Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Yasser on 18/03/2009 00:30:02

Title: Why does mouthwash make water seem colder?
Post by: Yasser on 18/03/2009 00:30:02

Yasser  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Dear Naked Scientists,
 
I've noticed that after you chew a piece of gum or for that matter gargle with some mouthwash, the next time you drink some water it feels cooler. What is it that creates this illusion of drinking really cold water and is it bad for your mouth?
 
Yasser

What do you think?

Title: Why does mouthwash make water seem colder?
Post by: rex789 on 18/03/2009 01:51:02

probably due to inflamation that you cause by swirling aroung strong alcohol and chemicals in your mouth. this produces heat, which u don't notice till u drink water and it feels cooler. in case of gum u been chewing for the last hour! well ur muscles get warm as they work as they are not effective engines and again drinking water feels cooler.

Title: Why does mouthwash make water seem colder?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 18/03/2009 19:32:37

Mouthwash, toothpaste, gum, etc. all have menthol in them. Menthol has the effect of triggering sensors in your mouth that usually detect the temperature of something, and the effect is that your mouth feels colder than it actually is.

Quote

Menthol's ability to chemically trigger the cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin is responsible for the well known cooling sensation that it provokes when inhaled, eaten, or applied to the skin.[1] In this sense it is similar to capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the spiciness of hot peppers (which stimulates heat sensors, also without causing an actual change in temperature).

Menthol has analgesic properties that are mediated through a selective activation of κ-opioid receptors.[2] Menthol also enhances the efficacy of ibuprofen in topical applications via vasodilation, which reduces skin barrier function.[3]