Tooth sensitivity is an ailment that affects the majority of adults and is actually uncomfortable. It is manifested by an excruciating pain in the teeth upon contact with cold or hot foods. Several factors are at the origin of this dental problem. There are now many natural remedies to calm this pain.
Here is a guide that will explain to you what are the remedies against dental sensitivity.
What is dental sensitivity?
Dental hypersensitivity affects a large number of people. It is caused by food or drinks that are particularly hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Normally, the dentin, which is the layer that symbolizes the dental nerve, is covered by the enamel at the dental crown and by the gums that surround the tooth. With time, the enamel of the teeth becomes thinner and protects the dentin much less effectively. In addition, the gums tend to recede. This is called gum recession. The dentin will therefore be exposed.
Why do you have sensitive teeth?
Dentin hypersensitivity is a regular and often not serious symptom that surfaces when the dentin is affected. It is a sharp pain that is triggered when the teeth come into contact with a sweet or acidic food, a cold or hot liquid. It also occurs when brushing or when you breathe in a breath of fresh air.
Sensitive teeth can be associated with poor oral hygiene, inflammation or gum retraction. Indeed, when you have a bad technique of brushing your teeth, you can cause a long-term gingival retraction. This can also turn plaque into tartar and lead to complications. Dentin hypersensitivity can also be related to wear caused by bruxism, which is the grinding between the teeth that occurs when there is no swallowing or chewing.
What are the techniques for treating dental sensitivity?
No matter how quickly it develops or how intense it is, dentine hypersensitivity symbolizes the presence of a larger problem. However, many people consider this pain to be normal, which is why they don't necessarily seek solutions to the problem.
There are several techniques to treat tooth sensitivity, or at least reduce the discomfort once it appears:
- Use a toothpaste adapted to fragile and sensitive teeth
- Choose toothpastes with fluoride to protect your teeth against dental cavities.
- Choose fluoride toothpastes recognized by the Canadian Dental Association and specially designed for sensitive teeth.
- Choose a toothbrush with soft, fine bristles that gently brush your teeth.
Don't brush your teeth too quickly - Practice good oral hygiene
- Get into the habit of brushing your teeth at least twice a day and don't neglect flossing to remove any residue between your teeth.
- Wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after eating acidic foods, as they soften tooth enamel.
- If you grind your teeth, wear a protective mouthpiece custom-made by your dentist overnight.
Regular visits to your dentist can help you manage tooth sensitivity. Through a thorough dental examination, your dentist can determine the cause of your pain and what steps you can take to restore your smile.
You can choose Y-Brush toothpaste tablets with fluoride. It is a toothpaste that consists of 60 mint-flavored tablets. It helps to reduce the acid attack, act against bacteria, fight against plaque and give a fresh breath.
What are the natural remedies for tooth sensitivity?
There are many herbs or spices that have analgesic or anti-inflammatory properties that can calm dental hypersensitivity.
Clove and peppermint
Clove essential oil, in addition to its antibacterial properties, helps to numb pain. This is possible thanks to eugenol which is known as an anesthetic substance. You just have to apply a few drops to the painful places. You will feel a tingling sensation before the pain subsides. When you don't have clove essential oils, you can make use of cloves. You must chew them so that your saliva releases the eugenol. Its anesthetic effect can last 30 minutes.
As for peppermint, in addition to calming your pain, it gives you good breath. To benefit from its advantages, you must infuse dried leaves in boiling water. When the infusion cools down, you have to gargle for the whole day.
The mixture of ginger and cayenne
This mixture is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The mixture of ginger and cayenne is an effective remedy for sensitive teeth. Some components of ginger have shown good effects on reducing an inflammation. Among them, you have gingerols, paradols and shogaols. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which has an effect on substance P. Substance P is a neurotransmitter that activates pain and acts as a small analgesic.
Cayenne tricks the body into not feeling the pain by tiring the substance T reserves for a while. In order to relieve your pain, you must soak a pad with a paste made from cayenne pepper ginger and a little water. Then you will just have to put your tampon on your teeth.
Garlic
For many years, garlic has been used and recognized for its medicinal properties. It is capable of destroying the bacteria that cause dental plaque. It can also act as an analgesic. So, you need to crush a clove and make a paste and apply it on the affected area. You can also add a small pinch of salt to the mixture. If this method does not suit you, you can chew the fresh garlic clove very gently.
Vanilla extract
The alcohol in vanilla extract may help to soothe the pain. It also has antioxidant properties that make it a very effective healer. To make use of it, you dab a quantity of vanilla extract on cotton or your finger. Then, you will have to apply it on the spot affected a few times a day.
Rinsing with salt water
Salt water is a great natural disinfectant that can help get rid of food stuck between the teeth. A salt water treatment can also help reduce inflammation and heal mouth sores. To do this treatment, you mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. This mixture should now be used as a mouthwash.
Hydrogen peroxide rinse
A hydrogen peroxide rinse is effective in soothing pain and inflammation. It kills bacteria, reduces plaque and heals bleeding gums. Before using it, you must dilute it properly. So, make a mixture of equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. The mixture is to be used as a mouthwash and not to be swallowed.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what tooth sensitivity is. It is important why you have sensitive teeth. Knowing the different techniques and remedies to help you have less sensitive teeth will make you feel better.
