Home remedies for ten common oral problems

We always recommend going to the dentist for any serious and/or recurring oral problem. However, in our own home it is possible to find some ways to temporarily alleviate or make this problem more bearable. Here you will find some home remedies for common dental problems.

1) Dry mouth? Keep hydrated

Having dry mouth is a common and widespread problem, especially in adulthood. Although its origin may be determined by the consumption of certain medications, diseases such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome, it can be controlled by maintaining proper hydration. In general terms, it is recommended to drink between two and three liters of water a day, although it could be more depending on the physical activity carried out or the ambient temperature. Likewise, consuming sugar-free gum and candy stimulates saliva production and reduces dryness.

2) Home remedies for bad breath

Bad breath is also usually linked to dry mouth, although one of the main reasons is periodontal disease. However, halitosis is also a direct consequence of poor or incorrect hygiene. Therefore, we recommend brushing your teeth after each meal and doing so with the proper technique, also cleaning your cheeks and tongue and including the use of dental floss. The diet can also help the cause, especially the eminently vegetarian ones, low in fat and meat. Finally, staying properly hydrated is more than recommended.

3) Do you have yellow teeth? This can help you

It is worth explaining that each dentin, the layer that is below the enamel and gives color to the tooth, can have an enormous variety of colors within white and that is determined genetically. However, time and, above all, certain hygiene, eating and living habits can stain teeth. And although the best way to recover your natural color is through whitening at the dentist, there are solutions at hand. In general, it is advisable to avoid tobacco and the consumption of alcohol and sugary and acidic drinks, but it is also recommended to control coffee and teas. On the contrary, it is interesting to favor foods such as dairy products, vegetables that require a lot of chewing such as broccoli, cauliflower and celery or fruits such as strawberries or apples. Whitening toothpastes have little effect beyond removing light superficial stains from the enamel.

4) Do you grind your teeth? Try this

Bruxism is the act of involuntarily grinding or clenching the teeth, a disorder that can wear out or even break teeth, in addition to triggering numerous muscle and joint problems. And although it can be hereditary and its treatment multidisciplinary, it is closely linked to stress and anxiety. For this reason, managing these triggers can help combat this disorder, for which it is advisable to avoid life stressors and do relaxation exercises, especially before going to sleep. At that time you can also apply ice or moist heat to the jaw muscles and perform exercises, stretches and/or massages in the area of influence of the temporomandibular joint. Avoiding the consumption of stimulant substances such as coffee, tea or energy drinks can also help reduce bruxism.

5) Have you lost a tooth due to a hit? You can still save it

An avulsed tooth is one that has been torn out by the roots and can be recovered if action is taken quickly. As quickly as you can, you have to pick up the tooth from the ground but without touching the root, DO NOT wash it, put it in a container with preferably Hank's solution, or with saline or milk and go to the dentist as soon as possible to evaluate the option of reimplanting it.

6) Home remedies for sores

Canker sores are an everyday problem. And although they tend to disappear on their own over time, there are some recommendations that can help you cope with them. Rinsing with salt water or baking soda, or consuming chamomile infusions with honey are two good home remedies. Additionally, applying coconut oil to the area can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. So that the problem does not worsen, it is recommended to avoid spicy or acidic foods, as well as the use of mouthwashes that contain alcohol or other irritating agents.

7) Do you have an infection in your mouth? Take this advice

An infection that accumulates in the area around the root of a tooth within the bone is called a dental abscess or phlegmon. And although it is recommended to visit the dentist as soon as possible, there are various home remedies that can help relieve the most acute symptoms. To do this, you must keep the affected area as clean as possible, in addition to rinsing with salt water or antiseptic to eliminate as many bacteria as possible. If the area has a fistula and drains pus, try massaging it to evacuate the pus from inside.

8) Do your teeth hurt? Try this

There are many reasons why teeth may hurt and, therefore, the remedy will depend on what the trigger is. Among the most common are applying local cold in case of inflammation, gargling with salt water if there is an infection or extreme cleaning and flossing if there is something between the teeth that could be damaging them. Placing hot black or mint tea bags on the gums can also help due to their antibacterial effect. Of course, we insist on the importance of visiting the dentist as soon as possible in case of any intense and/or long-lasting dental pain.

9) Home remedies for tooth sensitivity

One type of toothache is tooth sensitivity, caused by contact, a change in temperature or by the chemical nature of the substance we are eating. Sensitivity can come and go on its own, but it is usually an indicator of a problem that will require professional treatment. But while that happens, it is recommended to avoid very acidic, hot or cold and/or sugary foods and drinks. In addition, eating a diet high in dairy products and foods rich in oxalate, such as spinach or banana, can contribute positively.

10) This will help with bleeding gums

We finish this review with bleeding gums, a problem that can be temporary and sporadic but, if it does not subside, can be an indicator of gum disease. To prevent this, it is recommended to improve dental hygiene, using medium-hard brushes and a more precise and gentle technique. Eating a healthy and balanced diet can also contribute positively. Finally, tobacco and alcohol are harmful to oral health, so avoiding them will also help prevent bleeding.