What’s With The Bad Taste In Your Mouth?

Sometimes, like when you eat a big slice of garlic pizza, you’ll notice that the garlic flavor sticks around for a while; sometimes even after you brush your teeth! There are some foods that tend to make our mouths taste and feel a certain way after we eat them, but what does it mean when you have a bad taste for no apparent reason?

Lots Of Taste Buds

There are many reasons why you might have a bad taste in your mouth. Each of us has over 1,000 taste buds and though most are located on the tongue, some are located on the roof of the mouth and in the back of the throat. And of these 1,000 taste buds, each has about 50 sensory receptors that respond to what you eat and drink. So, you can imagine how the combinations of what we eat and drink can send our taste buds into overtime work.

So Many Changes

Not only do our taste buds replace themselves regularly, but our bodies go through changes related to hormones and health. We also face changes as we age and differences when we take certain medications. It’s no wonder that our mouths can taste funny from time-to-time!

If your mouth has a metallic taste, a bitter taste, or anything that is unusual, it could be caused by one or more of these common factors:

• Poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly will keep gingivitis and tooth infections away, both of which can cause a bad taste in your mouth.
• Medications. Certain anti-depressants, anti-biotics, and medication used to treat heart issues can cause a metallic taste.
• Vitamins and minerals. Zinc, copper, iron, and chromium can cause a bitter or metallic taste so if they are high in your multivitamin, you might need to reduce the dosage.
• Colds and viruses. Upper respiratory infections can change your taste buds for a time. You’ll typically get back to normal once it goes away.
• Pregnancy. With the range of hormones that come during pregnancy, it’s no wonder you might notice a metallic taste for a few months.
• Cancer treatments. Chemotherapy, radiation, and biological therapy medication can cause you to have a salty, bitter, or metallic taste.
• Dementia. Those who have dementia can have taste changes due to the improper functioning of the portion of the brain related to taste.
• Acid reflux. The acids in your stomach can move up through your esophagus and cause a bitter mouth and foul breath. Antacids can help with this.

Remember to brush and floss regularly and use an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacteria. If your mouth tastes funny for a period of time, you’ll want to see your dentist as soon as possible to rule out any dental issues.