Sokkan

Sokkan is a term originating from Japanese culture that refers to the feeling of discomfort or unease caused by the sound of something scraping or rubbing against teeth. It is a visceral and often involuntary reaction that can be triggered by various stimuli, including chewing certain foods, dental work, or even artificial sounds.

The sensation of sokkan is typically described as a grating or grinding feeling within the mouth, often accompanied by a shiver or a sense of revulsion. Common triggers include the sound of biting into an apple with its skin, the crunch of ice, or the sensation of a loose filling. Some individuals report experiencing sokkan when hearing fingernails scraping against a chalkboard, though this is more broadly categorized as misophonia.

While the exact neurological mechanisms behind sokkan are not fully understood, it is believed to involve a complex interplay between auditory and somatosensory pathways in the brain. The sound is processed by the auditory cortex, and then triggers a corresponding tactile sensation in the mouth. This shared processing may explain the strong association between the sound and the physical feeling.

Sokkan is generally considered a harmless sensory phenomenon, though it can be a source of significant annoyance for those who experience it frequently. There are no known medical treatments for sokkan, and individuals often learn to manage their reactions by avoiding triggers or developing coping mechanisms. The term is primarily used in informal contexts and is not a recognized medical condition.