Well can you? I dunked a cheto in blairs 3am reserve and can no longer really taste anything...I am used to the stuff and it has never done this before. I ate a habenero to make sure it was official. It is.

I doubt it.

Is your nose plugged up? Can you still smell things?

Your sense of taste and smell are linked. If you lose one, you often lose both.

quote Originally posted by Doug85GT: I doubt it. Is your nose plugged up? Can you still smell things? Your sense of taste and smell are linked. If you lose one, you often lose both.

I can smell but not taste. HUH. This is weird.

quote Originally posted by Doug85GT: I doubt it. Is your nose plugged up? Can you still smell things? Your sense of taste and smell are linked. If you lose one, you often lose both.

i think that only works one way, like if you lose your sense of smell your taste goes too (why people plug their nose in an attempt to stomach something nasty)

Simple answer: No.

Complex answer: Spicy foods do not actually damage the taste buds, they simply high-jack the cells into sensing pain (which is why your whole tongue feels heat, but not salty, sweet ext.) The material is so concentrated that all your taste buds aren't yet able to contact and sense other tastes. Consuming dairy products (milk/yogurt) is the best way to rinse them away. Water just washes them around intensifying the pain, bread might detract the cells, but ultimately is the same as water.

Your tongue is constantly shedding cells; soon (30-90 minutes) all of the effected cells will have been replaced with new ones and you will have taste back.

Also, the reason you can smell is because the heat contained in peppers effects only taste buds. However, since the two senses are closely connected, it often causes your nose to run. Spicy foods such as mustard or horseradish are considered aromatic spices and when they come in contact with your tongue, release a gas that goes into your sinuses and causes you to feel heat. The sense dissipates quickly because it is not attached to your tongue, which is the case with peppers; however will clear your sinuses ever more effectively.

[This message has been edited by Renegade blob (edited 08-01-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Renegade blob: Simple answer: No. Complex answer: Spicy foods do not actually damage the taste buds, they simply high-jack them into sensing pain (which is why your whole tongue feels heat, but not salty, sweet ext.) The material is so concentrated that all your taste buds aren't yet able to contact and sense other tastes. Consuming dairy products (milk/yogurt) is the best way to rinse them away. Water just washes them around intensifying the pain, bread might detract the cells, but ultimately is the same as water. Your tongue is constantly shedding cells; soon (30-90 minutes) all of the effected cells will have been replaced with new ones and you will have taste back.

I wish I had as much tongue knowledge as you . A + to you for useful info!

Sounds like you just need some ice-cream. This should do nicely
http://www.coldsweaticecream.com/

quote Originally posted by Cooter: Sounds like you just need some ice-cream. This should do nicely http://www.coldsweaticecream.com/

"It should be noted that what is painful going in, may be painful upon exit."

one of the last lines of the waiver on that site lol

Well looking at the title of this post, I would say your taste buds have lost their "T".(Joke)