Herbal cure and tips for sensitive teeth

 

Teeth sensitivity is an increasingly common problem faced by one and all these days. Teeth sensitivity causes a feeling of sudden discomfort when teeth comes into contact with hot, cold, sour or sweet food items. The pain can be excruciating and can be felt in the nerves of the teeth.

A recent study in Washington’s School of Dentistry revealed that teeth sensitivity was highest among 18 to 44 year olds, and among those over age of 65. The study also revealed that teeth hypersensitivity is more common among women.

Causes:

Lack of protective enamel of the teeth, lack of calcium, exposure of dentin layer, gum recession, improper dietary habits, are some of the causes of sensitive teeth. Excessive use of sugar, carbohydrates, eating too hot or cold food items, frozen, spicy or fried food, can all lead to teeth sensitivity.

Herbal remedies

Listed here are some natural herbs that may be of help to those with sensitive teeth.

Arnica: Arnica helps reduce inflammation and pain, providing instant relief. It is very effective for sensitive teeth, cures wounds of mouth and soothes gums and inflammation. Hence, apply arnica gel, extracted from the plant, on affected parts.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon helps kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, and when consumed with cloves, is the best remedy for sensitive teeth. A home remedy would be to boil cinnamon and cloves, and use the water to gargle twice a day. Else, just consume 2gms of the bark daily, to prevent tooth decay and pain.

Onion: If you love chewing raw onion, consume one raw onion daily by chewing it, as it protects one not only from sensitivity, but a host of teeth disorders.

Bay Berry: Make a paste of bark of bay berry with vinegar and apply on the affected tooth. Additionally this also helps strengthen gums.

Pepper: A mixture of pinch of pepper with a quarter teaspoon of common salt makes an excellent dentrifice. When used daily, it prevents dental caries, foul breath, painful gums, toothaches and increased sensitiveness. When prolonged sensitivity takes the form of toothache, apply a pinch of pepper powder mixed with clove oil on the caries for immediate relief.

Thyme: Thyme, apart from improving immune system, the herb when consumed as tea is also beneficial for teeth disorders. When Thyme is mixed with sage, and brewed to make tea, it kills germs in the mouth and refreshes breath, while also reducing teeth sensitivity.

Indian Propolis: A study from the Department of Public Health Dentistry of India revealed that an extract of Indian Propolis (bee propolis), significantly reduced sensitivity of teeth. So this may be worth considering.

Tips to maintain strong healthy teeth:

Ayurveda suggests some simple practices to maintain strong healthy teeth, and thereby prevent onset of teeth sensitivity:

1. Brushing teeth at least twice a day is a must. Ayurveda suggests use of various herbs to clean the teeth, as special formulas of tooth paste and powders are now available in the pharmacies. You could choose one on discussing with an Ayurvedic expert.
2. Avoid drinking tea or coffee early in the morning, as this increases pitta dosha, leading to acidity and constipation. Instead drink a glass of warm water with lemon and honey, as honey is very beneficial to the teeth.
3. Ensure that you gargle 4-5 times after each meal.
4. Do not mix hot and chilled items together, like having an ice cream just after a cup of hot coffee or teeth, as such habits will surely aggravate sensitivity.
5. Avoid excess consumption of sweets and foods containing sugar, and rinse mouth immediately after eating such items.
6. Avoid very hot, spicy and sour fried foods.

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