How to Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain

Medically reviewed by Joseph Krajekian, DMD

Last Updated: May 16, 2022 References Approved

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that occurs when teeth are exposed to heat, cold, or touch. The problem can have several causes, some of which need to be treated by a dentist; however, there are steps you can take in the meantime to decrease or stop pain from sensitive teeth.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Over-the-Counter and Prescription Remedies

1
Change your toothpaste. Try switching to a toothpaste designed to help with sensitive teeth.^{[1]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Toothpaste containing arginine has been shown to be more effective than sensitive toothpastes that use potassium as the active ingredient. ^{[2]
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  Research source}
2
Change your toothbrush. Make sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Harder bristles can damage tooth enamel and cause gums to recede, leading to sensitive teeth. ^{[3]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Also be careful not to press too hard when you brush - this can also damage gums and enamel.
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3
Use a numbing agent if you must. Gels designed to numb tooth pain are sold over the counter and can also be applied in the dentist's office or as a prescription.^{[4]
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National Health Service (UK)
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- However, many dentists and the Food and Drug Administration warn against using numbing agents like benzocaine, especially to treat sensitive teeth in small children.
4
Use a night guard. If your sensitivity is caused by grinding, you can wear a protecting guard during the night. Your dentist can make a custom-fitted mouth guard for you.^{[5]
X
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Cleveland Clinic
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Go to source} They are available over-the-counter as well, but because they are not fitted to your mouth specifically, an OTC guard may cause more harm than good.
- If you do notice yourself grinding your teeth during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth.^{[6]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Johns Hopkins Medicine
  Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
  Go to source} At night, hold a warm washcloth against your cheek, near your earlobe. These both relax your jaw.
- Try massaging your jaw and sticking to soft foods until the pain subsides.
5
Take an OTC pain medication. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce the pain of sensitive teeth.^{[7]
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- Don't use this as a long-term solution, however, as pain medications have side effects.
6
Talk to your dentist about the cause of your tooth sensitivity. While numbing agents and special toothpastes may temporarily ease the pain of sensitive teeth, you won't be able to truly resolve tooth pain unless you know the underlying cause — whether it's due to dry mouth, grinding your teeth, acid reflux, acidic food and drink, etc. Consult your dentist about your tooth pain so she can help you properly diagnose the issue and choose the best treatment.^{[8]
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Research source}
- Tooth sensitivity may be cased by brushing too hard, dental decay, tooth fracture, dry mouth, diet, brushing too hard, acid reflux, gum infection, and more.
- Your dentist can offer treatments such as a fluoride varnish, a fluoride tray, prescription toothpaste, and/or a mouth guard.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Homemade Remedy

1
Use an ice pack on your cheek next to your aching tooth. Hold for a few minutes. If you do not have any ice packs on hand, you can make one by wrapping ice in a soft, cotton washcloth.^{[9]
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- Be careful: if you have any exposed nerves, do not touch them directly with the ice — this will only make the pain worse.
2
Make your own mouthwash. Rinsing your mouth out two to four times a day with these mixtures can help soothe tooth pain.
- Combine water, salt, and a small amount of lime juice. Boil together and then allow to cool.
- Boil 4 to 5 guava leaves in water. Cool the solution until it is warm. Add salt.
- Add a few drops of olive oil to a 1/2 glass of water.
- Wheatgrass juice, which can be extracted at home or purchased, can be used as a mouthwash.
3
Apply soothing herbs. Several all-natural solutions have been used as folk remedies for tooth pain. Many of these can be made at home.
- The antiseptic properties of cloves and clove oil can help reduce tooth pain. To make the oil, you can crush a clove into a small amount of olive oil.
- A paste of either crushed garlic or mustard oil mixed with rock salt may soothe the ache.
- Mix equal amounts of pepper and salt with water to make into a paste. Apply directly to your teeth for several days.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of the fennel-like herb asafetida in powdered form with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Warm and apply to affected area with a cotton ball.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Changing your Lifestyle

1
Cut down on acidic foods and drinks. The acid in some food and drinks can damage tooth enamel.
- Don't brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after eating acidic food. ^{[10]
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  Research source}
- Generally, fruits are the most acidic foods, followed by some vegetables, especially if they have been pickled.
2
Cut down on the amount of sugar you consume, including sugary drinks. The sugar provides "food" for the bacteria in your mouth, which can aggravate gum disease and tooth decay, which cause sensitivity.^{[11]
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MedlinePlus
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- Follow sugary drinks with milk or water to restore the pH balance in your mouth.
- Try to brush your teeth within 20 minutes of eating sugary foods.
- Consider using a straw, regardless of what you are drinking, so that your teeth have less contact with the liquid.
3
Stop grinding your teeth. If your jaw is often stiff or your teeth are worn down, this can be a sign that you are grinding your teeth. A dentist can prescribe a special mouth guard to prevent nighttime teeth grinding. Grinding is often caused by stress, so taking the time to de-stress can help too.^{[12]
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4
Rebuild your enamel. Gargling or brushing your teeth with baking soda paste can help rebuild tooth enamel. For every quarter glass of water, add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda.
5
Control dry mouth. Dry mouth can occur for many reasons, such as a side effect of medication or treatments, diseases and infections, nerve damage, dehydration, or lifestyle choices, such as smoking or chewing tobacco. Dry mouth can lead to tooth sensitivity, along with increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and infection. To reduce dry mouth, try the following:^{[13]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Talk to your doctor about switching to another medication if it is causing your dry mouth or ask if she can prescribe you Salagen, which increases saliva production.
- Quit using tobacco products.
- Drink lots of water and keep hydrated.
- Breathe through your nose and not your mouth.
6
Treat acid reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus and sometimes into your mouth. The acid can eat away at the enamel of your teeth, leading to sensitivity.^{[14]
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Research source} Acid reflux may be eased by over-the-counter antacids (Maalox, TUMS, Rolaids); H-2-receptor blockers (Zantac, Pepcid AC), which reduce acid production; or proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid 24 HR), which are stronger than H-2-receptor blockers.^{[15]
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- If OTC treatments don't work, ask your doctor about prescription medication to treat your acid reflux. These may include stronger H-2-receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors, or medications like Baclofen, which works on the lower esophageal sphincter, strengthening the muscle to prevent reflux.^{[16]
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  Cleveland Clinic
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- In some cases, surgery may be necessary to control acid reflux.^{[17]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
7
Eat garlic, wheatgrass, or guava leaves. Garlic and wheatgrass are both antibiotic and can reduce pain. Wheatgrass will help control any possible infection and fights tooth decay. Guava leaves can also relieve pain and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Some foods are also good at relieving pain when they are consumed raw, like spinach leaves or onions.

Warnings

Only a dentist can properly diagnose problems with teeth, so if you are not certain if your teeth are just sensitive or if your pain indicates a bigger problem, visit a dentist. Sharp pain when biting down, pressure or swelling in your mouth, or pain that radiates into your head, neck, or ear can indicate a more serious problem than sensitivity.

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