Painful sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods and drinks is extremely common, but it should never be ignored. There are a number of reasons why your teeth may become sensitive over time. For instance, worn enamel can lead to dentin hypersensitivity. A chipped tooth, tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth grinding are also all reasons you may be feeling tooth sensitivity that ranges from a subtle ache to sharp pain.
While we always recommend visiting your local dentist in order to get to the bottom of what’s causing the sensitivity, there are some at-home remedies that can provide relief while you wait for an appointment. Follow these tips to help naturally reduce teeth sensitivity at home.
5 Natural Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
1. Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Desensitizing toothpastes like Sensodyne or Pronamel are specifically formulated to address the cause of tooth sensitivity and offer relief. One of the active ingredients in these toothpastes is potassium nitrate, which works by soothing the sensitive nerves inside your teeth. These toothpastes also contain a form of fluoride that helps naturally restore the protective enamel barrier by remineralizing the teeth.
2. Salt Water Rinse
A homemade salt water rinse has many oral health benefits. For example, it has been shown to improve halitosis (bad breath), gum disease, tooth decay, sore throats, and canker sores.
But salt water can even combat tooth sensitivity. Salt water neutralizes acids caused by harmful bacteria, which helps keep a balanced pH level in your mouth. This also reduces the plaque that eats away at enamel and leads to sensitivity.
To make a salt water rinse, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 oz of warm water. Swish for up to 15 seconds, then spit. Avoid swallowing salt water, which can dry out your mouth and lead to more dental problems.
3. Clove Oil
A 2013 study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine showed that the natural anti-inflammatory properties of clove oil are beneficial for reducing tooth sensitivity and toothaches.
When clove oil is mixed with orange essential oil, it creates an even more potent solution for soothing sensitive teeth. But it’s important to always dilute the mixture with a carrier oil first, such as coconut or almond oil. Too much clove oil can irritate the mouth.
The best way to use clove oil for relieving tooth sensitivity is to combine one drop of pure clove oil and one drop of pure orange essential oil with 4 drops of a carrier oil. Mix the solution with filtered water, then swish it around the mouth for up to 30 seconds. Or, you can apply it topically to your teeth and gums using a cotton ball, letting it on the affected area for several minutes before removing it.
4. Oil Pulling
An overgrowth of bacteria is a common cause of tooth sensitivity. Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing an essential oil around the mouth to remove bacteria, which can help reduce tooth sensitivity.
The results of a 2016 study involving 60 participants showed that oil pulling with coconut oil can reduce the number of harmful bacteria found in the saliva and can help support proper oral hygiene. Additional benefits include reducing bad breath, preventing cavities, reducing inflammation, and whitening teeth.
Swish 1 tbsp of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes and spit it out in the trash (oil can clog your sink). You can also add a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil for a more palatable flavor.
5. Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s used in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral hygiene products. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel naturally, which helps protect your teeth from sensitivity. Fluoride also helps fight tooth decay and gum disease.
For some, this small daily dose of fluoride isn’t enough to reduce sensitivity. The fluoride solution used in dental office treatments is a much stronger concentration than that in toothpaste or mouth rinses. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to work its magic!
Treating Tooth Sensitivity in Flagstaff
If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, please don’t hesitate to contact Country Club Dental. We’ll determine the cause of your sensitivity, and recommend the best treatment to provide relief. We offer fluoride treatments and other dental procedures that can help restore your teeth. Give us a call at (928) 526-4314 today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/2/24). Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.
