That sharp zing in your teeth when you bite into something cold—like ice cream—might be more than just a sensitivity issue. According to new research, it traces back to an evolutionary trait from an ancient armored fish that lived over 400 million years ago.
Key Points:
- Cold sensitivity in teeth is linked to TRPC5 ion channels, which detect temperature changes.
- These channels evolved in the dentine tubules of ancient fish, structures still present in modern teeth.
- A recent study published in Science Advances connects this trait to early vertebrate evolution.
- The armored fish—called Osteostracans—had tubular structures in their armor, similar to modern teeth.
- These early adaptations helped fish sense environmental changes like temperature shifts through their “teeth-like” armor.
Evolutionary Legacy of Tooth Sensitivity
Why Do Our Teeth React to Cold?
Teeth are made up of dentine, containing microscopic channels that transmit sensations to the nerves. The TRPC5 receptors in these channels respond to cold stimuli, sending sharp signals to the brain. This mechanism helped ancient fish detect danger or environmental changes—traits passed on to humans.
Surprising Connection to Ancient Fish
The study’s lead author, Dr. Sarah Riccardi-Swartz, says the finding is a “fascinating example of deep evolutionary history” still influencing modern human biology. It reveals how seemingly minor reactions—like ice cream pain—are rooted in prehistoric survival mechanisms.
