Hypersensitivity of teeth can be a cause of suffering for your family member where a taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee becomes a painful experience, and where brushing or flossing makes them wince. There are several causes of hypersensitivity of teeth. Some of them are:
Gum disease. Receding gums, which are increasingly common with age, can cause tooth sensitivity. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist may suggest a procedure for it.
Excessive plaque. An excessive build-up of plaque can cause your enamel to wear away. Your teeth can become more sensitive as they lose their enamel protection.
Teeth-grinding. Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel and you expose the dentin, the middle layer of the tooth, which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves.
Tooth-whitening toothpastes or special procedures. Some people are more sensitive to tooth-whitening chemicals or toothpastes than others.
Naturopaths recommend certain natural remedies to fight hypersensitivity of teeth:
Clove: Take about one-fourth teaspoon of clove powder and add 3 to 4 drops of water to prepare a paste. Apply a small amount of the paste on sensitive teeth after every meal.
Aloe vera: It can also work on the inflammation and pain in the gums. Try applying the gel to the sore areas a couple times a day to tackle sensitivity.
Sesame oil: Swishing sesame oil in the mouth can help strengthen receding gums and fight the bacteria that cause gum disease.
How to prevent sensitive teeth:
- Use desensitizing toothpaste. It can be bought over the counter. These special toothpastes contain ingredients that diminish sensitivity by filling up channels called tubules.
- Dentists also recommend that you put some of the toothpaste on your finger or on a cotton swab and spread it over the sensitive spots before you go to bed. Spit, but don’t rinse. Within a few weeks, your teeth should begin to feel less sensitive.
- Try a fluoride rinse. Fluoride rinses can help decrease sensitivity. Use it once a day.
- Keep your teeth clean by brushing at least twice, if possible right after eating and especially before bed, and flossing at least once.
- Use a soft toothbrush. Sometimes, people who use hard-bristled toothbrushes or exert a lot of force while brushing cause sensitivity by their habits.
- Keep away from dental enemies like tobacco and go easy on hard candy. It can cause enamel abrasion and tooth sensitivity tooth.
If your sensitivity is extreme and persists no matter what you do, see your dentist for an evaluation.