If you wince when eating ice cream or grimace at the first sip of a hot coffee, you are not alone. Tooth sensitivity affects millions of Australians, and at Penrith Dental Care, it is one of the most common concerns we address. Understanding what causes sensitivity is the first step to finding lasting relief.
If sensitivity is caused by decay or a worn filling, tooth-coloured fillings may help.
How Tooth Sensitivity Works
Under the hard outer enamel of your teeth lies a porous layer called dentine, which contains tiny fluid-filled tubes (dentinal tubules) that connect to the nerve of the tooth. When dentine is exposed — whether through enamel loss, gum recession, or decay — stimuli like temperature, pressure, and sweetness travel through these tubules and trigger a pain response from the nerve. This is what you experience as sensitivity.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
- Enamel erosion: Acid from food, drinks (especially soft drinks, fruit juice, and vinegar-based foods), or acid reflux wears away enamel over time.
- Gum recession: Receding gums expose the softer dentine and root surface below the gum line — far more sensitive than enamel-covered surfaces.
- Tooth grinding (bruxism): Habitual grinding wears enamel away, particularly on the chewing surfaces.
- Cracked teeth: A crack in a tooth can expose dentine and create sharp, localised sensitivity.
- Cavities: Decay eats through enamel and into dentine, causing sensitivity that progresses to pain if untreated.
- Recent dental treatment: Temporary sensitivity after fillings, whitening, or crown preparation is normal and usually resolves within a few weeks.
- Brushing too hard: Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristle brush abrades enamel and accelerates gum recession.
What You Can Do About Tooth Sensitivity
If you experience tooth sensitivity, the most important first step is to see a dentist for an assessment. Sensitivity is a symptom, not a diagnosis — it can be caused by many different underlying conditions, some of which require prompt treatment. Home remedies like sensitivity toothpaste can provide temporary relief but will not address an underlying cavity, cracked tooth, or significant enamel loss.
At Penrith Dental Care, we identify the specific cause of your sensitivity and recommend appropriate treatment — whether that is a protective fluoride application, composite bonding to cover exposed root surfaces, a custom night guard for bruxism, or treatment of underlying decay. We also provide dietary and lifestyle advice to prevent sensitivity from worsening.
When to See Your Dentist Urgently
See your dentist promptly if sensitivity is severe, constant, or has developed suddenly. Sudden sharp sensitivity — particularly if it lingers after the stimulus is removed — can indicate a cracked tooth or decay that has reached the nerve. This requires urgent assessment and treatment.
Book Your Sensitivity Assessment at Penrith Dental Care
Don’t put up with sensitive teeth. Call Penrith Dental Care on (02) 4733 1197 or book online for a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan. For more information visit Healthdirect Australia on dental care and teeth cleaning.
Tooth sensitivity FAQs
Can tooth sensitivity go away on its own?
Mild tooth sensitivity sometimes settles, for example after whitening. Ongoing sensitivity should be checked, as it can be a sign of decay, a cracked tooth or gum recession.
Does sensitive toothpaste help with tooth sensitivity?
Toothpaste with desensitising agents can reduce tooth sensitivity for many people when used every day for a few weeks. Spit, do not rinse, after brushing.
When should I see a dentist about tooth sensitivity?
Book a check-up if tooth sensitivity lasts more than a few weeks, is getting worse, or comes with pain that lingers after hot or cold food.
Can grinding my teeth cause sensitivity?
Yes. Grinding or clenching can wear away enamel and expose the softer layer underneath, which can make teeth more sensitive. A night guard may help protect your teeth if you grind while you sleep.
Your dentist may also recommend fluoride treatment to help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Related reading
- Teeth whitening and sensitive teeth
- Why do my teeth hurt when I am sick?
- Toothache pain relief: what helps until you see a dentist
- What Counts as a Dental Emergency? Your Complete Guide
- Jaw Pain: Causes, Self-Care and Who to See
- Dry Mouth: Causes, Remedies and How It Affects Your Teeth
- Do Receding Gums Grow Back?
Looking for more dental health tips? Browse all articles on the Penrith Dental Care blog, or meet the Penrith Dental Care team. Have a question? See our dental FAQ.