I Have a Bad Taste in My Mouth — Why?

December 9, 2022

Do you struggle with a constant bad taste in your mouth? Perhaps no matter how many breath mints you consume or sticks of gum you chew, the unpleasant taste sticks around. This unpleasant problem can stem from a number of different causes. You should certainly visit a qualified dentist such as Dr. Makadia at Sunrise Dental Service, to learn more about the issue and receive recommendations for addressing it. In the meantime, you can read this blog post to learn about some possible causes of a bad taste in the mouth.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Missteps in your oral hygiene routine can allow harmful bacteria to accumulate. In time, those bacteria may invade the gum tissue and cause an infection known as gingivitis (also called gum disease). Gingivitis can cause your gums to become red and swollen. It also commonly causes persistent bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth. Fortunately, if gum disease is caught early on, it is fairly simple to treat.

Dry Mouth

One of saliva’s purposes is to rinse away bad bacteria and food particles that would otherwise accumulate in your mouth. When there is not enough saliva, bad odors and tastes can result. Dry mouth may arise due to dehydration, certain medications, diabetes, mouth breathing, and other causes. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum may help to minimize this problem.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth. Anyone can get it, but it is most common among older adults and babies. In addition to causing a bad taste, it can also cause the development of white bumps, redness, dry mouth, and other symptoms. Oral thrush usually disappears fairly quickly after treatment is started.

Respiratory Infections

Colds, flus, sinusitis, and other respiratory infections can dull your sense of taste and smell. COVID-19 has even been known to cause fairly long-term changes in taste. If, after your other symptoms of a respiratory infection are gone, you are still struggling with a bad taste, it would be wise to visit your physician.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, particularly those that occur in women, can lead to a bad taste in the mouth. For example, a woman in her first trimester of pregnancy may notice a metallic taste. Fortunately, this issue usually goes away as pregnancy progresses.

Women going through menopause often experience a bitter taste, which may arise due to dry mouth or a condition known as burning mouth syndrome. Hormone replacement therapy may be able to help with menopause-related taste problems.

You shouldn’t have to put up with a bad taste in your mouth. Your dentist or primary care practitioner may be able to help you identify the cause of the problem and address it as effectively as possible.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Makadia has more than 30 years of experience in treating patients with a bad taste in their mouth and other dental issues. He is passionate about continuing education, and he believes that each patient deserves personalized, attentive care. If you are struggling with a bad taste in your mouth or have other oral health concerns, he and our team are ready to help you. Contact us at 631-405-4390.