Tooth sensitivity affects millions—causing sharp pain when eating ice cream, drinking hot coffee, or brushing teeth—yet many Glen Iris patients suffer unnecessarily without understanding the cause or available treatments. At Tooronga Family Dentistry, Dr. Kaufman treats sensitive teeth daily, knowing that tooth sensitivity starts when the softer part of your tooth that lies under the tooth enamel, called “dentin,” becomes exposed. Understanding why dentin exposure causes pain (microscopic tubules filled with fluid—movement triggering nerve), how dentin becomes exposed (cavities, gum recession, enamel erosion), and effective treatments (Tooth Mousse mineral deposition, desensitizing toothpaste nerve blocking)—plus knowing that if sensitivity persists it is important to come and see us since it may indicate that there is a cavity in the tooth—empowers Glen Iris patients to find lasting relief from sensitive teeth.

Quick Facts: Tooth Sensitivity Statistics

Sensitive teeth prevalence and impact:

• 📊 40% of adults experience tooth sensitivity (extremely common—1 in 2.5 people)
• 📊 Peak age: 20-40 years (though can affect any age)
• 📊 Women slightly more affected than men (hormonal, recession factors)
• 📊 57% avoid ice cream due to sensitivity (quality of life impact—dietary restrictions)
• 📊 42% experience pain when breathing cold air (outdoor activities affected)
• 📊 Most common location: Canines, premolars (thinner enamel at gum line)
• 📊 90%+ improvement with proper treatment (desensitizing products, addressing cause)

The reality: Tooth sensitivity is common, painful, but highly treatable—no need to suffer.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

The Dentin Exposure Problem

Tooth sensitivity starts when the softer part of your tooth that lies under the tooth enamel, called “dentin,” becomes exposed:

Normal tooth anatomy (no sensitivity):

✓ Enamel (hard outer layer—covering crown, protecting dentin) ✓ Dentin (softer layer—beneath enamel on crown, beneath cementum on root) ✓ Cementum (thin mineral layer—covering root dentin, below gum line) ✓ Pulp (innermost—nerve, blood vessels)

Protected state:

• Crown: Enamel covering dentin (thick, non-sensitive—no tubules exposed)
• Root: Cementum + gums covering dentin (protected below gum line)
• No sensitivity: Dentin not exposed to oral environment

Sensitive tooth anatomy (dentin exposed):

⚠ Enamel worn/missing (on crown—exposing dentin) ⚠ Cementum worn away (on root—exposing dentin) ⚠ Gums receded (root surface visible—cementum vulnerable) ⚠ Dentin exposed: To hot, cold, sweet, touch (triggering pain)

The Science: How Exposed Dentin Causes Pain

The Fluid Movement Mechanism

The dentin has tiny tubes that are filled with fluid, any changes in the flow of the fluid are felt as pain:

Dentin tubule structure:

✓ Microscopic tubules (dentinal tubules—running from outer dentin surface to pulp) ✓ Diameter: 1-5 micrometers (tiny—but numerous, 15,000-45,000 per mm²) ✓ Filled with fluid (dentinal fluid—continuous with pulp fluid) ✓ Odontoblast processes (nerve cell extensions—inside tubules, connecting to pulp nerve)

The hydrodynamic theory (pain mechanism):

Normal (no sensitivity):

• Tubules covered by enamel or cementum (fluid static—no movement)
• No stimulation of nerve endings (no pain)

Exposed dentin (sensitivity):

1. Stimulus applied (hot, cold, sweet, touch—to exposed dentin)
2. Fluid movement:
   • Cold/touch: Fluid contracts, moves inward (toward pulp—creating negative pressure)
   • Heat: Fluid expands, moves outward (away from pulp—creating positive pressure)
   • Sweet/acidic: Osmotic gradient (drawing fluid outward)
3. Odontoblast processes distorted (by fluid movement—mechanical deformation)
4. Nerve stimulation (A-delta nerve fibers in pulp—transmitting signal)
5. Pain perceived (sharp, brief—”zinging” sensation)

