Tooth sensitivity is a sharp, sudden pain that shoots deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. Sometimes, this discomfort gets triggered by cold, hot, sweet or sour foods. Other causes of tooth sensitivity issues include;
- Gum disease
- Excessive plaque
- A cracked tooth
- Decay around the edges of fillings
- A tooth-grinder
- Consumption of acidic foods
- Brushing with too much gusto
Home Remedies to Overcome Tooth Sensitivity
Fortunately, you do not have to settle up with the pain and discomfort since there are hundreds of tooth sensitivity treatments available. In fact, there are some remedies you can use to manage the condition and reduce the pain at the comfort of your home. Below are some of such remedies:
1. Saltwater
One of the fast ways to relieve tooth sensitivity is through the use of salt water. Salt water is effective since it improves the pH balance of the mouth creating an alkaline environment which is not favorable to the survival of harmful bacteria.
Salt water can also help in the treatment of gum sores, the side effects of recent dental procedures and reduce dental pain. For effective results, mix a ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth with the solution. If you experience pain when moving the solution to all parts of your mouth, you can just hold it for a few minutes. Spit out the salt water and rinse your mouth with plain water. Repeat the same procedure twice a day.
2. Garlic
Garlic can also help you get rid of tooth sensitivity. A good feature about garlic is that it is high in allicin and this makes it a powerful antibacterial agent and a natural anesthetic. Therefore, garlic can help reduce the pain associated with tooth sensitivity or abscess infection. Garlic can also kill those germs that cause oral infections and cavities.
To make a garlic paste, you will require 1 crushed garlic clove, 2 to 3 drops of water and some table salt. Mix these ingredients together. Apply the paste directly on the affected tooth. Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off with warm salt water. Do this twice a day for a few days or until you get satisfied.
3. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a good remedy for tooth sensitivity. It contains an antibacterial property which kills the germs responsible for toothaches and other dental issues. Plus, it is a good teeth whitener. For dental health, only use food-grade 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Henceforth, mix equal amounts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Use this solution as a homemade mouthwash for 2 or 3 times a week.
4. Use oregano oil
Using oregano oil is a very effective way to get rid of tooth sensitivity. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties make it a perfect choice. For effective results, apply 2 or 3 drops of oregano oil on your clean finger and gently spread it on the affected tooth. Allow it to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Repeat the same procedure two times a day.
Alternately, you can make a mouthwash using oregano oil. In that case, mix 4 to 5 drops of oregano oil in a ¼ cup of lukewarm water. Use the solution as a homemade mouthwash 2 to 3 times a day for a few days.
5. Maintain dental hygiene
There are a lot of benefits associated with maintaining good dental hygiene. Some of these benefits include prevention of inflamed and sore gum tissues, cracked teeth and plaque buildup on the root surfaces. All these dental issues are associated with causing tooth sensitivity. Avoid them by cleaning your teeth, mouth, gums, and tongue thoroughly by observing the proper brushing and flossing techniques.