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:

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.


Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

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

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.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

Home 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
Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment
Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a bad taste in your mouth be serious?

It's completely normal to get a bad taste in your mouth sometimes. But if you've had a strange taste in your mouth for days, it could be a sign of an underlying dental or medical problem.

2. Can liver problems cause a bad taste in your mouth?

Although rare, kidney or liver disease can cause a metallic taste to develop in the mouth due to a build-up of chemicals in the body.

3. Can a sinus infection cause a bad taste in my mouth?

A mucus associated with a sinus infection can have a foul odour, which can cause bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

4. Why do I have a bitter taste in my mouth?

Various factors can lead to a bitter taste in the mouth, ranging from minor issues such as inadequate oral hygiene to more severe conditions like hepatitis or acid reflux. Additionally, smoking cigarettes can also contribute to a bitter taste in the mouth, which may last for a short duration of a few minutes to several hours.

5. What Causes a Metallic Taste in Your Mouth?

In many cases, a temporary and benign metallic taste may occur in your mouth. However, it is essential to be aware that it could also indicate a more severe medical condition. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider if the metallic taste persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as allergy symptoms, pain, or signs of infection.

6. What causes a soapy taste in the mouth?

It's possible to experience a soapy taste due to genetics or hormonal changes as we age. Other factors, such as acid reflux, cavities, oral thrush, and dry mouth, can also contribute to this unpleasant flavour. Additionally, medications and dietary supplements can impact your taste buds. Therefore, it's important to inform your dentist about any new prescriptions or changes in your diet.

7. What causes a sweet taste in the mouth?

Eating sugary or sweet treats can leave a temporary sweet aftertaste in your mouth. However, if you find yourself constantly experiencing a sweet or fruity taste, it could be a sign of something more serious. This lingering sweetness might indicate that your body is struggling to control blood sugar levels, possibly due to diabetes.

8. Why do I have a salty taste in my mouth?

If you notice a salty or metallic taste in your mouth, it could be a sign of oral bleeding. There are several reasons why this may occur, such as consuming sharp foods like chips or brushing your gums too forcefully. If your gums frequently bleed when you floss or brush your teeth, it could be a sign of gum disease, also known as gingivitis.

9. Why Does a Bad Taste Occur in the Mouth During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, dysgeusia, which is a change in your sense of taste, is most likely caused by the hormones associated with pregnancy. It can make you despise a food that you usually adore or develop a liking for foods you typically don't enjoy. Occasionally, it may even give your mouth a sour or metallic taste, even when you're not consuming anything.

10. What is a bad taste in your mouth a symptom of?

A bad taste in your mouth can indicate dental issues, infections, dry mouth, medication side effects, acid reflux, or other health conditions. It's essential to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Whats app Health Packages Book an Appointment Second Opinion