Causes, Symptoms, Treatment for Bad Taste in Mouth
Everyone has bad taste in their mouth from time to time, and this can be fixed by brushing or rinsing. If it persists, it could be due to a medical issue and should be addressed. It can ruin your appetite, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other problems.
Causes of 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 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.
- Hepatitis B is serious, and anyone who suspects it should seek treatment immediately.
- Other signs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Bad breath
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Arthritis in the spine
This can cause bone spurs that pinch on nerves.
Narrowing of the spinal cord
This can cause pressure on the spinal cord.
Thyroid problems
Thyroid disorders also raise the risk, for reasons that are not completely apparent, of carpal tunnel syndrome.
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
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:
When nerves in the brain are damaged, the sense of taste can be impaired. Neurological conditions that can cause a bad taste in your mouth include
A head injury can have a similar effect.
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Get A Second OpinionDiagnosis 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
Treatments For Bad Taste in Mouth
Treatment for bad taste depends on the underlying cause. No treatment is needed for hormonal changes or viral infections. When treatment is required, options include:
Medication or supplement adjustment:
- If a drug or supplement is responsible for the taste, a doctor may suggest an alternative or change the recommended dosage
- Bad taste caused by cancer therapy usually resolves after treatment ends.
Addressing medical conditions:
- Treating the underlying condition typically resolves the bad taste.
- For oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease, a dentist may recommend procedures, medications, or medicated mouthwash.
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Book an AppointmentHome Remedies For 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
