Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. It occurs when the enamel on your teeth gets worn down, exposing the underlying dentin. The dentin contains microscopic tubules that lead directly to the nerves in your teeth, so when hot, cold, acidic or sticky foods and drinks come into contact with the exposed dentin, it can cause a sharp pain. While toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can provide relief, there are also many effective ways to treat tooth sensitivity without toothpaste.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about relieving tooth sensitivity without toothpaste:
What causes tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is typically caused by enamel erosion which exposes the sensitive dentin underneath. Common culprits include brushing too hard, gum disease, teeth grinding, acidic foods and drinks.
What are some home remedies?
Using a desensitizing mouthwash, chewing sugar-free gum, using a fluoride gel or sealant, and switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush can help relieve sensitivity at home.
What foods help reduce sensitivity?
Dairy products like cheese, milk and yogurt contain calcium and phosphate which can help strengthen enamel. Sugar-free gum increases saliva flow to protect dentin. Pineapples contain bromelain enzymes which act as anti-inflammatories.
When should I see a dentist?
You should see a dentist if sensitivity persists longer than 2-4 weeks, is severe or emerges suddenly. The dentist can identify the cause and provide professional treatments to reduce sensitivity.
Understand the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Before looking at solutions, it’s important to understand what causes tooth sensitivity in the first place. The outer layer of your teeth is called the enamel. It is the hardest substance in the human body and helps protect the inner layer called dentin. Dentin is softer and contains thousands of microscopic tubules leading to the nerves. When the dentin is exposed, these tubules allow external stimuli to reach the nerve and trigger pain.
Here are some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity:
Enamel Erosion
Enamel naturally erodes over time with aging, but excessive erosion can lead to sensitivity. Acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, tomatoes, wine and soda can erode enamel. Brushing too hard with a stiff brush can also wear down enamel. Other factors like bulimia, acid reflux and teeth grinding also accelerate erosion.
Gum Recession
When gums recede due to gum disease, improper flossing or other causes, it exposes the root surface and dentin of your teeth. This leaves them unprotected and allows sensitivity triggers access to the nerves.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Cracked or chipped teeth allow external stimuli deep access to the dentin and nerves, resulting in pain. Cracks can form from trauma, grinding teeth or severe gum recession.
Dental Procedures
Certain dental treatments like teeth whitening and root canals can make teeth feel temporarily sensitive. The chemicals used in whitening strips can irritate the dentin. Root canals involve removing the tooth pulp which exposes the inside of the tooth.
Tooth Grinding
Grinding or clenching your teeth, also called bruxism, puts excessive force on teeth. This can wear down the enamel and dentin over time, leading to chronic sensitivity.
Relieving Tooth Sensitivity Without Toothpaste
The good news is there are many ways to treat and reduce tooth sensitivity without using special toothpastes. Try these tips:
Use a Desensitizing Mouthwash
Desensitizing mouthwashes contain active ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride which help block the sensation of pain. Swishing a mouthwash like Sensodyne’s Daily Care around your mouth for 60 seconds twice a day can provide relief as it forms a protective barrier over exposed dentin.
Try a Fluoride Gel or Paste
Fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity. Brushing with a fluoride gel or paste daily or using a fluoride tray treatment from your dentist can help remineralize eroded enamel. Some toothpastes also contain stannous fluoride which seals off dentin tubules.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum like Trident increases saliva flow in your mouth, which helps neutralize acids and coat your teeth with a protective layer. Look for gum containing xylitol which also prevents cavities and erosion.
Use a Tooth Sealant
Dentin sealants are resins applied by a dentist to seal off the openings of exposed dentin tubules. This blocks external triggers from reaching the nerves. It provides immediate relief but needs to be reapplied every few months.
Try a Soft Toothbrush
A medium or hard bristle toothbrush can lead to enamel erosion over time. Switching to an ultra-soft brush minimizes abrasion. Using gentle circular motions also helps reduce enamel wear.
Avoid Triggers
Pay attention to what foods, drinks and temperature changes seem to trigger your sensitive teeth, and try to avoid them. Common triggers include extremely hot or cold foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, sugary and acidic drinks, and crunchy foods like chips.
Use Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste
Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste contains gentle polishing agents and 5% potassium nitrate to relieve pain. It’s formulated to avoid further enamel erosion. Using it twice daily helps strengthen and reharden enamel.
Consider Seeing a Dentist
If you have ongoing tooth sensitivity for more than 2-4 weeks that hasn’t improved with over-the-counter treatments, you should make an appointment with your dentist. They can properly diagnose the cause and severity of the sensitivity.
The dentist may recommend professional procedures like:
Fluoride Treatments
In-office fluoride treatments contain a higher concentration of fluoride which penetrates deep into your enamel to strengthen it. These are more effective than daily fluoride toothpastes.
Bonding or Fillings
For minor chips or cracks in teeth, a filling or dental bonding can repair the flaw and cover up exposed dentin. This seals out external triggers to stop sensitivity.
