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.
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 tooth sensitivity.