Why Is There A Bitter Taste In My Mouth?

It’s expected to have a bitter flavor in your mouth leftover after consuming food or drinks that are supposed to taste that way. But what if the sensation persists or occurs when you haven’t eaten anything? There are many reasons you might experience this and some of them can be an indicator of a more serious health concern.

By paying attention to the symptoms, you have a better chance of handling problems before they become a major issue down the road. After all, you wouldn’t want to ignore a seemingly inconvenient taste in your mouth just to end up in an emergency! Continue reading to learn more about what causes this and what you can do.

Poor Oral Hygiene

One of the most common causes for a bitter taste is also one of the simplest to address. If you have developed cavities or gum disease due to unhealthy oral habits, you might experience this due to plaque and bacteria that have built up in your mouth. The remedy is to switch up your routine! You should brush and floss your teeth daily and might especially benefit from an antibacterial mouthwash.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

If you have a rancid taste that isn’t alleviated by brushing your teeth, it could be indicative of a larger problem, like burning mouth syndrome. This chronic condition can be caused by:

• Infection
• Diabetes
• Hormonal disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Menopause

Many have likened the sensation to the burning feeling after eating spicy peppers. If you encounter this, please consult with your doctor. Once the underlying cause has been addressed, the taste should dissipate.

Certain Medications

Some prescription medications, like antibiotics or drugs used to treat heart disease, can cause a bitter taste when they are ingested, absorbed by the body, then released into the saliva. In some cases, this symptom presents along with dry mouth. If you suspect this may be the case, you can discuss possible alternative medicines with your doctor.

Liver Issues

There are certain medical conditions that cause your liver not to work properly, which in turn leads to an accumulation of high amounts of ammonia in your system. This toxic substance can leave behind a taste similar to fish or onion. Typically, additional symptoms such as fatigue or general malaise would also present. If you are feeling chronically tired and worn down, and also have an odd flavor in your mouth, it’s time to call a professional!

Head Colds or Other Infections

Infections that impact your upper respiratory tract can also leave behind a bitter taste caused by bacteria. Some examples include:

• The common cold
• Sinusitis
• Covid

You can alleviate this symptom by drinking plenty of water! This helps with the taste and also keeps your body well hydrated so that it can heal more quickly. Often these infections resolve themselves with time (and over the counter medicines), but if it worsens or persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor.

There are many reasons why you might be experiencing a bitter taste in your mouth; some of them more serious than others. If you have additional symptoms, then it’s probably time to make an appointment so any underlying health issues can be handled professionally. Be sure you listen to your body so you can handle any concerns before they become a major problem!

About the Practice

Drs. Danny Nguyen and Cindy Hua at Eco Dental at Pearland provide a wide range of services to patients, openly collaborating together to provide an even higher quality of care. They pride themselves on being an eco-friendly office so that they are contributing to environmental, as well as oral, health. If you have an unusual taste in your mouth and are concerned, you are welcome to make an appointment on their website or call the office at (713) 436-5655.