Recent comments in /f/askscience

Shark-Whisperer t1_jef7nuh wrote

Reply to comment by Zorgas in How does toothpaste fluoride make teeth stronger topically? by Gilem_Meklos

Underneath the enamel surface the dentin layer contains an organized network of tubules that can be clearly seen on micrographs.

Here's a very cool article on the difference between narwhal tusks and human teeth :=} Towards the end it has a figure/photo of the dental tubules. https://biologicalexceptions.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-search-for-unicorn-slightly-off.html

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Shark-Whisperer t1_jef5yah wrote

Reply to comment by Oony_oon in How does toothpaste fluoride make teeth stronger topically? by Gilem_Meklos

That's a great review with clear photomicrographs and schematics. Enjoyed reading it. There are updated reviews available via Pubmed, too, for those that want the newest in-depth information--just search "dental caries pathophysiology" and screen for free full text.

Some examples are: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35129809/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35129809/

It is interesting that osteoporosis and dental caries have overlapping mechanisms, and together represent "the most prevalent chronic disease in the world" (per the first paper cited above). Osteoporosis affects approx 10% of the global populace and dental caries affect 100%...

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ilovemybrownies t1_jef15rw wrote

Reply to What is known about pain enhancement? For instance, are there drugs that are the opposite of analgesics? If so, what are they and how do they work with neurons/neurotransmitters? by DollyPartWithOn

Paradoxically, a small percentage of people who regularly use opioids develop Opioid Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH), which means they basically become sensitized to their own pain.

The current theory about the mechanism is that certain parts of the major pain pathways in your nervous system gain a unique tolerance to the drug's pain relief effects. I'm probably oversimplifying, but it's a real phenomenon and not very well understood.

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