What Causes Tooth Sensitivity and How to Treat It? | Causes & Solutions

😖 Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat or Drink?

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, sudden pain after drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic, you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity. This common dental issue affects millions and can make daily life uncomfortable.

But what exactly causes sensitive teeth, and how can you treat it?

🦷 Top Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

1. Enamel Erosion

Your teeth are protected by enamel—the hardest substance in your body. When enamel wears down from acidic foods, aggressive brushing, or grinding, the underlying dentin is exposed. This dentin has tiny tubules leading to nerve endings, causing pain when triggered.

2. Gum Recession

When gums pull back from the teeth (often due to gum disease or brushing too hard), the tooth roots become exposed. Unlike enamel, tooth roots are not protected and can cause sensitivity.

3. Tooth Decay or Cavities

Cavities expose dentin or even the tooth pulp, causing sensitivity and pain. Untreated decay can lead to more serious infections.

4. Cracked or Damaged Teeth

Cracks in teeth from injury or biting hard objects allow stimuli to reach nerves inside the tooth, triggering pain.

5. Recent Dental Treatments

Sometimes, treatments like teeth whitening, fillings, or cleanings cause temporary sensitivity as the teeth adjust.

✅ How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity

🪥 1. Use Desensitizing Toothpaste

Special toothpaste blocks pain signals from the tooth surface to the nerve. Use it consistently—results usually appear within weeks.

🛡️ 2. Modify Brushing Habits

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing. Try gentle circular motions and don’t brush immediately after acidic foods.

🦷 3. Visit Your Dentist for Professional Care

Your dentist can:

• Apply fluoride varnishes to strengthen enamel

• Use bonding agents or sealants to cover exposed roots or cracks

• Recommend treatments like dental crowns or root canals if needed

🍋 4. Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

Limit citrus, soda, wine, and other acidic foods that erode enamel. Drink through a straw to reduce contact with teeth.

💧 5. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular check-ups keep your gums healthy and prevent problems that cause sensitivity.

🔍 When Should You See a Dentist?

If sensitivity:

• Persists longer than 2 weeks

• Is severe or worsening

• Is accompanied by swelling, bleeding, or pain at rest

It could signal underlying dental problems needing professional treatment.

👩‍⚕️ Our Advice from Pain Free Dentist Sydney

Tooth sensitivity is common but manageable. Early attention can prevent discomfort and protect your smile for the long term.

📞 Book a Consultation Today

If you’re struggling with tooth sensitivity, contact Pain Free Dentist Sydney for a tailored treatment plan.

📍 G1a, 570 New Canterbury Road, Hurlstone Park NSW
📞 (02) 9558 8988
📧 info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush? | Causes & How to Fix It

Noticing Blood When You Brush? Here’s What It Means

If you’ve ever looked in the sink after brushing and noticed pink foam or blood, you're not alone. Bleeding gums are a common dental concern and usually a sign that something isn’t quite right with your oral health.

While a little bleeding might seem minor, it can be an early warning sign of gum disease, which, if left untreated, may lead to tooth loss and other health complications.

🧠 Top 5 Reasons Your Gums Bleed When You Brush

1. Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease)

The most common cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis—inflammation of the gums due to plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms around your teeth and gums. If not removed with proper brushing and flossing, it irritates the gum tissue and causes bleeding.

2. Brushing Too Hard

Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing with too much force can damage gum tissue. This doesn’t clean your teeth better—it actually causes trauma and bleeding.

3. Flossing Inconsistently

If you've recently started flossing again after a long break, your gums might bleed for a few days. This is normal as your gums adjust, but regular, gentle flossing helps reduce bleeding over time.

4. Vitamin Deficiencies

Lack of vitamins like Vitamin C or Vitamin K can cause gum problems. A balanced diet supports healthy gum tissue and your body’s ability to repair inflammation.

5. Hormonal Changes or Medical Conditions

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or certain medical conditions like diabetes can make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding.

✅ What You Can Do to Stop Bleeding Gums

🪥 1. Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Use gentle, circular motions

• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth

• Consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce inflammation

🩺 2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Bleeding gums are often reversible—but only if caught early. Schedule a check-up and professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that you can’t reach with home care.

🥗 3. Support Your Gums with Good Nutrition

Eat a diet rich in:

• Leafy greens (Vitamin K)

• Citrus fruits (Vitamin C)

• Dairy (Calcium)

• Lean proteins (for tissue repair)

🧘 4. Manage Stress & Medical Conditions

Stress affects your immune system, making it harder to fight off bacteria. Managing conditions like diabetes and quitting smoking also helps reduce gum inflammation.

🔍 When Should You Be Concerned?

If your gums:

• Bleed daily

• Are red, swollen, or tender

• Recede or pull away from the teeth

• Cause bad breath or loose teeth

These may be signs of periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. Don’t wait—early treatment is key.

👩‍⚕️ Final Thoughts from Our Dental Team

Bleeding gums are your mouth’s way of telling you it needs help. With the right oral hygiene routine and professional care, bleeding gums are treatable—and even reversible.

📞 Need Help With Bleeding Gums in Sydney?

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we offer gentle, thorough gum care to prevent and treat bleeding gums. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier smile.

📍 G1a, 570 New Canterbury Road, Hurlstone Park NSW
📞 (02) 9558 8988
📧 info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au

Dental Cavities: What Causes Them and How to Prevent Tooth Decay

What Are Dental Cavities?

Dental cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are permanently damaged areas on the surface of your teeth that develop into tiny holes or pits. Left untreated, cavities can grow deeper, leading to pain, infection, or even tooth loss.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode the enamel (the hard outer layer of your teeth). Here’s a breakdown of how it happens:

1. Plaque buildup: Bacteria from food and drinks mix with saliva to form a sticky film called plaque.

2. Sugar intake: Sugars and starches feed the bacteria, producing acid.

3. Enamel breakdown: Acid attacks the enamel, eventually creating holes or soft spots in the tooth.

4. Decay spreads: If not treated early, the decay moves deeper into the dentin and pulp.

Risk Factors for Developing Cavities

You're more likely to develop cavities if you:

• Eat a lot of sugary or acidic foods and drinks

• Don’t brush and floss regularly

• Have a dry mouth (low saliva production)

• Don’t visit the dentist for routine checkups

• Have deep grooves or pits in your teeth

• Are a child, teen, or older adult

Early Signs of a Cavity

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods

• Visible holes or dark spots on your teeth

• Toothache or sharp pain when biting down

• Bad breath or unpleasant taste

• White or chalky areas on your teeth (early enamel erosion)

How to Prevent Cavities

Good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits are the best way to prevent cavities:

✅ Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
✅ Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
✅ Limit sugary snacks and drinks
✅ Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash
✅ See your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
✅ Ask about fissure sealants or fluoride treatments if you're at high risk

Cavity Treatment Options

• Fluoride treatment: Can reverse early decay

• Dental fillings: Restore teeth after decay is removed

• Crowns: For large or deeply damaged teeth

• Root canal: If the decay reaches the tooth’s nerve

• Tooth extraction: Only if the damage is too severe

Don’t Wait for Pain—Cavities Can Be Silent

You may not feel a cavity forming. That’s why early detection is key. Regular dental visits help catch decay early before it becomes painful or expensive to fix.

Schedule Your Dental Checkup Today

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we’re committed to protecting your smile. From cavity prevention to gentle fillings, we offer personalized care in a calm and friendly setting.

📞 Call us at (02) 9558 8988
📍 Visit our clinic in 570 New Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park, NSW, 2193
🌐 Book online at https://painfreedentistsydney.com.au/