Having sensitive teeth is not only annoying and painful, but it can keep you from living a normal everyday life and cause you to miss out on normal things. Tooth sensitivity can happen after eating or drinking something cold or hot and can feel like anything from an annoying dull ache to a severe crippling pain. Having sensitive teeth is actually a common problem that millions of people experience every year and no one person is more likely to suffer from it than another. It happens when the enamel of the teeth starts to wear down or the gum line begins to recede leaving the root of the tooth exposed. The good thing about tooth sensitivity is the fact that you do not have to live with sensitivity as it can be treated. If you are one of the millions of people that suffer from tooth sensitivity below are some things that you can do to help all from the comfort of your home! Though these remedies certainly help, it is important to see your dentist before trying any of them so as to rule out any dangerous underlying issues.

1.) Change your toothpaste

If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, one thing you can do is change out our toothpaste if the one you have is not specifically a desensitizing toothpaste. A Desensitizing toothpaste will help to give the nerves on your tooth a type of shield that will block the pain signals from going from your tooth to your brain. After using it just a few times along with a soft-bristle toothbrush you will notice a significant change in how sensitive your teeth are.

2.) Rinse with saltwater

Salt is a great all-natural antiseptic and it also reduces inflammation naturally. Gargling with salt water once in the morning and once at night will help reduce how much pain you are in and can reduce swelling in your gums if there is any.

3.) Rinse with warm water and honey

Honey is a great thing to use as an antibacterial agent in general and can help treat several things in our bodies including sensitive teeth. Honey, organic honey, in particular, can be used to help speed up the healing process of your teeth, reduce the pain levels you are feeling, and reduce gum swelling. In order to do this rinse effectively, you will get hot water and mix a spoonful of honey in with it. Once mixed, you will then rinse your mouth with the solution which will help promote oral healing.

4.) Avoid acidic foods

Many of the foods we eat, even healthy fruits and vegetables, have a lot of natural acid within them. When too much of that acid gets on your teeth it will cause the enamel to begin eroding away. Avoiding acidic foods can help keep the enamel from eroding any further exposing the root even more which would, in turn, make the sensitivity worse.

5.) If you grind your teeth, STOP!

Grinding your teeth is another major cause of experiencing tooth sensitivity because it grinds down the enamel leaving the root of your tooth exposed. If you are a teeth grinder, consider getting a mouth guard that will prevent you from grinding your teeth so your teeth can have a chance to heal and not worsen.

More Tips from Your San Marcos Family Dental Practice

If you’re interested in learning more about sensitive teeth, we would recommend starting with our previous post about calcium deficiency. While you’re at it, you should also check out our guide to how vitamins affect teeth. And as always, don’t hesitate to contact Larry D. Molenda, your family dentist in San Marcos to discuss any tooth sensitivity issues you might have.

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