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Sensitive Teeth Home Remedies

By Diane Hanson

Nothing bothers me more than having sensitive teeth. My teeth would hurt so much that simple activities like brushing, flossing, sipping hot coffee and even breathing in cold air can sometimes be difficult. If you also suffer from sensitive teeth, I highly suggest you try out these proven home remedies to make teeth less sensitive, and cure sensitive teeth once and for all.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth is a very common dental problem, and can happen for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from trauma to dental disease.

Sensitive teeth is usually caused by exposed dentin or tooth root. Dentin is made up of tiny dentinal tubules. Inside each tubule lies a nerve branch that comes from the tooth's pulp (the nerve center of the tooth).

When the dentin is exposed, cold or hot temperature or pressure can affect these nerve branches, and cause tooth sensitivity.

Home Remedies to Cure Sensitive Teeth

1. Desensitizing Toothpaste.

Try brushing your teeth twice a day with a desensitizing toothpaste, such as Sensodyne or Denquel can help relieve sensitive teeth pain. These special toothpastes contain ingredients that diminish tooth sensitivity by filling tubules in the dentin.

The toothpaste can also be rubbed onto the sensitive areas before you go to bed. It will make teeth less sensitive within a few weeks.

2. Fluoride Rinse.

Fluoride rinses are helpful for people with decay problems. You can find them in the dental section of grocery stores or at your local pharmacy, without prescription.

Use it once a day. Swish it around in your mouth, then spit it out.

3. Good Oral Hygiene.

Plaque produces an acid that irritates teeth. Brushing at least twice a day, preferably after meals and before bed, helps to keep your teeth clean and prevent plague buildup.

Also, make sure you floss at least once a day to remove trapped food particles in between teeth.

4. Brush with a Soft Toothbrush.

Brushing with too much pressure and/or brushing with a hard-bristled brush, can damage the protective tooth enamel, leading to sensitive teeth.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles instead, and apply a gentle up-and-down motion when brushing.

5. Avoid Tooth Erosion.

If you consume too many sugary products or food high in acidity (lemons, tomatoes, oranges), it can lead to erosion of dental enamel over time. This will leave your tooth exposed, which can make it sensitive to any contact with hot or cold substances.

Use a drinking straw when drinking an acid beverage such as orange or grapefruit juice. A straw significantly reduces the exposure of acid to your teeth.

If these sensitive teeth home remedies can’t cure tooth sensitivity for you, consult your dentist. It may be an early sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as gum disease.

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