It is very common to suffer from tooth sensitivity, especially when you whiten your teeth, or if you eat acidic foods and drinks regularly. But don’t worry, most people have sensitivity once in a while and it is not a severe health condition! The good thing is that there are ways you can avoid having a toothache due to tooth sensitivity and even some home remedies that can help alleviate the pain.
What is tooth sensitivity?
According to Dr. Alan B. Carr, from the Department of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic, “when you have sensitive teeth, certain activities, such as brushing, flossing, eating and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots.”
How can we avoid it?
Some people may have more sensible enamel than others, but there are more factors that can increase this sensitivity. Try to avoid acidic foods and drinks such as citric juices, wines, and sodas – all these drinks erode the enamel without you noticing.
“It also helps to avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic substances, since acid softens enamel and makes it more vulnerable to erosion during brushing,” explains Dr. Alan B. Carr.
Also, try to wash your teeth at least three times per day, but remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you already suffer from tooth sensitivity, stop using whitening products, such as whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, bleaching… those products will only cause you more pain and they can even irritate your gums!
Nutrition is important too. Make sure you include healthy foods such as fish, milk, eggs, and vegetables in general that provide nutrients to your teeth. Those foods include Vitamin A, B, B2, B12, and C, as well as phosphorus, which are essential to ensure an incredibly strong and resistant enamel.
Already suffering from tooth sensitivity?
It’s all good, here are some tips that can help you deal with it, and using natural ingredients that you already have at home:
Baking soda
Baking soda can help reduce the pain caused by sensitivity since it has alkaline properties and it can also reduce the pain sensation. Simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water and use it as a mouthwash. You can also use it as toothpaste when brushing your teeth. But remember not to overuse because it can have adverse effects.
Salt
Using salt as a mouthwash is also a good option, it reduces the presence of bacteria that can damage the enamel. Furthermore, it can help fight bad breath, a.k.a. halitosis.
Cinnamon oil
This one is very effective and delicious! If you just ate something that caused you sensitivity, the best way to make it stop is using cinnamon oil. Take a piece of cotton and soak it in the oil. Then rub it gently over your teeth and wait a few minutes. You will notice how the pain disappears progressively.
Essential clove oil
Although it may not be a well-known spice, the clove has lots of benefits for our health. One of its main components is eugenol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Take some drops of this essential oil and rub it all over your teeth. In case you can’t find this oil, you can just take some cloves and chew on them.
Ginger
Ginger is also a natural anti-inflammatory that can be used in any part of your body when you have pain. You can slice the ginger root, and apply it where it hurts or you can make an infusion and drink it. Just make sure you use a large amount of ginger!
Mustard oil
This oil has magical effects since you will notice how the pain disappears almost immediately after applying it. Again, you can use a piece of cotton to rub it through your mouth. Repeat this 2-3 times a day.
Keep in mind that all these natural remedies effects may vary from person to person. Give them a try for a few days but if the tooth sensitivity is persistent or it intensifies you should visit your dentist to get to the root of the problem–literally!