Do you cringe and ache whenever you eat something cold or hot? Do you feel like metal arrows pushing up through your brain whenever you drink soda, a hot tea, or a lemonade? Do you love fruits but refrain from consuming them just because your teeth scream in pain? If you answered yes to all these questions, chances are you suffer because of your sensitive teeth. There are many causes that lead to tooth sensitivity and specialists advise all of us to see our dentists for such issues and get treatment. However, if you are in between appointments and you need some fast ache relief, you need some quick solutions. Today we will discuss 6 best home remedies for sensitive teeth so you can enjoy everything you eat and drink pain free!
1. Use a Softer Toothbrush
Many people think that a hard-bristled brush and a vigorous brushing will clean their teeth better. However, you can cause your own teeth sensitivity by using too harsh brushes and too much force. Find a brush with soft bristles and apply a mild, light, pressure during the brushing session. Experts say that a lighter brushing will allow the bristles to do their cleaning job better.
2. Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
Teeth sensitivity is linked with enamel abrasions and gums’ receding. While you may not need fillings, you can minimize the problem by using over the counter desensitizing toothpaste. It contains special ingredients that fill up the channels in the dentin, thus lowering the sensitivity and pain.
3. Use a Fluoride Mouth Wash
Mouthwash should be a part of our daily dental care routine. However, if you have very sensitive teeth, you can get a mouth rinse coming with a higher concentration of fluoride. Rinse your mouth well with the wash at least once a day, and then spit it out.
4. Coconut Oil Pulling
We do not have to reemphasize on the benefits of coconut oil on our health and looks. Some time ago, we approached this miraculous product as the main ingredient of a homemade coconut oil toothpaste. Since oil pulling is one of the oldest and most efficient ways of caring for your teeth, it was only logical that coconut oil pulling to become part of this best home remedies for sensitive teeth list. The strategy is simple:
- Liquefy a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth, teeth, and gums for about 20 minutes.
- Do not swallow the oil, but spit it out and rinse your mouth with some warm water.
- After the pulling and the rinsing, brush your teeth softly, as you do on a regular basis.
- Repeat the procedure at least once a day, ideally in the morning.
5. Salt Water Rinse
If you want natural remedies for teeth sensitivity, few things beat salt water. Salt helps to balance the pH in your mouth. The more alkaline environment it creates does not allow the mouth bacteria to survive. Moreover, salt is a great antiseptic. This means that it will reduce harmful processes taking place in your mouth, lower plaque buildup, and disinfect your gums. A thorough salt water rinse should follow these steps:
- Add two teaspoons of sea salt to warm water and mix well so the salt melts thoroughly.
- Rinse your mouth with this solution for a few minutes, and then spit it out.
- Repeat twice a day, morning and evening, to reduce teeth sensitivity.
In case you want us to refresh your memory, sea salt has tremendous benefits for your health and mood. More importantly, however, you can use some salt toothpaste for excellent dental care.
6. DIY Essential Oil Toothpastes and Washes
Besides coconut oil, other oils proved to be veritable wonders for your teeth and gums. Next on our best home remedies for sensitive teeth list are the main three essential oils to rely on if you need DIY dental care:
- Peppermint Essential Oil: A powerful antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients, we love peppermint oil because it also refreshes our mouths like no other. Use it for oil pulling or making your own toothpaste together with baking soda and coconut oil. You can also add a few drops of oil to the toothpaste you regularly use.
- Clove Essential Oil: Clove oil numbs pain and works as a powerful anti-inflammatory, anesthetic and antibacterial ingredient in dentistry products. Mix a drop of clove oil with one of orange oil and add them to a teaspoon of carrier oil (coconut or almond). Use the oily mix as toothpaste.
- Cinnamon Essential Oil: One of the best antibacterial oils you can find, cinnamon oil can be a part of a DIY toothpaste (mixing baking soda and coconut oil). You can also add a few drops of cinnamon oil onto the dab of toothpaste you usually use.
In case you did not know, both peppermint oil and cinnamon oil are among the best essential oils for weight loss.
Pulling up conclusions…
What other best home remedies for sensitive teeth do you use? Do you have some tips of your own you’d like to share?