Sensitive Teeth

If you have a sensitive tooth, you may feel any number of sensations. Sharp, sudden discomfort in one or more teeth, pain shooting down into the nerve endings of the tooth. Sensitivity can be triggered by heat, hot or cold drinks, and sweet or sour food or drink, or even by breathing cold air.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when dentin, the underlying layer of your teeth, becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue. The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny holes that lead to the tooth's nerve center (the pulp). These holes allow the hot, cold, or sweet food - to reach the nerves in your teeth, resulting in the pain you feel.

Multiple factors lead to the development of tooth sensitivity. Over time, if you brush too hard, or use very hard-bristled toothbrushes, you can wear down the enamel, and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause the gums to recede, allowing the porous dentin to be exposed. Periodontal disease can also cause gums to recede, and expose the sensitive root area.

Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth can fill with bacteria rich plaque, enters the pulp, and cause pain and inflammation. Teeth grinding can wear down the enamel on teeth, and expose the dentin. Teeth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda or peroxide are causes of teeth sensitivity as well.

As we age, our enamel gradually wears away, and can often times result in the sensitivity of teeth. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces causes sensitivity, as does the long-term use of acidic mouth washes. Eating high acid foods and drinks can contribute to sensitive teeth and routine dental procedures, like cleaning, can cause temporary sensitivity.

Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth

A sensitive tooth may not always be signs of something more serious going on and the pain and discomfort may be helped with a natural cure done at home until you can make a trip to the dentist.

Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth

Brush regularly and use a toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth. Use a soft bristle toothbrush as this will cause less irritation and brush gently. Floss regularly and properly. After brushing, before going to bed, use a cotton swab to apply a thin layer of plain, fluoridated toothpaste.

Be Careful What You Eat and Drink

There are some drinks and foods that can really irritate sensitive teeth and if you’re a coffee drinker, it’s hot and acidic and won’t help with sensitive teeth. Soda, some juices, alcohol and some sports drinks are loaded with sugar that will also increase sensitivity.

Ice cream is oh so good but – it’s really cold and has high sugar content and will cause discomfort. Candy is also something that should be cut out or eaten as a guilty pleasure. There is so much sugar in candies that if you do eat a little, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth thoroughly after.

Acidic foods will wear away the enamel on your teeth causing sensitivity. Some acidic foods are citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, pickled vegetables, and mustard.

Herbal Teas

There are many herbal teas that may help with sensitive teeth, a few are:

Chamomile Tea

Not only can you drink this tea but once the tea bag has cooled a bit, place it over the tooth. Chamomile tea may help reduce any inflammation and bacteria.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea not only tastes good but it may help numb and soothe the sensitivity in a tooth or teeth. It also has antibacterial properties that may help fight infection.

Thyme Tea

Drinking thyme tea can not only help bad breath but it may help disinfect the mouth. There are a variety of thyme teas to try.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has a long list of properties that are beneficial: minerals, many vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antibacterial properties.

Rinsing with aloe vera twice a day can help reduce plaque, and aloe vera tooth gel can help with bacteria and inflamed areas of the mouth that can ease inflammation and tooth sensitivity.