New research appears to challenge the long-held belief that the nerves in our teeth purely act as pain sensors. Their role as pain sensors alerts the brain when we suffer from severe toothache – which usually manifests through throbbing pain. However, the new research suggests that tooth nerves can actually act as tooth protectors too.
Anyone that has gone through severe toothache can attest to the pain that it involves. That sharp, throbbing pain that results in us clutching our jaws and reaching for a cold compress.
This is the result of the nerves in the teeth becoming exposed, typically following advanced tooth decay or gum disease. Therefore, the tooth nerves act as pain sensors.
However, new research suggests that tooth nerves can actually act as tooth protectors too [1]. This unexpected finding highlights the multi-tasking role of dental nerves.
Tooth Nerves
Our teeth are rather complex things. When they work as intended, there are no problems. This involves eating, chewing, and even breathing.
But when problems develop, pain will often be the outcome. Tooth sensitivity starts when teeth become decayed. This can advance to further pain, which will typically involve the nerves.
Each tooth has a bundle of nerves in its center – called the dental pulp. When a tooth becomes decayed, infected, or when someone suffers from advanced gum disease, this can expose the nerves.
This is where the aforementioned intense throbbing pain comes from. At this point, getting dental treatment becomes urgent.
Dental nerves transmit sensory information to the brain. This is why dental nerves are seen as pain sensors. But new research suggests they can actually be pain protectors too.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from the University of Michigan in the United States. Their findings have been published in the Cell Reports journal [1].
The research team used mice teeth to study tooth nerves. Mice and human teeth are very similar, meaning that they are an accurate substitution for research.
To study the nerves, the researchers used advanced live imaging and behavior-tracking tools [1]. These advanced research methods provided clear insights into what is normally a complex subject area.
The researchers applied direct force to mouse teeth and waited for a reaction. In doing so, they were able to test the function of specific sensory neurons [1].
Neurons and nerves are similar, but different. Using an analogy of a brick wall, neurons can be viewed as an individual brick, whereas nerves are the brick wall.
Moreover, genetic labelling strategies were used to specifically monitor certain neurons. These were S100b and Scn10a [1].
As a result, this allowed the researchers to uncover the role of specialized neurons that detect dangerous forces and alert the brain to trigger defensive reflexes [1]. These specialized neurons are known as HTMRs.
Therefore, the researchers observed that nerves actually alert the brain to pain and in doing so, give the brain a chance to protect itself from pain [1].
The researchers observed that within 5 to 15 milliseconds of HTMR activation, that a rapid jaw-opening reflex occurred in the mouth [1].
The rapid HTMR activation happens before a person feels the experience of pain. The researchers noted that this rapid automatic reaction can help protect further damage [1].
The researchers concluded that the nerves in mice teeth were “multitaskers” [1]. Not only did they detect pain, but they also actively monitored dangerous forces to protect the mice from pain [1].
Summary
The findings were surprising, but very interesting. Moreover, it underlined the complexity of tooth nerves, while also highlighting their impressive attributes.
The researchers confirmed that the research challenged the widely held assumption that tooth nerves’ primary function is to elicit pain [1].
Senior author Dr. Joshua Emrick commented on the findings. He explained that his team “suspected there was a more fundamental role for tooth nerves” [2].
Continuing, Emrick discussed the role of HTMRs. He said “if you’ve ever accidentally bitten down on your fork,” then “you may thank HTMRs” for not causing a tooth fracture [2].
In terms of future research, the team are now looking to explore the role of HTMRs in more detail. There is hope that they will play a key role in the ongoing research area of regenerative dentistry [1].
Overall, these findings have provided both interesting insights into dental nerves and contributes towards further research directions.
Thinking points…
[1] It is understandable to read the above and feel uneasy, after all, no one likes toothache. But this is why prevention is so important. A useful way of preventing problems is to ensure you attend dental check-ups regularly. Any problems can be addressed at an early stage, which will mean you will avoid getting to the point where you suffer from exposed nerves. If you haven’t done so already, make sure you book a check-up soon!
[2] Are you currently suffering from severe toothache? If so, it may be time to seek urgent dental treatment. Here at Taradale Dental, our Calgary dental clinic offers emergency dentistry and same-day treatment. Our dentists will be able to carry out a diagnosis and provide urgent care to relieve your pain. To find out more, take a look on our website – https://taradaledental.ca/.
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Ronan, E. A., Gandhi, A. R., Koecklin, K. H. U., et al. (2025). Intradental mechano-nociceptors serve as sentinels that prevent tooth damage. Cell Reports. 44 (8): 116017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116017.
[2] Oral Health. (2025). Study finds tooth nerves are more than pain sensors — they’re protectors. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/clinical/dental-research/study-finds-tooth-nerves-are-more-than-pain-sensors-theyre-protectors-1003988339/. Last accessed: 1st August 2025.
