Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem involving pain and discomfort affecting at least 40 million Americans. The pain associated with tooth sensitivity can vary from sharp shooting pain in the tooth’s nerve endings to dull continuous pain in the whole structure of the tooth.
When the tooth is healthy, the enamel protects the inner layer of the tooth known as dentin. However, as the tooth erodes and the enamel is worn down, the dentin becomes exposed resulting in enamel and root erosion, gum recession, cavities and cracked teeth. The connection of dentin to the nerve of the tooth can trigger tooth sensitivity, pain and discomfort.
Here are the top tips to fight tooth sensitivity, pain and discomfort:
- Brush your teeth twice a day gently with a mineralizing toothpaste. Mineralizing toothpaste can help to prevent demineralization and loss of valuable minerals such as calcium and phosphate in the teeth.
- Limit acidic, sugary and starchy foods. Acidic foods can promote the bad bacteria and plaque-buildup in the mouth, eating away the tooth enamel.
- Clenching and teeth grinding can wear down the tooth enamel. Wear a night guard if you suffer from bruxism, grinding and clenching.
- Gargling and rinsing your mouth with salt water twice a day can help to lower inflammation and pain related to tooth sensitivity.
- Add turmeric to your foods and toothpaste. The powerful anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric known as curcumin can help to ease the pain and discomfort associated with sensitive teeth.
- Organic green tea is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties strengthening the sensitive teeth and lowering inflammation.
- Herbal remedies such as peppermint oil and clove oil are very helpful in relieving pain and inflammation related to sensitive teeth.
- Add probiotics to your diet. The loss of balance between acidity and alkalinity in your stomach can make the environment in your mouth more acidic and make your tooth more prone to sensitivity and cavity.