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How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in Australia?

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

A dental crown is one of the bigger dental costs most people face, so it helps to understand what you are paying for. Here is how crown pricing works in Australia, what affects the fee, and how to reduce the amount you pay out of pocket.

What does a dental crown cost in Australia?

Across Australia, a single porcelain or ceramic crown from a general dentist commonly costs somewhere around $1,500 to $2,500. The Australian Dental Association’s most recent published fee survey put the average for a porcelain-fused crown from a general dentist at roughly $1,700, and fees have risen since. Crowns placed by a specialist prosthodontist are usually higher.

These are indicative national ranges, not Bilby Dental’s fees. We give you a written, itemised quote after your examination and before treatment starts.

What you are paying for

A crown is custom-made for your tooth. The fee typically covers preparing the tooth, taking impressions or scans, a temporary crown while the final one is made, the laboratory work, and fitting and adjusting the finished crown. You can read more about the process on our dental crowns and bridges page.

What changes the price?

  • Material: all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal and gold crowns cost different amounts.
  • Preparation work: a tooth that needs a core build-up or post first will cost more overall.
  • Root canal treatment: teeth that have had a root canal usually need a crown afterwards, adding to the total.
  • Tooth position: back teeth and front teeth have different strength and appearance needs.

Is a crown major dental on health funds?

Crowns are generally classed as major dental, which is covered by some extras policies but not basic ones. Waiting periods for major dental are often 12 months, and annual limits apply. It is worth calling your fund with the item numbers from your quote before booking. We claim on the spot with HICAPS; our private health insurance page has more.

Paying for a crown over time

We offer Afterpay, Zip and the National Dental Plan so you can spread the cost of a crown. Our dental payment plans page explains how each option works and what to check before you sign up.

How long does a crown last?

With good care, many crowns last ten years or longer. Brushing, flossing around the gum line, wearing a night guard if you grind, and regular check-ups all help. Our article on how long dental crowns last covers care and repairs in more detail.

Are there alternatives to a crown?

For smaller damage, a large filling or onlay may be enough. If a tooth cannot be saved, an implant or bridge may be discussed instead. We will explain which options suit your tooth and the pros and cons of each before you decide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are dental crowns so expensive?

A crown is custom-made in a dental laboratory and takes at least two visits, including tooth preparation, a temporary crown and fitting. Materials and lab fees make up a large part of the cost.

Does Medicare cover dental crowns?

Medicare does not generally cover crowns for adults. Some private extras policies with major dental cover provide a rebate.

Can I get a crown in one visit?

Most crowns take two visits: one to prepare the tooth and one to fit the finished crown. We will let you know the timeline for your treatment.

What happens if I do not get a crown after a root canal?

Back teeth that have had root canal treatment can become brittle and are more likely to crack without a crown to protect them.

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Chipped or Cracked Tooth? What to Do and How It Is Fixed

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

A chipped or cracked tooth can happen biting into something hard, during sport, or after a fall. Some chips are purely cosmetic, while some cracks need attention quickly to protect the nerve. Here is what to do in the first hour and what repair options usually look like.

What to do straight away

  • Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
  • If there is bleeding, press a clean piece of gauze on the area for ten minutes.
  • Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
  • If you can find the broken piece, keep it in milk or a clean container and bring it with you.
  • Avoid chewing on that side and steer clear of very hot, cold or sugary food and drink.

Over-the-counter pain relief, taken as directed on the packet, can help until you are seen.

How urgent is it?

A small chip with no pain can usually wait for a regular appointment within a few days. Call us the same day if the tooth is painful, sensitive to air or temperature, has a sharp edge cutting your tongue, or if you can see pink or red in the centre of the break, which can mean the nerve is exposed. Our emergency dentist page explains how same-day appointments work.

Chip, crack or fracture: what is the difference?

A chip is a small piece of enamel broken off, often on a front tooth. A crack runs into the tooth and may not be visible, but often causes a sharp pain when you bite or release. A fracture is a larger break, sometimes extending below the gum. Each needs a different repair, so an examination and sometimes an X-ray come first.

How small chips are repaired

Minor chips are usually repaired with tooth-coloured composite bonding. The dentist shapes the material onto the tooth and polishes it to match. It is often done in one visit, and many small chips need little or no anaesthetic.

