Sugar cravings can feel intense, especially when you’re trying to diet. Often, it’s not just about hunger—refined carbs and dopamine-driven habit loops can keep you reaching for sweets again and again.
To tackle this, nutritionist Pooja Makhija shared a surprisingly simple hack on Instagram: brush your teeth when you crave sugar.
How Brushing Teeth Stops Sweet Cravings
Pooja explains that cravings are often psychological rather than physical.
“Cravings are not always about hunger. Often, they’re about dopamine prediction—the cue → routine → reward loop. Brushing works because it disrupts the cue,” she wrote.
The Science Behind It
- Toothpaste menthol activates TRPM8 cold receptors in the mouth.
- This makes sweet foods taste metallic, bitter, or less appealing.
- The minty freshness resets your sensory system, reducing the desire for dessert.
Habit Loop Interruption: Why It Works Psychologically
For many people, brushing teeth signals that eating is finished for the day.
This creates a behavioural reset, replacing the craving routine with a non-eating ritual—a classic habit loop interruption.
Who Can Benefit From This Hack?
This trick works best for people who experience:
- Post-dinner sugar cravings
- Boredom eating
- Time-based cravings (habitual dessert timing)
However, it won’t help if cravings are physiological, such as due to:
- Low protein or salt intake
- Skipped meals or long gaps between meals
- Poor sleep
- High stress or cortisol spikes
A Simple Tool, Not a Magic Fix
Pooja emphasizes that brushing your teeth is a low-effort behavioural tool, not a cure-all.
“Sometimes weight loss is not about willpower, but about smarter signals,” she says.
Disclaimer
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.