Book 9, Question 34
Why Does Orange Juice Taste Weird After Toothpaste?
Orange juice tastes weird after toothpaste because a detergent in toothpaste blocks sweetness and makes bitter tastes stronger.
Orange juice tastes weird after toothpaste because toothpaste chemicals change how your tongue tastes! They suppress sweetness and boost bitter notes. The citrus tastes off until your mouth chemistry resets.
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Quick answers
What is the detergent?
Toothpaste contains a detergent called sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS.
How long does it last?
The weird taste is temporary and lasts only a few minutes.
Sources: Scientific American, Scientific American, BBC
More fun facts
- Toothpaste contains a detergent called sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS.
- SLS makes your tongue more sensitive to bitter flavors that you normally would not notice in juice.
- With SLS on your tongue, you taste none of orange juice's sweetness, and its tartness comes across as bitter.
- The weird taste is temporary and lasts only a few minutes.
- Your brain is wired to love sweet sugars your body uses for fuel and to dislike bitter tastes that could be poisons.
Sources: Scientific American, Scientific American, BBC
Questions kids ask
How long should I wait after brushing to drink juice?
The effect lasts only a few minutes, so a short wait helps.