Some foods and beverages are more likely to cause tooth sensitivity than others. In particular, acid foods and beverages are often the culprits of tooth sensitivity. Acidic foods include things like coffee, sodas, fruit, and pickles, to name just a few. When experiencing a sensitivity event, it’s best to avoid acidic foods until your teeth are less sensitive.

Another frequent culprit of increased sensitivity is a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. Good oral hygiene from brushing and flossing is critical to keeping harmful bacteria at bay, but you can do other things at home to help maintain oral health. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush. Firm toothbrushes are not advised for anyone as they can damage your teeth and gums, so stick to the soft bristles, and your gums will thank you. Floss daily and keep your routine dental appointments for optimal oral health.

Here are a few dental care tips and at-home remedies that can help soothe sensitive teeth until you see your dentist.

Clove and clove oil are anti-inflammatories, analgesic, and germicidal; no wonder they have been used for generations to alleviate tooth pain and sensitivity. When used as an extract and swished around your mouth, clove oil can calm the sensitivity of your teeth by its numbing effect. To improve the analgesic effect of the clove oil, add some orange essential oil to the mixture before use. These oils are natural and potent; use a few drops mixed in a carrier oil such as avocado or coconut oil. Spit the oil solution out after swishing it around your mouth for a few minutes.

Liquified coconut oil pulling is another excellent option for keeping harmful bacteria under control in your mouth. This practice is ancient; some cultures have practiced it daily for centuries for its many health benefits. Coconut oil serves many purposes, including breaking down plaque on teeth and removing toxins and germs from the surface of gums. This combination is very beneficial to oral health, leading to healthier teeth and gums. Many people do oil pulling daily, first thing in the morning, to start their day right.

An alternative to the use of oil pulling to reduce damaging oral bacteria is a basic salt water mouthwash that you can easily make at home with regular table salt. Take a quarter cup of warm water and add a half teaspoon of salt, mixing until the salt dissolves. Use this mixture as a mouthwash daily after you brush your teeth. It will help balance the PH level in your mouth, leaving it more alkaline, which significantly reduces the ability of bacteria to grow.

Another standard recommendation is the use of widely available commercial toothpaste made explicitly for tooth sensitivity. Most of these kinds of toothpaste contain an ingredient that temporarily fills the microscopic holes in the enamel and dentin of your teeth, lessening the sensitivity. You may use these specialized toothpaste daily.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, see your dentist to be assessed for gum disease as soon as possible. Receding or diseased gums is a major cause of tooth sensitivity. As gums are affected by periodontal disease, they break down and pull away from the tooth base, exposing parts of the tooth that do not have enamel on them. Early detection is critical for the successful treatment of gum disease, and if treated in the early stages, it may be reversed. Time is of the essence when addressing the root cause of tooth sensitivity. Call Dinka Dental today to schedule an appointment to get the relief and treatment you need.