Physiological properties of intradental mechanoreceptors.

A major role of tooth receptors in signaling overt or impending tissue damage (nociception) has been previously established by substantial evidence from mechanical, thermal and chemical stimulation of exposed dentin. We report evidence showing that some intradental receptors in canine teeth of the cat detect mechanical transients applied to intact enamel. This new finding suggests that dental innervation may play an important non-nociceptive role in oral function such as detecting tooth contact during mastication and swallowing.