Ticklish Spots Inside the Mouth: A Common Phenomenon?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of experiencing ticklish sensations inside the mouth, particularly when brushing teeth. Participants share personal experiences and compare their reactions to dental hygiene practices, exploring the variability of sensitivity in different individuals and even pets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants report a tickling sensation when brushing certain areas inside their mouths, particularly near the roof.
  • Others indicate that they do not experience ticklishness while brushing their teeth but may feel it in other areas, such as the soles of their feet.
  • A participant mentions a strong gag reflex triggered by brushing near the back of the mouth, contrasting with the ticklish sensations described by others.
  • One participant shares humorous anecdotes about their stepson laughing during teeth brushing, suggesting that the laughter may be influenced by the playful context rather than the sensation itself.
  • Another participant reflects on the differing reactions of their dogs to teeth brushing, pondering whether the technique or psychological factors influence their responses.
  • There is curiosity about whether the ticklish sensation is an inherited trait, prompting one participant to consider asking family members for their experiences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not agree on the experience of ticklishness while brushing teeth, with some affirming the sensation and others denying it. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature and causes of these differing experiences.

Contextual Notes

Participants express various personal experiences and reactions, but there is no consensus on the underlying reasons for the ticklish sensations or the factors influencing individual differences.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in sensory experiences, dental hygiene practices, or the variability of physical sensations may find this discussion relevant.

Ouabache
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I've wondered if other folks may have experienced this.
I feel a tickling sensation, when I brush my top teeth on the inside (near to roof of my mouth).

I've experienced this most of my life. Just never thought to compare notes before.
I wonder if there are others who also have a ticklish spot inside their mouth (or other odd place you would not expect one).
 
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I'm not ticklish when brushing my teeth, but if the brush hits the middle of the roof, then yes it tickles me.
 
I'm not ticklish when brushing my teeth either, but if the brush hits the soles of my feet, then yes, it tickles me.
 
Gokul43201 said:
I'm not ticklish when brushing my teeth either, but if the brush hits the soles of my feet, then yes, it tickles me.
That cooks mine up brown brother, I am not borrowing your toothbrush again.
 
I don't notice a tickle as such, but getting near the top back of my mouth triggers a serious 'gag reflex'. I have to be careful to not throw up.
 
My stepson P laughs like mad when I brush his teeth with a sonicare. Of course I have to also make sound effects and tell him how great he's going to look for the ladies to get him to cooperate... so he could be laughing at all that. Regardless... at least it gets him to keep his mouth open.
 
physics girl phd said:
My stepson P laughs like mad when I brush his teeth with a sonicare. Of course I have to also make sound effects and tell him how great he's going to look for the ladies

He's old enough to care about girls, and can't brush his own teeth? :confused:
 
I'm not ticklish when I brush my teeth, either.

I don't think my dogs are either, but it's hard to tell. It doesn't matter which gets their teeth brushed first (I tend to alternate somewhat randomly), the first would rather not be getting their teeth brushed while the second can't wait to get their teeth brushed.

This in spite of the fact that they each have their own toothbrush, which eliminates the possibility that the toothbrush somehow changes during the first brushing. I've tried putting the tooth paste on the brushes at the same time and also tried putting the tooth paste on the brushes immediately prior to brushing and the effect is the same.

I'm thinking that maybe I brush differently on the second dog than the first dog. Maybe I get fatigued during the first one and the second brushing is gentler and tickles instead of hurts?

It could be that watching another dog get their teeth brushed makes it look a lot more appealling than it really is, but, come on, even a dog will eventually realize it's teeth brushing regardless of which order they get it. If it's just psychological, they should either a) both begin to like getting their teeth brushed regardless of order since they're getting attetion or b) both begin to resent teeth brushing regardless of order.
 
Danger said:
He's old enough to care about girls, and can't brush his own teeth? :confused:

He's physically disabled... but decidedly still hormonal. :biggrin:
 
  • #10
physics girl phd said:
He's physically disabled... but decidedly still hormonal. :biggrin:

Ah, I hadn't thought of that contingency. I hope that the question wasn't offensive; I really was curious. It must be rough on him to have urges and not be able to act upon them. (I know that it's rough on me, and my only disability in that area is that I'm married. :rolleyes:)
 
  • #11
This is quite interesting. Only a few here have noted a similar ticklish sensation inside their mouths. Now I am curious to see if this is an inherited trait, by asking family members.

physics girl phd said:
My stepson P laughs like mad when I brush his teeth with a sonicare. Of course I have to also make sound effects and tell him how great he's going to look for the ladies to get him to cooperate... so he could be laughing at all that. Regardless... at least it gets him to keep his mouth open.
By your description, I would count this as a yes.
 

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