Dental Conditions
Sensitive teeth
Sensitivity occurs when the protective layers of a tooth are compromised, exposing the dentine beneath and the microscopic tubules that connect it to the nerve.
What causes it
Worn or Eroded Enamel
Erosion from acidic foods and drinks, or from aggressive brushing, thins the enamel and exposes the sensitive dentine layer underneath.
Exposed Root Surfaces
Gum recession — from periodontal disease or over-vigorous brushing — uncovers root surfaces, which have no enamel protecting them at all.
Cavities & Decay
Decay reaching the dentine creates sensitivity directly, and if left will progress to involve the nerve.
Cracks & Failing Restorations
A crack or a leaking filling allows temperature and pressure changes straight through to the sensitive layers.
How we treat it
Desensitising Toothpaste
For minor cases, and genuinely effective when used consistently over several weeks rather than occasionally.
Fluoride Applications
Professional-strength fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity, applied in-office or prescribed for home use.
Dental Fillings
Where decay or a defect is the cause, sealing it resolves the sensitivity directly.
Gum Grafting
Where recession has exposed root surfaces, grafting restores coverage and is designed to give long-lasting root protection.
Bonding or Veneers
Covering exposed or eroded surfaces where the damage is more extensive.
When sensitivity is telling you something
Generalised sensitivity across many teeth usually points to erosion, technique, or recession — a pattern problem rather than a single tooth problem.
Sensitivity in one specific tooth, particularly if it lingers after the stimulus is removed, is different. That often indicates the nerve is inflamed, and it warrants prompt assessment rather than a change of toothpaste.
Concerned about your symptoms?
Book an assessment and we will find the actual cause rather than masking it. Call (905) 479-7777.