why water tastes so cold after chewing gum or brushing your teeth.
[Sugar alcohols](_URL_0_). According to Wikipedia: > The cooling sensation is due to the dissolution of the sugar alcohol being an endothermic (heat-absorbing) reaction, one with a strong heat of solution. ELI5: What this basically means is that when certain chemicals in your gum dissolve int…
The Short Answer
[Sugar alcohols](_URL_0_). According to Wikipedia: > The cooling sensation is due to the dissolution of the sugar alcohol being an endothermic (heat-absorbing) reaction, one with a strong heat of solution. ELI5: What this basically means is that when certain chemicals in your gum dissolve into the spit in your mouth, it absorbs heat. When heat is taken away, things feel cold. Menthol is another sugar alcohol that has a cooling effect, but its effects are just illusions. I have some Extra Polar Ice gum and some Dentyne Ice gum in front of me, and neither contain Menthol. They both use Sorbitol, Mannitol, and Glycerol.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Sugar, heat, cooling
This explanation focuses on sugar, heat, cooling and spans 105 words across 7 sentences. At 62% above the average Everyday Life explanation (65 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “[Sugar alcohols](_URL_0_).” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 7 connected points.
How This Compares in Everyday Life
Ranked #91 of 500 Everyday Life questions by answer depth (top 19%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why why water tastes so cold after chewing gum or brushing your teeth.?
[Sugar alcohols](_URL_0_). According to Wikipedia: > The cooling sensation is due to the dissolution of the sugar alcohol being an endothermic (heat-absorbing) reaction, one with a strong heat of solution. ELI5: What this basically means is that…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Everyday Life questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 105 words, ranked #91 of 500 Everyday Life questions by depth. The key concepts covered are sugar, heat, cooling.
What approach does this answer take to explain why water tastes so cold after chewing gum or brushing your ?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 105 words. It is categorized under Everyday Life and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.