Why is sometimes food too hot for fingers but not too hot for mouth?

Question

Why is sometimes food too hot for fingers but not too hot for mouth?

In: 25

Answer 1

The presence, or rather the number, of vanilloid receptors. That’s why chilli in a cut on your finger hurts so much more than eating that same chilli

That said, if it’s too hot for your hands, it’s too hot for your mouth. You will cause damage even if it doesn’t quite feel like it. Burns are associated with increased risk of oral cancer (as with most cellular damage).

Just wait a few second before shoving the hot pocket in.