Teeth hurt?

[RED]

Had MVP and AVR one week ago and today noticed that my teeth hurt whenever I put something in my mouth that isn't room temp. I've been to the dentist all my life so this isn't a hygiene issue. My teeth are good. I ate ice chips in the hospital by the bucket load. Today, I sipped some diluted ice water and about went through the roof. Forgot my chest pain for a moment. Coffee has same effect. Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue. Thanks.

 

[Ross]

8.5 years I've been around here and I think this is a first. It may be a temporary nerve thing, but I'd sure say something to the Surgeon about it.

 

[geebee]

Do all your teeth hurt or just some? Are they all on one side?

 

[Bina]

Yes, I had the very same thing.
Post op my teeth were super sensitive for a long time and my dentist checked them over very carefully to be sure nothing was physically wrong. The dentist suggested switching to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth such as SensoDyne.
P.S. Welcome to the zoo.

 

[tobagotwo]

My dentist put me on Colgate Prevident 5000, which is a fluoride fixer. It helped a lot. He also said there was nothing wrong with the teeth or gums themselves (and I also had buckets of ice post-op, with no issues).

Hope things work out for you. Toothaches can be very painful to deal with.

Best wishes,

 

[RED]

Thanks for the inputs. Still sore today, not as bad as first day.

 

[KristyW]

Red...

I think it sounds like root surface sensitivity exacerbated by being on the ventilator. Most of us breathe through our noses, but those who breathe through their mouth have issues with sensitivity. The reason being, the air coming across our teeth and gums dries everything out, and the natural "barrier", saliva, isn't allowed to stay on our teeth and protect them. During intubated surgery, you are forced into a mouth breathing state, and consequently your teeth and gums suffer temporarily.

The suggestion of a desensitizing toothpaste is a good one. The instructions on those say you should not use it more than 2 weeks unless your dentist agrees. This is so the toothpaste doesn't mask anything more serious. Try the toothpaste temporarily. Stop using it after 2 weeks and see if everything is ok.

If you're really concerned, call your dentist or hygienist and ask them. You don't want any dental work right now...your heart is just too susceptible to any germs.

I'm not a dentist or a hygienist, but I've been working for a dentist for 7 years and I listen a lot!

Again talk to your dentist, he'll/she'll be able to tell you more.