What causes tooth sensitivity in a 65-year-old woman?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mother, aged 65, began experiencing sensitivity and pain in her teeth about a week ago, particularly exacerbated by hot food items such as tea. She visited a dentist five days ago and was prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. While the pain has significantly reduced, she still experiences some sensitivity issues along with weakness and sleepiness. We suspect these symptoms might be side effects of the medications.

Here are her current medications:

Eltroxin 50 mcg.
Olmezest 40 mg.
Socril capsule (alternate days).
Neurokind fast (once every two weeks).
Cipcal 500.
Collaflex Pro Plus (two months of medication followed by one month off).
Providac capsule (twice a week).
Cilacar 10 mg.
Fibator LS.
Lumia 60k (once a month).

I have attached the dentist's prescription and her latest blood reports from three months back for your review. Could you please advise on whether the weakness could be a side effect of the medications, and what our next steps should be?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

I have reviewed both your blood reports and the dentist's prescription (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Your mother's health appears to be generally okay. From a dental perspective, it seems that your mother has a cavitation in her upper right tooth that needs filling. Additionally, sensitivity may be heightened at her age due to gum recession. I suggest undergoing full mouth scaling to address this issue.

For managing sensitivity, you can use a mouthwash containing potassium nitrate. Regularly using Chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse twice a day can help prevent gum recession or gingivitis. At night, you can apply Rexidin M Forte gel (Chlorhexidine, Metronidazole, and Lidocaine) to the sensitive area of the tooth or gum for 15 nights. Kindly prioritize getting the filling done as soon as possible.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Is your mother allergic to any tablets? I am asking this because I will give an alternative prescription for her that can boost her immunity and oral health, and help in healing this extraction site without much fatigue. Because it is a chronic condition, Taxim O (Cefixime 200 mg) might be making her weak or more prone to sleepiness.

I will give the alternative antibiotic to Taxim. Please tell me if she have any allergies. So I will advise accordingly.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.