If you notice a bitter, metallic, salty, or even foul taste in your mouth that won’t go away, and it doesn’t seem to be caused by anything you ate, you may have a serious oral health problem to worry about. There are many conditions that can affect your sense of taste, and you need to act quickly to figure out what the issue is so that you can have it properly treated. Below are 5 possible causes of a bad taste in your mouth as well as other symptoms you might notice and the solutions available.

1. Dry Mouth

Without a healthy amount of saliva in your mouth, bacteria will start to accumulate on your tongue, causing a lingering bad taste along with bad breath. You’ll notice a dry or sticky feeling throughout your mouth, and you may also experience a sore throat. Your dentist can offer remedies for dry mouth, but in the meantime make sure to drink plenty of water; you can also chew gum to increase saliva production.

2. Cavities

A persistent bitter taste could be a side effect of tooth decay. Common symptoms include tooth pain and sensitivity, visible holes or pits in the teeth, and stains on any surface of the tooth in question. Visit your emergency dentist immediately so that they can repair the cavity with a filling or a crown.

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that is often accompanied by a bitter, metallic, or sour taste that might go away after brushing only to return a few hours later. If you notice a bad taste along with bleeding or swollen gums, make a dental appointment right away so that you can begin periodontal therapy as soon as possible.

4. Acid Reflux

That bad taste might be coming from stomach acids that have risen into your mouth due to a weakened muscle or sphincter. Acid reflux is known to irritate the food pipe and cause a burning sensation along with a bitter taste. There are a few things you can do to try to avoid acid reflux, such as avoiding carbonated beverages that can make you burp up acids or making sure that you stay in a vertical position for at least three hours after eating.

5. Certain Medications and Oral Supplements

If you’re taking some kind of medicine or supplement right now, it could be the source of the bad taste. Some medications simply taste bitter on their own, but in other cases they might have chemicals that are being secreted into the saliva. Talk to your dentist or doctor to see if your medication is causing a bitter taste and if there’s a solution.

A bad taste in your mouth can mean many things, but luckily most of the time the underlying cause is treatable; the important thing is to be proactive about reaching out to your dentist for help.

About the Practice

At Kraft & Schrott Dental Associates, we have multiple in-house specialists who provide exceptional comprehensive care for patients of all ages. From cavities to gum disease to more advanced issues, we can diagnose whatever’s wrong with your smile and help you find a solution to improve your overall oral health. To schedule an appointment at our Boston practice to discuss a bad taste in your mouth, visit our website or call (617) 227-4924.