Why Does Mint Stuff and Water Consumption Burn Our Mouth?

There’s a logic to everything Assuming that it is, after explaining this, you will now know what that feeling in your mouth is.

If you want, while reading the content, you can also mint gum and water You can move from theory to practice by doing this.

Let’s start with the protein found in nerve endings.

TRPM8 protein, It functions as an ion channel and has an important role in the reaction to cold-sensing substances, especially menthol. On our skin and in our oral cavity located in nerve endings When this protein reaches a certain degree of coldness, it is activated and sends signals that convey the feeling of cold from the nerve cells to the brain.

Mint gum, Products containing menthol, such as candy and toothpaste, also directly activate TRPM8.

What is the relationship between water and menthol?

When we drink water, the effect of menthol molecules increases even more. Because water, by dissolving menthol molecules It allows it to interact with more nerve endings. Drinking water also accelerates the distribution of menthol in our mouth. Thus, the perception of cold becomes stronger and a sensation occurs in our mouth. “burning” feeling is perceived as.

The temperature of the water we drink also affects this feeling.

While cold water maximizes the effect of menthol Warm water can reduce this effect. Cold water further triggers the nerve endings designed to detect cold.

Additionally, when you take a deep breath after drinking water, your mouth and throat cool down. by evaporation of menthol It is caused by increased humidity. This is another factor that strengthens the perception of cold.

Speaking of TRPM8 and menthol, let’s leave some other off-topic information here.

menthol and eucalyptus oil We often use cooling substances such as to relieve our muscle pain. Although it is still unknown exactly how it works, it is thought to be related to TRPM8.

It’s the same logic when you think about it. Just as our mouth goes numb when we consume mint, the same goes for other nerve endings in our body. Menthol is also dilation of blood vessels and by increasing blood flow, it can heal the area faster.

So the next time you eat mint and drink water, it’s not just a sip of water, A scientific feast in your mouth You may realize that it is.

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