Tooth sensitivity from receding gum line, what can be done?

[gt_12345]

The gum line has receded a little on one of my teeth (think it's a pre-molar?).

Spoke with my dentist, he's said the enamel is fine it's just the gum receding has exposed the root (by this I think he meant the dentine channels which lead to the root). It's not mega-receded, just enough so it's ultra-sensitive when I brush. Otherwise I don't feel it.

He suggested I rub sensitive toothpaste on it but I'm not massively confident tooth paste does that much? Sensodyne have a tooth paste specifically for gum recession and it says it builds a layer to reduce sensitivity but..... I'm not massively sold. It's causing me problems at the moment because I'm having to use my manual toothbrush instead of my electric (which really triggers it).

I wondered if anyone else has experienced this, what did you do, did it help?

[GiantEnemyCrab]

I had similar. Sensodyne blob x 2 a day and was all good. Hurt though but worth it. Dry it first so it doesn't slip off.

[Glade]

My dentist told me I had sensitivity due to receding gums, ended up being a root canal required by emergency dentist on holiday.

It was fking horrible, so hope it's not that.

[GordonL]

Retired dentist. Sensitive toothpaste works mostly by depositing stuff to block off the little tubules that connect the pulp (the nerve) to the surface. They can work pretty well but are best used as a topical cream, rather than brushed on. Apply with a finger, rub it in well and try to do it as the very last thing you do at bedtime, saliva production slows down during sleep, so you want it to sit undisturbed for a bit to do it’s thing.

Be careful brushing your teeth, don’t saw at them with a side to side action, use an electric brush if you can, so you don’t abrade away too much of the exposed denting.

[Slowboathome]

My dentist recommended Sensodyne Repair and Protect. It's worked well for my sensitive teeth.

[-Cappo-]

Same diagnosis, and same suggestions as above - sensitive toothpaste. It has definitely helped, not a complete cure but much better.

[gt_12345]

GordonL said:

Retired dentist. Sensitive toothpaste works mostly by depositing stuff to block off the little tubules that connect the pulp (the nerve) to the surface. They can work pretty well but are best used as a topical cream, rather than brushed on. Apply with a finger, rub it in well and try to do it as the very last thing you do at bedtime, saliva production slows down during sleep, so you want it to sit undisturbed for a bit to do it’s thing.

Be careful brushing your teeth, don’t saw at them with a side to side action, use an electric brush if you can, so you don’t abrade away too much of the exposed denting.

Hi, it's quite hard applying toothpaste using a finger. I keep producing saliva, which just removes the toothpaste.

I have a mouth guard and decided to squirt some Sensodyne "Sensitivity & Gum" in it. Then I just leave it on for an hour. Presume this is fine?

[gt_12345]

Slowboathome said:

My dentist recommended Sensodyne Repair and Protect. It's worked well for my sensitive teeth.

I went a bit OTT and bought a few Sensodyne variants, including that one.

The reason I was a little sceptical is because they all seemed to claim the same thing, just with different packaging.

[dudleybloke]

Anything to halt or reverse receding gums?

[Slowboathome]

gt_12345 said:

I went a bit OTT and bought a few Sensodyne variants, including that one.

The reason I was a little sceptical is because they all seemed to claim the same thing, just with different packaging.

I know. Not cheap either, but a tube of toothpaste lasts ages.

My dentist was very specific about that particular one and she seems to know her stuff.

[GordonL]

Hi, yes putting it into a mouth guard is a great idea, you just want it in close proximity to the sensitive area for as long as possible.

Receding gums is multi-factorial, can just be an age thing, can be poor brushing technique, can be due to crowns or filling margin issues and so on. What you can do about it depends on circumstances.

[elanfan]

Your dentist can give you a little relief by applying some medical varnish. Should create a barrier and give you some relief

[croyde]

I'm 60 and still have all my teeth unlike me ol' mum and dad at the same age.

I was suffering as you were and had bleeding gums after brushing.

I now religiously floss every morning and night after brushing.

Seems to have toughened my gums up and the bleeding has stopped.

[N111BJG]

Slowboathome said:

My dentist recommended Sensodyne Repair and Protect. It's worked well for my sensitive teeth.

This worked for me in addressing the same issue as OP describes, Now 2-3 years on and fair constant pain has gone.

[Nickbrapp]

I have the same and was actually skeptical, I’ve been using sensodine to brush for about a month and the issue is totally gone, no problems at all.

My dentist advised me not to rinse after brushing aswell which makes sense.

I’m just using the standard tube, why not give it a try? It’s only about £5 for a tube

[N111BJG]

Nickbrapp said:

I have the same and was actually skeptical, I’ve been using sensodine to brush for about a month and the issue is totally gone, no problems at all.

My dentist advised me not to rinse after brushing aswell which makes sense.

I’m just using the standard tube, why not give it a try? It’s only about £5 for a tube

No rinsing feels odd initially but becomes habitual. I’m convinced it has helped

[GordonL]

I should point out, make sure you get the sensitive area checked by a dentist before going the DIY route with sensitive paste, you could have a small cavity which will cause similar symptoms but you’ll mask them with the toothpaste, which could lead to a bigger problem in the longer run..

[Oakey]

This might sound obvious but have you replaced the head on your electric toothbrush? I find when the bristles wear down on mine into what are basically tiny, thin, sharp points it causes me gum and sensitivity issues

[gt_12345]

GordonL said:

I should point out, make sure you get the sensitive area checked by a dentist before going the DIY route with sensitive paste, you could have a small cavity which will cause similar symptoms but you’ll mask them with the toothpaste, which could lead to a bigger problem in the longer run..

Yeah I saw my dentist. They said the enamel is fine and it's due to some gum recession exposing the channels leading to the nerve.

Edited by gt_12345 on Saturday 17th June 16:54

[gt_12345]

So it's 2 days in to my experiment of using mouthguard with tooth paste. I've only kept toothpaste in the mouthguard for an hour yesterday and then overnight but it already seems to be working, much less sensitive today.