Imagine when you start your day off with a refreshing glass of orange juice. Someone alerts you, “Don’t drink that! If you have just brushed your teeth, Orange Juice may kill you”. Familiar with any such cautionary tale?
Well, many of you may have heard that drinking orange juice right after brushing your teeth can kill you. While this is just a bizarre rumor that defies all logic, it often goes around the internet. Even before we dig deeper into the article, let us clear it here: Drinking Orange Juice after brushing your teeth with Toothpaste will not kill you.
Join us in this article as we explore the truth of the supposed lethal combination of orange juice and Toothpaste. We will use the chemistry of citrus and the oral hygiene wonders of Toothpaste to unfold this age-old warning that is scaring people today. So, if you are curious or even worried, grab yourself a glass of fresh juice and join us to unfold the truth about the legendary orange juice and toothpaste combination.
Table of Contents
Citrus Fruits and Toothpaste Reaction
Orange juice is a refreshing vitamin C-rich beverage and, thus, a popular choice to pair with breakfast. However, consuming Orange juice right after brushing your teeth isn’t typically a smart choice. But Why?
Well, most toothpaste formulas contain Fluoride. This mineral strengthens tooth enamel and thus prevents decay. When you brush your teeth, and even after rinsing well, some amount of Fluoride stays there for a few minutes in your mouth. This procedure is healthy for your dental health. However, if you drink Orange juice, a citric acid-rich drink, right after using Fluoride rich toothpaste, it isn’t considered an intelligent choice. When followed after a Fluoride toothpaste, the citrusy Orange Juice can weaken the protective enamel on your teeth. It can make your teeth and enamel more susceptible to damage and even develop teeth sensitivity.
Why Orange Juice After Brushing Teeth Is A Bad Choice?
Not only that but toothpastes typically are abrasive. The abrasive particles in toothpaste aid in removing stains and plaque from teeth. And when you drink Orange juice right after brushing, it, due to its acidic nature, intensifies the abrasive action. This can further weaken or damage the tooth enamel. Orange juice right after brushing can also linger the flavor of Toothpaste, leading to an unpleasant taste sensation.
Therefore, for optimal dental health and to avoid teeth/ enamel sensitivity, wait half an hour after brushing before you consume anything. In fact, experts even recommend avoiding plain water as well if you have brushed just now. Waiting half an hour allows Fluoride in your Toothpaste to bond with enamel. This time frame is important for your mouth’s pH levels to stabilize so that the potential for enamel erosion minimize.
Is It Safe To Drink Orange Juice And Toothpaste?
No, it isn’t recommended to intentionally mix and consume orange juice and Toothpaste. Neither It is ideal to mix both of these things together or have them one after the other. Ingesting Toothpaste in any form is harmful. While accidental ingestion of a small amount of Toothpaste sometimes may not harm. But if you intentionally combine orange juice and Toothpaste and drink it, wait for ill effects on your health.
The main concern lies in the interaction between the citric acid in orange juice and the Fluoride in Toothpaste. Both these substances can potentially undermine their positive effects when consumed together or one after another.
What Happens If You Drink Orange Juice While Brushing Your Teeth?
If you have ever tried drinking orange juice while brushing your teeth, you may have an unpleasant experience, Right? As illogical and abrupt as it may seem, one should never drink orange juice while brushing teeth. They do not even drink water while brushing their teeth. While you brush your teeth, you apply Toothpaste to help clean and protect your dental structure. And when you drink anything (even water) in between, it will dilute the Toothpaste and reduce its effectiveness. Or, if you swipe water with Orange Juice, you will experience an unpleasant taste and texture in your mouth.
Orange Juice or any citrus drink after or while brushing teeth produces a bitter or strange taste sensation. Not only it makes the juice less enjoyable, but it also interrupts your oral health. Since Toothpaste contains surfactants, the citruses in orange juice can produce foam excessively and change its texture. In addition, the acidic nature of orange juice can also lead to irritation in the mouth and temporary sensitivity. It happens because tooth enamel weakens after brushing, and the acidic nature of Orange juice can create discomfort.
How Long Should I Wait To Have My Orange Juice After Brushing?
You should typically wait half an hour after brushing your teeth before consuming anything, even water. This timeframe allows the Fluoride in the Toothpaste to do its job. It is when your teeth and enamel are at their sensitive best, and it is better to avoid interrupting them.
Once when after 30 minutes, the pH level of your mouth neutralizes, you can enjoy your food and drinks. However, if you still feel that toothpaste tingling in your mouth, wait for another 15 minutes before having Orange Juice. Consider rinsing your mouth with plain water again to remove any possible Fluoride residue.
Is It Ok To Drink Orange Juice Before Brushing My Teeth?
Yes, it is totally Ok; in fact, beneficial to have your glass of Orange Juice before brushing your teeth. Orange juice is a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients. It contributes to your overall well-being, including gum health as well. When you drink orange juice before brushing, you allow its nutrients to reach your gums and oral tissues. It can potentially provide added benefits.
However, it is also important to note that the acidic content in Orange juice can temporarily soften the tooth enamel. Therefore, it is ideal to maintain a gap of 30 to 45 minutes before and after brushing your teeth to enjoy your glass of Orange Juice.
Wrapping up…
Overall, drinking orange juice and Toothpaste together is not ideal, and one should refrain from doing so. This unusual combination can lead to potential enamel erosion and unpleasant taste sensations.
Hi, This is Lyn, I suffer from dental sensitivity for a very long time. PowerToothpaste.com is where I share my views of various toothpaste brands, along with tips on how to use toothpaste and what to look for when purchasing.