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Teeth sensitivity is a widespread problem and can cause gnawing pain and discomfort while your teeth come in contact with very hot and cold food. Sensitivity occurs when the protective sheath, namely the enamel is damaged due to rigorous brushing and rough handling.
Once the enamel is damaged, the nerve endings get irritated and will lead to teeth sensitivity. There are a number of home remedies that can be used for treating this problem and reducing and controlling the discomfort adequately. However, if the problem persists, ensure that your consult a dentist who might suggest a root canal treatment or cavity filling procedure for relief.
Tips To Cure Sensitive Teeth Naturally:
1. Preventing Plaque Build Up
Build up of plaque is one reason for teeth sensitivity. Plaque can harden and crystallize and these hard deposits can emit acidic substances that can lead to nerve irritation and sensitivity. The problem becomes double fold if you have teeth that are naturally sensitive. Therefore, for preventing plaque buildup, you must brush your teeth at least twice daily. While brushing, it is also important not to press hard as it can lead to more enamel damage and will worsen the sensitivity and damage the gums as well. While brushing, use an up and down motion to remove the plaque effectively.
2. Specialized Toothpastes
There are many specialized toothpastes that help in removing the sensitivity of the teeth. These toothpastes do a good job by desensitizing the nerves and offering relief from the tingling pain while you consume hot and cold food items. Certain compounds in the toothpaste help by blocking the sensations on the surface of the tooth to the nerve and hence prevent the tingling and pain temporarily. However, these toothpastes are not fast acting and require several sittings before they actually start working on the nerve. Again, while using these toothpastes, use a soft bristled brush to prevent further aggravation.
3. Baking Soda
Damaging the enamel will put the teeth under risk of damage. Teeth will soon become sensitive and cause pain and discomfort. If you have excess saliva or low saliva production in your mouth, this can lead to softening of the teeth and aggravate the sensitivity problem. For hardening the tooth back to normalcy and desensitizing it, you can use baking soda. Take a quarter glass of water and add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to this. Rinse your mouth or brush your mouth with this water.
4. Sealants
Sealants are used for sealing the teeth so that the nerves are not irritated when you eat cold or hot foods. Sealants or bonding agents are normally made of a plastic material and act as a barrier to the teeth, protecting it from sensitivity. A dentist can apply the sealant on your tooth when you have teeth sensitivity. It is a simple procedure that will help in keeping the discomfort at bay. However, extreme nerve irritations might require treatments like root canal for removing the pulp from the nerve and usage of a cap for protecting the teeth against chipping.
5. Chewing Gum
Though this might seem to be an immature suggestion, using a chewing gum will actually help in treating sensitive teeth. Chewing a sugarless variety of chewing gum will help in the production of saliva and this will help in the re hardening of softened teeth. However, care must be take not to chew too hard or use a sugar coated chewing gum to protect your teeth from further trouble.
6. Soft Toothbrush
Using a soft toothbrush is very important while you have sensitive teeth. Along with one of these home remedies, it is imperative that you choose your toothbrush with care. Toothbrushes with hard bristles can cause the enamel to erode more and the nerve to get irritated further. Therefore, ensure that you use a soft bristled toothbrush always, to protect your enamel and also to prevent further aggravation as well. While you use a soft bristled tooth brush, brush with an up and down motion to remove the plaque effectively.
7. Fluoride Rinse
A fluoride rinse will help control sensitive teeth. This is especially true when you have had acidic and sugary foods that can aggravate tooth sensitivity. After brushing your teeth with a toothpaste for sensitivity, you can rinse your mouth with a fluoride rinse. Though it is better to avoid sugary and acidic foods, when you cannot avoid them on certain occasions, you must not brush your teeth immediately after taking sugary and acidic foods. Wait for an hour and then use the fluoride rinse instead to control the sensitivity.
8. Night Guard
Teeth grinding at night is a common problem, especially prevalent among kids. To prevent the teeth from chipping and also to prevent damage to the enamel while grinding your teeth, it is recommended that you wear a night guard to protect your teeth. Night guard will help in protecting the enamel while sleeping and this will prevent exposure of the roots and possible sensitivity. Night guards are available in all medical shops.
9. Toothpaste Shield
Before you go to bed, you can try this simple remedy using a specialized toothpaste for sensitivity. Take some toothpaste in your index finger and apply a thick coat above the sensitive teeth. You can leave your mouth open for the toothpaste to set. Once it is dry, seal it with a sugarless chewing gum after you have chewed the gum and made it malleable. This will help in protecting your tooth from sensitivity. Soon your tooth will feel less sensitive and the discomfort will vanish as well.
10. Stop Sugary And Acidic Foods
This is very important when you have teeth sensitivity. Along with the home remedies mentioned above, controlling the intake of sugary and acidic foods is a must. Fruit juices that are acidic like cit us fruit and sweets must be kept at bay to prevent further damage to the enamel and also to control the sensitivity as well. It is also important to stop smoking and chewing tobacco if you have such bad habits as these habits will lead to receding of the gums and cause gum sensitivity and gum decay in the long run.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.