How larger breaks and cracks are repaired

When a larger portion of the tooth is missing or a crack weakens the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended to hold it together and protect it from further damage. If the crack has reached the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed first. For front teeth, a veneer is sometimes an option for cosmetic chips.

If a crack extends deep below the gum line, the tooth may not be saveable. In that case we will talk you through options for replacing it.

Why you should not ignore a cracked tooth

Cracks tend to grow over time. Bacteria can get into the crack and reach the nerve, turning a straightforward repair into a more involved one. Getting a cracked tooth checked early usually means a simpler and less costly fix.

Preventing chips and cracks

  • Wear a custom mouthguard for contact sport.
  • Ask about a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth.
  • Do not use your teeth to open packets or bottles.
  • Be careful with ice, hard lollies and popcorn kernels.

Book an appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?

No. Enamel does not grow back, so a chip will not repair itself. Small chips can be smoothed or bonded, and larger breaks need a restoration.

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?

It is urgent if there is pain, swelling, bleeding or an exposed nerve. A small painless chip can usually wait a few days for a normal appointment.

How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth?

It depends on the repair. Composite bonding for a small chip costs far less than a crown. We confirm the cost after examining the tooth and before starting.

Can I still eat with a cracked tooth?

Chew on the other side and avoid hard, very hot or very cold food until the tooth has been checked, to reduce the risk of the crack spreading.

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How Much Does a Filling Cost in Australia?

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

A filling is one of the most common things a dentist does, yet the price can look confusing because it depends on how big the cavity is and which surfaces of the tooth it touches. Here is how filling costs work in Australia, what changes the price, and how to keep the out-of-pocket amount down.

What does a filling cost in Australia?

Across Australia, a single tooth-coloured (composite) filling usually costs somewhere between about $150 and $400. A small filling on one surface of a tooth sits at the lower end, while a larger filling covering three or more surfaces of a back tooth sits at the upper end. Capital-city practices tend to charge a little more than regional ones.

These are indicative national ranges drawn from published sector fee data, not Bilby Dental’s fee schedule. Because every cavity is different, we always confirm your cost after your examination and before any treatment starts.

Why the number of surfaces changes the price

Dentists describe fillings by the surfaces of the tooth they cover: the biting surface, the front, the back and the two sides that face neighbouring teeth. Each extra surface means more tooth to rebuild, more time in the chair and more material. That is why a small one-surface filling costs less than a filling that wraps around the side of a molar.

Decay that has spread between two teeth often needs a two- or three-surface filling, which is one reason it pays to catch cavities early at a regular check-up.

Tooth-coloured versus silver fillings

Most fillings placed today are tooth-coloured composite resin. It bonds to the tooth, blends in with your natural colour and usually needs less healthy tooth removed than an older-style silver (amalgam) filling. You can read more about how we place them on our white fillings page.

Very large cavities, or teeth that are cracked or heavily filled already, may be better protected by a crown or onlay. We will explain the options and the reasons if that applies to you.

What else can affect the cost?

  • X-rays: small bitewing X-rays help us see decay between teeth and are sometimes needed before a filling.
  • Depth of decay: a cavity close to the nerve may need extra protective lining.
  • Tooth position: back teeth are harder to access and take the most chewing force.
  • Existing fillings: replacing an old filling can involve removing the old material first.

Does private health insurance cover fillings?

Fillings are usually classed as general dental under extras cover, so a rebate is common. How much you get back depends on your fund, your level of cover and how much of your annual limit you have already used. We process claims on the spot with HICAPS, so you only pay the gap on the day. See our private health insurance page for more detail.

Children’s fillings and the CDBS

If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, fillings are covered up to the $1,158 benefit cap over two calendar years, and we bulk bill eligible children. Check the details on our bulk-billed children’s dental page.

Spreading the cost

If you need several fillings at once, you do not have to pay it all upfront. We offer Afterpay, Zip and the National Dental Plan, and our dental payment plans page explains how each works. The cheapest filling is always the one you catch early, so a six-monthly check-up remains the best way to keep costs down.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a small filling?

A small one-surface tooth-coloured filling in Australia typically costs around $150 to $250. Larger fillings covering more surfaces cost more. We confirm your actual fee after examining the tooth.

Are white fillings more expensive than silver fillings?

Composite fillings can cost slightly more than amalgam because they take longer to place, but the difference is usually small and most people prefer the natural look.

Does a filling hurt?

The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic first, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. If you are nervous, ask us about happy gas.

How long does a filling last?

A well-placed composite filling commonly lasts many years. Good brushing, flossing and regular check-ups help it last longer.

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Bad Breath (Halitosis): The Real Causes and How to Fix It

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

Bad breath is common, awkward to raise, and usually very fixable once you know the cause. Mints and gum only mask it, so here is how to deal with the source rather than the symptom.

What causes bad breath?

The vast majority of bad breath starts in the mouth. Bacteria break down trapped food and cells and release smelly sulphur compounds, and they gather most on the back of the tongue and between the teeth. The usual culprits are a coated tongue, gum disease, decay, food stuck between teeth, and dry mouth, which lets those bacteria thrive.

Why mints do not work

Mints, gum and mouthwash mask the smell for a few minutes but do nothing about the bacteria producing it. Alcohol-based mouthwashes can even make things worse by drying the mouth out. To fix bad breath you have to remove the source, not cover it.

How to fix it at home

Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily, because that is where a lot of the odour hides. Gently clean your tongue with your brush or a tongue scraper, stay well hydrated to keep saliva flowing, and chew sugar-free gum after meals. Cutting back on smoking and alcohol helps too.

When it is a dental issue

Persistent bad breath despite good habits usually points to gum disease, a build-up of tartar, decay or an old leaking filling, all of which trap bacteria. A check-up and clean finds and fixes the cause, and often clears the problem that no amount of brushing at home could.

When to look further

Occasionally bad breath comes from outside the mouth, such as sinus infections, reflux or other medical conditions. If your mouth is healthy but the problem persists, we will let you know it is worth seeing your GP.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of bad breath?

Around nine in ten cases start in the mouth, where bacteria on the tongue and between the teeth break down food and release smelly sulphur compounds. Gum disease, decay and dry mouth are common contributors.

Why does my breath still smell after brushing?

A lot of odour comes from the back of the tongue and between the teeth, which brushing alone can miss. Cleaning your tongue, flossing, and treating any gum disease or decay usually makes the difference.

Does mouthwash cure bad breath?

No, it only masks it briefly, and alcohol-based rinses can dry the mouth and make it worse. Removing the source through good cleaning and a professional check-up is what actually resolves it.

When should I see a dentist about bad breath?

If it persists despite good brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning, see a dentist to check for gum disease, tartar or decay. If your mouth is healthy but it continues, your GP can look at other causes.

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Dental Care During Pregnancy: What Is Safe and What to Expect

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

Pregnancy changes a lot in the body, including your mouth, and there is a fair amount of confusion about what dental care is safe. The short version is that looking after your teeth during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. Here is what you need to know.

Is it safe to see the dentist while pregnant?

Yes. Routine check-ups and cleans are not only safe but recommended during pregnancy, and the second trimester is the most comfortable time for any treatment that is needed. Let us know you are pregnant and how far along, so we can tailor your care.

Why your gums may change

Hormonal changes make gums more likely to swell, redden and bleed, a common condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Some women also develop a harmless lump on the gum called a pregnancy epulis. Keeping up with brushing, flossing and a professional clean keeps this under control and stops it progressing.

Morning sickness and your teeth

Frequent vomiting bathes your teeth in stomach acid, which erodes enamel. Do not brush straight afterwards, as that scrubs the softened enamel away. Instead rinse with water or a little fluoride mouthwash, and wait about an hour before brushing.

What is fine and what to delay

Cleans, fillings and urgent treatment are fine, and dental x-rays with a lead apron are considered safe when needed. Local anaesthetic is safe to use. Elective or cosmetic work like veneers or whitening is usually best left until after the birth. If you have pain or swelling, do not wait it out; untreated infection is a bigger risk than treatment.

Looking after both of you

Good oral health during pregnancy has been linked with better outcomes for babies, so a check-up is a simple, worthwhile thing to book. We will make sure you are comfortable throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to go to the dentist while pregnant?

Yes. Check-ups, cleans, fillings and urgent care are safe during pregnancy, and the second trimester is the most comfortable time for treatment. Always tell your dentist that you are pregnant.

Are dental x-rays safe during pregnancy?

Dental x-rays use a very low dose and, with a lead apron and thyroid collar, are considered safe when needed during pregnancy. We only take them if necessary for your care.

Why are my gums bleeding now that I am pregnant?

Hormonal changes make gums more prone to inflammation, known as pregnancy gingivitis. It is common and manageable with good brushing, flossing and a professional clean, and usually settles after the birth.

Should I brush right after morning sickness?

No. Stomach acid softens enamel, and brushing straight away wears it down. Rinse with water or fluoride mouthwash instead, and wait about an hour before you brush.

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Dry Mouth: Causes, Risks and How to Fix It

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

Dry mouth feels minor, but saliva does a lot of quiet work protecting your teeth, and a lasting lack of it can lead to rapid decay and gum problems. Here is why it happens and how to get relief.

Why saliva matters

Saliva washes away food, neutralises acid, and carries the minerals that repair early enamel damage. When it dries up, acids sit on your teeth for longer and decay can take hold surprisingly fast. That is why dry mouth is more than just an uncomfortable feeling.

Common causes of dry mouth

The most common cause is medication; hundreds of them list dry mouth as a side effect, including tablets for blood pressure, allergies, depression and pain. Other causes include dehydration, mouth breathing and snoring, caffeine and alcohol, smoking, some medical conditions, and radiotherapy to the head or neck. Ageing itself does not cause dry mouth, but the medications that become more common with age often do.

How to fix or ease it

Sip water regularly and keep some by the bed, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva, and try a saliva-substitute spray or gel if you need one. Cut back on caffeine, alcohol and smoking, and breathe through your nose where you can. Sugar-free products sweetened with xylitol are a smart choice because they boost saliva without feeding decay.

Protecting your teeth

Because dry mouth raises decay risk, use a fluoride toothpaste, consider a high-fluoride option we can prescribe, and keep up regular check-ups and cleans so any early decay is caught quickly. Do not stop any prescribed medication without talking to your doctor; instead, tell us so we can manage the risk.

When to see a dentist or doctor

If dry mouth is persistent, see us to protect your teeth and your GP to review whether a medication could be adjusted. Together it is very manageable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does dry mouth cause tooth decay?

Saliva neutralises acid, washes away food and repairs early enamel damage. Without enough of it, acids linger on the teeth and decay can develop quickly, so dry mouth noticeably raises your risk.

What is the most common cause of dry mouth?

Medication is the most common cause; hundreds of drugs, including those for blood pressure, allergies, depression and pain, list dry mouth as a side effect. Dehydration, caffeine, alcohol and smoking also contribute.

How can I relieve dry mouth quickly?

Sip water often, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva, and use a saliva-substitute spray or gel. Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and smoking, and breathing through your nose, all help too.

Should I stop my medication if it causes dry mouth?

No, never stop a prescribed medication without medical advice. Tell your dentist so we can protect your teeth, and ask your GP whether the medication or dose could be reviewed.

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Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect and Does It Really Hurt?

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

Few dental treatments have a worse reputation than the root canal, yet most of that fear is out of date. Modern root canal treatment is routine and is designed to stop pain, not cause it. Here is what really happens.

What is a root canal?

Inside every tooth is a soft centre of nerve and blood vessels called the pulp. When decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes infected and can cause severe pain or an abscess. A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it, saving a tooth that would otherwise have to be pulled out.

Does a root canal hurt?

This is the question everyone asks. The honest answer is that the treatment itself should not hurt, because the tooth is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. What hurts is the infection beforehand, and the root canal is what relieves it. Most patients say it feels much like having a filling, just over a longer appointment.

What to expect at the appointment

We numb the tooth, place a small protective sheet around it, then clean out the canals with fine instruments and rinse them. The tooth is sealed, and because a treated tooth becomes more brittle it is usually protected afterwards with a crown. Treatment may take one or two visits depending on the tooth.

Recovery and aftercare

The tooth may feel tender for a few days, especially when biting, which normal pain relief handles well. You can usually return to work the same day. Keep the tooth clean and avoid chewing hard foods on it until the permanent crown is placed.

Is it worth saving the tooth?

Almost always, yes. Nothing works quite as well as your own tooth, and keeping it avoids the gap and the cost of replacing it later. If an infection has flared up and you are in pain, do not wait it out; contact us or an emergency dentist promptly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a root canal painful?

The treatment itself should not hurt because the tooth is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. The pain people associate with root canals is actually the infection beforehand, which the treatment relieves.

How long does a root canal take?

Anywhere from about 60 to 90 minutes per visit, and it may take one or two visits depending on the tooth and how many canals it has. Back teeth generally take longer than front teeth.

Why do I need a crown after a root canal?

A treated tooth loses its internal blood supply and becomes more brittle, so it is prone to fracture. A crown covers and protects it, which greatly improves how long the tooth lasts.

How long does a root-canal-treated tooth last?

With a good seal, a protective crown and regular care, a root-canal-treated tooth can last many years, often a lifetime. Keeping up your check-ups helps catch any problems early.

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How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost in Australia? (2026 Guide)

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

If you have been quoted wildly different prices for clear aligners — or seen ads promising a new smile for under $2,000 — it is hard to know what straightening your teeth should actually cost. This guide sets out the typical Australian price ranges for 2026, what pushes a quote up or down, and how most people actually pay for treatment.

The short answer: typical Australian price ranges

These are general Australian market ranges, not Bilby Dental’s fees — every case is quoted individually after an assessment:

  • Minor cosmetic corrections (mild crowding or spacing, front teeth): roughly $2,000–$4,500
  • Moderate to complex treatment (significant crowding, bite changes): roughly $4,500–$9,000
  • Mail-order aligner brands: often $1,800–$2,500, but without in-person supervision — see below before choosing this route

What actually drives the cost of clear aligners

The main driver is how far your teeth need to move, because that determines how many aligner sets you wear and how many review visits you need. Complexity of the bite, whether one or both arches are treated, refinement aligners at the end of treatment, and retainers afterwards all feed into the final figure. This is why an honest quote is only possible after someone has actually looked at your teeth.

Clear aligners vs braces on price

For minor corrections, aligners are often the cheaper option. For complex movement, braces can be better value. If you are weighing the two, our guide Invisalign vs braces: which is right for you? compares them on comfort, appearance and treatment time as well as cost.

Why mail-order aligners look cheap

At-home aligner companies keep prices low by removing in-person care: nobody examines your gums and tooth roots before movement starts, and nobody is checking progress along the way. Tooth movement is a clinical procedure — moving teeth on unhealthy gums can cause real, expensive damage. If a budget is the constraint, a supervised plan with a dental payment plan usually costs less per fortnight than people expect.

How people actually pay for aligners

Very few patients pay for aligner treatment in one lump sum. Treatment naturally runs over months, and payment can too: Afterpay and Zip for smaller balances, and the National Dental Plan for larger treatment, with health-fund contributions claimed on the spot via HICAPS. Details are on our payment plans page.

Getting a real number for your teeth

At Bilby Dental in Yarrabilba, aligner treatment starts with a consultation and scan, after which you get a fixed written quote — the price you are quoted is the price you pay. If aligners are part of a bigger smile change, our cosmetic dentistry page covers the options, and you can read what a routine visit costs in our check-up and clean cost guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do clear aligners cost in Australia?

Across the Australian market, straightforward cosmetic corrections typically fall between $2,000 and $4,500, while moderate to complex cases usually range from $4,500 to $9,000. Your actual quote depends on how far your teeth need to move and how many aligner sets that takes — you will only know your own number after an assessment.

Are clear aligners cheaper than braces?

Often they are comparable. Traditional braces in Australia commonly cost $4,500 to $8,500 for a full course. For minor corrections, aligners are frequently the cheaper option because fewer aligner stages are needed; for complex movements, braces can work out better value.

Does health insurance cover clear aligners?

Many extras policies with major dental or orthodontic cover contribute towards aligners, usually with an annual or lifetime limit and a waiting period. Bring your fund details to your consultation and we can help you check what your policy pays.

Can I get clear aligners on a payment plan?

Yes. Aligner treatment is one of the most common uses of dental payment plans — the cost spreads over the length of treatment. Bilby Dental offers Afterpay, Zip and the National Dental Plan, and health fund rebates are claimed on the spot through HICAPS.

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Gum Disease Explained: Gingivitis, Periodontitis, Signs and Treatment

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and the frustrating part is that it is often painless until it is advanced. The good news is that the early stage is completely reversible. Here is what to watch for.

