We’ve all had a bad taste in our mouth at one point or another. Whether it’s the result of something you ate, an illness, or some other factor, a sudden, unpleasant flavor is never any fun. Though this unwanted taste is sometimes nothing to worry about, a bitter flavor in your mouth may be a sign that something is off. Continue reading to learn what causes a bad taste in the mouth, what it means, and what you can do about it.

What Does It Mean to Have a Bad Taste in the Mouth?

If you have a persistent, bad taste in your mouth, then you may have a condition called dysgeusia. Also known as parageusia, people who suffer from this taste disorder often describe a bitter, rancid, metallic, salty, or foul taste. This can be distracting and make it hard for people to concentrate on tasks at work or school. It can also make eating or drinking your favorite foods or beverages unpleasant. In most cases, dysgeusia will continue until the cause is addressed.

4 Potential Causes of a Bad Taste in your Mouth

Though having a bitter taste in your mouth is not always going to be something serious, it shouldn’t be ignored. There are a few potential causes, including:

• Poor Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing your teeth as well as using mouthwash are essential to preventing dental health problems. Neglecting to take good care of your teeth and gums will allow foul-tasting bacteria to thrive, which can lead to a bad taste in your mouth.
• Dry Mouth – When your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva, this can lead to dry mouth. This creates an ideal environment for the bacteria that cause a bad taste in your mouth to grow and thrive.
• Pregnancy – Many pregnant people complain about having a metallic or bitter taste in their mouth during their first trimester. That occurs as a result of hormone fluctuations in the body and usually goes away once they give birth.
• Menopause – One of the side effects of menopause it lower estrogen levels, which may result in a bitter taste in the mouth.

5 Tips to Address a Bad Taste in the Mouth

So, what can you do about a bitter taste in the mouth? There are a few things that may help you get rid of it, including:

• Brush and floss – Thoroughly clean your teeth every day to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria and to lower your risk of a bad taste in your mouth.
• Rinse with mouthwash – Use an antibacterial mouthwash to get rid of bacteria and food particles that you missed while brushing or flossing.
• Chew sugar-free gum – This will help stimulate saliva production.
• Drink plenty of water – This will help prevent dry mouth.
• Avoid bad oral habits – This includes smoking and drinking alcohol, which can cause dry mouth as well as other oral health problems.

About the Practice

Drs. Johnny Cheng, Chris Thorburn, and Greg Luk are here to help you keep your smile looking its best. At Fort Dental, they offer a range of exceptional, effective treatments to help you keep oral health problems at bay. They can also determine why you have a bad taste in your mouth and give you tips on how to prevent this. If you want to make an appointment with their Fort Worth team or to learn more, call Fort Dental’s office at (817) 292-5957 or visit their website.