Do you feel bad taste in mouth even though you’ve brushed your teeth, and you feel like you can’t get rid of it. If so, you are in the right place because we will explain to you why your mouth feels bad.
Bad taste in mouth is often experienced by many people as in a 2016 survey, it was found that 1 in 20 people in America experience a continuous bad taste in their mouth. It is known that bad taste can be caused by many factors and fortunately, this problem also has many methods of treatment.
So, in this article we will diagnose a bad taste in mouth, mention the causes and how to treat it.
But before that, let’s first identify some types of bad taste that occurs in the mouth.
Types of Bad Tastes in Mouth
Bad taste in the mouth varies, all of which are very disturbing. Below are some of that types:
– Metallic
Metallic taste in the mouth is a very common problem, and this metallic taste is often caused by the drugs we take such as iron supplements, dental problems can also be the cause, or because you are pregnant. To overcome the unpleasant taste in the form of a metallic taste is to consume more water and avoid acidic foods.
– Bitter
Bad taste in the form of a bitter taste can also occur due to various causes such as the result of taking certain drugs or the result of a medical condition (disease).
If you experience a bad taste in mouth in the form of a bitter taste, then try to drink lots of water and avoid caffeinated foods or drinks.
– Sour
In addition to the bitter taste, there is another annoying taste in the mouth, this is the sour taste. This sour taste is usually caused by acid reflux, certain drugs, and can also be caused by taking certain drugs.
To prevent this sour taste in the mouth, you are advised to drink lots of water and avoid acidic foods or acidic drinks.
– Sweet
Bad taste in mouth can also be a sweet taste, and this is a result of diabetes or the result of certain medications. So, the simple solution for you is to avoid sugary foods, or sugary drinks and try drinking more water.
– Salty
Does your mouth taste salty? If this is what you feel then it could be that you are experiencing high blood pressure. However, that does not mean every salty taste you experience indicates that you suffer from high blood pressure. This is just one of the signs and to decide whether you have high blood pressure or not, of course you have to do a blood pressure check up.
This bad taste can also occur due to kidney problems. If you feel salty in your mouth, try drinking more water and avoiding salty foods.
Causes of Bad Taste In Mouth
Why does a bad taste appear in the mouth, of course there is a background or what we call the cause. Some of the possible causes of a bad taste in mouth are:
1. Oral infections
Common causes that can cause a bad taste in mouth are gingivitis and periodontitis. This infection can cause bleeding (because this bleeding gives a metallic taste due to iron) or inflammation and this can trigger the growth of bad bacteria, giving a bad taste. This usually gives a metallic or sour taste in the mouth.
2. Not taking care of the mouth
The mouth is very bad in terms of hygiene, if you don’t brush your teeth twice a day, of course, oral care is still considered bad. The mouth is a watery cavity and is the entry point for various foods and drinks. The rest of the food and drink will certainly stick to the teeth and gums, especially if the teeth are damaged or have holes, this will worsen oral health if not taken care of properly.
So, poor oral care can be one of the causes of a bad taste in the mouth. This poor maintenance problem will also trigger other problems such as causing tooth decay, cavities, infection, inflammation, and possibly also lead to abscess and all of these will cause bad taste in mouth.
If your oral hygiene is not good, then other problems will arise such as:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Red and swollen mouth tissue
- Sensitive teeth
Among the ways to maintain good oral hygiene are brushing your teeth twice a day, using dental floss to remove food debris between your teeth, and using mouthwash every day.
Also, make a schedule of cleaning your teeth and mouth every 6 months.
3. Dry Mouth
In medical terms, dry mouth is called xerostomia, this is a condition that occurs when the salivary glands no longer produce adequate amounts of saliva. What happens if you don’t have enough saliva, what happens is your mouth is dry and feels like it’s sticky.
Saliva is good for health, it can prevent the growth of bacteria and can remove food residue that sticks to your gums.
So, when your saliva is not produced enough, then various bad bacteria will grow in your mouth and this will cause bad breath or bad taste in mouth.
If you experience dry mouth, then talk to the nearest dentist and ask for advice and solutions so that you avoid and heal from dry mouth.
4. GERD
GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), it is also known as acid reflux. The Gerd can cause sour or bitter in your mouth.
