Garlic can hurt your mouth because specific molecules in garlic trigger pain nerves, leading to a burning or stinging sensation. According to research, when these molecules rush to nerve channels, they flood the nerve cell, causing it to fire. This sends a signal to the spinal cord and then the brain in a split second. The result is that pain nerves fire, leading to mouth stinging, burning, swelling, watering, and redness.
The Science Behind the Garlic Burn
Here's a breakdown of what happens when garlic comes into contact with your mouth:
- Activation of Pain Receptors: Garlic contains certain chemical compounds that can activate pain receptors in your mouth.
- Nerve Cell Overload: When molecules from garlic enter nerve channels, they flood the nerve cell, causing it to fire.
- Signal Transmission: The nerve cell sends a signal to the spinal cord, which then transmits it to the brain.
- Pain Perception: The brain interprets this signal as pain, resulting in the stinging or burning sensation.
Factors Influencing the Sensation
Several factors can influence how intensely garlic affects your mouth:
- Amount of Garlic: The more garlic you consume, the stronger the effect.
- Individual Sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to the compounds in garlic than others.
- Preparation Method: Raw garlic tends to produce a more intense sensation compared to cooked garlic.
- Existing Mouth Conditions: If you have any cuts, ulcers, or other irritations in your mouth, the sensation may be amplified.
