Do you struggle with the ongoing problem of sensitive teeth? Are you also unsure of how best to fight the pain? If so, you’re probably already aware of how discomforting and disheartening the problem of sensitive teeth can be when no remedy or relief seems to work well enough.
The pain, irritation, and tenderness of sensitive teeth can be caused by a variety of medical reasons, but thankfully there’s a whole host of home treatments that can work as effective solutions.
To help find the best method for you as an individual, here’s what we think are the most effective home remedies in healing aches and pains. These are all tips and methods that you can easily and affordably try out at home – so be patient and open-minded when trying out what works best for you. And, of course, if these don’t work or the situation is more serious – please see your local dentist London.
Get yourself a desensitising toothpaste
Finding the most effective sensitive toothpaste isn’t an easy task. There are hundreds of different brands out there marketing their own desensitising toothpaste, so it’s best to look for the products that contain potassium nitrate, the active ingredient for sensitive teeth relief. This special compound works by filling in the holes of your enamel to temporarily block the pain-inducing signals of the open nerve endings.
Use a soft toothbrush
One of the most simple steps towards sensitive teeth relief is switching up your toothbrush to a soft-bristled brush. This is vital for preventing the worsening of your teeth’s condition. Toothbrushes with hard and abrasive bristles can be severely damaging to enamel, so investing in a softer brush prevents gum irritation and preserves enamel as much as possible.
Fight bacteria with coconut oil
One of the most popular home remedies for sensitive teeth is using oil to fight bacteria (preferably organic coconut oil for its pleasant taste). This process is commonly called oil pulling – the swirling of a fatty oil around your mouth to cover your teeth and sweep up the lurking bacteria. Try and swirl the oil like a liquid mouthwash for a recommended time of 10-15 minutes.
Relieve pain with cloves
Other home remedies for sensitive teeth include the use of cloves or clove oil to treat pain and inflammation. Cloves are naturally germicidal and analgesic, meaning they have a numbing effect on sensitivity to heal soreness and treat pain. Cloves often taste best if mixed with natural essential oil, particularly a zingy orange oil.
Have a saltwater rinse
It’s helpful to remember that table salt is also an antiseptic often used to treat inflammation. Not only is it cheap and in everyone’s kitchen cupboards, but it’s also highly effective in reducing the soreness of your gums and alleviating the sensitivity pain. Start by mixing ½ tsp of salt into a small glass of lukewarm water and rinse the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute.
Try out hydrogen peroxide
For those who’d rather try a less salty mouthwash, a store-bought bottle of hydrogen peroxide can work as an alternative – although be warned the taste isn’t much better. It’s more commonly used to sterilise cuts and burns but also works well as an anti-inflammatory. Start by mixing two caps of the solution with equal parts lukewarm water and rinse the mixture in your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute. Make sure the bottle is only a 3% solution and that you rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Or honey and warm water
If you’d prefer a homemade mouthwash that tastes a lot better, a mixture of honey and warm water can be an effective and rather tasty alternative. As well as being a natural antibacterial agent, honey works well as a sensitive teeth remedy by promoting oral healing, reducing pain, and soothing inflammation.
Use a turmeric paste
Another natural anti-inflammatory is turmeric because it contains a compound named curcumin. Not only is it used in wound-healing and treating digestive disorders, but turmeric also has oral health benefits and helps reduce the pain of sensitive teeth. The best method is to make a paste with a mix of 1 tsp of turmeric with ½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of mustard oil. Rub the paste into your teeth and gums twice a day for maximum effect as a sensitive teeth remedy.
Remember that receiving treatment for sensitive teeth can be an ongoing issue that needs to be dealt with. Home remedies like those we’ve mentioned are great ways to alleviate the symptoms of living with sensitive teeth, but dealing with the source of pain may need to be assisted by a professional.
