Unbiased oral health information

Procedures

Desensitizing medications

Talk to your dentist about...

Only a dentist can diagnose or recommend treatment for your specific needs. Web-based research by a patient is no substitute for the extensive training and clinical experience of a dentist—but it can empower you to ask intelligent questions that can result in the best treatment for your unique needs. This page lists some things to keep in mind and offers some suggested questions you can ask your dentist about this topic.

  • If your sensitivity is due to use of tooth whitening products, ask your dentist how you might modify their use without discontinuing them altogether.
  • Tell your dentist if you have recently switched toothpastes. Some of the newer multi-care and tartar control toothpastes contain ingredients which can remove minerals from exposed root surfaces, making them sensitive (which is how they keep tartar from building up on your teeth).
  • If application of desensitizing medication to your teeth provides temporary relief, but the sensitivity returns, you may be experiencing active gingival recession (gums are actively receding), or another serious dental problem. Active gingival recession is generally a sign of a larger problem, like periodontitis, bruxism, or malocclusion.
    Learn more: Diagnoses › Bruxism
    Learn more: Diagnoses › Malocclusion
    Learn more: Diagnoses › Periodontitis