While a brief bitter taste in your mouth is common, one that lingers decidedly isn’t. This second kind can stem from various oral health issues, which cause further problems as they go unchecked. Even so, you don’t need to panic just yet; it’s possible to address your mouth’s unpleasant flavor. Your Pasadena dentist will even help you out, outlining some relevant information. Just keep reading to learn the potential causes and fixes for the nasty taste you’re facing.
Defining a “Bitter Mouth Taste”
A bitter and persistent mouth taste – also known as dysgeusia – is marked by three key signs. In particular, these are the following:
- A Bitter & Rancid Flavor – Most patients with dysgeusia describe the taste as rancid, bitter, and even metallic.
- An Extended Duration – Dysgeusia sticks around for long periods, unlike other bad tastes.
- No Home Remedies – People usually can’t treat dysgeusia on their own, as home remedies like brushing one’s teeth don’t work.
Such traits make dysgeusia highly distracting, to the point that it often disrupts daily life.
What Causes This Taste?
Though dysgeusia can be harmless, it’s often the result of harsh oral problems. Examples of the latter include:
Bad Oral Care
The mouth can often develop a persistent bitter taste if you don’t clean it well. After all, foul-tasting plaque tends to build up when you don’t brush or floss enough. This gunk won’t just make your mouth taste bad, either; it also increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, etc.
Lack of Saliva
When your mouth dries out, dysgeusia can occur as a result. The lack of saliva gives many bad-tasting microbes a chance to gather, grow, and multiply on your tongue. A dry mouth is a fairly normal problem, too; factors like medication, smoking, and even aging can cause it.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Does your bitter mouth taste also feature a burning sensation? If so, the underlying problem is probably burning mouth syndrome. This condition is most known for causing pain in and around one’s oral cavity, but it can also include unpleasant tastes.
How Can a Dentist Treat It?
For lasting relief from a bitter mouth taste, you should see a dentist. They can treat you and prevent long-term complications.
Several dental treatments can “fix” a bitter mouth taste. For example, a dentist could prescribe a special mouthwash that stimulates your mouth’s saliva flow. They could alternatively provide you with a dental crown or filling, ensuring foul-tasting bacteria can’t reach your mouth. The dentist might even clean the bad taste out of your gums with periodontal therapy.
In the end, don’t let the bitter taste in your mouth get you down. Just see your dental provider for the help you need!
About the Practice
Magic Touch Dental is based in Pasadena, CA. Led by Dr. Sarfraz Verjee, our practice welcomes any and all patients who want healthier, stronger, and prettier smiles. We thus offer comprehensive dentistry that meets many needs, with treatments ranging from dental checkups to emergency oral care. Whatever your grin’s trouble, our team can handle it with their magic touch! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (713)-943-9993.