Some Causes of Dysgeusia - That Bad Taste in Your Mouth
By Kiara Hallinan
In the last year of working in a dental office, I have had at least one patient a month mention in passing that they had a “bad taste” in their mouth. Usually they’d mention it in passing; a second thought to the pain that they were experiencing from another dental issue. While some healthcare providers might deem a taste disturbance as trivial, it is important to explore this symptom as it impacts an individual's quality of life.
To explore the idea of a “bad taste”, or dysgeusia, we have to first discuss what a good taste is. A healthy mouth is typically associated with a neutral to slightly sweet or savory taste depending on what was last consumed. This coincides with the normal salivary pH range, which rests between a neutral to a moderately acidic level (6.2-7.6). Anything that differs from this can typically be mitigated with a swig of water or brushing and flossing your teeth. When this unpleasant perception becomes persistent, despite caring for one’s oral hygiene, this is when we want to explore other possibilities. Bad tastes can range from bitter and metallic to sweet and sour.
One of the most common causes of bad taste is linked to diet. Acid reflux, or the backflow of stomach contents, affects nearly a third of Americans weekly. Usually induced by fatty or spicy foods, many individuals that experience a consistent sour taste in their mouth may benefit from limiting such foods or decreasing the amount of acid in their stomachs by taking medications like antacids or Omeprazole. Increased consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and coffee can often lead to dehydration and “cotton mouth”, which may cause bad breath and a subsequent bad taste. In extremely rare and severe cases, this could also be a sign of hepatitis, or liver disease.
Infections can also cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This is usually in combination with other common symptoms. Fungal infections, like oral thrush, will be coupled with white sores on the inner cheeks, while respiratory infections will be paired with sore throat or congestion. All are typically very uncomfortable, especially when swallowing. Depending on the mode of infection, sufferers can be prescribed an antibiotic or may be encouraged to increase fluid consumption and rest.
Some more rare instances of taste alteration can be nutrient deficiencies, diabetes mellitus, chemotherapy, and even neurological conditions like a brain injury or tumor. Hormonal changes with pregnancy and menopause can affect your salivary production and therefore taste perception. Simple medication alterations can also coincide with these changes.
Not all changes in taste are signs of a larger problem! It is important to be aware of any changes to your taste in order to ensure that your teeth remain healthy, and a doctor can be consulted if this bad taste is lingering and not changed following an improved at home oral care routine. A full medical history should be discussed, especially making note of when changes began and if they coincided with any medication changes. Your sense of taste is just as essential in a diagnosis as any other sensation.
