my dentist was recommending a root canal for a tooth i recently had a relatively large filling in because i was having some pain due to sensitivity.

i was pretty wary about it, i didn't think the pain was bad enough to warrant a root canal even though it's been ongoing for a couple months now... something just felt a little bit off with that recommendation, especially because it has happened before and went away eventually.

then today, something just popped into my head. i've been using a different kind of toothpaste: prescribed high fluoride toothpaste to strengthen my teeth, for a while now.

paying more attention, i realized that ALL of my teeth were sensitive, not just the one that had the filling (although that was the most sensitive so it was taking center stage).

the toothpaste i was using beforehand was specifically meant for sensitive teeth, because my teeth have always been pretty sensitive. i just didn't realize that because i've used that toothpaste for years.

apparently the prescribed toothpaste also has an ingredient in it that some people are allergic to (namely people with autoimmune disorders, hello there!) and makes their teeth even more sensitive, so while it is strengthening them it is also causing some pain.

fuckin' crazy, man. i've never been a fan of how many "professionals" immediately jump to the most destructive thing possible. they want results and they want them fast, not to actually get the patient what they need on an individual level.

all of the students at the dentist school i visit to get work done are always pretty good at recommending things that aren't going to be particularly damaging. it's just the dude with the medical degree who has been in the field for 30+ years saying it should happen and since the students are under them, they're inclined to agree.

anyway, i have another appointment on wednesday so i'm going to bring it up and see what they say. if anything, the prescription toothpaste is definitely not meant to be used for sensitive teeth, so i'll be curious to see if they have any idea if there's one that is actually meant for that.