Have you ever had a bad taste in your mouth? Do you feel like you can’t get rid of it no matter how much you brush your teeth or drink water? If so, you’re not alone.
A 2016 survey found that about 1 in 20 people in the United States experience a persistent bad taste in the mouth.
While there are many causes of bad taste in the mouth, the good news is that there are also many treatments.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common causes of bad taste in the mouth and the best ways to treat them.
Types of Bad Tastes in Mouth
There are many different types of bad tastes that can plague your mouth.
Here are some of the most common:
1. Metallic: This is one of the most common types of bad taste in the mouth. It can be caused by medications, dental problems, or even pregnancy. Try drinking more water and avoiding foods that are high in acidity.
2. Bitter: A bitter taste in the mouth can be caused by a number of things, including certain medications and even some medical conditions. If you’re experiencing a bitter taste, try drinking more water and avoiding caffeinated beverages.
3. Sour: A sour taste in the mouth can be caused by acid reflux, certain medications, or dental problems. To remedy this, try drinking more water and avoiding acidic foods.
4. Sweet: A sweet taste in the mouth can be caused by diabetes or certain medications. To help, you can try drinking more water and avoiding sugary foods.
5. Salty: A salty taste in the mouth can be caused by high blood pressure, certain medications, or kidney problems. If you’re experiencing a salty taste, try drinking more water and avoiding salty foods.
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Causes
There are many different things that can cause a bad taste in your mouth. Here are some of the most common causes.
Oral infections
Oral infections, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are a common cause of bad taste in the mouth.
These infections can cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums, which can lead to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This can cause a metallic or sour taste in the mouth.
Poor oral care
Poor oral hygiene or dental health issues such as cavities and gum disease can contribute to a lingering bad taste. Infection, inflammation, and abscesses may also be involved.
Other symptoms of problematic oral hygiene include:
Bad breath (halitosis)
Bleeding gums
Red or swollen mouth tissue
Sensitive teeth
Brush, floss, and use a mouth rinse every day to prevent dental problems.
It is also important to schedule regular dental cleanings and screenings.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that can be caused when salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This can cause a dry, sticky feeling inside your mouth.
Saliva reduces the growth of bacteria in the mouth and helps to remove bits of food.
When there isn’t enough saliva, it might have a bad taste in the mouth due to extra bacteria and leftover food there.
Dry mouth can lead to a bad taste in the mouth, as well as other symptoms such as:
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty swallowing
A burning sensation in the mouth
If you’re experiencing dry mouth, you may also want to talk to your dentist or healthcare professional about medications that can help relieve dry mouth.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, can cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. This is because stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates the lining of the throat.
Other symptoms of GERD include:
Coughing and hoarseness
Vitamin deficiencies
Certain vitamin deficiencies can contribute to a bad taste in the mouth.
For instance, a lack of vitamin B12 can cause a metallic taste, while a deficiency in zinc can lead to a bitter taste.
Other symptoms of vitamin deficiencies include:
If you think you may be deficient in vitamins, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about getting tested. They may recommend taking supplements or changing your diet.
Viral infections
When you have a cold, sinus infection, or other illness, your body naturally releases a protein made by different cells in the body to promote and mediate inflammation.
It’s thought that this protein can also affect the taste buds, causing increased sensitivity to bitter tastes when you’re sick.
Fungal infections
A fungal infection of the mouth, also called oral thrush or candidiasis, can cause a bad taste. This is because the fungi that cause the infection release chemicals that stimulate the taste buds.
Other symptoms of oral thrush include:
White patches on the tongue and inside of the cheeks
Cracking at the corners of the mouth
Redness and soreness in the mouth
Dry mouth
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver, and it can cause a bitter taste in the mouth.
Other symptoms include:
Appetite loss
Hepatitis B is serious, and anyone who suspects it should seek treatment right away.
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can impact the sense of taste and smell. Many report a metallic taste in the mouth, but it usually disappears as the pregnancy progresses.
Hormonal changes linked to menopause may also cause dry mouth, which is often accompanied by a bitter taste.
Certain medications and foods
Medications that can cause a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth include:
Anti-inflammatories
Antihistamines
Anti-seizure drugs
Cardiac medications
Diabetes medications
Gout medications
HIV protease inhibitors
Oral contraceptives
Other medications may cause dry mouth, which affects the sense of taste.
Tobacco products
Tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, can cause a bad taste in the mouth.
This is due to the tar and other chemicals in tobacco that can impact the sense of taste.
Other symptoms of tobacco use include:
Bad breath
Coughing
Increased mucus production
Yellow or brown teeth stains
Premature wrinkles
Smoking also increases the risk of developing cancer and other serious health conditions.
Diagnosis
If you’re concerned about a bad taste in your mouth, make an appointment to see your dentist or healthcare provider. They can learn about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam.
They may also recommend tests, such as:
CT scan
MRI
Ultrasound
Treatment
The type of treatment will largely depend on why you’re having a bad taste in your mouth.
Home remedies
If the cause of your bad taste is a minor infection, such as a cold or sinus infection, there are some home remedies that may help.
These include:
Gargling with warm saltwater
Drinking plenty of fluids
Avoiding foods that irritate the throat
Using a humidifier
Medical care
The treatment for a bad taste in the mouth depends on the underlying cause.
If it’s due to GERD, your dentist or healthcare provider may recommend:
Antacids
H2 blockers
Proton pump inhibitors
If an infection is the cause, they may prescribe antibiotics. If a vitamin deficiency is to blame, they may recommend supplements. If hormonal changes are the problem, they may recommend hormone therapy.
Prevention
There are some things you can do to help prevent a bad taste in your mouth.
Preventative actions include:
Avoiding alcohol
Eating a healthy diet
Practicing good oral hygiene
Limiting processed foods
Staying hydrated
These lifestyle changes can also help reduce your risk of other health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.
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When To Call Your Medical Provider
You should call your dentist or healthcare provider if:
The bad taste lasts more than a week
You have other symptoms, such as pain, fever, or nausea
You have trouble swallowing
Your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding
You have white patches on your tongue or inside of your cheeks
You think you may have an infection
You’re pregnant and have a bad taste in your mouth
You’re postmenopausal and have a bad taste in your mouth
If the bad taste persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see your dentist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
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