Is there a bad taste in your mouth? If it doesn't go away after brushing your teeth or rinsing out your oral cavity with mouthwash, then an underlying health problem might be present. Regardless of the cause, having a bad taste in your mouth can affect your appetite and possibly lead to nutritional deficiencies, among other problems.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes of a bad taste in your mouth, the health risks, and how to keep your mouth tasting fresh.
What Is Considered a Bad Taste?
The definition of an unpleasant or unusual taste differs from person to person. For some people, the taste in their mouths is metallic. For others, it may be foul or bitter, depending on the cause. A diminished sense of taste during meals can also occur.
Oral Causes of a Bad Taste in the Mouth
If you have a bad taste in your mouth, here are some of the possible culprits:
1. Poor oral hygiene
The most common reason for having a bad taste in the mouth involves dental hygiene. Failure to brush and floss regularly can lead to gingivitis, which can cause an unpleasant taste to linger in your mouth. Other dental problems, including abscesses and infections, can also result from poor oral hygiene and cause a bad taste in your mouth.
You can prevent the onset of most dental problems, including gum disease and abscesses, by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. It's also important to schedule bi-annual visits to a local dentist for cleanings and exams.
If you don't have a good dentist in California, our team here at Cunning Dental Group can provide the high-quality dental services you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. Call us at (855) 328-6646 to schedule an appointment.
2. Dry mouth
Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, therefore causing a dry and sticky feeling inside your mouth.
The role of saliva is to reduce bacterial growth in your mouth and wash away the remaining food particles on your teeth, gums, tongue, and inner cheeks. If you don't produce enough saliva, you might have a repugnant taste in your mouth as a result of bacterial buildup and any leftover bits of food.
The causes of dry mouth include:
Aging
Mouth breathing
Nerve damage
Autoimmune conditions
Diabetes
Tobacco use
If you have this oral condition, consult your doctor to determine what's causing it. Most patients with dry mouth find relief by quitting smoking, using OTC or prescription mouth rinses, adjusting their medication, and choosing healthier food options.
3. Oral thrush
Thrush is a form of yeast infection that thrives in warm, moist areas like the mouth. Anyone can develop oral thrush. However, babies younger than six months, people with suppressed immune systems, and older adults are more prone to it.
In addition, oral thrush can cause:
Dry mouth
Redness, soreness, or a burning sensation
White bumps
Difficulty swallowing
Stressing the importance of good oral hygiene once again, regular brushing and flossing, as well as rinsing out the mouth, can prevent oral thrush from developing. Reducing your sugar intake can also help fend off oral thrush since yeast feeds on it.
Infections That Cause a Bad Taste in the Mouth
The unusual taste in your mouth could be signaling one of the following:
1. Respiratory infections
Bacterial and viral infections that have made their way into your body can affect the taste in your mouth. Colds, sinusitis, and tonsillitis are some examples of infections that can alter your sense of taste.
Bacterial and viral infections usually go away on their own within one to two weeks. The bad taste should also disappear once you've recovered from the infection.
2. Hepatitis
Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable infection of the liver. Among its early symptoms is a bitter taste in the mouth.
Other early symptoms of this viral infection include:
Bad breath
Low-grade fever
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Hepatitis B is a serious infection. If you experience any symptoms or think you've been exposed to the virus, see a doctor right away.
Hormonal Changes That Cause a Metallic Taste
The metallic taste in your mouth could be a sign of the following:
1. Pregnancy
The hormonal fluctuations occurring throughout the first trimester of pregnancy can cause many sensory changes, including having an unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth. While this distortion of the sense of taste may be vexing, it usually goes away near the beginning of the second trimester.
2. Menopause
Women going through menopause or are about to may notice a bitter taste in their mouths. Dry mouth is often the cause, which is a common symptom of menopause.
If you're experiencing or entering this stage of womanhood and have a bad taste in your mouth, speak to a physician about your treatment options. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hormone replacement therapy may help.
Medications and Supplements That Cause a Bad Taste
Some ingestible substances can leave an awful taste in your mouth. These include:
1. Certain dietary supplements
These vitamins and supplements may cause a metallic taste in your mouth, most especially if you take them in large amounts:
Zinc, which may also cause nausea
Vitamin D
Multivitamins or prenatal vitamins that contain heavy metals
Iron
Copper
Chromium
Calcium
2. Certain medications
Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth. These include:
Antihistamines
Anti-inflammatories
HIV protease inhibitors
Diabetes medications
Cardiac medications
Anti-seizure agents
Antibiotics
Antidepressants
Oral contraceptives
The Bottom Line
If you have a recurrent or persistent bad taste in your mouth, schedule an appointment with your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
During your appointment, ensure to tell your doctor about:
The dietary supplements and medications you take
Any existing or previously diagnosed medical condition
Any other symptoms you're having, even if they seem unrelated
In the meantime, brushing after every meal, flossing once daily, using mouthwash, and chewing gum may provide you some temporary relief until you see your doctor.
More About Cunning Dental Group
Our dentists have been providing the community of Irvine, Montclair, and nearby locations with top-notch general and cosmetic dentistry for more than 52 years. Book your appointment today.
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