Table of contents:
- The cause of sensitive teeth or toothache
- Medicines or natural ingredients as first aid for sensitive teeth
- Salt water
- Coconut or sesame oil
- Garlic
- Capsaicin
You can also do first aid for sensitive teeth yourself at home. However, you need to know in advance what ingredients or drugs can be used and can naturally reduce the symptoms of sensitive teeth that appear every time you eat or drink. Here are a variety of natural remedies and ingredients that can actually help deal with sensitive teeth complaints
The cause of sensitive teeth or toothache
As reported by The Journal of The American Dental Association, symptoms of sensitive teeth that arise can include discomfort, pain when chewing, pain when the teeth are exposed to cold food or drink, heat, even when breathing through the mouth.
Habits that are detrimental to teeth such as brushing your teeth too hard can also cause sensitive teeth. In addition, oral health problems such as gum disease are also one of the causes of pain every time you eat or drink.
Sensitive teeth can be caused by several things. Among them:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Cracked teeth
- Tooth fillings are starting to disappear
- Gum disease
- Eroded tooth enamel
- Tooth roots exposed
If you feel the symptoms and experience the above, it is likely that you have sensitive teeth. You can consult a dentist to identify and solve problems with your teeth and get appropriate and effective treatment.
Medicines or natural ingredients as first aid for sensitive teeth
Before making a doctor visit, you can try some of these natural ingredients at home to relieve symptoms of sensitive teeth. These natural ingredients are known to have benefits in reducing pain.
Salt water
Gargling with salt water is a first method that is not only easy, but it can also help relieve pain due to sensitive teeth.
Based on a 2017 study, the role of salt water was as effective as the role of chlorhexidine in reducing plaque on teeth. This is of course related because plaque can cause tooth decay which then triggers sensitive teeth.
Salt water can also fight bacteria in your mouth and keep your oral health healthy. To make salt water, mix three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt in 100 ml of warm water. Then, gargle the salt water in your mouth.
Coconut or sesame oil
Source: Firstcry.com
Coconut or sesame oil has been found to be beneficial in reducing pain due to sensitive teeth. The method used is called "oil pullingOr hold the oil in a sensitive tooth area for a while to get its benefits.
Research in 2009 states thatoil pullingUsing sesame oil might decrease symptoms of gum disease or gingivitis. Research in 2015 also supports the benefits of coconut oil, which is to inhibit plaque formation and gum disease.
Gingivitis itself is one of the triggers for sensitive teeth so that if this disease is treated, the pain will also decrease.
Garlic
Chewing raw garlic will produce a compound called allicin. A 2011 study concluded that allicin has antimicrobial properties and can help kill bacteria that trigger oral disease.
One of the oral diseases in question is tooth decay which can aggravate sensitive teeth. Thus, fighting the bacteria that cause tooth decay can reduce the perceived sensitivity.
Capsaicin
Spicy food lovers may be familiar with this one compound. Yes, capsaicin is a compound naturally found in chilies, a substance that gives off a spicy taste.
A scientific review in 2011 states that applying capsaicin in gel form can relieve some types of aches. Researchers are not sure how it works, but they believe that capsaicin can numb the nerve tissue, thereby reducing pain.
Therefore, applying capsaicin gel to sensitive tooth areas can relieve soreness.
All the remedies or natural ingredients that have been described above can help deal with sensitive teeth. On the other hand, there is a more practical way, namely by using a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
This type of toothpaste contains ingredients such as fluoride and potassium which can provide protection for sensitive teeth so that pain does not appear frequently.
Sensitive teeth need to be addressed as soon as possible so as not to interfere with your daily routine and activities. Keep your teeth and mouth clean so you don't risk experiencing sensitive teeth.