Eating or drinking foods and drinks that are hot, cold or sweet can cause this fluid to move:

Common sensitivity triggers:

❄️ Cold: Ice cream, ice water, cold air (fluid contracting—sharp pain) 🔥 Hot: Coffee, tea, soup (fluid expanding—pain) 🍬 Sweet: Candy, soda, desserts (osmotic effect—drawing fluid out) 🍋 Acidic: Citrus, vinegar, wine (demineralizing, osmotic—pain) 🪥 Touch: Toothbrush bristles (mechanical pressure—fluid movement)

The pain characteristics:

• Sharp, sudden (brief duration—seconds)
• Well-localized (patient can identify exact tooth)
• Ceases when stimulus removed (unlike pulpitis—lingering pain)
• Reproducible (same stimulus = same pain—consistent)

The 2 Ways Dentin Becomes Exposed

Exposure Pathway 1: Cavities

The exposure of the dentin to the oral environment can happen when a cavity is formed in the tooth:

Cavity progression to sensitivity:

1. Enamel decay begins (bacterial acid—demineralizing surface)
2. Enamel breached (cavity penetrating—reaching dentin)
3. Dentin exposed to oral environment (bacteria, food, temperature)
4. Tubules open (communication to pulp—sensitivity developing)
5. Progressive sensitivity (as cavity deepens—worsening pain)

Why cavity-related sensitivity worsens:

⚠ Cavity deepening (approaching pulp—more nerve stimulation) ⚠ Food packing (in cavity—pressure, bacterial byproducts) ⚠ Bacterial irritation (toxins entering tubules—inflammation) ⚠ Eventually: Pulpitis (if untreated—constant throbbing pain, requiring root canal)

Cavity-related sensitivity characteristics:

• Localized to one tooth (specific cavity site)
• Worsens over time (progressive decay)
• Food impaction (sensitivity when chewing on area)
• Visible hole (may see dark spot, hole—if accessible)
• Sweet sensitivity prominent (sugar contacting exposed dentin)

Treatment required:

✅ Filling (removing decay, restoring tooth—eliminating exposure) ✅ Crown (if large cavity—protecting remaining tooth) ✅ Root canal (if pulp involved—advanced decay)

Critical: Cavity-related sensitivity requires professional treatment—desensitizing products insufficient, Dr. Kaufman must restore tooth.

Exposure Pathway 2: Gum Recession and Cementum Loss

Or when the thin layer of mineral called “cementum” covering the dentin is worn down:

Root anatomy and vulnerability:

✓ Cementum: Thin calcified layer (covering root dentin—analogous to enamel, but much thinner) ✓ Thickness: 50-200 micrometers (vs. enamel 2,000 micrometers—extremely thin, vulnerable) ✓ Function: Attaching periodontal ligament, protecting root dentin

The cementum covers the root portion of the teeth:

Normal state:

• Cementum present (covering root dentin—thin protective layer)
• Gums covering cementum (1-3mm above bone—protecting from oral environment)
• Root hidden (below gum line—protected)

If the gums recede the cementum is exposed:

Gum recession causes:

⚠ Aggressive brushing (excessive force, horizontal scrubbing—traumatizing gums, wearing cementum) ⚠ Gum disease (periodontitis—bone loss, gums following bone downward) ⚠ Aging (natural recession—some loss over decades) ⚠ Genetics (thin gingival biotype—predisposed to recession) ⚠ Orthodontics (moving teeth—can cause recession on thin bone) ⚠ Tobacco use (vasoconstriction—reducing gum blood flow, recession) ⚠ Trauma (toothpick, floss misuse—mechanical injury)

And can wear away either by acids from our diet or from vigorous brushing:

Cementum loss mechanisms:

1. Acid erosion (dietary):

⚠ Acidic foods/drinks (soda, citrus, wine, vinegar—dissolving cementum) ⚠ Acid reflux (GERD—stomach acid bathing teeth, eroding cementum) ⚠ Bulimia (vomiting—severe acid exposure, rapid erosion)

