Dental Concerns
Sensitive Teeth
That jolt when you bite into ice cream or sip hot coffee isn’t something you have to live with. At Holdsworth House Dental in Darlinghurst, we work out what’s actually causing your sensitive teeth and treat that, so the relief lasts.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitive teeth (dentin hypersensitivity) happen when the protective enamel on your teeth wears thin, or your gums recede, exposing the softer dentin underneath — and the tiny nerve channels within it — to hot, cold, sweet and acidic triggers. The most common causes are enamel worn away by acidic food and drink or over-vigorous brushing, gum recession that exposes the sensitive root, tooth decay, a cracked or chipped tooth, and worn or leaking fillings. Teeth grinding is another frequent culprit, and sensitivity can also flare temporarily after whitening or a recent dental procedure. The causes are different enough from one another that guessing rarely works. Finding the right one is most of the job.
Why sensitive teeth are worth taking seriously
Sensitivity is usually your teeth flagging a problem early, and that’s worth paying attention to. While some cases are simply worn enamel, that same twinge can be the first sign of tooth decay, a cracked tooth or a failing filling — problems that only get larger and more expensive the longer they're left. Beyond the health risk, constant sensitivity quietly shapes your life: avoiding cold drinks, chewing on one side, wincing through your morning coffee. Treating the cause early protects the tooth, prevents bigger restorative work later, and lets you eat and drink freely again.
How we treat sensitive teeth
What we do depends on what we find, so we start by working out the cause rather than reaching for the same fix every time. Mild sensitivity from thinning enamel often responds to simple measures: a desensitising toothpaste, a soft-bristled brush with gentler technique, easing off acidic foods, and in-practice fluoride application to strengthen the enamel. Where there's an underlying problem, we treat it directly — a filling or bonding to seal exposed dentin and repair decay, treatment for worn teeth, a night guard if grinding is the cause, gum care for recession, or root canal therapy in rare cases where the nerve is affected.
Here’s how it usually goes:
- Consultation and diagnosis — we examine your teeth and gums to find the true cause of the sensitivity.
- Targeted treatment — matched to that cause, explained in plain language with costs upfront.
- Prevention plan — practical advice and products to keep sensitivity from returning.
Why choose Holdsworth House Dental
Sensitivity is one of those problems where the diagnosis matters more than the treatment. Led by principal dentist Dr David Lee, our team combines digital diagnostics with genuinely unhurried, non-corporate care — we take the time to find why your teeth are sensitive rather than simply masking the symptom. As a boutique dentist in Darlinghurst, we treat the cause, protect the tooth, and give you a plan to prevent the sensitivity from returning. That slower, diagnosis-first way of working is the whole point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitivity occurs when worn enamel or receding gums expose the dentin beneath, allowing hot, cold, and sweet triggers to reach the nerve. Common causes include acidic diets, hard brushing, decay, cracked teeth, worn fillings and grinding.
How can I get relief from sensitive teeth?
Start with a desensitising toothpaste, a soft toothbrush, and a gentler brushing technique, and cut back on acidic foods. If the sensitivity persists, see a dentist — lasting relief comes from treating the underlying cause.
Should I see a dentist for sensitive teeth, or is it normal?
Occasional mild sensitivity is common, but ongoing or sharp sensitivity is worth checking. It can be an early sign of decay, a cracked tooth or a failing filling that's easier to fix when caught early.
Can sensitive teeth be a sign of something serious?
Yes. While often just worn enamel, sensitivity can signal tooth decay, a cracked tooth, gum disease or a damaged filling — which is why a proper diagnosis matters rather than only using sensitivity toothpaste.
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
It can, but it's usually temporary and settles within a few days. Professionally supervised whitening and desensitising products keep it to a minimum.
What toothpaste is best for sensitive teeth?
A fluoride desensitising toothpaste used consistently is the best first step, as it helps block the nerve signals over a couple of weeks. Your dentist can recommend one suited to your specific cause.
Will sensitive teeth go away on their own?
Mild sensitivity from a one-off trigger can settle, but ongoing sensitivity rarely resolves by itself because the underlying cause remains. Treating that cause is what stops it for good.
Book your appointment in Darlinghurst
You shouldn’t have to plan your meals around what your teeth will put up with. The sooner we find the cause, the simpler the fix tends to be.
Book your consultation online or call 02 9331 7811 — Level 3/26 College Street, Darlinghurst. All health funds welcome with on-the-spot HICAPS claiming.
