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10 Tips for Dealing with Sensitive Teeth

In Dentistry July 23, 2018

10 Tips for Dealing with Sensitive Teeth

Do you suffer from painful sensations in your teeth from normal activities like eating, drinking, and brushing? If so, it’s likely you’ve wondered how you can help treat your sensitive teeth so there is no discomfort.

Sensitive teeth can be caused by a number of problems. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce tooth sensitivity that are effective. Some of these solutions can be utilized easily at home.

To learn more about finding sensitive teeth relief, consider these great solutions:

1. Use Toothpaste Made for Sensitive Teeth

Using toothpaste that is specifically designed for treating tooth sensitivity can be helpful for symptom relief. Most of these toothpastes contain an ingredient that temporarily fills tiny holes in your enamel and dentin. This reduces the amount of exposure your teeth’s sensitive nerves will receive.

2. Use Only Soft Toothbrushes

One easy tip to utilize for sensitive teeth relief is changing out your toothbrush. If you use a toothbrush with stiff bristles, you could be making your condition worse. Stiff bristles and abrasive toothpastes are hard on enamel, leading to more microscopic holes and eventually more sensitivity. They can also worsen gum recession, leading to exposed dentin and sensitive nerves. Try a soft bristled tootbrush and make sure you brush gently to preserve the surface of your teeth and to maintain gum integrity.

3. Use a Mouthguard at Night

Sometimes sensitive teeth are caused by grinding your teeth at night. This is called bruxism. If this is a problem for you, your dentist can take molds of your teeth and make a custom mouth guard to be worn during sleep. This guard protects against pressure and prevents damage to teeth that can be caused by nighttime grinding

4. Have Your Gums Checked by a Dentist

Diseased or receding gums can be a major cause of tooth sensitivity. As the gum tissue breaks down and moves away from the tooth surface, the parts of teeth that have no enamel (below the gum line) become exposed. This leaves nerves somewhat unprotected and can cause significant discomfort. Have your dentist examine your gums to make sure you don’t have gum disease that needs to be treated. Healthy gums protect teeth and prevent tooth sensitivity.

5. Make a Salt Water Mouthwash

Making a mouthwash out of salt and water can help reduce tooth sensitivity quickly. Salt water balances the pH level inside the mouth, creating an alkaline environment that reduces bacterial growth. It also reduces plaque in the process. A salt water rinse is easily made by mixing two teaspoons of salt with a cup of warm water. This rinse should be used in the morning and at night until sensitivity improves.

6. Oil Pulling: Swishing With Coconut Oil

If you have sensitive teeth from a possible bacteria overgrowth, coconut oil can help. When you swish liquified coconut oil around in your mouth, it’s called oil pulling. This remedy has been used for many years as an oral health aid. Coconut oil hinders bacterial growth in the mouth, breaks down plaque on teeth, and removes germs and toxins from the gum surface. This promotes healthier gums and teeth, which in turn reduces tooth sensitivity. It can also whiten and brighten your teeth over time. All that is required is a tablespoon of melted coconut oil. This is swished around inside the mouth for 20 seconds and spit out. Follow this step up with a warm water rinse and you’re on your way to a healthier mouth.

7. Dental Varnishes and Coatings that Control Sensitivity

There are a number of varnishes and other coatings that can be applied by a dentist to relieve sensitive teeth. A flouride varnish can be helpful in reducing tooth sensitivity. Application of flouride fills tiny holes in tooth enamel that can expose the teeth to temperature change and other irritants. There are other bonding agents and plastic sealant coatings that can be applied to strengthen enamel and dentin. Dentin is the bony tissue beneath the enamel. Ask your dentist about coating options for reducing sensitivity in teeth.

8. Relieve Pain With Clove

Cloves and clove oil are anti-inflammatory, germicidal, and analgesic. This means they can reduce inflammation, bacteria overgrowth, and pain. When used as an extract that is swished in the mouth, clove can have a numbing effect that relieves tooth sensitivity. The analgesic properties of clove oil can be enhanced further by mixing it with orange essential oil. These essential oils are potent and should always be used in small amounts in another carrier such as coconut or avocado oil.

9. Avoid Problematic Foods and Beverages

Some foods and drinks can actually make sensitive teeth worse. These should be minimally consumed or avoided entirely to reduce sensitive teeth. Acidic foods and drinks such as coffee, fruit, pickles, and sodas can increase tooth sensitivity. If your sensitive teeth are a problem when you eat, you may want to consider reducing or eliminating these foods. It’s also best to avoid foods and liquids that are extremely hot or frozen, as these can cause tooth discomfort.

10. Use Garlic

Although it may cause strong breath when used, garlic contains valuable compounds that help maintain good oral health. One of these compounds found in high amounts in garlic is the beneficial allicin. Allicin is an antibacterial and pain relieving compound. Since allicin reduces bacteria and soothes pain, it’s a great natural remedy for sensitive teeth. Garlic can be sliced and applied directly to the affected teeth, or a paste can be made by combining a clove of garlic with a few drops of water and a half teaspoon of salt. This paste is applied directly to the sensitive area. Both garlic and the paste should be left on the teeth for ten minutes. This can be repeated twice a day for as long as necessary.