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Tooth Sensitivity

Posted , 4 users are following.

ghost_whistler
ghost_whistler

I have had a sensitive tooth probelm for some time and I saw the dentist in July, which is not something I enjoy at all. He simply said I should use some anti sensitivity toothpaste and gave me a squirt of some fluoridey substance to go on my teeth at the time. He didn't prescribe anything else.

Over the last few days despite using one of these toothpastes (colgate daily sensitive repair, thoug i suspect they are all the same), i have been getting a lot more sensitivity pain when i use that tooth, particularly to drink.

I'm not really sure what to do. Should I go back and see the dentist? Or is there something else I can try. Or is that just the wear and tear process that can't be repaired? He didn't think there was anything more to it at the time and I'd rather not have to undergo extensive dental work.

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • charlotte1824
    charlotte1824 ghost_whistler

    Posted

    Hi, the toothpaste that works differently to the others is Colgate PRO RELIEF. That blocks the little holes meaning the heat cold etc cant reach the nerves. The other sensitive toothpastes just temporarily numb the nerves which doesnt last very long at all. Pro relief claims that with cotinuous use it provides a long lasting barrier although it is also meant to work straight away. 

    If your in uk they are doing the pro relief challenge on thier site where you can print off a 50p money coupon claimable against a 75ml tube in shops. They also offer a money back guarantee if you dont feel immediate relief. There is also the matching mouthwash.

    I would try that and if it still doesnt help then you need to go back to the dentist, if he cant find anything wrong even after a tooth xray then the GP as sometimes facial nerve pain or sinus pain can feel like tooth pain, unlikely though depending on what tooth is affected and whether it is traditional tooth sensitivity.

     

    • ghost_whistler
      ghost_whistler charlotte1824

      Posted

      Thanks for the help.

      I think the problem is that the gum has receeded somewhat. I used to brush pretty heavily and that probably didn't help. BUt the tooth is pretty raw.

      I could give it a try but in my experience these toothpastes are all much of a muchness - you know what advertising is like!

      The Daily Repair stuff I use was pretty good, but it's not helping here which leads me to think this is more serious.

    • charlotte1824
      charlotte1824 ghost_whistler

      Posted

      try the pro relief as its a physical barrier and not a numbing agent. Should work on the area where the gums receded too. If it doesnt give you relief then go back to dentist for an xray, there might be something going on not visible to the eye.

      Put the toothpaste on as a paste and leave it there for a minute. Dont just brush with it. 

      Also if it gets so bad that you need relief instantly orajel is a proper numbing gel. it will make whatever you touch with it go completely numb as it has lidocaine or similar in it.

    • ghost_whistler
      ghost_whistler charlotte1824

      Posted

      That sounds great, but isn't it really just avoiding the root of the problem (no pun intended)? Can these toothpastes really be the solution? The dentist said, when i last visited him in July, that it was enamel decay.
    • charlotte1824
      charlotte1824 ghost_whistler

      Posted

      Well if it's enamel decay then he needs to suggest what to do next, maybe it needs to be filled or removed but if it's not that bad then it's probably best to just use the toothpaste and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any further decay. you could use a enamel repair toothpaste as and then use the pro relief as a treatment paste on just the sensitive spot.

    • ghost_whistler
      ghost_whistler charlotte1824

      Posted

      I found some Pro Relief, but either it's meant to take a long time and a lot of use to work, or my tooth is too sensitive!
  • pam_87693
    pam_87693 ghost_whistler

    Posted

    I do understand your problems as sensitive teeth can cause a lot of pain. You do need to brush your teeth 2 x a day preferably using an electric toothbrush and the recommended sensitive toothpaste. If you have tiny pockets round the base of your teeth that is where germs can get in. You need to floss or to use interdental brushes or both. If you can see exposed root, that is the cause of your problem. Your dentist can apply a fluoride gel to protect your roots. If the problem continues and you have a very dry mouth and possibly eyes too, you need to talk to your GP. 
    • ghost_whistler
      ghost_whistler pam_87693

      Posted

      I do brush twice a day, I don't know about tiny pockets or infection. There's none of the other symptoms though.
    • pam_87693
      pam_87693 ghost_whistler

      Posted

      If you have enamel decay, that is the cause of your problems. You DO need to go back to your dentist. If you are frightened of the dentist tell him, they are used to this! Many have this problem often caused bypainful dental treatment when they were young. If you have decay that will get worse and so will the pain! 
    • ghost_whistler
      ghost_whistler pam_87693

      Posted

      He nsaid that the enamel had gone (in part or whole) and that I should use a sensitivity toothpaste, which is what i've been doing. He gave my teeth a squirt of some fluoridey stuff and sent me on my way. I guess he didn't think it was anything more serious. Can't say I fancy a root canal!
    • pam_87693
      pam_87693 ghost_whistler

      Posted

      It isn't as bad as you think, really, sadly due to my autoimmune disease I have had many! 
    • ghost_whistler
      ghost_whistler pam_87693

      Posted

      How long does the process take?

      it probably isn't as bad as I imagine, but then I have a vivid imagination!

    • pam_87693
      pam_87693 ghost_whistler

      Posted

      You have to book 2 appointments. The first is a long one as the dentist has to make an impression of your mouth. Then he drills the canals having of course numbed your mouth. The needle is the only bit that hurts after that while it is a fairly long process is painless. The then cleans the canals out and fills them, putting a temporary filling in place. The final appointment is merely to fit the crown. Of course if you don't need a crown just a filling it will be very quick. He will just replace the temporary filling with a permanent one. I confess this is my knowledge of 15 years ago so they may have speeded up the process. The dentist does this in 2 stages to give time for the tooth to settle and to be certain that no germs have been left in the roots before either crowning the tooth or filling it. Good Luck
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