Why Your Teeth Hurt: Insights from a 500-Million-Year-Old Fish

Have you ever experienced sensitivity in your teeth? The reason could lie in our ancient evolutionary past. Recent studies suggest that our teeth, which are sensitive to pain and temperature, evolved from fish that lived over 500 million years ago. This fascinating connection reveals much about how we experience dental discomfort today.

Ancient fish evolution and tooth sensitivity

These early teeth served a purpose far different from modern chewing. Instead, they were designed for survival in a harsh environment. The evolution of these structures over millions of years has led to the sensitive teeth we know today. Understanding this link helps explain our reactions to stimuli like cold drinks or even air. This evolutionary perspective gives us valuable insights into our dental health and pain.