This Is Why It Hurts When You Bite Down On Aluminium Foil… - Metro

Home » Why Biting Aluminum Foil Hurts » This Is Why It Hurts When You Bite Down On Aluminium Foil… - Metro

Maybe your like

Colorful braces
Brace yourself for galvanic shock (Picture: Getty)

Ever feel that quick zap of pain when you bite down on a piece of aluminium foil by accident?

Well, that’s called galvanic shock.

Although it may sound like a type of torture inflicted on enemies by a sci-fi villain, it actually occurs when two different types of metal interact.

For example, when a piece of stray foil (from that lovingly wrapped burrito, perhaps?) comes into contact with metal in your mouth (like a filling or braces).

Ouch.

Galvanic shock occurs because the metals create opposing forces similar to a small battery.

When we bite down, the circuit completes (remember GCSE science?) and the charge flows through the tooth’s root and down into our nerves.

Our brains interprets the unusual sensation as pain.

Arrow MORE: Theresa May bans water cannons but we want to see Boris live up to his promise of being blasted

Arrow MORE: Is this the most awesome wildlife picture ever taken?

News Updates

Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.

Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign Up

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

HomedividerNews EasyJet plane landing at Edinburgh Airport.

Man jailed for sexually assaulting woman on EasyJet flight

Channel: UK UK 23 hours ago By Frankie Lister-Fell A federal document announcing Jeffrey Epstein's death has surfaced in newly released files, but it is dated August 9, 2019 - one day before he was officially found dead in his

Epstein death statement dated one day before he was found dead emerges in files

Channel: US US 2 hours ago By Craig Munro

Must Read

Two students stabbed & another slashed across the face in fight at Surrey railway station

Three university students stabbed outside train station in ‘incredibly serious incident’

Channel: UK UK 1 day ago By Brooke Davies Play Video ARRESTS AND ASB ACTION | Officers have prevented anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth earlier today following intelligence that an illegal procession was planned. The organiser reportedly posted on social media platforms to tens of thousands of followers, encouraging members of the public to turn up on pit bikes, dirt bikes, e-scooters, e-bikes, quad bikes and other vehicles to ?fight against Dorset Police?. A 20-year-old man from Reading, who officers believe to be the event organiser was arrested at an address in Bournemouth earlier today on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. Officers attended the location of the gathering and throughout the day have seized numerous illegal vehicles including mopeds, electric motorcycles, e-scooters and adapted pedal cycles.

How bike gangs came to dominate a UK town where a baby was left critically ill

Channel: UK UK 4 days ago By Brooke Davies Play Video

Mum’s heartbreaking decision to send son, 13, on four hour swim to save family

Channel: World World 4 days ago By Brooke Davies Former US President Barack Obama and his wife and former First Lady Michelle Obama standing on stage in 2024.

White House removes 'incredibly racist' video of Barack and Michelle Obama

Channel: US US 2 days ago By Josh Milton The man who died as a result of a stabbing in Leicester city centre has been named by police. Khaleed Oladipo, 20, from London, died in hospital on Tuesday evening (3 February) following an incident in Oxford Street, Leicester.

First picture of student stabbed to death on university campus

Channel: UK UK 3 days ago By Isobel Frodsham Elena Walsh, smiling while holding a drink.

Six British people dead after killer stomach bug hits holiday island

Channel: World World 6 days ago By Luke Alsford FILE PHOTO: Jeffrey Epstein is seen in this image released by the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., U.S., on December 19, 2025 as part of a new trove of documents from its investigations into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. Justice Department/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY/File Photo

Hacker gets into Epstein's personal email after password 'exposed' in files

Channel: World World 4 days ago By Sarah Hooper A view of Pound Lane in Willesden, London

Woman, 50, stabbed to death in 'busy' area of north London

Channel: UK UK 7 days ago By Luke Alsford Play Video The MET Police carry out a pre-planned enforcement operation, taking place in Mitcham, South London.

How a single phone call led police to the heart of London's gang violence

Channel: UK UK 2 days ago By Brooke Davies Aptamil milk powder displayed on the shelves in a supermarket.

More batches of baby formula recalled over fears they contain harmful toxins

Channel: UK UK 2 days ago By Brooke Davies

Trending Now

Read more storiesRead more stories
  1. A federal document announcing Jeffrey Epstein's death has surfaced in newly released files, but it is dated August 9, 2019 - one day before he was officially found dead in his

    Epstein death statement dated one day before he was found dead emerges in files

    Channel: US US 2 hours ago By Craig Munro
  2. Three university students stabbed outside train station in ‘incredibly serious incident’
  3. Fighter jets intercept Wizz Air plane after 'passenger changes WiFi name to terrorist'
  4. Transgender teacher followed home and filmed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson
  5. Keir Starmer's top adviser Morgan McSweeney resigns over Mandelson scandal

Metro Shorts

metro deals

more offersmore offers strong>Bannatyne Spa/strong>Bannatyne SpaSpa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off. strong>Mystery Escape/strong>Mystery EscapeHotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages. strong>Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)/strong>Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%. strong>UK Getaway/strong>UK Getaway4* Radisson Blu Durham stay with breakfast, spa access & late checkout — save 60% off. strong>Drive Supercars/strong>Drive Supercars 3–12 lap supercar driving experiences from £16.99 — save up to 65%.  Close Overlay

News Updates

Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.

Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign Up

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Tag » Why Biting Aluminum Foil Hurts