Do you experience discomfort or pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods? You may be suffering from sensitive teeth. This condition can make it challenging to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks and may even impact your everyday life.
Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can provide permanent relief for sensitive teeth.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth occur when the underlying layer of your teeth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including:.
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Gum recession
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Dental procedures like tooth whitening or root canals
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
If you’re experiencing sensitive teeth, it’s essential to visit your dentist to rule out any underlying issues. In the meantime, these natural remedies can help alleviate your discomfort and provide permanent relief.
1. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and expose the dentin. To prevent this, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently.
This will help protect your tooth enamel and prevent further damage.
2. Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, soda, and wine can erode tooth enamel and cause sensitivity. Try reducing your intake of these foods and drinks or using a straw to drink them, so they don’t come in contact with your teeth.
3. Use a Fluoride Mouthwash
Fluoride is a mineral that can help replenish and strengthen tooth enamel, making it less prone to sensitivity. Use a fluoride mouthwash regularly and as directed to help reduce sensitivity.
4. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that involves swishing oil around your mouth to remove toxins and improve oral health.
Coconut oil is a popular choice for oil pulling as it has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria that cause tooth decay and sensitivity. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 15-20 minutes, then spit it out and rinse with warm water.
5. Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is an easy and effective way to relieve tooth sensitivity. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Saltwater can reduce inflammation and remove bacteria from your mouth, providing temporary relief from sensitivity.
6. Clove Oil
Clove oil has natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve tooth sensitivity. Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton swab and rub it on the affected tooth or gum.
Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Do this a few times a day as needed.
7. Garlic Paste
Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce tooth sensitivity and prevent cavities. Crush a garlic clove and mix it with some salt to make a paste.
Apply the paste to the affected tooth and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat this once a day for a few days.
8. Wheatgrass Mouthwash
Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Using a wheatgrass mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in your mouth, providing relief from sensitivity.
Mix wheatgrass juice with water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out.
9. Green Tea
Green tea has natural compounds that can help reduce inflammation and promote oral health. Drinking green tea regularly can help prevent tooth decay and sensitivity. Brew a cup of green tea and drink it while it’s still warm.
10. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for strong and healthy teeth, and a deficiency can lead to sensitivity and other oral health problems.
Get enough vitamin D by spending time in the sun, eating foods like fatty fish and egg yolks, or taking a vitamin D supplement.
Conclusion
Sensitive teeth can be uncomfortable and impact your everyday life, but there are natural remedies that can provide permanent relief.
These remedies, including using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, using a fluoride mouthwash, trying oil pulling, using garlic paste, and getting enough vitamin D, can help reduce sensitivity and promote oral health.