Sensitive teeth can result in pain and discomfort, especially after consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. Tooth sensitivity is very common, but you need to visit a dentist near you in Tavistock to receive treatment and prevent further pain. Your dentist will find the cause of your sensitivity and will provide you with recommendations to prevent this problem from re-occurring.
Your dentist will diagnose the issue and provide you with medical treatment, but there are steps you can take to ease the pain until you are able to attend your appointment. Certain home remedies can provide you with relief until you get to the dentist, and you can try any of the following to ease your pain:
1. Desensitizing toothpaste
This kind of toothpaste contains compounds that can help shield nerve endings from irritants. Potassium nitrate is the most active ingredient, and this can help block pain signals from travelling from a nerve in your tooth to your brain. You can reduce teeth sensitivity after a few uses and the use of a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride mouth rinse can further help reduce tooth sensitivity.
2. Salt water rinse
Salt can help reduce inflammation because it is an effective antiseptic and can be used to alleviate pain symptoms from sensitive teeth. Add ½ tsp of salt to a glass of lukewarm water mix well and swish this solution in your mouth for up to 30 seconds. Spit out the solution and repeat this step twice a day.
Gargling with a salt water rinse is a simple step that can make a very big difference.
3. Hydrogen peroxide
This is a mild antiseptic and disinfectant and can be used as a mouth rinse to heal your gums and prevent inflammation. In order to use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse, you must add two caps of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to equal parts warm water, after which you must swish the solution in your mouth for up to 30 seconds. Spit out the solution and rinse your mouth with water afterwards to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide.
4. Honey and warm water
Honey is an antibacterial agent that can help speed up healing and reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. You can try rinsing your mouth with warm water and a spoonful of honey to reduce pain from sensitive teeth and promote oral healing.
5. Turmeric
This can be used as an anti-inflammatory treatment and contains a compound called curcumin which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Try massaging ground turmeric on your teeth to alleviate pain from sensitive teeth. You can also try making a topical paste using 1 tsp turmeric, ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp of mustard oil. Apply this paste to your teeth and gums twice a day, and you will likely experience pain relief.
6. Green tea
This product is known for its health benefits and has been used in cancer prevention and cardiovascular health studies because of its antioxidant effect and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is known to help in oral health, and you can use unsweetened green tea as a mouthwash twice a day if you have sensitive teeth. This can help strengthen your teeth, reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
7. Capsaicin
This is a compound found in chilli peppers and other hot peppers and has analgesic properties. It can help reduce inflammation and pain, and if you have sensitive teeth, you can use capsaicin as a topical gel or through a mouth rinse. You may experience a burning sensation initially, but capsaicin can eventually reduce pain symptoms after continued use.
8. Vanilla extract
Vanilla contains antiseptic and pain-relieving properties, and you can pour it onto a cotton ball to help treat sensitive teeth. Apply the cotton ball to your gums for a few minutes and repeat this process as often as you need.
Prevention
Home remedies can help provide you with temporary pain relief and are a great solution until you are able to get to your dentist. There are other steps you can take to prevent more damage to your teeth, and the following prevention methods can be very effective:
- Maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. It is a must that you brush and floss twice a day to maintain a clean mouth. A good oral hygiene routine can help prevent damage and tooth sensitivity and is a must for your oral and overall health.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using the right dental tools will help prevent irritation and abrasions. You should not feel pain when brushing your teeth and should not complete this step aggressively.
- Be mindful of the foods and beverages you consume. Limiting the amount of acidic foods and beverages can help prevent tooth sensitivity. This step can also prevent dissolving tooth enamel which would otherwise lead to sensitivity.
- Schedule regular dental appointments. It is a must that you visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and general checkups. This will allow the dentist to monitor your teeth and gums, and they will discuss any signs that are concerning. This is a great way to discuss your dental goals and concerns, and they will help prevent issues like tooth sensitivity.
- Consider using a mouth guard. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about wearing a mouth guard while you sleep. This can protect your teeth and may help prevent tooth sensitivity.
Conclusion
Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity? Tavistock Family Dentistry can help! Home remedies can provide you with temporary relief and may be effective in treating oral pain and sensitivity for a little while but visiting a dentist is a must if you want professional solutions.
We will diagnose the issue and provide you with treatment and permanent relief because we will find the source of your discomfort. If you are in need of an emergency dentist or are looking for a reputable dentist near you in Tavistock, do not hesitate to contact our dental office to schedule your next appointment!
