Our sensitive teeth likely evolved from the armor of ancient fish

By Ari Daniel

Published May 23, 2025 at 4:31 PM EDT

A new study reveals that the sensitivity of teeth, which makes them zing in a dentist's chair or ache after biting into something cold, can be traced back to the exoskeletons of ancient, armored fish.

Ari Daniel

Ari Daniel is a reporter for NPR's Science desk where he covers global health and development.

See stories by Ari Daniel

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