QUESTION: Duraphat 2800
“I have a problem with sensitive teeth since getting my teeth whitened over 5 years ago. The dentist that carried out the treatment prescribed me Duraphat 2800. I have moved to a new area and my new dentist will not prescribe it for me saying that this toothpaste is not a suitable treatment for sensitive teeth and that new guidelines around the prescribing of this toothpaste prohibits him from prescribing it for me. He would not tell me what ‘suitable’ conditions might me to warrant this prescription. I have tried Sensodyne Rapid Relief and another GC tooth mousse as advised but my teeth are killing me. How can I get my dentist to give me this toothpaste?”
Duraphat toothpaste is a high fluoride content toothpaste aimed at the prevention and reversal of early decay. The guidelines I presume your dentist is referring to are:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_102982.pdf
-where it is indicated for high caries (decay) risk patients. If you find it successful in reducing your sensitivity then I would have no problem in prescribing it to you, however.
You could either discuss it with your dentist, stating the recommended toothpastes haven’t worked, or find another dentist.