Sensitive teeth: Natural remedies to alleviate discomfort
Dentinal hypersensitivity occurs when dentin, the tooth-bearing structure that is usually protected by enamel and gums, remains uncovered and causes discomfort or pain when taking liquids and cold (or very hot) foods. Fortunately, the problem can be solved by following a few simple rules or by adopting effective natural remedies for sensitive teeth.
Raise your hand if you have never felt a discomfort to your teeth (which in some cases can become pain) after eating or drinking foods that are very hot or very cold, or too acidic or too sweet. It is in fact a rather common disorder, called dentinal hypersensitivity, which manifests itself when a physiologically sensitive substance such as dentine loses its natural protective coating consisting of the enamel and the base of the gums and comes into contact with the oral environment. But what are the causes of sensitive teeth? The factors that determine the exposure of dentin they can be different: the abrasion of the enamel due to incorrect brushing, the excessive consumption of particularly acidic foods and drinks, the presence of caries or infiltrated fillings, poor oral hygiene, possible small fractures of the teeth and others.
To solve the problem of sensitive teeth in the most serious cases, when the pain is particularly strong and insistent, it is always better to contact the dentist’s care. Otherwise you can resort to very good natural remedies that alleviate and in some cases eliminate the annoyance altogether.
Natural remedies for sensitive teeth: Essential oils, mouthwashes and bicarbonate
Essential oils are a real cure for teeth in general and for sensitive teeth in particular. You can use them by applying them on the affected part, gently massaging it, or by doing rinses, gargling and oil pulling. For example, the essential oil of clove, tea tree and cinnamon possess excellent antiseptic properties, while coconut oil, being a natural antibacterial agent, helps to reduce plaque present on teeth (the excess of plaque can cause the enamel to weaken). Pure oregano oil is very effective thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To treat sensitive teeth you can also use herbicides to the chamomile, mallow or cloves, Indicated as valid remedies for sensitive teeth also the sodium bicarbonate, to be dissolved in water to make rinses, or gargle with two teaspoons of salt in warm water.
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Plants and spices against sensitive teeth: very effective natural remedies
Natural remedies are always very effective, including plants and spices of various kinds, to alleviate the nuisance caused by sensitive teeth. One of these is the mallow, to be taken in the form of tisanes or by gargle, whose calming properties are able to attenuate the symptoms of dentinal hypersensitivity and perform an important healing action. Particularly indicated also the guava leaves (an infusion with the leaves of this tropical fruit has almost miraculous analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects), the vanilla extract, thanks to its soothing effect that numbs the pain and controls the sensitivity, toothpastes and gels to base of aloe vera, mother tincture of calendula and even garlic and onion: the first is a powerful antibacterial agent and a natural anesthetic, while the onion contains flavonoids that possess anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, remember that green tea also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sensitive teeth problems? Eye to nutrition
We have seen that nature fortunately offers numerous remedies against sensitive teeth. But everyone can do their part by consuming certain foods that promote dental health, preventing erosion of enamel and gums. So limit to the maximum acidic foods and drinks such as fruit juices, fresh tomatoes, wine, vinegar and citrus (and in these cases remember to drink water immediately after the meal to balance the acid levels in the mouth and to wait at least 30 minutes before to brush your teeth). Vice versa, abound with foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, fluorine and vitamin D (eg cheese, fish, cereals, green vegetables and nuts). Fluoride, which is found in tomatoes, lentils, cherries, tea, broccoli, chicken and potatoes, is also an excellent substance to counteract dental sensitivity. And then, last but not least, the ever-present vitamin C, which plays an important role in keeping the gums healthy.
Sensitive teeth: Professional remedies
The natural cures that we have described are all very valid, but if for some reason they should not be effective, perhaps because the problem has never been addressed with due attention and has worsened over time (often we tend to neglect dentinal hypersensitivity because the annoyance is bearable and occurs only under certain circumstances), it is necessary to resort to professional remedies for sensitive teeth, obviously on the dentist’s recommendation.
For example, there are professional therapies that use active ingredients that counteract the onset of dental sensitivity with the seal of the dentinal tubules: among these the most common are sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride (in solutions or gels to be applied on the affected part), potassium nitrate in gel, calcium phosphate and calcium hydroxide as well as resins and adhesives in cases of specific and well-localized hypersensitivity. Laser therapy has also proved effective.
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