We’ve all eaten or drank something that left us with a bitter aftertaste that usually goes away after some brushing or rinsing. Unfortunately, some people can’t seem to get rid of the taste no matter how much they’ve brushed or rinsed.
Does this sound like you? The bad taste in your mouth could be a sign of an underlying condition, and you should consult with your dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause. They may just chalk it up to a simple, everyday issue—but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of a persistent bitter taste in the mouth.
What’s Considered a Bad Taste?
A bad taste can often be described as bitter, metallic, rancid, foul, or salty, but it varies from person to person. A persistent altered taste in the mouth is medically known as dysgeusia and can last for a prolonged period until the underlying cause is treated.
Causes of Bad Taste in the Mouth
- Poor dental hygiene. One of the most common causes can be easily avoided by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Not following a proper oral hygiene routine can lead to dental problems, such as infections, cavities, and gum disease. Incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash into your routine for added protection.
- Dry mouth. Also known as xerostomia, this occurs when the mouth is not producing enough saliva, causing a dry, sticky feeling. Having less saliva creates a bad taste because it allows for more bacteria to survive in your mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by medications, pre-existing disorders, or tobacco use.
- Pregnancy. During early pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can cause a myriad of issues, one of them being bad taste. Some women report having a bitter or metallic taste in their mouth but find it goes away later in the pregnancy or after giving birth.
- Respiratory infections. Infections like tonsillitis, sinusitis, colds, and middle ear infections can affect your sense of taste and smell. The bad taste should go away once the infection clears up.
- Oral thrush. This is a type of yeast infection that causes white spots or blotches in your tongue, mouth, or throat. The bad taste may persist until the infection is treated. You can prevent oral thrush by regularly brushing and flossing.
Although having a bad taste in your mouth is a common issue, it definitely shouldn’t be ignored. Contact your dentist if you’re experiencing a persistent, unexplained bad taste in your mouth, and rest assured—it won’t last forever. Once you receive an accurate diagnosis, your dentist can discuss treatment options that will have your mouth feeling clean and fresh in no time.
About Song Dental
Song Dental strives to keep each patient healthy and happy, offering quality care and services to meet their individual needs. Dr. Brian Song and Dr. Arthur Munar go above and beyond to treat each patient with equal dignity and respect. Whether you’re in the midst of a dental emergency or want to discuss treatment options for a bitter taste, the team welcomes you with open arms. You can contact Dr. Song and Dr. Munar via their website or by phone at (630) 655-8781.