Gingivitis versus periodontitis

Gingivitis is the early, mild stage where the gums are inflamed from plaque but the bone holding your teeth is still intact. It is reversible. Periodontitis is the advanced stage, where the infection has spread below the gum and started destroying the bone and fibres that anchor your teeth. That damage cannot be undone, only stabilised, which is why catching it early matters so much.

Warning signs of gum disease

Look out for gums that bleed when you brush or floss, redness and puffiness, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulling away from the teeth, and in later stages teeth that feel loose or have shifted. Bleeding gums are not normal and are the earliest and most common sign, so do not ignore them.

What causes it?

Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar, which harbours bacteria that inflame the gums. Smoking, diabetes, some medications, stress and genetics all raise the risk. Because tartar cannot be brushed off once it forms, professional cleaning is the only way to remove it.

How gum disease is treated

Gingivitis usually clears with a professional scale and clean plus better home care. Periodontitis needs a deeper clean below the gum line, sometimes over several visits, and ongoing maintenance to keep it stable. In advanced cases we may work with a specialist. The earlier we start, the more teeth we save.

Preventing it

Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and keep up regular check-ups and cleans so tartar never gets the chance to build up. Prevention is far easier than treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is bleeding when I brush normal?

No. Bleeding gums are the earliest and most common sign of gum disease. Healthy gums do not bleed. If it continues for more than a week or two despite good brushing and flossing, have it checked.

Can gum disease be reversed?

The early stage, gingivitis, can be fully reversed with a professional clean and good home care. The advanced stage, periodontitis, cannot be reversed but can be stabilised to prevent further bone and tooth loss.

Does gum disease hurt?

Often not until it is advanced, which is why it is so easily missed. It is usually painless in the early stages, so the visual signs like bleeding, redness and receding gums are what to watch for.

How often should I have a scale and clean?

For most people every six months is right, but if you have or have had gum disease we may recommend every three to four months to keep it under control.

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Sensitive Teeth: Causes and How to Fix It

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team · Published

That sharp zing when you sip something cold or bite into ice cream is one of the most common complaints we hear. Sensitive teeth are usually fixable once you know what is causing them. Here is what is going on and what to do about it.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Sensitivity happens when the protective enamel wears thin or the gum recedes, exposing the softer dentine underneath. Dentine contains tiny tubes that lead to the nerve, so hot, cold, sweet and acidic things trigger a quick jolt. Common causes are brushing too hard, acidic diets, grinding, gum recession and cracked or worn teeth.

Habits that make it worse

Scrubbing hard with a firm brush, brushing straight after acidic food or drink, and frequent fizzy drinks, citrus or wine all wear enamel down. Grinding your teeth, often at night, also strips enamel and exposes dentine. Whitening products used too often can cause temporary sensitivity too.

What you can do at home

Switch to a soft-bristled brush and a light touch, use a sensitive-teeth toothpaste with the mineral that plugs those dentine tubes, and give it a couple of weeks to build up. Wait an hour after acidic food before brushing, and cut back on how often you have acidic drinks rather than just how much.

When to see a dentist

If sensitivity is sharp, lingers, or is focused on one tooth, that can point to decay, a crack or a failing filling rather than general sensitivity, and it is worth getting checked. At a check-up we can find the cause and treat it directly, whether that is a filling, sealing exposed root surfaces, or a night guard for grinding.

Treatments that work

In the chair we can apply fluoride varnish or desensitising agents, bond over exposed roots, replace worn fillings and treat the underlying cause. Most people get real relief once the right cause is dealt with.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my teeth suddenly sensitive?

Sudden sensitivity often comes from exposed dentine due to enamel wear or gum recession, but it can also signal decay, a crack or a recent filling. If it is sharp, lingers or is on one tooth, get it checked.

Does sensitive toothpaste actually work?

Yes, for many people. It contains minerals that block the tiny tubes leading to the nerve, but it needs consistent use over two to four weeks to build up, not a one-off application.

Can sensitive teeth be cured?

Often, yes. Once the cause is identified, treatments like fluoride varnish, bonding over exposed roots, replacing worn fillings or a night guard for grinding can resolve it or greatly reduce it.

Is tooth sensitivity a sign of something serious?

Usually it is harmless enamel wear, but persistent or one-sided sensitivity can indicate decay or a cracked tooth. It is best to have a dentist check it rather than assume.