Do you experience a tingling pain in your teeth when you eat or drink something hot or cold? If yes, you might be experiencing tooth sensitivity. Here are ten easy home remedies for sensitive teeth that will soothe your pain and give you relief:
1. Desensitizing Toothpaste
esensitizing toothpaste can help relieve pain and prevent it from traveling to your brain. Avoid using toothpaste with components that irritate the nerves of your teeth.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic disinfectant that acts as an effective remedy for sensitive teeth. Rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide solution can heal gums and prevent inflammation.
3. Green Tea
It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Rinse your mouth with unsweetened green tea twice a day to reduce inflammation and strengthen your teeth.
4. Honey and Warm Water
Honey is an antibacterial agent that will accelerate oral healing. Rinse your mouth with warm water and honey to reduce pain resulting from sensitivity.
5. Capsaicin
You can use capsaicin (which contains analgesic properties) as a mouthwash or gel to reduce pain.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. You can massage turmeric on the affected teeth to reduce pain. Otherwise, you can make a topical paste using turmeric, mustard oil, and salt and apply this paste to the gums and teeth twice a day to alleviate pain.
7. Saltwater Rinse
Salt is an antiseptic agent that reduces inflammation. To reduce pain in sensitive teeth, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution for 30 seconds and then spit it out.
8. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla contains pain-relieving and antiseptic properties. To treat sensitivity, take a cotton ball, dip it in the vanilla extract, and apply the cotton ball to the teeth and gums for a few minutes.
9. Clove Oil
It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. For best results, pour some drops of clove oil on a cotton ball. Then, apply it to the affected area till the pain subsides. You can also chew the clove for 20-30 minutes until the pain recedes.
10. Coconut Oil
Swish coconut oil in your mouth for 20 seconds, and then spit it out. This process is known as oil pulling for sensitive teeth and can reduce sensitivity while promoting healthier teeth and gums.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth All of a Sudden?
Temporary tooth sensitivity is common, but experiencing the pain regularly when you eat or drink something is indicative of serious dental issues. Dentin, an essential part of the tooth, is protected by hard enamel at the top and cementum at the root. Dentin can be sensitive, as it contains microscopic tubules that connect to the tooth pulp housing the nerves. Therefore, if dentin losses its protective shield (enamel and cementum), the nerves will be exposed, causing sensitivity.
Other causes of sensitive teeth include:
- Cavities
- Worn fillings
- Exposed roots
- Gum disease
- Injuries
- Receding gums
- Worn tooth enamel
Does a Sensitive Tooth Mean You Need a Root Canal?
Experiencing tooth sensitivity does not mean you need a root canal. However, people who do not need a root canal may experience sensitivity that does not go away even after they stop drinking or eating hot or cold food. A root canal may be necessary to clean out the decay, treat the pain, or when there is infection and inflammation in the soft tissue inside the root. So, how do you know if you need a root canal?
Some warning signs that indicate the need for a root canal include:
- Tooth discoloration resulting from an infected tooth pulp
- Tooth sensitivity that persists for a long period
- Continuous pain in the tooth bone, face, jaw, or in the other teeth
- Swollen gums near the painful tooth
- Tooth mobility caused by nerve death
- A chipped or cracked tooth resulting from an accident or injury
- A painful sensation when you eat or touch the concerned tooth
A root canal is an effective and simple procedure that requires one or two visits and causes little to no pain or discomfort. If you are looking for effective and affordable root canal treatment or are experiencing frequent teeth sensitivity, we can help. Visit our dental care team at Smile Arizona Dentistry, Scottsdale, AZ, or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
