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Do you ever have a constant bad, bitter taste in your mouth that doesn’t seem to go away? Even though this can be a normal reaction to pungent or sour foods, when it lasts for long periods of time or unexpectedly, it could point to another ailment, some of them being serious. Continue reading to learn more about the cause of the bitter taste in your mouth in South Austin and why this is something that you should address with your dentist as soon as possible.

DRY MOUTH

This occurs when the mouth isn’t producing enough saliva. Since saliva helps to reduce bacteria in the mouth, when there is a lack of it, more bacteria will survive and can cause an unpleasant taste. This condition can be cause by some medications, tobacco use, and certain disorders. If you notice that you have a persistently dry mouth, this should be addressed with your dentist.

PREGNANCY

During the first trimester of pregnancy, a common complaint is a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth. This is because the fluctuating hormones in the body can affect the senses making some foods or smells seem unpleasant.

POOR ORAL HYGIENE

If you aren’t keeping up a good dental hygiene routine, you can experience a bitter taste in the mouth. You may also have an increase in cavities, infections, gingivitis, or even periodontitis. Regular brushing, flossing, and visits with your dentist can help to reduce this. You could also try using an antibacterial mouthwash between brushings.

ACID REFLUX

When the muscle and sphincter at the top of the stomach becomes weak and allows acid or bile to rise up, you could experience a poor taste in the mouth as well as a burning sensation in the chest or abdomen.

ORAL THRUSH

A yeast infection in the mouth can cause white blotches to appear on the tongue, mouth, or throat, as well as a bitter taste. This will be resolved when the infection is treated.

BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME

Just as it sounds, this condition causes a burning sensation in the mouth. Many describe it as similar to eating spicy peppers. Some people also experience a bitter or rancid taste in the mouth. For some, this appears sporadically but for others it can be chronic and last for long periods of time.

MENOPAUSE

Women who are going through menopause may experience a bitter taste in the mouth as a result of low levels of estrogen in the body.

NERVE DAMAGE

Like all of your other senses, the taste buds are directly connected to the nerves of the brain. When these nerves become damaged as a result of conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, tumors, dementia, Bell’s palsy, or a head trauma, you can experience changes in the way you taste.

MEDICATIONS

Some medications and supplements can cause a bitter taste in the mouth. This often includes cardiac drugs, lithium drugs, some antibiotics, and vitamins that contain minerals or metals like copper, iron, or zinc.

If you are experiencing a persistent bitter taste in the mouth, the best thing you can do is see your emergency dentist in South Austin right away. Even though it isn’t harmful in itself, it could indicate that you have a serious issue such as an infection. By getting treatment, you are likely to get some relief!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jack Fan earned his doctorate at New York University College of Dentistry and completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital. He regularly attends continuing education programs in order to further his clinical knowledge. If you are experiencing a bitter taste in the mouth, Dr. Fan would be happy to help you determine the cause and explore possible solutions. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (512) 361-4288.