Why Do I Have a Bitter Taste in My Mouth?

After eating something pungent or sour, it’s normal to experience a bitter taste in your mouth. However, you can usually get rid of it by brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth. But what if the bad taste lasts a long time or happens unexpectedly? If it lingers even after you’ve brushed and rinsed, it can be quite concerning. Since it could be indicative of an underlying condition, you should visit your dentist right away to diagnose the cause. Read along to learn what causes a bitter taste in the mouth and how you can find temporary relief.

What’s Considered a Bitter Taste?

If you have a persistent altered taste in the mouth, you might have dysgeusia. Most people with this condition often describe the constant unpleasant taste as bitter, metallic, rancid, foul, or salty. They usually experience it for a long time until the underlying cause is treated. In some cases, it can be distracting and make it difficult to taste other flavors while eating or drinking.

What Causes a Bitter Taste in Mouth?

Do you have a persistent bitter taste in your mouth? Don’t worry – it’s usually not a serious concern. Here are some of the most common reasons behind a foul taste:

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) happens when the mouth is not producing enough saliva – and that is bad news for your oral health. Since saliva helps minimize the bacteria in the mouth, inadequate production makes your oral cavity the perfect breeding ground for more bacteria. This condition could be caused by certain medications, pre-existing disorders, or tobacco use.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing are crucial to prevent dental problems, such as cavities, decay, infections, and gum disease. If you’re not staying on top of your oral hygiene regimen, you’re allowing foul-tasting bacteria to grow and thrive in your mouth. Consider incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your routine to keep the bacteria to a minimum.

Pregnancy

During the first trimester of pregnancy, most women complain about experiencing a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth. Since the hormones in the body fluctuate during pregnancy, it can affect the senses and even cause cravings. Although the bad taste is annoying, it usually goes away after giving birth.

Menopause

Lower estrogen levels in the body can cause women going through menopause to experience a bitter taste in the mouth. It can also lead to burning mouth syndrome or chronic dry mouth.

Tips to Reduce a Bitter Taste in Mouth

Until you reach your dentist in Edmond, here are some tips to relieve symptoms in the meantime:

• Practice good oral hygiene (brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily)
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid tobacco products and alcohol

Although a bitter taste in the mouth is a pretty common symptom, you should not dismiss it completely. Visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatment. The sooner you get it taken care of, the quicker your taste buds will return to normal!

About the Practice

At Bluff Creek Dental, we go above and beyond to make every dental visit as comfortable, welcoming, and convenient as possible. We offer comprehensive services to help meet all your oral health needs. If you have a constant bitter taste in your mouth, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for treatment. We’ll do everything we can to detect the underlying cause and provide you with the prompt relief you deserve. Visit our website or call (405) 751-5515 to schedule an appointment.