Clipping Board » Illness Enters through Mouth ─ The information that has been made public is often just the tip of the iceberg...
【United News Network Reporters Yang Qingxiong, Zhang Yawen, Xie Jiaying / Report】
Feeling sluggish? Chew on an extra-cool piece of gum to perk up! But be careful not to overdo it! Doctors warn that whether it's super-cool gum or throat lozenges, most contain mint ingredients. Overstimulating the oral mucosa can reduce the mouth's tolerance to heat and cold, affecting eating habits!
Super-cool gum and throat lozenges have become a must-have snack for many, with people chewing a piece or two to freshen breath and stay alert. However, some people find themselves needing more and more to feel the effect. For example, an official from the Ministry of Transportation needs to chew three to four pieces of super-cool gum each time to feel the cooling sensation in his nose.
This official said he has been chewing this type of gum for over a year. Initially, one piece was enough, but over time, he found that one piece wasn't sufficient, so he gradually increased the amount. Now, he needs three to four pieces each time to feel the effect, consuming them three to four times a day, quickly finishing a whole pack.
Dr. Zhao Pinzhi, an ENT specialist at Taipei Medical University Hospital, explained that these products often contain mint, which stimulates the nerves in the mouth, causing a slight numbing sensation. Overconsumption can affect normal taste perception. The volatile compounds also affect olfactory cells deep in the nose through scent molecules.
Dr. Zhao noted that because air exchange in the nasal cavity is slower than in the mouth, the cooling sensation lingers longer in the nose, sometimes even helping to relieve nasal congestion.
However, people with nasal allergies may find the strong minty smell irritating, leading to sneezing. In some cases, excessive stimulation can cause nasal blood vessels to dilate and congest, potentially leading to headaches.
Dr. Zheng Bowen, head of the ENT department at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, said that the perception of coolness or irritation varies from person to person, but overconsumption of anything is not a good habit. Dr. Shen Yufu, head of the dental department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, also believes that excessive consumption of such products can dull the sense of taste over time.
Dr. Shen explained that as taste dulls, people tend to consume more without realizing it. Unfortunately, these products often contain irritating ingredients, which can thin or even damage the oral mucosa over time.
Thinning of the mucosa can make the mouth more sensitive to cold, heat, and spicy foods. Dr. Shen mentioned treating a patient who overused mouthwash, causing mucosal irritation and heightened sensitivity. It took over six months of treatment before the patient could gradually tolerate spicy foods again.
Dr. Shen emphasized that if you find yourself needing more and more of these super-cool throat lozenges or gum to feel the effect, the best course of action is to stop using them immediately. Over time, your mouth will naturally recover. If normal taste and sensitivity do not return, it's important to consult a doctor.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ 051226/ 15/ 2ovgj. html
Overconsumption of Extra-Cool Gum Dulls Taste Buds
Feeling sluggish? Chew on an extra-cool piece of gum to perk up! But be careful not to overdo it! Doctors warn that whether it's super-cool gum or throat lozenges, most contain mint ingredients. Overstimulating the oral mucosa can reduce the mouth's tolerance to heat and cold, affecting eating habits!
Super-cool gum and throat lozenges have become a must-have snack for many, with people chewing a piece or two to freshen breath and stay alert. However, some people find themselves needing more and more to feel the effect. For example, an official from the Ministry of Transportation needs to chew three to four pieces of super-cool gum each time to feel the cooling sensation in his nose.
This official said he has been chewing this type of gum for over a year. Initially, one piece was enough, but over time, he found that one piece wasn't sufficient, so he gradually increased the amount. Now, he needs three to four pieces each time to feel the effect, consuming them three to four times a day, quickly finishing a whole pack.
Dr. Zhao Pinzhi, an ENT specialist at Taipei Medical University Hospital, explained that these products often contain mint, which stimulates the nerves in the mouth, causing a slight numbing sensation. Overconsumption can affect normal taste perception. The volatile compounds also affect olfactory cells deep in the nose through scent molecules.
Dr. Zhao noted that because air exchange in the nasal cavity is slower than in the mouth, the cooling sensation lingers longer in the nose, sometimes even helping to relieve nasal congestion.
However, people with nasal allergies may find the strong minty smell irritating, leading to sneezing. In some cases, excessive stimulation can cause nasal blood vessels to dilate and congest, potentially leading to headaches.
Dr. Zheng Bowen, head of the ENT department at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, said that the perception of coolness or irritation varies from person to person, but overconsumption of anything is not a good habit. Dr. Shen Yufu, head of the dental department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, also believes that excessive consumption of such products can dull the sense of taste over time.
Dr. Shen explained that as taste dulls, people tend to consume more without realizing it. Unfortunately, these products often contain irritating ingredients, which can thin or even damage the oral mucosa over time.
Thinning of the mucosa can make the mouth more sensitive to cold, heat, and spicy foods. Dr. Shen mentioned treating a patient who overused mouthwash, causing mucosal irritation and heightened sensitivity. It took over six months of treatment before the patient could gradually tolerate spicy foods again.
Dr. Shen emphasized that if you find yourself needing more and more of these super-cool throat lozenges or gum to feel the effect, the best course of action is to stop using them immediately. Over time, your mouth will naturally recover. If normal taste and sensitivity do not return, it's important to consult a doctor.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ 051226/ 15/ 2ovgj. html