Erosion pattern: Smooth, shallow concavity (root surface)

2. Abrasion (mechanical wear):

⚠ Vigorous brushing (hard bristles, excessive pressure—scrubbing away cementum) ⚠ Horizontal scrubbing (back-and-forth motion—abrading gum line area) ⚠ Abrasive toothpaste (whitening, baking soda—aggressive on soft cementum)

Abrasion pattern: V-shaped notch (at gum line—wedge-shaped defect, “abfraction”)

3. Combination (erosion + abrasion):

⚠ Synergistic damage (acid softening cementum—brushing abrading softened tissue, accelerating loss)

Result of cementum loss:

⚠ Exposed root dentin (tubules open to oral environment—sensitivity) ⚠ Yellow appearance (dentin darker than enamel—aesthetic concern) ⚠ Notching (visible defect at gum line—often on canines, premolars)

Natural Repair: Saliva’s Remineralizing Power

When Saliva Can Heal Exposed Dentin

The saliva can recover the damages caused by the acids or the brushing if it is plentiful in calcium and phosphate:

Saliva’s protective mechanisms:

✓ Buffering (neutralizing acid—raising pH from 5.5 to 7.0) ✓ Remineralization (calcium and phosphate ions—depositing into dentin) ✓ Protein pellicle (salivary proteins—coating tubules, partially blocking) ✓ Antimicrobial (reducing bacteria—less acid production)

How saliva repairs dentin:

1. Acid attack (dietary acid, bacterial acid—demineralizing surface dentin)
2. Saliva buffers (neutralizing acid—stopping demineralization)
3. Calcium/phosphate supersaturation (saliva containing minerals—available for deposition)
4. Mineral deposition (into dentin surface—remineralizing, partially occluding tubules)
5. Tubule occlusion (minerals reducing tubule diameter—decreasing fluid flow)
6. Sensitivity reduction (less fluid movement—decreased nerve stimulation)

When saliva effective:

✓ Adequate saliva flow (normal production—sufficient minerals available) ✓ Mild exposure (small areas—saliva can keep up with damage) ✓ Avoiding acid (limiting soda, citrus—giving saliva chance to repair) ✓ Time (hours to weeks—gradual improvement)

When saliva insufficient:

⚠ Dry mouth (xerostomia—reduced saliva, limited calcium/phosphate) ⚠ Severe exposure (large areas—overwhelming saliva capacity) ⚠ Continuous acid (frequent soda, reflux—constant demineralization exceeding repair) ⚠ Aggressive brushing continuing (ongoing abrasion—removing repaired mineral)

Result: Sensitivity persisting or worsening (saliva cannot keep pace—additional treatment needed)

Professional Treatment 1: Tooth Mousse (GC MI Paste)

Boosting Remineralization When Saliva Fails

Tooth Mousse is a product that can provide the protection to the dentin by depositing minerals it contains on the tooth surface, when the saliva fails to do so:

What is Tooth Mousse?

✓ Product name: GC Tooth Mousse (also MI Paste) ✓ Active ingredient: CPP-ACP (Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate) ✓ Source: Milk protein derivative (casein—binding calcium and phosphate) ✓ Function: Delivering bioavailable calcium and phosphate to teeth

How Tooth Mousse works:

CPP-ACP mechanism:

1. CPP (Casein Phosphopeptide): Binding calcium and phosphate ions (stabilizing, preventing precipitation)
2. Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP): High concentration (10x more than saliva—supersaturated)
3. Application to teeth: CPP-ACP adhering to dentin surface
4. Mineral release: Slow, sustained (calcium and phosphate—available for hours)
5. Dentin remineralization: Minerals depositing into tubules (occluding, strengthening)
6. Tubule occlusion: Reducing diameter (decreasing fluid flow—less sensitivity)
7. Acid buffering: CPP-ACP neutralizing acid (protecting against demineralization)

Clinical evidence:

