![](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/7X34YEGE4OLW2EKBP6AGA2ACT4.jpg?quality=85&w=2048)
![](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/7X34YEGE4OLW2EKBP6AGA2ACT4.jpg?quality=85&w=2048)
In a handy video, the American Chemical Society has explained why orange juice (and food in general) tastes like soap after you brush your teeth. The basic gist is that a detergent called sodium lauryl sulfate, found within your toothpaste, blocks the sweet receptors on your tongue and ramps up your bitterness receptors. The ACS has a more detailed explanation below:
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9X5_gtel-c0/hqdefault.jpg)
Next, hopefully they’ll tackle the question of why toothpaste makes water taste extra cold. (…Or is that just me?)
Other gustatory questions you can chew on: