ELI5 Mint - why does it taste fresh?

How is spearmint and peppermint different? How did mint become associated with freshness and cleanliness in products like toothpaste and gum? Why does mint create that feeling in our mouths? Why do mint and citrus flavors clash? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: much_blank, thectcamp, redcat_51, jellyel88 pinkie3141, kakapo117, ilmt206 and socks405 To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Send us an e-mail: [email protected]