how to soothe sensitive teeth

bite back: 10 natural remedies for your sensitive teeth

bite back: 10 natural remedies for your sensitive teeth

If you’re experiencing sensitivity, we fully understand the need for quick and effective solutions. From green tea to hydroxyapatite toothpaste, we’ve compiled a list of 10 simple natural remedies for sensitive teeth, so you can nip that “bite” in the bud as soon as possible.

10: saltwater rinse

Saltwater has been a staple natural remedy since at least 1600 B.C. when ancient Greeks and Egyptians recorded salt-based treatments. Saltwater is known for its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing plaque buildup, soothing pain and swelling (in the mouth and throat), and relieving tooth pain. It can do this by increasing your mouth's pH, making it less acidic and harder for bacteria and harmful pathogens to survive.

Simply mix warm water with salt, swish it, and gargle it as you would with mouthwash, and you have a simple and affordable natural remedy for sensitive teeth.

9: green tea

Like saltwater, green tea can act as a natural mouthwash, reducing bacteria to relieve sensitivity and inflammation. Green tea is known for its antioxidants (catechins), which have incredible bacteria-killing properties and nurture a less-acidic oral microbiome. This isn’t quite the case for green tea’s morning drink competitor: coffee! Coffee is quite acidic, which can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, enamel erosion, and more.

On top of being a natural remedy for sensitive teeth, green tea serves many other amazing purposes. It’s said to improve brain function, bolster the immune system, aid in weight loss, reduce inflammation throughout the body, improve liver function (and overall body detoxification), protect good cholesterol, and more.

8: turmeric

Turmeric has famous anti-inflammatory properties. It can help ease the symptoms of various oral care issues, including sensitivity, gingivitis, and overall discomfort. It can work to reduce plaque, soothe redness and swelling, and even whiten teeth.

Many people don’t realize that tooth sensitivity is not only a result of enamel erosion, it’s also caused by gum disease and separation. When your gums recede from your teeth or become inflamed, it can expose the tubules that lead to your tooth’s center nerve. Substances like turmeric can help with these gum-related issues and act as an effective sensitive teeth home remedy.

7: peppermint oil

You can think of peppermint oil as a natural numbing agent. Instead of using synthetic drugs to numb your sensitivity, peppermint oil can deliver a gentle soothing effect. Research has revealed that, in the process, peppermint oil also has the power to kill bacteria and fight oral pathogens that might otherwise damage your gums, tissue, and enamel (worsening your sensitivity).

Whether it’s chewing gum, a homemade rinse, or one of our natural toothpastes (formulated with premium peppermint oil), peppermint oil is a simple, effective, and accessible sensitive teeth home remedy.

6: clove oil

Like peppermint oil, clove oil is amazing for temporary sensitivity (and oral pain) relief. Clove oil contains eugenol (also found in turmeric), which has natural antibacterial and numbing properties that can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, freshen breath, and break down plaque and bacteria. Clove oil also has antifungal properties to help prevent gum disease, cavities, and topical skin issues.

Clove oil has been used in dentistry and as a natural remedy for sensitive teeth since the 1800s!

5: oil pulling with coconut oil

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where you swish coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes (it can take some practice to get up to that timeframe). In Ayurveda, this practice is used to heal cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body by eliminating toxins and promoting a healthy flora distribution in your oral microbiome and gut microbiome.

By stimulating saliva production, reducing bad bacteria, and eliminating toxins, consistent oil pulling can help to provide tooth sensitivity relief and promote holistic oral health. Fun fact: our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste formulas contain coconut oil (more on that in option number 1 below).

4: custom night guards

Do you wake up with sensitivity you didn’t have when you went to bed? This could indicate that your sensitivity is caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) while you sleep. Some common causes of nighttime bruxism include anxiety, stress, sleep apnea, use of certain medications (like SSRIs), TMJ, jaw misalignment, consuming too much caffeine, smoking, and drinking.

While night guards aren’t a “root cause” solution to teeth grinding, they can provide short-term tooth sensitivity relief. We recommend asking your dentist about a custom night guard (you want it to fit your unique teeth) and exploring the root cause of your teeth grinding.

3: if you’re whitening, switch to hydroxyapatite and PAP

Teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide is a quick way to experience uncomfortable sensitivity. Conventional products like whitening toothpastes, gels, strips, mouthwashes, and more can contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. They’re effective at whitening but can also release harmful free radicals that can damage your enamel, gums, and tissues.

The good news is that you can whiten without the pain using PAP+ whitening products. They’re formulated with hydroxyapatite and PAP, a gentler alternative to hydrogen peroxide that does not release free radicals. As the PAP works to lift stains and brighten your smile, the hydroxyapatite particles repair weakened, damaged enamel to reveal a stronger and whiter smile and act as a natural remedy for sensitive teeth.

2: a soft-bristle bamboo toothbrush

Medium and hard-bristle toothbrushes can be harsh on your enamel, causing sensitivity after multiple uses. If you’ve noticed sensitivity after using one, we recommend switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush.

Our bamboo toothbrush is crafted with soft, BPA-free bristles derived from plant (castor) oil. Many conventional toothbrushes use bristles derived from petroleum oil, which we don’t recommend for you or the planet. For a gentle brushing experience (and a simple sensitive teeth home remedy), grab a single or 3-pack of our soft bamboo toothbrush. The 100% bamboo handle is compostable, so you can avoid contributing to the 1 billion toothbrushes that enter landfills annually in the US.

1: Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste and floss

You can think of nano-hydroxyapatite as your sensitivity superhero. It already exists in your enamel, so when you floss and brush with our hydroxyapatite products, the nanoparticles know exactly how to remineralize your enamel and reduce sensitivity.

We now offer a hydroxyapatite-infused floss to help remineralize the tightest spots between your teeth. We also have two delicious flavors of hydroxyapatite toothpaste that appeal to every palate. If you’re a mint lover, try our original sensitive + whitening nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste in our classic mint flavor. If you hate the “bite” of mint and prefer a fun fruity flavor, try our mouthwatering orange vanilla nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids + adults! Whichever flavor you choose, consider it your go-to natural remedy for sensitive teeth.

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