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Age-dependent changes in thermoperception in human anterior teeth
Archives of Oral Biology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Human teeth can detect cold, with perception varying by age. This study found cold sensitivity in deciduous and permanent teeth across children and adults, but no evidence of warm perception. Dental health did not impact cold detection.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Physiology
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Thermoperception, the ability to sense temperature, is crucial for human sensory experience.
- Understanding thermoperception in teeth is important for diagnosing dental conditions and assessing pulp vitality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in thermoperception (cold and warm) in human anterior teeth.
- To determine if dental decay or prior therapy affects cold perception.
Main Methods:
- 110 subjects were divided into three age groups: young children (deciduous teeth), older children, and adults.
- Cold and warm stimuli were applied to anterior teeth to assess perception and latency.
- Data were analyzed for age-dependency, effect of dental decay, and prior therapy.
Main Results:
- Cold perception was successfully determined in all age groups.
- No evidence of warm perception in human anterior teeth was found.
- Cold stimulus identification and reaction times were significantly influenced by age.
Conclusions:
- Human anterior teeth possess cold perception capabilities that change with age.
- Warm perception in teeth could not be demonstrated in this study.
- Age is a significant factor in tooth cold sensitivity, independent of dental decay or treatment history.