The Importance Of Preventive Dental Care At Any Age

Posted on: 25 April 2016

If you have sensitive teeth, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to relieve the discomfort caused by them. If so, try one or all of the following home remedies along with any treatments your dentist may have prescribed to alleviate your symptoms. All of the ingredients can be found in natural health food stores or pharmacy departments in supermarkets and department stores.

Brush Your Teeth With a Baking Soda & Peppermint Oil Paste

This first home remedy involves brushing your teeth with a homemade paste made from baking soda and peppermint oil. You will also need a soft bristle toothbrush and a small glass of lukewarm water for this treatment.

The baking soda serves as a mild abrasive that gently removes the plaque and tartar from your teeth which contribute to your enamel's breakdown, causing your teeth to become sensitive. In addition, the baking soda also contains sodium bicarbonate that binds to pores in the enamel to help strengthen the surface and protect your teeth. The peppermint oil helps alleviate the pain and discomfort. It also serves as an antibacterial that kills germs that could contribute to the breakdown of your enamel.

To make the paste, mix together a teaspoon of baking soda with five drops of the peppermint oil. If the paste does not have a smooth consistency, add another drop of peppermint oil. It is okay if the paste is a little runny.

Apply the paste to your soft toothbrush, and gently brush your teeth for about two minutes. Then, rinse your mouth thoroughly with the lukewarm water. You can then either proceed with your normal brushing routine, or use the second home remedy listed below.

Rinse With a Chamomile Tea, Sea Salt & Peppermint Oil Mouthwash

This second remedy uses a mouthwash made from chamomile tea, sea salt, and the peppermint oil that was discussed in the first section. For this remedy, you will also need a small pan filled with a half of a cup of water, an empty glass, and a small glass containing an additional half of a cup of water.

Along with the peppermint oil, the chamomile tea provides relief from any pain or other discomfort associated with your sensitive teeth. It also acts as an antiseptic to help kill the bacteria that causes plaque.

The sea salt used in this mouthwash contains fluoride that forms a protective coating on your teeth to prevent any further deterioration of the enamel. It also helps reduce the acids in your mouth that cause further breakdown of your teeth's surfaces. Also, in combination with the other two ingredients, it also helps relieve your symptoms.

To make the mouthwash, bring the pot of water to a boil. Put two chamomile tea bags into the boiling water, then turn off the burner, and remove the pot from heat. Add two tablespoons of sea salt to give it time to fully dissolve. Let the bags steep until the water has cooled to room temperature. Remove the tea bags, and pour the remaining liquid into the empty glass. Add eight drops of peppermint oil, stirring thoroughly. Rinse your mouth for one to two minutes, making sure to push the liquid between your teeth to fully coat the surfaces. Then, rinse your mouth with the clear water.

Using one or both of the above remedies once a day can help protect your sensitive teeth and relieve your discomfort. However, if you see no improvement in your symptoms, you may want to make an appointment with your dentist to see if there are any other options available to you.