• 63% sensitivity reduction (after 4 weeks daily use—significant improvement)
• Tubule occlusion confirmed (electron microscopy—visible mineral deposition)
• Remineralization (strengthening softened dentin—measurable hardness increase)

Tooth Mousse Application Instructions

How to use Tooth Mousse:

✓ Timing: After brushing (bedtime—allowing prolonged contact overnight) ✓ Amount: Pea-sized (per arch—upper, lower separately) ✓ Application: Finger or clean toothbrush (spreading over sensitive areas—coating) ✓ Technique:

• Apply to exposed root surfaces (gum line—where sensitivity)
• Spread evenly (thin layer—over affected teeth)
• Leave on (don’t rinse—allowing absorption) ✓ Frequency: Nightly (minimum—can use after meals if severe sensitivity) ✓ Duration: No eating/drinking 30 minutes (allowing mineral uptake—optimal results)

Benefits of Tooth Mousse:

✅ Desensitization (occluding tubules—reducing pain) ✅ Remineralization (strengthening dentin—repairing damage) ✅ Cavity prevention (on exposed roots—high decay risk area) ✅ Safe (no side effects—natural milk derivative) ✅ Pleasant taste (flavored options—vanilla, strawberry, melon, mint, tutti-frutti)

Contraindication:

⚠ Milk protein allergy (casein-based—cannot use if dairy allergic) ⚠ Alternative: MI Paste Plus (contains fluoride, still casein) or Clinpro Tooth Crème (fluoride-based, no casein)

When to use Tooth Mousse:

• Gum recession with sensitivity (exposed roots—ideal indication)
• Post-whitening sensitivity (tubules opened—Tooth Mousse occluding)
• Erosion (acid damage—remineralizing)
• Dry mouth (when saliva insufficient—supplementing minerals)
• High root decay risk (boosting remineralization—prevention)

Dr. Kaufman recommendation:

✓ Available at Tooronga Family Dentistry (dispensing—demonstrating technique) ✓ Personalized protocol (frequency, duration—based on severity) ✓ Combined with other treatments (desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride—comprehensive approach)

Professional Treatment 2: Desensitizing Toothpaste

Blocking Nerve Transmission

Desensitizing toothpastes act in a different way, by acting on the nerve in the tooth:

Different mechanism than Tooth Mousse:

• Tooth Mousse: Occluding tubules (physical barrier—blocking fluid movement)
• Desensitizing toothpaste: Blocking nerve (chemical interruption—preventing pain signal transmission)

Active Ingredients in Desensitizing Toothpaste

Common desensitizing agents:

1. Potassium Nitrate (5-10%)

Mechanism: ✓ Diffusing into tubules (potassium ions—traveling to pulp) ✓ Nerve depolarization (blocking nerve firing—preventing pain signal transmission) ✓ Raising pain threshold (nerve less responsive—stimuli not reaching threshold)

Timeline: 2-4 weeks (gradual accumulation—progressive improvement)

Brands: Sensodyne (original formulation), Colgate Sensitive

2. Stannous Fluoride (0.454%)

Dual mechanism: ✓ Tubule occlusion (stannous ions precipitating—forming calcium-stannous complexes, plugging tubules) ✓ Antimicrobial (reducing bacteria—less acid, less inflammation)

Timeline: 1-2 weeks (faster than potassium nitrate—combined occlusion + nerve action)

Brands: Sensodyne Rapid Relief, Crest Pro-Health, Oral-B Pro-Expert

3. Arginine + Calcium Carbonate (8% arginine)

Mechanism: ✓ Arginine (amino acid—adhering to dentin surface) ✓ Attracts calcium carbonate (forming plug—occluding tubules) ✓ Physical barrier (similar to Tooth Mousse—blocking fluid flow)

Timeline: Instant to 1 week (mechanical occlusion—immediate effect possible)

