Introduction
One may experience a bad taste in the mouth due to various reasons. It is an unpleasant metallic or a foul taste. Bad taste usually goes away after brushing teeth or rinsing the mouth. A lingering bad taste may be due to an underlying health condition and needs to be examined by a doctor.
What is a bad taste in the mouth?
Poor hygiene and dental problems or infections may cause a bad taste in the mouth. Bad taste refers to a bitter or an unpleasant taste. A mouth rinse or brushing may help one get rid of bad taste. Sometimes, it may indicate severe underlying disorders.
Types
There are three basic types of bad taste:
- Dysgeusia is a condition in which a rancid or metallic taste persists in the mouth
- Hypogeusia reduces the ability to taste.
- Ageusia occurs when one cannot taste anything.
What are the causes of bad taste in the mouth?
Causes of bad taste in the mouth include:
- Poor hygiene due to irregular flossing and brushing. This can cause gingivitis, leading to a bad taste in the mouth.
- Infections and abscesses in the mouth.
- Dry mouth or xerostomia, which occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, causing a dry feeling inside the mouth.
- Ageing, stuffy nose, nerve damage, or tobacco consumption
- Autoimmune or metabolic disorders
- Oral thrush or respiratory and viral infections such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, colds, congestion, sore throat, and ear ache
- Hepatitis B
- Nausea and vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, hormonal changes or gastrointestinal reflux
- Calcium, iron, and multivitamin supplements
- Some over-the-counter and prescription medications including anti-inflammatories and antihistamines, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, and antidepressants
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Neurological conditions such as brain tumours and dementia
Risk factors
Poor dental hygiene, ageing, underlying infection, medications, auto-immune conditions, smoking, and diabetes are risk factors for bad taste in the mouth.
Symptoms
Symptoms include infections, abscesses, bad breath, bleeding, red, or swollen gums, and sensitive or loose teeth.
What are the diagnosis and treatment options for bad taste in the mouth?
Diagnosis involves determining a severity by using a special taste test. The doctor will thoroughly examine the oral hygiene and medical history of the patient.
Treatment depends on the cause of the taste disorder. For instance, if the cause is medication, your doctor may advise stopping the medication for a while. If the bad taste is due to infections or allergies, you may just have to wait till the disorder is treated.
When should you consult a doctor if you have a bad taste in your mouth?
A bad taste in the mouth is common and may cause uneasiness; however, it generally persists for a day or two. Prolonged bad taste may indicate an underlying cause or disease. To book an appointment with a specialist, contact Yashoda Hospitals, India.
Conclusion
Consult your doctor if you have an unexplained and persistent bad taste in your mouth to find the underlying cause. Most common dental problems can be avoided by regularly flossing and brushing teeth and visiting the dentist for cleanings and exams.Â
