Dental Knowledge
CAUSES OF BITTER TASTE IN THE MOUTH AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT
CAUSES OF BITTER TASTE IN THE MOUTH AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT will be shared by Bedental in Vietnam through the following article, let’s find out!
Sometimes, after consuming foods like bitter melon, black coffee, bitter tea, etc., you may experience a bitter taste in your mouth. However, if the condition of having a bitter taste persists, it may be a sign of an illness, indicating nerve damage or dental issues, gastroesophageal reflux disease, etc.
This condition can make you feel unpleasant while eating and affect your mood and well-being throughout the day. Let’s explore the causes and solutions for this issue together with Bedental through the following article.
What is a bitter taste in the mouth?
Many people wonder what illness causes a bitter taste in the mouth. However, the causes of a bitter taste are usually not severe. Nevertheless, its symptoms can be uncomfortable and affect daily eating habits.
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, occurs when our mouths do not produce enough saliva and can result in a bitter taste. Saliva helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, so when we have reduced saliva production, it can lead to increased bacterial growth.
This can also be caused by factors such as medication use, smoking, etc. If the condition of having a bitter taste persists, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a thorough examination.
Does a bitter taste in the mouth go away on its own?
A bitter taste in the mouth will usually go away over time and does not require additional treatment. However, if the bitter taste occurs frequently or continuously, it may be a sign of another health issue, and you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Common causes of bad breath include digestive disorders, liver inflammation, improper eating habits, antibiotic overuse, and oral hygiene issues.
Common causes of bitter taste in the mouth
Poor oral hygiene
The risk of tooth decay, infection, or gum inflammation can occur when we have poor oral hygiene, and this can easily lead to a bitter taste. You should brush your teeth regularly, use tongue scrapers or mouthwash to keep your mouth clean, and prevent oral diseases.
Pregnancy
The first trimester of pregnancy, mothers may experience a bitter taste or unusual taste sensation compared to normal. This condition is due to hormonal changes in the body affecting the senses, causing cravings or discomfort with certain foods that have strong smells. And this condition will go away after giving birth.
Mouth burns
This is a condition that makes the mouth feel hot and irritated, similar to eating spicy chili. Some people may also have a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth. This symptom usually appears for a short period, but sometimes it can persist.
Bitter taste due to menopause
During menopause, women may also experience this condition. The bitter taste is caused by a decrease in estrogen levels in the body and can lead to other dental issues such as mouth burns or prolonged dry mouth.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the muscle at the top of the stomach weakens, causing acid to reflux into the food pipe. This causes a burning sensation in the chest and a bitter taste in the mouth.
Oral thrush
Infections in the mouth cause white patches or spots like thrush appearing on the tongue, mouth, and throat. It can cause a bitter or uncomfortable taste and a loss of taste sensation until fully treated.
Stress can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth.
Excessive stress and anxiety can stimulate reactions in the body, leading to changes in taste. Chronic worrying and excessive thinking can cause dry mouth, resulting in a bitter taste in the mouth.
Nerve damage
Taste is also connected to the nerves in the brain, like other senses in the body. Damage to the brain’s nerve pathways can affect taste and result in taste disorders or a bitter taste. The condition of nerve damage can be caused by head injuries such as:
- Brain tumors
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Memory loss
- Facial paralysis
Medications
Some medications and medical treatments can also alter taste. It can be due to the naturally bitter nature of the medication or the chemicals in the medication being secreted into saliva. Medications that can cause a bitter taste include:
- Heart medications
- Lithium medications
- Antibiotics
- Metal-containing vitamins
Common cold
In addition to sinus infections, the common cold can also cause a bitter taste. This is because the body releases inflammatory proteins that capture harmful cells. These proteins can affect the tongue and taste, making the person feel a stronger bitter taste when they are sick compared to when they are not.
Cancer treatment
People undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer treatment may experience changes in taste, leading to a metallic taste or a bitter taste in the mouth when eating or a metallic taste in the mouth.
Stimulant use
Smoking, consuming stimulants like coffee or alcohol can also alter the taste in the mouth.
Diabetes
People with diabetes may experience a bitter taste due to changes in blood sugar balance.
Liver disease
Conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or elevated liver enzymes can also create a bitter taste in the mouth.
Gum and tooth problems
Gum inflammation, bleeding gums, or dental issues can also create a bitter sensation.
Effective treatments for a bitter taste
When visiting a doctor, they typically treat the underlying cause. They may diagnose the condition based on questioning about symptoms, the medications being used, or may also conduct tests. After gathering enough information, the doctor will diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment methods.
In addition, we can also try home remedies for a bitter taste by:
- Maintaining oral hygiene: Regular brushing, using dental floss, and rinsing with mouthwash regularly is the simplest and most effective way.