Brands: Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief

4. Bioactive Glass (NovaMin)

Mechanism: ✓ Calcium-sodium-phosphate-silicate (releasing calcium and phosphate—in presence of saliva) ✓ Forming hydroxyapatite (crystalline layer—occluding tubules, strengthening dentin) ✓ pH-responsive (more release in acidic environment—protecting during acid attack)

Timeline: 1-2 weeks (gradual occlusion—progressive benefit)

Brands: Sensodyne Repair & Protect

Proper Use of Desensitizing Toothpaste

In order to achieve a long-lasting relief from the sensitivity, brushing twice daily with the desensitizing toothpaste is needed:

Critical usage principles:

✅ Twice daily (morning and night—consistent exposure essential) ✅ Minimum 2 weeks (allowing ingredient accumulation—nerve desensitization or tubule occlusion takes time) ✅ Continuous use (stopping causes sensitivity return—maintenance needed) ✅ Direct application (can also apply with finger to sensitive spot—leave 1-2 minutes, then brush)

Proper brushing technique:

✓ Soft-bristle brush (medium/hard worsening sensitivity—causing more abrasion) ✓ Gentle pressure (light touch—not scrubbing, aggravating exposure) ✓ Circular or vertical motion (not horizontal—reducing abrasion) ✓ 2 minutes (adequate time—allowing ingredient contact) ✓ Don’t rinse vigorously (spit only—leaving residual toothpaste for prolonged effect)

Additional application technique:

✓ Spot treatment: Pea-sized amount on finger (rubbing onto sensitive area—before bed, leaving on) ✓ Extra benefit: Increased ingredient concentration at problem site

Expected timeline:

• Potassium nitrate: 2-4 weeks (gradual improvement)
• Stannous fluoride: 1-2 weeks (faster relief)
• Arginine: 1 week or instant (immediate relief possible)
• Bioactive glass: 1-2 weeks (progressive occlusion)

If no improvement after 4 weeks:

⚠ See Dr. Kaufman (sensitivity may indicate cavity, crack, or other problem—professional evaluation needed)

When to See Dr. Kaufman: Persistent Sensitivity

Warning Signs Requiring Professional Evaluation

If sensitivity persists it is important to come and see us since it may indicate that there is a cavity in the tooth:

Red flags (beyond simple sensitivity):

🚨 Persistent despite treatment (4+ weeks desensitizing toothpaste—no improvement) 🚨 Worsening over time (sensitivity increasing—progressive problem) 🚨 Localized to one tooth (specific tooth—suggests cavity, crack, not generalized exposure) 🚨 Spontaneous pain (occurring without trigger—indicates pulpitis, not just dentin sensitivity) 🚨 Lingering pain (lasting minutes after stimulus removed—pulpal involvement, not hydrodynamic) 🚨 Pain when biting (pressure sensitivity—crack, cavity near pulp, or abscess) 🚨 Visible cavity or discoloration (dark spot, hole—decay present) 🚨 Gum swelling (abscess—infection requiring treatment) 🚨 Temperature sensitivity to hot (especially if lingering—classic pulpitis sign)

What Dr. Kaufman Evaluates

Comprehensive sensitivity examination:

1. Clinical Assessment

✓ Visual exam (checking for cavities, cracks, erosion, abrasion—identifying damage) ✓ Gum recession measurement (extent of root exposure—quantifying problem) ✓ Percussion test (tapping tooth—pain suggesting crack, pulpitis) ✓ Palpation (pressing gum near root—tenderness indicating abscess)

2. Sensitivity Testing

✓ Cold test (ice or cold spray—assessing pulp vitality, severity) ✓ Air blast (compressed air on exposed dentin—reproducing pain, confirming sensitivity) ✓ Probing (explorer gently touching exposed dentin—confirming tubule exposure)

3. Radiographic Examination

✓ X-rays (periapical, bitewing—detecting cavities, bone loss, cracks, abscesses)