This acidity or bitter taste occurs because stomach acid rises up into the esophagus and irritates the lining in the throat.
GERD can be characterized by any of the symptoms, including ulcers, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, hoarseness and coughing.
5. Vitamin deficiencies
The cause of a bad taste in mouth also arises from a lack of vitamins and nutrients.
For example, when your body lacks vitamin B12, you will feel a metallic taste in your mouth. While the lack of minerals (zinc) can cause you to taste bitter on the tongue or mouth.
Among the symptoms of vitamin deficiency are: Weakness, fatigue, headache, tingling, numbness and extremities.
If you have a vitamin deficiency then consult your doctor, they sometimes recommend you to take certain vitamins or supplements.
6. Viral infections
A viral infection can be another cause of a bad taste in mouth. Among the forms of this infection can be colds, sinus infections, and other diseases.
When someone has a cold, this is actually a release of protein and this affects your sense of smell so that it sometimes tastes bitter in your mouth.
Also see:
- What Does Capicola Taste Like?
- Relief For Dry Mouth During Pregnancy
- Why Do I Feel Nauseous When I Have To Poop
7. Fungal infections
The fungal infections that occur also sometimes give a bad taste in mouth. Fungal infections, also known as thrush or candidiasis, are known to cause a bad taste in your mouth.
Fungi known as canker sores release chemicals that can cause a bitter taste or vice versa. Among the symptoms of a yeast infection are: White patches on the tongue, cracks in the corners of your mouth, redness and pain in the mouth, loss of taste, and dry mouth.
8. Hepatitis B
The cause of bad taste in mouth can also be caused by hepatitis. This is a liver disease caused by a virus attacking the liver, this condition can make a bitter taste in your mouth.
Among the symptoms of hepatitis B are: Loss of appetite, diarrhea, bad breath, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Hepatitis B is a serious disease and can be fatal, so if you already know, immediately seek medical solutions.
9. Hormonal imbalances
Another thing that affects the mouth is hormonal imbalance. This usually occurs in pregnant women early in their pregnancy. So, pregnant women who experience hormonal imbalances often feel a metallic taste in their mouths. However, this can be eliminated when pregnancy continues to develop.
Hormonal changes associated with menopause can also cause a bad taste in mouth. This condition can cause a bitter taste in the mouth.
10. Certain medications and foods
Taking certain medications can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth. Among the drugs that can give a bitter taste in your mouth are:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Cardiac medications
- Gout medications
- Anti-seizure drugs
- Oral contraceptives
- Diabetes medications
- HIV protease inhibitors
11. Tobacco products
Tobacco products are also one of the causes of a bitter taste in your mouth, tobacco including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, they can all cause a bad taste in mouth.
Tar and other chemicals in tobacco are ingredients that can cause a change in the taste in your mouth.
Some of the symptoms of consuming tobacco in any way:
- The bad breath
- Coughing
- Yellow or brown color on teeth stains
- Increased the mucus production
- premature wrinkles
Smoking is a bad activity that can damage the lungs and contribute to the emergence of lung cancer. This lung damage sometimes also gives a bitter and unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Diagnosis for Bad Taste in Mouth
If you find your mouth with a bad taste, and are worried about it, then make an appointment with the dentist for an examination.
Some of the test recommendations include:
- Blood tests
- CT scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
Treatment
The treatment for sweet, bitter, and other mouth tastes depends on the cause. Treatment will be carried out after knowing the cause.
Home Remedies for Bad taste in Mouth
If unpleasant tastes such as sweet or bitter taste are caused by simple things such as sinus and colds, then you can take home remedies, among home remedies are:
- Gargle with warm salty water
- Start drinking more water
- Avoid eating foods that can irritate the throat
- Use a humidifier to prevent respiratory dryness
Medical care
As mentioned above that treatment must be based on the cause. If the bad taste in your mouth is due to GERD, your dentist or health care provider may recommend you: Antacids, H2 blockers, and Proton pump inhibitors
Mmm . . If it’s due to an infection, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. If it is caused by a vitamin deficiency, the doctor will give supplements, and so on. To learn more, visit the Top Dentist in Dubai.