Bad Taste in Mouth: Common Causes & Fixes

Types of Bad Taste in The Mouth

Different types of bad tastes can indicate different issues:

• Metallic taste:This can happen for various reasons, like certain medications, being pregnant or kidney problems.
• Bitter taste:If your mouth has a bitter flavor, it might indicate issues like acid reflux or even liver concerns.
• Sour taste:A sour taste is often linked to problems like acid reflux or dental infections.
• Sweet taste:If you have a sweet taste in your mouth, it could be related to diabetes or some nervous system issues.

Recognizing the type of taste can guide you toward the right diagnosis and solution.

Reasons for Bad Taste in The Mouth

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poororal hygieneor dental health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, can contribute to a persistent sour 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 Bis 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:

• Loss of appetite
• Bad breath
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

Arthritis, especially in the spine, can lead to bone spurs that compress nerves.

Narrowing of the spinal cord, causing pressure on the spinal cord

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 disappears as the pregnancy progresses.

Hormonal changes related to menopause can also cause Dry mouth, which is often accompanied by a bitter taste.

Medications Cause a 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;

• Brain tumour
• Dementia
• Epilepsy

A head injury can have a similar effect.

When to Visit a Doctor

You should see a healthcare provider if you experience:

• A persistent bad taste in your mouth lasting more than a week
• A metallic, bitter, or sour taste without an obvious cause
• Taste changes that interfere with eating or daily life
• White patches, pain, or swelling in the mouth (possible signs of infection)
• Other symptoms like nausea, heartburn, dry mouth, or difficulty swallowing
• Bad taste linked to medications, pregnancy, or neurological symptoms
• Signs of underlying conditions such as diabetes, liver issues, or acid reflux

Early medical evaluation can help diagnose the cause and guide effective treatment.

Diagnosis of Bad Taste in Mouth

Taste disorders may require the help of an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, throat, head, and neck(ENT) specialist..

Diagnosis of bad taste 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

When home remedies are not enough, you might need to see a doctor for help. Treatment depends on the root cause:

• Antibiotics:These are used if there's a bacterial infection.
• Antacids or PPIs:These can help if you're dealing with acid reflux, which is when stomach acid moves up into your throat.
• Saliva stimulants:These are helpful for dry mouth that can happen because of certain medications or health issues.
• Dental care:If you have gum disease or cavities, getting professional cleaning or treatment from a dentist is important.

Consulting a healthcare professional can help address both the taste issue and any related weight fluctuations.

Home Remedies For a Bad Taste In The Mouth

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 like fatty or spicy foods

Bad Taste in Mouth During Pregnancy

Many pregnant women report an unusual metallic or bitter taste in their mouth, especially in the first trimester. This condition is known as dysgeusia and is caused by hormonal changes, particularly a rise in estrogen levels.

Key Points

• Often appears in the first trimester.
• It may come and go throughout the day.
• Usually resolves on its own as pregnancy progresses.

Tips for Relief

• Chewing sugarless gum or mints.
• Eating citrus fruits.
• Practicing good oral hygiene.