4. Differential Diagnosis

✓ Dentin hypersensitivity (exposed dentin—sharp, brief pain with stimulus) ✓ Cavity (decay—localized sensitivity, possible visible hole) ✓ Cracked tooth (fracture—pain when biting, releasing, sensitive to cold) ✓ Pulpitis (inflamed nerve—spontaneous pain, lingering, throbbing) ✓ Abscess (infection—swelling, spontaneous pain, pressure pain) ✓ Sinus infection (upper teeth—mimicking tooth pain, multiple teeth tender)

Treatments Dr. Kaufman Provides

Based on diagnosis:

For confirmed dentin hypersensitivity (no cavity):

✓ Professional desensitizing treatment:

• Fluoride varnish (high-concentration—22,600 ppm, occluding tubules)
• Desensitizing gel (potassium oxalate, glutaraldehyde—forming protein plugs in tubules)
• Bonding agent (sealing exposed dentin—immediate relief, lasting months-years)

✓ Tooth Mousse (prescribing—home remineralization) ✓ Prescription toothpaste (5,000 ppm fluoride—high-concentration, enhancing tubule occlusion) ✓ Diet counseling (reducing acid exposure—preventing further erosion) ✓ Brushing technique correction (soft brush, gentle—preventing additional abrasion)

For cavity-related sensitivity:

✓ Filling (composite resin—removing decay, restoring tooth, eliminating exposure) ✓ Crown (if large cavity—protecting remaining structure) ✓ Root canal (if pulp involved—removing inflamed nerve)

For cracked tooth:

✓ Crown (if crack minor—stabilizing tooth, preventing propagation) ✓ Root canal + crown (if crack reaching pulp—treating nerve, then restoring) ✓ Extraction (if crack extending below bone—tooth unsalvageable)

For severe recession with extensive exposure:

✓ Gum graft (covering exposed roots—surgical procedure, eliminating sensitivity, improving aesthetics) ✓ Bonding (composite covering roots—cosmetic, protective, immediate)

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

Protecting Enamel and Cementum

Prevention strategies:

✅ Proper brushing:

• Soft-bristle brush (always—never medium/hard)
• Gentle pressure (letting bristles do work—not force)
• Circular or vertical strokes (avoiding horizontal scrubbing—reducing abrasion)
• Electric toothbrush (pressure sensor—preventing excessive force)

✅ Reduce dietary acid:

• Limit soda, citrus, wine (acidic beverages—eroding enamel/cementum)
• Use straw (if drinking acidic—minimizing tooth contact)
• Rinse with water (after acidic foods/drinks—neutralizing acid)
• Wait 30 minutes to brush (after acid exposure—avoiding brushing softened enamel)

✅ Fluoride use:

• Fluoride toothpaste (1,450 ppm—strengthening enamel, some tubule occlusion)
• Professional fluoride (varnish at checkups—boosting resistance)

✅ Address acid reflux:

• GERD treatment (if present—reducing acid exposure to teeth)
• Sleep elevation (head of bed raised—preventing nighttime reflux)

✅ Avoid teeth grinding:

• Night guard (if bruxism—protecting enamel from wear)

✅ Regular dental visits:

• Every 6 months (early recession detection—treating before severe)
• Professional cleaning (removing plaque—preventing gum disease, recession)

✅ Stop tobacco:

• Smoking/chewing (causing recession—cessation essential)

Expert Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Glen Iris

Comprehensive Sensitivity Care at Tooronga Family Dentistry

Dr. Kaufman provides:

✓ Thorough sensitivity evaluation (identifying cause—cavity vs. recession vs. erosion) ✓ Professional desensitizing treatments (fluoride varnish, bonding agent—immediate relief) ✓ Tooth Mousse dispensing (prescribing, demonstrating—home remineralization) ✓ Prescription high-fluoride toothpaste (5,000 ppm—if severe sensitivity) ✓ Cavity treatment (if present—fillings, crowns, eliminating source) ✓ Gum recession management (grafting referrals—if severe, symptomatic) ✓ Preventive counseling (brushing technique, diet—avoiding worsening) ✓ Long-term monitoring (follow-up—ensuring resolution, preventing recurrence)

Why choose Tooronga Family Dentistry for sensitivity:

• Accurate diagnosis (distinguishing dentin hypersensitivity from cavities, cracks—targeted treatment)
• Multiple treatment options (Tooth Mousse, desensitizing paste, professional treatments—individualized)
• Addressing root cause (not just masking—correcting habits, treating disease)
• Comprehensive approach (prevention + treatment—lasting relief)
• Glen Iris expertise (Dr. Kaufman—treating sensitive teeth daily)

Schedule Your Tooth Sensitivity Evaluation

Stop Suffering from Sensitive Teeth

Get lasting relief from tooth sensitivity.