- Chewing sugar-free gum with citrus or berry flavors to maintain saliva flow and mask the bitter taste.
- Drinking enough 2-3 liters of water per day to keep the body hydrated, increase saliva production, prevent dry mouth, and reduce the bitter taste.
- Avoiding acid reflux triggers: Avoiding fatty, spicy foods, reducing smoking and alcohol consumption. If experiencing acid reflux, eating porridge can aid digestion and reduce the bitter taste.
- Supplementing with vitamin C through foods and fruits to enhance taste sensation and increase saliva production. Avoid carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, etc. to prevent a bitter taste.
- Regular dental cleaning every 6 months is an easy and highly effective way to treat a bitter taste.
If you still don’t know anything about dental cleaning, are still hesitant about “Does dental cleaning hurt?” or “How much does dental cleaning cost?”, then don’t wait any longer and contact Bedental in Vietnam for advice and to quickly address the underlying causes of a bitter taste.
What to eat to reduce a bitter taste?
What to eat to reduce a bitter taste? According to the expert doctors at Bedental in Vietnam, individuals experiencing a bitter taste should consume foods with fewer spices and ingredients than normal. Foods with strong flavors can mix with the bitter taste in the mouth, causing discomfort for those affected.
To reduce the bitter taste, you should avoid consuming spicy, sweet, and foods with preservatives, and instead, eat foods such as:
- Foods rich in vitamin C: oranges, lemons, guavas, grapefruits, etc., which increase saliva production and reduce the bitter taste. You can also squeeze out the juice to drink and boost your immune system, helping the body recover faster from illness.
- Congee: Easy to swallow, digestible, and suitable for people with acid reflux, bitter taste, sour belching, etc. Helps the body recover quickly.
- Preserved fruits: An exception with a sweet and sour taste but actually beneficial for patients because preserved fruits stimulate saliva production. Sucking on preserved fruits can reduce dry mouth and make food easier to digest. The bitter taste will gradually decrease.
The condition of a bitter taste can occur even when not consuming bitter foods. This is a fairly common condition but often overlooked. However, do not worry because the causes of this condition can be treated. Once you know the cause and receive guidance on how to treat it, your sense of taste will soon return to normal.
However, the most important thing to do to prevent the occurrence of a bitter taste is to maintain regular and proper oral hygiene, exercise daily to improve immunity and promote faster recovery.
Alternatively, if you experience any initial symptoms of this condition, immediately consult a doctor for prompt and comprehensive treatment to minimize discomfort, loss of appetite, and impact on daily life and well-being.
Our mouth comes into contact with hundreds of different types of food every day, so if we do not maintain proper oral hygiene, our oral health will deteriorate, significantly impacting our lives.
Therefore, regular and proper oral hygiene is essential and necessary. Additionally, regular dental check-ups are important to proactively address any potential oral health issues.
If you have any questions related to oral health, such as the cost of wisdom tooth extraction, dental veneers, braces, dental implants, etc., Bedental is available to provide immediate consultation within 24 hours of your contact. Our top experts will answer your questions and provide dedicated advice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The dentists of Bedental in Vietnam are well-equipped to handle the issue of bitter taste in the mouth. They have expertise in identifying the causes of this condition and providing effective treatment options. The dentists at Bedental understand the importance of oral hygiene and overall health in addressing bitter taste.
They offer personalized guidance on dietary adjustments and recommend suitable foods to reduce the bitter taste. With their knowledge and experience, Bedental dentists strive to help patients overcome this discomfort and restore their sense of taste to normal.
Please leave your information if you want to be further consulted
Tư vấn chuyên môn bài viết:
BÁC SĨ ĐÀM TRỌNG HIẾU
BEDENTAL - TOP STANDARD DENTISTRY SYSTEM
In HANOI
Address 1: 7B Thi Sach St, Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung Dist, Ha Noi. - 0934.61.9090
Address 2: 343 Tay Son St, Nga Tu So Ward, Dong Da Dist, Ha Noi. (Nga Tu So Cross) - 0934.61.9090
Address 3: CC2 Tower Nguyen Huu Tho St, Dinh Cong Ward, Hoang Mai Dist, Ha Noi. (Inside True Hope ) - 0934.61.9090
In HO CHI MINH
Address 1: 53 -55 -57 Pho Duc Chinh St, Nguyen Thai Binh, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh. - 0766.00.8080
Address2: 25, City Land urban area, Go Vap Dist, Ho Chi Minh - 0766.00.8080
Working: 9am - 6pm everyday
Website: https://bedental.vn/en/
Pingback: Can pregnant women undergo dental scaling? Considerations when pregnant women undergo dental scaling. – Be Dental