Introduction
I experienced severe tooth sensitivity for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic. My teeth felt terrible whenever I ate anything slightly hot or cold. We were locked in the house for six months to protect ourselves from the virus. After three months, I started to feel tooth sensitivity, which worsened the following month. I wasn’t sure why it happened to me; I was confused! There was no way to visit a doctor, find the cause, or get treatment. So, I began searching online and trying home remedies. Finally, I identified the source of my problem and overcame it without using chemicals or expensive treatments—just an easy and affordable natural remedy.

Why Did It Occur with My Teeth?
After thoroughly searching online, I discovered the root cause of my tooth sensitivity. At that time, my toothbrush needed replacing, as the one I had wasn’t in good shape. I usually use Sensodyne soft brushes, but due to the scarcity of essential items, I had to take another brush. The new one was a wave-shaped, hard brush. I felt very uncomfortable with it, but I had no other option. After using it for just one month, I started to feel tooth sensitivity, which got worse the next month. I checked carefully and noticed tiny gaps between my teeth and gums, where my fingernail could fit. In total, six teeth—three on each side of my upper jaw—had these small spaces and felt extremely sensitive. I created these gaps by using a hard toothbrush, which was the root cause of my sensitivity. Additionally, I found out that my brushing technique was also incorrect.

Other Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity means feeling pain or discomfort when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. It can happen for many reasons, like my own, where I damaged my teeth by brushing too hard and using the wrong brushing technique. Other causes I found in online research include:

• Gum recession or exposure of more of the tooth or its root
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep
• Acidic diet or aggressive brushing
• Use of harsh whitening products
• Acidic mouthwash use
• Plaque buildup
• Teeth whitening products
• Cracked teeth
• Recent dental procedures
• Gum disease
• Age

These are common causes of tooth sensitivity. However, for most people, brushing too hard or using a hard toothbrush is the most frequent cause.

Natural Remedies I Used for Tooth Sensitivity

A. Changing Toothbrush and Brushing Pattern
First, I immediately switched to a soft toothbrush. Following that, I avoided aggressive and rushed brushing to prevent enamel erosion and gum recession. I changed my brushing technique entirely. Previously, I brushed my teeth horizontally back and forth, which is incorrect; now, I brush gently in an up-and-down motion.

B. Switching to Natural, Homemade Toothpaste
I stopped using commercially made toothpaste more than twice a week. Instead, I started making my own toothpaste using a simple and affordable natural formula. I mix baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, available in any grocery store) with a little coconut oil in my palm as my toothpaste. I brush my teeth gently with this mixture twice daily—before bed at night and after breakfast in the morning.

C. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is essential after brushing at night and immediately upon waking in the morning. I swish pure organic coconut oil and water in my mouth for 5–10 minutes each time to reduce bacteria and promote gum health.

D. Flossing After Eating
After every meal, I floss my teeth gently to remove any food particles between them. It’s essential for oral care, yet many people overlook it.

E. Green Tea Rinse
Green tea is beneficial for overall health and teeth because it contains antioxidants that support oral health and reduce sensitivity. I drink organic green tea after breakfast and a gentle brushing with baking soda and coconut oil. I take the tea at a medium-hot temperature so it touches my teeth before swallowing.

F. Chewing Cloves
If I feel my oral health needs extra care, I chew on a clove, which has antibacterial properties.

After following these steps for two weeks, I overcame my tooth sensitivity. This process not only alleviated sensitivity but also improved my breath. I have another post on a complete solution to bad breath and morning breath issues.

Additional Care That May Help:
A. Saltwater Rinse
Rinsing with warm salt water twice a day can help soothe inflammation and strengthen gums.

B. Watching Your Diet
If you still experience sensitivity, avoid highly acidic foods and drinks (like soda, citrus, and vinegar) and increase calcium-rich foods to strengthen tooth enamel.

C. Vitamin D & Calcium Supplements
For those with very weak teeth due to age or other factors, vitamin D and calcium supplements may help strengthen teeth and thicken enamel.

D. Using a Mouthguard
If anyone grinds teeth during sleep, a mouthguard can protect against the damage caused by grinding.

E. Staying Hydrated
Dry mouth is harmful to teeth, so drinking water throughout the day and before sleep helps maintain healthy saliva levels, which protect teeth.

F. Being Cautious of Temperature Extremes
Until sensitivity improves, avoid overly hot or cold foods and drinks to help the condition.

When to See a Dentist
These natural remedies can help if the damage is minimal, but if you have persistent or severe sensitivity, it could indicate underlying dental issues like cavities or gum disease. In these cases, anyone should go for a dentist visit.

Conclusion
Natural care doesn’t require a huge effort—it’s simply a matter of daily habits. Even if we use costly treatments, they won’t have lasting effects if we don’t maintain proper care. So, it’s more affordable and sustainable to use natural remedies for a lasting solution. Generally, we know tooth damage isn’t repairable, but by following these remedies, I felt I was able to reduce the damage. I eliminated my sensitivity within a month, though others may need more time depending on the extent of damage. Overcoming sensitivity takes time and consistency, but it’s achievable. Please leave comments or share your experiences with natural solutions!

FAQs Section

How long does it may need for natural remedies to work?
It can vary based on your teeth’s condition, as I shared in this article.

Can natural remedies replace regular toothpaste?
Sometimes I feel like avoiding regular toothpaste altogether, but I still use it twice a week for the benefit of fluoride.What foods trigger tooth sensitivity the most?
Foods that commonly trigger sensitivity include acidic items like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar; sugary foods and drinks; cold items like ice cream; hot beverages like coffee; and sticky, chewy sweets like chocolate.