Submitted by garota_enxaqueca t3_zzawp7 in explainlikeimfive
spudmix t1_j2ajp6c wrote
There's a big saliva gland near your jaw called the "parotid gland" and it can respond in a super strong and unpleasant way when you taste certain things, especially alcohol, sugar, or acid. The sucrose and tartaric acid in sweets are both major triggers, as are the tannins and ethanol in wine.
When that salivation happens it can be a sharp pain; for me it's a bit like a small muscle cramp.
Make sure you stay hydrated and try to have some food before eating or drinking things that cause the pain. Dehydration gives you a dry mouth and the parotid gland also has to work harder to produce the saliva you need, and if you're hungry and thirsty your body will also produce more saliva leading to more sharp pain.
As always with medical stuff, you should see your GP if you're concerned.
m4gpi t1_j2al7zp wrote
If I even think about anything tart, like a sour candy, that gland starts pumping out saliva to a painful degree. It’s like a yawn with a mouth full of glass. Oops there it goes.
spudmix t1_j2amw9x wrote
Yup, I got it while writing the comment above lol.
garota_enxaqueca OP t1_j2b8sln wrote
I could swear it was a nerve thing. That makes so much sense, thanks! Haven’t been drinking enough water lately.
_Iiah_ t1_j2cr4ax wrote
I was just looking this up and couldn’t find anything! My friends had me convinced I was crazy. Thank you!!
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments