Sensitive teeth can turn everyday things like eating, drinking, and brushing into an uncomfortable experience. At Eastern Dental Group in Wantirna South, we identify what's actually causing the sensitivity before recommending treatment, rather than just masking the symptom.
Call (03) 9887 0822Sensitivity happens when the inner layer of the tooth, the dentine, becomes exposed, letting temperature, pressure, and acidic stimuli reach the nerve more easily.
Enamel erosion from acidic foods and drinks
Tooth decay
Gum recession exposing the root surface
Aggressive brushing that wears away enamel
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Cracked teeth
Worn or leaking fillings
Treatment depends entirely on what's causing your sensitivity, which is why identifying the cause comes first.
Special compounds applied to help block the pathways through dentine to the nerve.
Strengthens enamel to help make teeth more resistant to sensitivity.
A protective barrier applied over exposed or vulnerable surfaces.
Treating the underlying cavity, worn filling, or crack that's causing the sensitivity.
Where gum recession is the cause, a gum graft may be an option worth discussing.
Sensitivity occurs when the inner layer of the tooth, the dentine, becomes exposed, letting temperature, pressure, and acidic stimuli reach the nerve more easily. This can happen through enamel erosion, decay, gum recession, aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, cracked teeth, or worn or leaking fillings. Identifying the cause is the first step before treatment.
A sudden onset of sensitivity often signals an underlying issue, a new cavity, a cracked tooth, a loose filling or crown, gum recession, or the start of gum disease. Recent dental work like whitening or a filling can also cause temporary sensitivity while the tooth settles. Sudden sensitivity rarely resolves on its own and is worth having assessed.
Occasional mild sensitivity to very hot or cold foods is fairly common. Sensitivity that's sharp, frequent, triggered by multiple things, or lingers after the trigger is removed usually indicates an underlying cause that's worth having assessed rather than something to simply live with.
It can provide meaningful relief for mild to moderate sensitivity, particularly with regular use over several weeks, by blocking the pathways through dentine or calming the nerve response. It's a symptom management tool though, not a fix for the underlying cause. If sensitivity is moderate to severe, persistent, or worsening, it's worth having it properly assessed.
Yes, it's one of the more common side effects of teeth whitening, both professional and over-the-counter. Whitening agents can temporarily increase dentine permeability, making teeth more responsive to temperature. This is usually mild and settles within a day or two. Let your dentist know if you're prone to sensitivity before undergoing whitening.
Yes, it's one of the more common causes, particularly sensitivity along the gumline rather than the biting surface. When gums recede, the root surface becomes exposed, and unlike the crown of the tooth, roots aren't covered by protective enamel, leaving the dentine more directly exposed. Recession can come from gum disease, aggressive brushing, grinding, or natural ageing.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle circular motions rather than scrubbing, using fluoride toothpaste, limiting acidic foods and drinks, avoiding brushing immediately after acidic food, wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth, and attending regular six-monthly check-ups to catch early wear, decay, or recession all help.
Book online, or call us directly on (03) 9887 0822.
Call our friendly team or book online, we'd love to help you find a time that works.
