My teeth after braces

PeruvianBlaze · #1 Jul 4, 2009, 01:43 AM

Hi guys,

I got my braces off about 5 months ago. I've been wearing my retainer as instructed and everything is going well. The only problem is, after my braces were removed (after about 3.5 years) i've noticed that my teeth have become REALLY sensitive. What can i do to help this or alleviate this? Ive used Sensodyne, but not sure how well it works and I want to know if there are any other solutions? Is there anything I should avoid that would further damage the enamel on my teeth?

twinkiedooter · Jul 4, 2009, 02:07 PM

One thing is to immediately stop using any kind of toothpaste that contains flouride in it. If Sensodyne has flouride - stop using it.

nikosmom · Jul 4, 2009, 04:36 PM

Love ya Twinks but I disagree with the above statement. Fluoride actually helps with sensitivity in some situations. As long as not taken in large doses and certainly not ingested, I see no harm.

It's common to experience some sensitivity because your teeth were somewhat "loose" while they were being shifted by the braces. Over time this should go away as they stabilize. In the meantime, keep using the Sensodyne to help with the sensitivity. It doesn't sound like your enamel is damaged but I'd stay away from something like bleaching because that increases sensitivity. If the sensitivity doesn't seem to diminish over time, certainly mention it to your dentist and he may recommend a rinse or treatment such as Prevident that will help with the sensitivity.

In the meantime, try something like Orajel to help alleviate some of the sensitivity.

jenniepepsi · Jul 4, 2009, 05:00 PM

You might also try a 'kids' tooth paste. they tend to be milder and have a lower amount of floride.

nikosmom · Jul 4, 2009, 05:26 PM

Fluoride is good for teeth. It makes teeth more resistant to decay and acids.

Children's toothpastes are fluoride-free because fluoride is harmful if swallowed [in large doses] and young children often don't know how to spit it out.

jenniepepsi · Jul 4, 2009, 05:28 PM

my daughters tooth paste has floride in it. i mean the 'bigger kids' tooth paste. like aquafresh for kids which is what my daughter uses

nikosmom · Jul 4, 2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenniepepsi

my daughters tooth paste has floride in it. i mean the 'bigger kids' tooth paste. like aquafresh for kids which is what my daughter uses

What is your point??

jenniepepsi · Jul 4, 2009, 05:33 PM

?? well after i suggested the childrens toothpaste for a more mild formula, you said that childrens toothpaste doesnt have floride in it...i was just saying that the aquafresh for kids toothpaste does.

nikosmom · Jul 4, 2009, 05:47 PM

My comment was addressing why children's toothpastes are formulated the way they are. Whether your daughter uses fluoride-free or low-fluoride, that has nothing to do with the question posted here.

If you read my comments, fluoride is actually used to help combat sensitivity.

Altenweg · Jul 4, 2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenniepepsi

my daughters tooth paste has floride in it. i mean the 'bigger kids' tooth paste. like aquafresh for kids which is what my daughter uses

The "bigger kids" toothpaste is pretty much the same as regular toothpaste. If the OP has sensitive teeth, this won't help.

Sensodyne does clean your teeth, and helps with sensitivity.

Childrens formulas are for childrens teeth, not for adults that have their permanent teeth.



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