How do teeth sense their surface?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how teeth sense stimuli, particularly in response to sugary substances. Participants explore the mechanisms of tooth sensitivity, the role of nerves, and the potential implications of cavities and enamel health.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that they experience mild pain when sugary substances contact their teeth, questioning how nerves deep within the teeth can sense this.
  • One participant suggests that the pain could be indicative of cavities, despite having no prior experience with them.
  • Another participant, who has not had cavities, expresses skepticism about the cavity explanation, suggesting that the occurrence is rare and questioning whether sugar is ionized.
  • A later reply explains that while enamel is hard and mineralized, it can become porous due to acid from bacteria, which may lead to sensitivity. They clarify that dentin is porous and sensitive but lacks nerves.
  • This reply also mentions that the pulp contains sensitive nerves and discusses the potential for referred pain from other regions, as well as the importance of checking for cavities through x-rays.
  • Additionally, the suggestion is made that fluoride rinses or products like "Sensodyne" may help with enamel remineralization if the teeth are healthy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the cause of sensitivity, with some attributing it to cavities while others question this explanation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact mechanisms of tooth sensitivity and the role of sugar.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about tooth health, the definitions of terms like "cavity," and the implications of sensitivity that are not fully explored.

jostpuur
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I've noticed that if I allow something sugary to get into contact with my teeth, it can start hurting mildly immediately. I've thought that teeth have nerves mainly in the cores of the teeth. How can nerves, somewhere deep in the teeth, sense when sugar hits the surface of the teeth?
 
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jostpuur said:
I've noticed that if I allow something sugary to get into contact with my teeth, it can start hurting mildly immediately. I've thought that teeth have nerves mainly in the cores of the teeth. How can nerves, somewhere deep in the teeth, sense when sugar hits the surface of the teeth?
Probably cavities.
 
I've never had cavities, but it has happened to me too. And it only happens just once every blue moon, so I don't think it's a cavity.
That's a good question though. Is sugar ionized?
 
This is actually an easy one: Your teeth are formed of VERY hard mineralized enamel, but acid from bacteria release acid, and before that forms a full-blown cavity (and sometimes it never does) the enamel can become porous. Dentin, meanwhile, is already quite porous and sensitive (although, it does not have nerves in it). The pulp, contains very sensitive nerves, for the sake of telling you how hard to chew, rtc.

Of course, if for some reasons your gums are midly inflamed (sub-clinical) it can be enough to expose some tooth surface that is sensitive. There is also the issue that much pain from teeth and the jaw can be referred from or to other regions.

As for sugar, it's a molecular compound, not ionic. That said, Evo is right, this is most likely a cavity which is not yet evident on your x-rays. Remember, a cavity is: a hole, but not JUST that, it's softened and decayed dentin, often beneat a shell of enamel. I would STRONGLY suggest getting this checked on x-ray. If this is a cavity, you do not want it getting close to the pulp... that = a root canal.

If your teeth are healthy, it may be a fluoride rinse could help to reminerlize some enamel, or you may find something like "Sensodyne" useful.
 

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