{"id":83,"date":"2024-09-08T16:14:12","date_gmt":"2024-09-08T16:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cpfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=83"},"modified":"2024-09-15T16:16:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-15T16:16:57","slug":"tarnished-tastebuds-why-is-there-a-bitter-flavor-in-my-mouth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cpfamilydental.com\/blog\/tarnished-tastebuds-why-is-there-a-bitter-flavor-in-my-mouth\/","title":{"rendered":"Tarnished Tastebuds: Why Is There a Bitter Flavor in My Mouth?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Nose-to-chest<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Have you noticed an unpleasant taste or odor lingering in your mouth that you can\u2019t seem to brush or rinse away? Whether the flavor is salty, metallic, or simply rancid, you should contact your dentist for an emergency appointment<\/a> as soon as possible. There are several potential causes, and though some are more urgent than others, you\u2019ll need your provider\u2019s help to determine what\u2019s happening. Then, they\u2019ll work with you to devise a personalized treatment plan based on your unique circumstances to safeguard your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue reading to learn more about three possible reasons for the taste in your mouth and what you can do about them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Issue #1: Burning Mouth Syndrome<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, this condition causes a scalding or burning sensation in the mouth, often accompanied by a bitter taste. Some people experience this sporadically, while others suffer from the effects chronically over longer periods. There\u2019s not always an identifiable cause, though it\u2019s believed to have something to do with damage to nerves that control pain and taste. It\u2019s statistically more common in women who are peri- or post-menopausal, but men can get it, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your dentist or primary care physician can prescribe different medications to help with the symptoms. Other remedies include health supplements like B-vitamins, zinc, and iron and non-pharmacological stress management techniques like yoga and meditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Issue #2: Dry Mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Saliva is your body\u2019s natural defense when it comes to protecting your grin. It has a nearly neutral pH balance to counteract acid damage from the foods that you eat, which would otherwise erode your enamel. Plus, it rinses away leftover bits of food and other debris that attract microbes known to contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.  Without enough spit, the bacteria in your mouth can thrive, giving it a foul odor or flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry mouth can be caused by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n