Crowns
Crowns completely cover and encapsulate the entire tooth. This provides full protection for severely damaged or eroded teeth.
Root Canal
If the nerve inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep cracks or decay, a root canal removes the inner pulp and seals off the tooth roots. This can completely eliminate sensitivity.
Gum Grafts
Gum graft surgery covers exposed root surfaces by transplanting soft tissue to areas with gum recession. This prevents triggers from reaching the root’s dentin.
Try Natural Home Remedies
Some simple natural ingredients have properties that help relieve tooth sensitivity discomfort. Always consult your dentist before trying home remedies. Here are some options:
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe sensitive teeth nerves. Swish pure aloe vera gel around your mouth for 1-2 minutes twice daily.
Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that may help block pain. Swish a cooled cup of green tea for 2 minutes every morning.
Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial and analgesic properties that may relieve sensitivity pain. Crush a clove to form a paste and apply to sensitive areas for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Cold Compress
A cold compress constricts blood vessels in your teeth to numb pain signals. Wrap an ice cube in cloth and hold against sensitive teeth for 5-10 minutes as needed.
Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory effects to calm nerves. Boil 5 leaves in water, cool, swish liquid for 1 minute twice a day.
Adjust Your Oral Care Routine
Making some small tweaks to your regular oral hygiene and habits can also help prevent and treat tooth sensitivity. Try these tips:
Brush Gently
Use a soft bristle toothbrush and avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can erode enamel. Gently use circular motions when brushing.
Wait to Brush After Acidic Foods
Don’t brush right after eating acidic foods, as it can remove more enamel in a weakened state. Wait at least 30-60 minutes before brushing.
Rinse With Baking Soda
Baking soda neutralizes acids and makes a good alkaline mouth rinse. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water and swish for 1 minute.
Drink With a Straw
Sipping cold or acidic drinks with a straw pointed towards your back molars minimizes contact with your front sensitive teeth.
Use a Soft Bristled Toothbrush
A hard bristle toothbrush can abrasively brush away enamel over time. Switch to an ultra-soft toothbrush.
Get More Calcium and Vitamin D
Weak enamel can contribute to sensitivity. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D from foods and supplements to strengthen your tooth enamel.
Calcium-Rich Foods
- Low fat dairy like milk, yogurt and cheese
- Sardines
- Fortified non-dairy milks like soy milk
- Tofu
- Leafy greens like kale and spinach
Vitamin D-Rich Foods
- Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel
- Egg yolks
- Fortified milk and orange juice
- Cereals
- Beef liver
Talk to your doctor about possibly taking supplements if your dietary sources are insufficient.
foods-that-help-reduce-dental-sensitivity
Certain foods naturally contain compounds and minerals that help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity discomfort. Adding more of these foods to your diet can aid in reducing sensitivity.
Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products are excellent sources of calcium and phosphate. These minerals reinforce enamel and protect your teeth. The casein in dairy also forms a protective film over teeth.
Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow, which neutralizes acids and coats your teeth. Sugar-free gum is best as sugar can damage enamel. Look for gum containing xylitol, which prevents cavities and remineralizes enamel.
Pineapples
Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce painful sensitivity. Fresh pineapple and pineapple juice are the best options.
Green Vegetables
Leafy greens like spinach and kale contain calcium and vitamin K, which improve oral health and strengthen teeth.
Sesame Seeds
Containing calcium, sesame seeds can help reinforce your enamel. Sprinkle them on salads, in stir fries or blend into dressings.
Bone Broth
Sipping on bone broth made from animal bones provides your body with calcium, phosphorus and other minerals beneficial for your teeth.
Black Tea
Black tea is packed with polyphenols that combat bacteria in your mouth and help reduce sensitivity-causing gum disease and plaque buildup.
When to See Your Dentist
While the home remedies and tips in this article can provide relief for minor sensitivity, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist if:
- You experience severe, throbbing tooth pain
- Sensitivity arises suddenly rather than gradually
- Sensitivity persists longer than 2-4 weeks
- Your teeth become so sensitive that it’s difficult to eat or drink hot or cold foods
- You have other dental symptoms like tooth or jaw pain
The dentist can identify the underlying cause through x-rays and exams so that proper treatment can be provided for long-term relief.
Professional Treatments
Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend:
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants or bonding agents
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Root canals
- Gum grafting surgery
When to See a Doctor
If you have sudden sensitivity accompanied by other concerning symptoms, promptly contact your physician as well. This may indicate something more serious like:
- Sinus infection
- Cracked tooth
- Dental abscess
- Nerve damage
- Cavities or tooth decay
Your doctor can determine if any of these issues are present and coordinate proper treatment with your dentist.
Conclusion
Although tooth sensitivity can cause discomfort, there are many effective ways to gain relief without prescription toothpaste. Using desensitizing dental products, adjusting your oral hygiene routine, avoiding triggers, and eating the right foods can ease sensitivity. But if home care doesn’t help within a few weeks, promptly contact your dentist for an exam and professional treatment. With the right solutions tailored to your situation, you can keep tooth sensitivity from disrupting your oral health and quality of life.