If you’ve ever had the misfortune of having to deal with sensitive gums, you know how irritating and uncomfortable it can be. The feeling of increased sensitivity of your teeth when you eat or drink something cold or hot, or even when you brush your teeth regularly, is a real burden that not only affects your daily life, but also your self-esteem. A study by the American Dental Association found that up to 40% of adults in North America are affected by gum sensitivity. Fortunately, there are tried-and-true reflexes you can use to reduce this annoying problem, as well as mistakes to avoid if possible. Read on to learn more about both!
5 healthy and effective practices to alleviate gum sensitivity.
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Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash:
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antiseptic that can be used as an effective remedy to protect and treat sensitive gums. When using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash, it is important to use a diluted version with a concentration no higher than 3%. You can easily dilute hydrogen peroxide by combining it with equal parts water. For best results, you should swish the mixture around in your mouth for about 30 seconds twice a day before spitting it out.
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Coconut Oil Treatment:
Coconut oil can be used to treat sensitive gums thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its medium chain fatty acids help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain associated with sensitive gums. It also helps fight infections and promote healing of gum tissue. To use coconut oil in the treatment of sensitive gums, simply take a small amount in your hands and rub it on the affected area up to three times a day until the symptoms are gone. .
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Toothpaste powder:
Powdered toothpaste is a great option for those who suffer from sensitive gums, as it can help soothe any irritation or discomfort caused by brushing. It helps neutralize acidity in the mouth while providing a gentle abrasive action that gets rid of plaque buildup without causing further damage to teeth and gums. For best results, mix one part toothpaste powder with two parts warm water until a thick paste forms. Then apply this paste to the affected areas of your gums twice a day to help reduce sensitivity and protect them from further damage.
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Natural anti-inflammatories:
Certain herbs such as turmeric, ginger, licorice root, aloe vera gel, green tea extract, sage leaf extract, chamomile sachets, etc. are all known for their natural anti-inflammatory properties which make them perfect for treating swollen or inflamed gums due to sensitivity issues. Simply steep one of these herbs in hot water and rinse your mouth with it before spitting out the liquid once it has cooled slightly.
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Oral spray:
A mouth spray is a great tool for those who suffer from sensitive gums, as it can help relieve pain and discomfort while promoting healing of affected tissues in the mouth. These sprays are usually made from natural ingredients such as witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, eucalyptus oil, etc., all of which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling while soothing pain in the gum area due to sensitivity issues. To use this remedy effectively, simply spray some of these solutions directly on the affected gum tissue, twice a day, until the symptoms have completely disappeared.
What are the practices to avoid if you have sensitive gums?
If you have sensitive gums, it is important to pay close attention to your oral hygiene and to avoid certain practices that can aggravate your condition. One of the main things to be wary of is vigorous toothbrushing. Too intense brushing, with a toothbrush with stiff bristles or with an electric toothbrush set to the maximum, can aggravate the erosion of the enamel and damage the gums.
Additionally, flossing too hard can also cause trauma to the gum line. If your gums are sensitive, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use light circular motions when brushing, followed by a light up and down motion along the gum line. When flossing between teeth, be careful not to press too hard on the gum line, as this can also aggravate existing sensitivity or injure delicate tissues.
It is also essential for people with sensitive gums to avoid any aggressive methods of teeth whitening, such as bleaching solutions which tend to further irritate the already sensitive tissues of the mouth and cause discomfort due to their abrasive nature. Instead of using these products, consider switching to more natural methods like activated charcoal, which are safer and gentler on the gums while still being effective at whitening your teeth.
Finally, it’s important not to overlook regular dental check-ups when dealing with sensitive gums, as they can help diagnose underlying problems before they become serious. Regular check-ups will also allow your dentist to monitor any changes in your gum health over time, so that any necessary treatment can be given quickly and effectively before problems arise.
