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I recently had a c-section/partial hysterectomy that went bad! After 14 pints of blood, tons of meds, antibiotics, and pain killers, my teeth are extremely sensitive. My dentist had recommended brushing with Fluoride. They are still sensitive,.I am now on a multi vitamin with iron. I was on Flagil, Diflucan, Vicodin. Is their any relief for me anywhere. I can't even bite into a sandwich. Thanks! What is the cause of this?

Thank you for seeking our advice regarding your oral health. Your recent health history certainly does suggest that your teeth sensitivity may be related to either your medications or your recent surgeries. There are several possible causes of the sensitivity you feel and I will touch on a few of them here. With the loss of blood and recovery you faced, it is possible that you have been in a state of compromised immunity for some time. This may influence the inner pulp of your teeth by creating generalized inflammation. When the pulps of teeth become inflamed, the increased pressure may result in increased sensitivity! It is also possible that the sensitivity is due to the gums around your teeth. This is also a very common inflammation problem (due to plaque and calculus on your teeth), and is even more likely during hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy. The medications you are taking may also affect the oral flora of your mouth, and thereby create generalized inflammation of your gums. One other possibility is that you developed Pregnancy Gingivitis. This is a very common occurrence which makes your gums 'puffy' at times during pregnancy. Later, when the gums improve, you may find that newly exposed roots of your teeth are now sensitive due to recession. Though I do not have one solid answer for you, you may consider trying to have your dentist place desensitizing agents on your teeth. These act as invisible coatings to insulate them. A thorough cleaning may also diminish sensitivity if it is due to swollen gums. If the pulps of your teeth are inflamed, anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen are often helpful until the inflammation settles down. Also, vitamin C is helpful in improving the health of your gums, so check to make sure that your multi-vitamin provides this. If you have not done so, I highly recommend a comprehensive exam and x-rays from your dentist, especially to rule out the more obvious causes such as cavities. I wish you the best of luck. Please let us know how things work out!