A bitter or bad taste in your mouth as a reaction to sour food is completely normal. However, when the taste lasts for much longer or happens out of nowhere, it could be a real issue. Taste is a complex sense that can be affected by numerous factors, including pregnancy, poor dental hygiene, and much more. Read on to learn what may be causing the foul taste in your mouth as well as how you can fix this problem!
What’s Causing the Bad Taste?
The bitter taste in your mouth could have many causes. Here are some of the most common:
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, happens when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva to wash away bacteria. With less saliva, the bacteria in your mouth can survive and grow, which will lead to a foul smell. Dry mouth is usually characterized by a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth. If you think that you have chronic dry mouth, contact your dentist to discuss a permanent solution.
Dental Issues
Poor dental hygiene can also cause a bitter taste in your mouth. If you notice something is off, contact your dentist right away. Dental problems will only grow more expensive and extensive without treatment. Without proper brushing and flossing, you will be at risk of cavities, infections, gum disease, and more.
Pregnancy
During the first trimester of pregnancy, a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth is a common complaint. The hormones in the body fluctuate during pregnancy, which affect the senses and cause specific cravings. This also makes the thought or smell of certain items seem disgusting. Usually, the bad or metallic taste will go away later in the pregnancy or after birth.
Your Next Steps…
The key to fixing the bad taste in your mouth is to treat the underlying cause. This will require a visit to your dentist where you will describe some of the symptoms you’ve been having. They may run tests to see if there are any serious issues like oral cancer. Thankfully, there are at-home remedies that can help some people with the bad taste in their mouth. For dry mouth, it’s important to hydrate. Always keep a bottle of water near you so you can stimulate saliva flow throughout the day. To prevent dental issues, practice a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you’re brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Want to help your mouth get back its normal taste? It’s time to take action! Now that you know about some of the potential causes, contact your dentist to make a change.
About the Practice
At Parker Dental & Orthodontics, we have a team of dentists and orthodontists who are committed to providing the best care for their Alabama and Mississippi patients. We have all the treatments you need to get back to smiling without a foul taste. Contact us through our website or by phone at any of our 6 locations.