Anyone know what causes sensitive teeth and if sensodyne or similar helps

[Turnitupto11]

I was at the dentist last week and mentioned my teeth were very sensitive, she prescribed some toothpaste, but when I collected it, it's just Colgate with high fluoride content (5000) . I'm using it, but she said not to rinse afterwards, so I guess I can't use mouthwash. Also I thought too much fluoride was poisonous or at least not good for us. It says don't use and drink water containing fluoride, but I thought our tap water contained fluoride.

Does anyone use Sensodyne or similar, if so, does it help?

You shouldn't use mouthwash after brushing anyway as it rinses away the fluoride. If using mouthwash use it between brushings.

Not all water has fluoride added and you should spit after brushing to get rid of excess toothpaste

Sesondyne does work but then so does Tesco sensitive toothpaste which costs way less. You should never rinse with water after brushing no matter what toothpaste you use. I have never used mouthwash and my dentist doesn’t either.

I use Colgate Instant Relief toothpaste (used to use the Pro Relief version but it was pulled & they replaced it with this instead). I put some on my teeth when I go in the shower a couple of times a week too. It helps quite a bit. I used to have really sensitive teeth, much better these days. And @dementedpixie is correct, you shouldn’t rinse after brushing, it rinses the fluoride etc away. Leave the toothpaste residue on.

I buy it from a discount shop or on offer BTW. Never pay the full price on toiletries, madness!

As pp have said mouthwash first leave 30 mins then brush. I personally find the sensodyn daily gel the best if a tooth feels particularly sensitive I put a bit of the gel directly on the tooth - works brilliantly.

I use Colgate sensitive instant relief and it does help a bit. DH has bad dental health and uses the Colgate 5000 ppm paste (Duraphat) and gets it on prescription. I sometimes rub some of that my sensitive areas for a few days and it helps too. But the best thing is something the dentist paints on and seals with UV. It is a godsend but I only get it once a year and it fades after about 8 months

I have sensitive teeth and my dentist told me high fluoride on prescription was better than shop bought toothpastes for sensitive teeth. I have found the latter good enough though.

Never brush your teeth within half hour of eating or drinking anything sugary. Makes my sensitivity. much worse.

Sensodyne rapid relief is really good

I use boots sensitive works well

High fluoride toothpaste is prescribed when there's a risk of decay that the dentist thinks is better resolved by that than normal toothpaste - don't not use it just because you've decided it might be bad for you, the dentist clearly doesn't or they wouldn't have prescribed it - at least try and get them to answer any questions you have before you switch to something else.

Yes and agree with maybeheismycat, have tried a few but sensodyn rapid relief is the one I always come back to. 👍

Sensodyne original and fluriguard, I use both and have no issues. If I stop using one or the other for a few days, the sensitivity comes back.

Sensodyne rapid relief helps my sensitive teeth.

The enamel repair sensodyne completely cured my sensitive teeth

This is why your dentist have prescribed you extra high fluoride toothpaste OP : www.nature.com/articles/news040119-8
It can literally help repair your tooth enamel.

If you are not supposed to rinse after brushing how do you manage to go out without looking as if youve got rabies !

Spit don't rinse

Same as @AnotherMansCause - I use Colgate Instead Relief and it really helps. I don’t like the taste of Sensodyne and find it less effective.
You don’t need to worry about too much fluoride. You spit after brushing so very little is swallowed.

The causes are varied, some of it is genetic predisposition, some can be medications that have been taken, some is wear & tear/diet related. Part of mine is still having a baby tooth that is not holding on well and issues from lack of care when I went through bad times of depression.

I had the prescription toothpaste, though I was told just to put dots on particular areas of concern after I had brushed with regular toothpaste at night before I went to bed so it could sit there all night.

I didn't get on with sensodyne, I found just Colgate Total works really well for me, I think I found it on a list I googled up of toothpastes that people find helpful. It can be trial and error to find a toothpaste that works for you. The rest of my family uses toothpaste tablets, but if I use those for a few days my sensitivity comes back so I just keep on with Colgate Total.