Natural Ways to Decrease Tooth Sensitivity
Every year toothaches affect millions of Americans. An increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages or to pressure can make everyday activities painful for anyone. The best remedy is proper dental care. A root canal, crown, or filling can permanently fix a situation where pain occurs in the mouth.
As a general rule, there are three things that cause sensitivity: Tooth decay, receding gums, and worn enamel. Natural remedies can be used as a temporary fix to pain caused by sensitivity. Some herbs can even decrease the chance of developing a sensitivity in the first place. They can be brewed into a tea, made into a salve, or put on a compress.
The first step is to look at your brushing method. Brushing too hard or too briskly can do long-term damage to your enamel (that protective white coating we all see). If you are not brushing for a full two minutes, there is a good chance that all the plaque bacteria is not being removed from your mouth. It is tough to change habits, as a general rule, but if you can it will pay off.
If you have teeth which are already sensitivity, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush. This is especially true if you have gingivitis, which can leave the area below the gumline exposed. Hard bristles do more damage to exposed areas and can quicken the development of damage to the teeth.
There are many herbs which provide relief from tooth sensitivity. Aloe vera, known by some to be a miracle plant, can reduce the inflammation of the gum line. Use it several times per day and apply it directly. Sesame oil and chamomile fight bacteria and receding gums. Just dilute it in water first. Yarrow is a great antiseptic and stops gum recession. When drunk on a regular basis sage and thyme teas freshen breath and decrease the sensitivity. Also, using ½ cup of coconut oil, mixed as a smoothie or melted into tea, will help the teeth remove teeth sensitivity.
Removing acidic foods and beverages from your diet will minimize the amount of enamel lost to erosion. In some cases, it can prolong the life of your teeth. If you do eat or drink acidic beverages, brush your teeth within 20 minutes after consuming them. Be sure to use the techniques described above.
Your toothpaste may not be helping the situation either. If you are using one which is designed to fight tartar or whiten, instead of one which is designed for sensitivity, then you are not getting many of the beneficial compounds. Most of the time, they will help alleviate pain before it starts.
Enamel loss is irreversible. It is best to prevent it, but if the process has already started, proper care can keep it from getting worse. You only get one set of teeth, treat them right and they can last a very long time. If you don’t take care of them, there are few options to restore teeth to their original quality.
Copyright Dr. Jean-Jacques Edderai -2015