Having sensitive teeth can sometimes make eating and drinking a painful experience. However, some home remedies may help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity is a common and treatable condition. ONE
In this article, we explore some home remedies for sensitive teeth and the science behind them. We also cover the causes and prevention of tooth sensitivity and when you should see a dentist.
Oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil can help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic practice originating in India that involves swishing oil around the mouth for several minutes before spitting.
The results of a 2009 study suggest that sesame oil pulling can reduce the symptoms of gingivitis, which dentists refer to as gingivitis. ONE
The potential benefits of oil pulling for gingivitis may, in turn, reduce tooth sensitivity.
Chewing guava leaves or using a topical gel containing guava leaf extract can help reduce tooth pain and sensitivity.
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People have long used clove oil as a folk remedy for toothache. Research shows there’s more to it than just delivery.
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Applying clove gel or oil to the gums can help reduce tooth sensitivity and pain. However, scientists need to conduct more research on this use of clove gel to confirm its benefits.
Garlic is a traditional remedy for a number of health conditions. One use of garlic in folk medicine is to treat toothache.
Chewing a piece of garlic for a while produces a compound called allicin. The authors of a
Its accumulation S. mutans around the teeth and gums can lead to tooth decay, which can worsen tooth sensitivity. Fighting these bacteria can slow down this process and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Using a saltwater rinse as a mouthwash is another way to fight bacteria in the mouth and improve oral hygiene.
In a 2017 studyresearchers found that a saltwater rinse can be as effective as a chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque.
To do a seawater rinse, add half teaspoon salt to 8 oz of hot water. Then swish the salt water around the mouth several times before spitting it out.
Capsaicin is the spicy substance naturally present in chili peppers. Although capsaicin can cause a burning sensation when a person applies it to their skin or gums, it can also reduce pain.
The authors of a
Applying capsaicin gel to the gums can relieve pain from sensitive teeth.
Turmeric is a yellow spice and an Ayurvedic medicine for reducing inflammation. Turmeric contains curcumin, which can help relieve pain.
A small
A person can try making a paste by mixing turmeric and water and then rubbing it on their gums to help reduce tooth pain and sensitivity. However, there is still no scientific research to support this use of turmeric.
Using dental products that contain fluoride can reduce the risk of tooth decay and can also help minimize tooth sensitivity.
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There are many forms of fluoride treatment that are suitable for daily use, including:
Desensitizing toothpaste contains agents that make dentin less permeable. Dentin is a hard, porous tissue that lies beneath the enamel layer on all teeth.
When dentin is less permeable, this means that it is more difficult for fluid to pass through it. Reducing permeability protects the nerve underneath, which helps reduce tooth sensitivity and pain.
Dental desensitizing agents include:
Using a desensitizing toothpaste that contains potassium is an option for people with sensitive teeth.
In one in vitro study from 2006, researchers applied oxalate extracts from rhubarb and spinach to dentin discs taken from human molars. The results showed that these extracts may help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Teeth can become sensitive when enamel, their protective top layer, wears away.
When enamel wears down, the dentin underneath can become more permeable, allowing liquids and gases to pass through it more easily.
Beneath the dentin is a tissue called dental pulp that contains many nerve endings and blood vessels. When substances pass through the dentin to reach these nerve endings, a person can feel pain. Drinking hot or cold liquids and chewing can cause this pain.
The following can all wear down enamel and cause tooth sensitivity:
- gingivitis, which is gum disease resulting from plaque build-up
- wear
- teeth whitening
- excessive tooth brushing or brushing too hard
- eating acidic foods
- teeth grinding or clenching;
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People can help protect the enamel on their teeth and prevent tooth sensitivity by:
- brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste;
- floss once a day
- taking breaks from teeth whitening
- limiting the consumption of sugary, starchy and acidic foods
- limiting alcohol intake
- wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent teeth grinding and clenching
- visit a dentist regularly
- smoking cessation
If a person experiences constant or severe tooth sensitivity and pain, they should see their dentist for an examination.
Depending on the cause and severity of sensitivity, a dentist may recommend:
- using a fluoride gel or desensitizing agents
- a filling
- a crown
- an insert or insert
- a surgical gum graft
- a root canal
Many people experience tooth sensitivity and pain, which can result from the gradual erosion of tooth enamel. Research shows that certain home remedies can help treat tooth sensitivity.
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis and the development of sensitivity.
People with severe or ongoing sensitivity should see a dentist for a checkup. Depending on the cause, the dentist may offer in-office treatments to treat tooth sensitivity.