Call Tooronga Family Dentistry: 9822 7006

What to Expect at Sensitivity Appointment

1. Symptom discussion (triggers, location, duration, severity—understanding pattern)
2. Clinical examination (cavities, recession, erosion, abrasion—identifying cause)
3. Sensitivity testing (cold, air, touch—confirming diagnosis)
4. X-rays (if indicated—ruling out cavities, cracks)
5. Diagnosis (dentin hypersensitivity vs. cavity vs. other—clear explanation)
6. Treatment plan:
   • If dentin hypersensitivity: Professional desensitizing treatment (fluoride varnish, bonding), Tooth Mousse prescription, desensitizing toothpaste recommendation
   • If cavity: Filling, crown (eliminating exposure, restoring tooth)
7. Prevention education (brushing technique, diet—avoiding worsening)
8. Follow-up scheduling (2-4 weeks—assessing response, adjusting treatment)

Contact Information

• Phone: 9822 7006
• Services: Tooth sensitivity treatment, Tooth Mousse, desensitizing treatments, cavity repair
• Location: Glen Iris, serving Malvern, Ashburton, Camberwell, surrounding Melbourne

Take Action: End Tooth Sensitivity Today

The Bottom Line on Tooth Sensitivity Treatment

Tooth sensitivity is exposed dentin:

✅ Softer dentin (beneath enamel/cementum—normally protected) ✅ Tiny tubules filled with fluid (15,000-45,000 per mm²—connected to nerve) ✅ Fluid movement = pain (hot, cold, sweet, touch—triggering nerve, sharp sensation)

2 ways dentin becomes exposed:

1. Cavities (decay penetrating enamel—exposing dentin, requiring filling)
2. Gum recession + cementum loss (from acid erosion, vigorous brushing—exposing root dentin)

Natural repair (sometimes works):

✅ Saliva (if plentiful in calcium and phosphate—depositing minerals, occluding tubules) ✅ Limitations: Dry mouth, severe exposure, ongoing acid/abrasion (saliva insufficient)

Professional treatment 1: Tooth Mousse

✅ CPP-ACP (milk-derived—delivering calcium and phosphate) ✅ Depositing minerals (occluding tubules—reducing fluid flow, pain) ✅ When saliva fails (boosting remineralization—supplementing natural repair) ✅ Application: Nightly after brushing (pea-sized—coating sensitive areas)

Professional treatment 2: Desensitizing toothpaste

✅ Acts on nerve (different mechanism—blocking pain transmission) ✅ Active ingredients: Potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, arginine, bioactive glass ✅ Requires consistency: Brushing twice daily, 2-4 weeks (long-lasting relief)

When to see Dr. Kaufman:

🚨 Sensitivity persisting (despite 4 weeks desensitizing toothpaste—may indicate cavity) 🚨 Worsening, localized, spontaneous pain (red flags—professional evaluation needed) 🚨 Visible cavity or gum swelling (requires treatment—not just sensitivity management)

Don’t suffer with sensitive teeth—effective treatments available.

Call 9822 7006 for tooth sensitivity evaluation.

Dr. Kaufman will identify cause (cavity vs. exposed dentin), provide professional desensitizing treatment, prescribe Tooth Mousse/high-fluoride products, and create personalized sensitivity relief plan.

Serving Glen Iris with expert tooth sensitivity care.

End tooth sensitivity. Enjoy ice cream again. Schedule consultation today.