MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Does Orange Juice Taste Horrible After Brushing Your Teeth?

Close-up shot of a young woman drinking refreshing juice in the morning.

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Does Orange Juice Taste Horrible After Brushing Your Teeth?

We’ve all had that moment in the morning. You brush your teeth in the morning while getting ready then while eating a quick breakfast before you head out the door, you take a sip of your orange juice. YUCK! Possible the worst tasting thing of all time. Completely ruins your morning.

But what causes this to happen?

According to howstuffworks.com, the foaming agent used in most toothpaste is what you can blame for the unappealing taste. It’s called sodium lauryl sulfate. It actually dampens the sweet receptors in your mouth. This means your delicious orange juice and anything else you might eat or drink will not taste as sweet in those moments after brushing your teeth.

Also, sodium lauryl sulfate destroys the molecules in your mouth that usually help to prevent bitter tastes from being too strong. This means that the toothpaste not only works to make the orange juice less sweet, it also amplifies its bitterness. Thanks a lot TOOHPASTE! These two effects are what team up together to create the horrible taste. Like a flavor super villain.

So if you’re planning on having a nice glass of OJ maybe wait to brush your teeth until after.

 

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