Bad Taste in Mouth
We all experience bad tastes in our mouths from time to time, but the good news is that brushing or rinsing can usually help! However, if it doesn’t go away, it might be a good idea to check in with a doctor, as it could point to a medical issue.
Taking care of this is important because it can affect your appetite, which may eventually lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health concerns.
Types of Bad Taste in Mouth
The medical term for a bad taste in the mouth is dysgeusia, and it can vary from person to person.
- Bitter
- Metallic
- Sour
- Salty
- Sickly sweet
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Get A Second OpinionReasons for Bad Taste in Mouth
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene or dental health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, can contribute to a persistent bad taste. Infections, inflammation, and abscesses may also be involved.
- Daily: Brush, floss, mouthwash.
- Regular checkups for healthy teeth.
Dry Mouth
Brush, floss, and use mouthwash every day to prevent dental problems. Routine dental examinations and cleanings must also be scheduled.
- Certain medications
- Tobacco use
- Old age
- Some medical conditions, such as nerve damage and diabetes, can also cause a lack of saliva.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach moves up the oesophagus. A bitter taste in the mouth is a common symptom of acid reflux. Other signs include:
- Bad breath
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Heartburn
- Hoarseness
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
Oral Candidiasis
An overgrowth of the Candida fungus handles this infection. Oral yeast infection occurs in babies, older adults, people with diabetes, and people who take some antibiotics. However, anyone can get an oral thrush. Signs include:
- Bad taste and a cottony mouthfeel
- Cracking at the corners of the mouth
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Irritation or pain under dentures
- Loss of taste
- Light bleeding on contact with the sores
- Redness
- Pain
- White sores that may look like cottage cheese, most often on the tongue and inside of the cheeks
Respiratory Infections
Tonsil, sinus, and middle ear infections often trigger an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth. People with respiratory infections may also have congestion, an earache, and a sore throat.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver and can cause a bitter taste in the mouth. It is serious, and anyone who suspects it should seek treatment immediately. Other signs include:
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid disorders may increase the risk of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, although the exact link is not fully understood.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can affect the sense of taste and smell. Many report a metallic taste in the mouth, but it usually goes away as the pregnancy progresses.
Hormonal changes related to menopause can also cause Dry mouth, which is often accompanied by a bitter taste.
Medications That Can Cause Bad Taste in Mouth
Medications that can cause a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth include:
- Antibiotics
- antidepressants
- Anti-inflammatories
- Antihistamines
- Anti-seizure medications
- Heart medications
- Diabetes medications
- Medicines for gout
- HIV protease inhibitors
- Oral contraceptives
- Cancer therapies
It is understood that chemotherapy and radiation cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The taste is usually metallic or acidic.
Neurological Conditions With Bad Taste in Mouth Symptom
When nerves in the brain are damaged, the sense of taste can be impaired. Neurological conditions that can cause a tasteless tongue and bad taste in the mouth include;
A head injury can have a similar effect.
Diagnosis of Bad Taste in Mouth
Diagnosing symptoms is important. A bad taste could signal a health issue or medication problem. Consult a professional for diagnosis to rule out serious causes and prevent overeating salty or sweet foods.
Taste disorders may require the help of an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, throat, head, and neck (ENT) specialist.
Diagnosis may include:
- Examination of your ears, nose, and throat
- Dental evaluation
- Professionally administered taste test.
- Review of your medical and dental history
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Book an AppointmentTreatments For Bad Taste in Mouth
Treatment for a bad taste in the mouth depends on its underlying causes. In cases like hormonal changes or viral infections, no specific treatment is usually needed. Several options are available when treatment is necessary:
- Medication or Supplement Adjustment: If a medication or supplement is contributing to the bad taste, your doctor may recommend an alternative or adjust the dosage.
- Cancer Treatment: For bad taste caused by cancer therapies it typically resolves once the treatment course is complete.
- Addressing Medical Conditions: Treating the root medical issue often leads to an improvement in taste.
- Oral Health Issues: If tooth decay or gum disease is the cause, a dentist may suggest procedures, medications, or medicated mouthwash to improve oral health and eliminate the unpleasant taste.
Home Remedies For Avoiding Bad Taste in Mouth
In some cases, home remedies can help resolve a bad taste in your mouth. However, these should be used in conjunction with medical or dental treatment.
Some effective home remedies include:
- Brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and movement
- Drink enough water every day
- Stop using tobacco
- Limit or avoid the intake of alcohol, caffeine, and soft drinks
- Reduce the amount of sugar consumed, as it can contribute to oral yeast infection
- Avoid acid reflux triggers, such as fatty or spicy foods
