line
There is a great number of people who experience pain due to tooth sensitivity on a daily basis. Some research shows that there are a few home remedies that do help soothe the pain and even avoid the condition altogether. However, except using the above-mentioned remedies, it is also important to obtain good oral hygiene at all times. Plus, many people claim that mi paste for teeth has helped them in the fight against tooth sensitivity. And, finally, if things do get worse, or the pain is there at all times – it is recommended to see a dentist for further instructions.
