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You’re enjoying a nice bit of dark chocolate when suddenly – a zing of pain shoots through your tooth. Or maybe you’re out walking on a breezy day, chatting with a friend, when a gust of air hits your teeth and you wince.
Such not-at-all nice moments are your nervous system telling you – loudly – that something’s not right in your mouth due to any number of causes, including
- Enamel erosion that exposes the sensitive dentin underneath.
- Gum recession that exposes sensitive tooth roots to temperature changes, touch, and sweet foods.
- Cavities or other oral infections that create opportunities for stimuli to reach the nerves.
- Cracked teeth that allow air and liquids to penetrate deeper layers.
- Excess pressure on the teeth from grinding or clenching, leading to sensitivity and pain.
- Overly aggressive brushing that wears away enamel and irritates the gums over time.
And here’s a fact about dental problems: They seldom get better on their own. They almost always worsen over time, becoming harder and more expensive to treat. What starts as minor sensitivity can progress to severe pain, infection, or even tooth loss if left unaddressed.
That’s why it’s critical that you see a dentist as soon as you can when sensitivity or pain sets in. Still, there are some things you can do at home to help ease the discomfort in the meantime:
Dietary Adjustments
When you’re hurting, one of the most powerful things you can do is nourish your body with real, whole foods that provide the building blocks for recovery. The goal is to support your body’s natural ability to cope with what it’s experiencing and respond as well as possible to eventual treatment.
Think fresh vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats, and fruits in their natural state. Such foods provide sustained energy, along with the vitamins, minerals, and other compounds your body uses for tissue maintenance and immune function. Especially important nutrients for oral health include calcium, magnesium, vitamins D3 and K2, and vitamin C.
On the practical side, very sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks can trigger sensitivity episodes, so avoid the sweet stuff and let the rest of what you consume reach a more moderate temperature can provide relief. Also opt for softer foods, and avoid eating on the painful side of your mouth.
Herbal & Other Natural Remedies
There are a number of natural remedies that can provide temporary relief between the onset of pain and your dental visit:
- Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that has been used for centuries to numb dental pain. Just dab a small amount on the affected tooth.
- Tea tree oil is a good antibacterial that can help combat infection, but it should always be diluted before use.
- Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe irritated tissues.
- Myrrh has both antibacterial and astringent properties, making it useful for gum health.
- Sage can help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.
- Echinacea may boost your immune system’s ability to fight oral infections.
Homeopathy offers several remedies that may help with tooth sensitivity and pain, as well. Useful remedies include arnica, hypericum, plantago, hepar sulphuris, chamomilla, belladonna, and mercurius.
Acupuncture is yet another option. Treatments can help restore balance, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Some practitioners may also use auricular acupuncture, as specific points on the ear correspond to different teeth and areas of the mouth.
One of the simplest and most effective natural remedies for temporary relief is rinsing with warm salt water. The salt helps reduce swelling, fights bacteria, and promotes healing of irritated tissues.
Holistic, Biological Treatments for Dental Pain & Sensitivity
As a biological dental office, we focus on treating root causes both biocompatibly and in the least invasive way possible, as our commitment is to dentistry that supports our patients’ oral and whole body health alike.
Ozone therapy is particularly effective for sensitivity issues, as it can harden weakened tooth structure while also killing harmful bacteria. It’s also excellent for treating infections, as well as general infection control – why we use ozone in practically every procedure we do. Ozone is also known for stimulating tissue healing.
When tooth sensitivity is the result of gum recession, the Chao Pinhole Technique can be done to restore coverage of the roots in a minimally invasive way. The procedure repositions existing gum tissue without the need for incisions, sutures, or tissue grafting from other areas of the mouth. The results are immediate, and discomfort is minimal. There’s little of the downtime associated with traditional gum grafting procedures.
When sensitivity results from enamel erosion or excess wear, biocompatible bonding can be done to protect exposed areas. Using BPA-free, fluoride-free materials that can be tested for compatibility with your specific biochemistry, damaged enamel can be restored and protected from further sensitivity.
If you have damaged tooth structure – whether due to decay, fracture, or other cause – the tooth needs to be restored. All of the fillings we place are made of fluoride-free, BPA-free composite resins. Here, too, we can test for biocompatibility to ensure the best match for your unique biochemistry. Crowns, inlays, and onlays are typically made from zirconia, a broadly biocompatible ceramic.
In cases where tooth damage is extensive, biological extraction followed by zirconia implant placement may be the most appropriate solution. Our protocol is designed to minimize the risk of osteonecrotic lesions (“cavitations”) forming at the surgical sites. It includes complete removal of the periodontal ligament and proper cleaning of the bone, and the use of ozone and PRF to support good healing.
Working with a biological or holistic dentist ensures that your treatment plan supports your whole body health while using the safest, most biocompatible approaches available. It’s an approach that respects your total well-being.
